Deep within the heart of The Bamboo Sea Mountains, a massive demon wolf rested in a dark cavern. Its body was twice the size of the Elite-tier mutant demon wolf that Bastion had just defeated, its oily black fur gleaming ominously.
Scattered around the beast were piles of human remains, grim evidence of its victims.
Suddenly, the wolf's blood-red eyes snapped open. It let out a low, guttural growl that reverberated through the cavern, shaking loose bits of rock and dirt.
"Hmm? What's wrong, Little Wolf?"
A soft, soothing voice echoed in the cavern. A pale, slender hand reached out, gently stroking the massive wolf's forehead. Strange black runes spiraled across the back of the hand, writhing like living creatures.
If any adventurer had been there to see it, they would have been horrified—those runes were unmistakably the mark of The Abyss, a sign of allegiance to the demonic forces.
"A wolf pup killed, huh?" The voice chuckled lightly. "No matter. We can always make more. But ensure the mountains remain sealed; we can't let anyone find out about that artifact."
The voice paused, a tinge of excitement seeping into its tone. "Just a few more days, and we'll complete our mission. Once the High Priest arrives, we'll return in triumph."
---
An Hour Later – Brighton City Outpost
"Wait... let me get this straight," Robert said, his tone laced with disbelief. "You're telling me your Fire Fox, a level-seven summoned beast, took out an entire pack of demon wolves? Including an Elite-tier mutant wolf?"
"Three Flame Storms," Bastion replied calmly, keeping his expression neutral.
He had decided to keep his Shadow Technique Twin Strike skill a secret, attributing everything to Pyra's overwhelming strength.
Robert massaged his temples. His mind raced as he tried to make sense of the report. A Fire Fox, a common summon for novice Beast Summoners, had unleashed Flame Storm, a Gold-tier skill, not once, but three times in a single battle?
"I must be getting old," Robert muttered under his breath. "Since when are Gold-tier skills this... casual? Even I can only use mine twice before I'm drained, and here's a Fire Fox spamming it like candy!"
Golden Bow and the rest of the team nodded in agreement, their expressions still dazed from the battle.
After finalizing the report and ensuring the details were logged, Robert turned to the group. His expression grew serious.
"I've sent this information up the chain. The authorities will investigate further, but until they do, I strongly advise you all to stay out of the wilds for now."
He turned to Bastion, his tone softening. "And you... you're impressive. Eight levels, yet already showing this level of strength and judgment. Focus on your training and—good luck in the exams. It would be an honor to work alongside you one day."
"I'll do my best," Bastion replied with a slight smile.
As Robert and his team departed, Golden Bow, Chloe, and Hunter exchanged glances. It had finally dawned on them—Bastion was this year's new crop of students. If he wasn't, his level would have been far higher given Pyra's terrifying power.
---
After confirming Willow's treatment, the group discussed their next steps. Hunter, guilt-stricken over Willow's injuries, was determined to find a high-level healer to reattach her severed arm.
Golden Bow addressed Bastion directly. "Kid, you saved all our lives back there. The loot from the wolves is yours—every last bit. Over a hundred wolf fangs, fifty-eight hides, and twenty-one hearts. Take it."
Bastion hesitated, glancing at Hunter. "But Willow—"
Golden Bow cut him off. "Rules are rules. The rewards are divided by contribution, and no one contributed more than you. We'll figure out the funds for Willow's treatment on our own."
Chloe chimed in with a nod. "Yeah, you earned this. No arguments."
Even Hunter, his eyes red from earlier tears, managed to bow deeply. "I'm sorry for how I treated you before. You saved us all. Thank you."
Reluctantly, Bastion accepted the materials.
Golden Bow handed him a map next. "If you're heading to the Spider Nest Dungeon, this'll help. It's my personal notes on the area—monster locations, paths, hazards. Take it. You'll need it more than I will."
Grateful for the invaluable resource, Bastion thanked the group before parting ways.
---
Back at the Adventurer's Guild
"Hello, I'd like to turn in a quest," Bastion said, approaching the same clerk from earlier.
She recognized him immediately, her gaze darting to Pyra. "Oh, you're back!" she said with a cheerful smile.
With a wave of his hand, Bastion placed over a hundred wolf fangs on the counter.
The clerk's jaw dropped. "You... weren't you a level-seven Summoner this morning? How... how did you—?"
"Something wrong?" Bastion asked innocently.
"N-No, not at all!" The clerk quickly recovered, logging the items and returning his membership card with a newfound respect.
"You've turned in 112 wolf fangs. That's 11,200 coins and 112 points. You're now only 88 points away from becoming a Tier-2 member."
Bastion smiled faintly, pocketing his rewards. Just as he was about to leave, the clerk added, "By the way, we also purchase materials here. If you've got any, you can sell them directly to us—it's part of our partnership with the Federation."
"Really? That's convenient," Bastion remarked, placing the remaining materials on the counter.
Moments later, he walked out of the guild significantly richer. The materials alone had netted him over 20,000 coins. Combined with his previous earnings, Bastion now had enough to buy another Skill Scroll!
---
Sitting in his room later that evening, Bastion held the new scroll with a sense of excitement.
The last scroll had gifted him Shadow Technique Twin Strike, a Diamond-tier skill that had already proven invaluable.
Taking a deep breath, he unrolled the parchment.
"Let's see what fate has in store this time," he murmured.