The moon hung low in the night sky as I moved through the forest, the crisp air carrying the faint scent of pine and damp earth. Every step I took was deliberate, my heightened senses attuned to the slightest noise or shift in the environment. The system's guidance felt like a steady pulse in the back of my mind, urging me forward.
[Target is approximately 500 meters ahead. Host should proceed with caution.]
I nodded, my breath misting in the cool night air. "Caution. Got it."
The system had highlighted the rogue beta's location near a cluster of old hunting cabins deep in the woods. As I approached, the scent of something wild and untamed grew stronger, mixed with the faint coppery tang of blood.
"Not exactly subtle, are you?" I muttered under my breath, crouching low as I neared the clearing.
A branch snapped in the distance, and I froze, my ears picking up the faint growl that followed. It was close. Too close.
Taking a deep breath, I let my instincts take over. My wolf form surged to the surface seamlessly, my claws extending and my senses sharpening even further. The transformation no longer felt alien—it felt natural, like slipping into a second skin.
I crept forward, keeping my movements silent as I scanned the area. The rogue was pacing near one of the cabins, its hulking frame illuminated by the moonlight filtering through the trees. Its fur was matted, and its glowing yellow eyes darted around, searching for something—or someone.
"Okay," I whispered to myself. "Time to see if all that training paid off."
The system chimed in.
[Host should engage from a position of advantage. Utilize terrain and heightened agility for optimal results.]
"Noted," I replied, eyeing a large tree branch overhead.
With a burst of speed, I leaped onto the branch, my movements fluid and quiet. From my vantage point, I could see the rogue more clearly. Its movements were erratic, its growls low and guttural. It was dangerous, but its lack of control was evident.
I didn't wait for it to spot me. Launching myself from the branch, I landed a powerful kick to its side, sending it sprawling.
The rogue howled in anger, scrambling to its feet as it turned to face me. Its yellow eyes burned with fury, and it lunged without hesitation.
I sidestepped its attack, slashing at its shoulder with my claws. The rogue roared in pain, but the wound only seemed to enrage it further.
"You're not making this easy," I muttered, circling it.
The rogue lunged again, this time faster. Its claws grazed my arm, leaving a shallow cut that burned. I gritted my teeth, refusing to let the pain slow me down.
[Host should focus on wearing down the target. Its stamina is limited due to its unstable condition.]
"Got it," I said, dodging another swipe.
I countered with a quick combination of strikes, my claws finding purchase on its side and legs. The rogue stumbled, its movements becoming more erratic.
But it wasn't done yet. With a desperate burst of energy, it charged at me, its claws aiming for my chest. I barely managed to block, our claws locking as we struggled for dominance.
"You're strong," I grunted, pushing back with all my strength. "But not strong enough."
Channeling the power of Fenrir's bloodline, I unleashed a surge of energy, breaking the rogue's hold and delivering a devastating blow to its chest. The force of the attack sent it crashing into a nearby tree, where it slumped to the ground, panting heavily.
I approached cautiously, my claws still extended. The rogue growled weakly, but it didn't have the strength to stand.
"Yield," I commanded, my voice carrying an unnatural authority that surprised even me.
For a moment, the rogue's glowing eyes met mine, and I saw something beyond the fury—fear. It growled once more before its body went limp, its yellow eyes dimming as it slipped into unconsciousness.
[System Notification:
Quest Completed: Eliminate the rogue beta.
Rewards: Enhanced Agility, Partial Immunity to Silver, 300 System Points.]
As the notification faded, a familiar wave of energy washed over me. My body felt lighter, my movements quicker, and the dull ache from the rogue's claws on my arm began to fade.
"Partial immunity to silver, huh?" I muttered, flexing my fingers. "Guess that'll come in handy."
The system's voice chimed in.
[Host's progress is commendable. Enhanced agility will improve combat effectiveness and survival. Immunity to silver is currently limited but will develop with further quests.]
"Thanks for the pep talk," I said, glancing down at the unconscious rogue.
My thoughts turned to what Derek had said about rogue werewolves. Without guidance or a pack, they were vulnerable to their instincts, often losing their humanity entirely.
"What happens to you now?" I murmured, crouching beside the rogue.
The system answered.
[Rogue betas are typically neutralized to prevent harm. However, host has the option to rehabilitate this individual by integrating them into a pack.]
I frowned. "Rehabilitate? How would I even do that?"
[Host must establish dominance and provide structure. The rogue beta will respond to the authority of an alpha.]
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "One step at a time. For now, let's make sure it doesn't hurt anyone else."
Shifting back into my human form, I grabbed my phone and texted Derek, keeping the message vague.
'Found a rogue near the old mill. It's down but alive. Need your help.'
The reply was almost immediate.
'On my way. Stay there.'
I leaned against a tree, watching the rogue as it remained unconscious. Despite everything, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.
The system was right—this hunt had been a test, a way to prepare me for what lay ahead. And as much as I hated to admit it, I wasn't just in this for Scott or for Beacon Hills.
This was my fight now, too. And I wasn't backing down.