Ian flexed his fingers around the hilt of the Moonfang Dagger, its weight foreign yet reassuring in his hand. The dagger's faint glow was a stark contrast to the rusted blade he'd relied on earlier. It felt like progress—a small, tangible step toward survival.
Lyra stood a few feet away, her arms crossed as she observed him. The night was quiet now, the echoes of the wolves long gone, replaced by the ambient hum of the forest.
"You've got the weapon," she said, her voice measured. "Now let's see if you've got the resolve."
Ian's brow furrowed. "What do you mean by that?"
Lyra gestured toward the forest. "There's a trial every hunter must face. It's not just about strength or skill—it's about proving you belong here."
Ian hesitated. "And if I fail?"
Lyra's expression was unreadable. "Then this world will eat you alive."
---
The Trial Begins
Lyra led Ian deeper into the forest, the dense canopy above blocking out most of the moonlight. Shadows danced between the trees, and the air grew colder with each step. Ian's heart pounded in his chest, but he kept moving, his grip on the Moonfang Dagger tightening.
After what felt like hours, Lyra stopped abruptly. She raised a hand, signaling Ian to stay quiet.
"We're here," she whispered.
Ian peered around her, his eyes widening. Ahead of them was a clearing, bathed in an eerie, pale light. At the center stood a massive stone monolith, its surface covered in glowing runes that pulsed faintly.
"What is this place?" Ian asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Lyra's gaze remained fixed on the monolith. "The Fang's Hollow. This is where the trial begins."
As they stepped into the clearing, the system screen appeared before Ian, its text glowing brighter than usual.
Trial Quest: Defeat the Hollowfang Alpha.
Objective: Prove Your Worth as a Hunter.
Reward: 100 XP, Unique Ability Unlock.
Ian's stomach churned as the words sank in. "The Hollowfang Alpha? That doesn't sound like something I'm ready for."
Lyra smirked. "You're not. But that's the point."
---
The Hollowfang Alpha Appears
A low growl rumbled through the clearing, and the temperature seemed to drop. Ian's breath hitched as a massive figure emerged from the shadows. The creature was unlike anything he'd seen before—larger than any wolf, its fur dark as midnight and its eyes glowing with a piercing blue light.
The system screen updated.
Threat Detected: Hollowfang Alpha.
Level: 6.
Warning: High Threat Level.
Ian's grip on the Moonfang Dagger tightened as the beast snarled, its fangs bared. Every instinct screamed at him to run, but his feet remained rooted to the ground.
"Relax," Lyra said, her voice steady. "Panic will get you killed."
"Easy for you to say," Ian muttered, his heart pounding.
The Alpha lunged, its massive claws tearing through the air. Ian barely managed to roll out of the way, the ground where he'd stood moments ago exploding into a shower of dirt and grass.
The system screen flashed.
Hint: Use Quickstep to Evade.
Ian activated the ability instinctively, his movements suddenly faster and more fluid. The Alpha's next swipe missed by inches, and Ian countered with a slash of his dagger. The blade bit into the creature's flank, drawing a deep gash that oozed dark, shimmering blood.
The Alpha howled in rage, its glowing eyes locking onto Ian.
---
A Desperate Battle
Lyra watched from the edge of the clearing, her hand resting on the hilt of her blade but making no move to intervene. "Good. Keep moving. Don't let it corner you."
Ian gritted his teeth, every muscle in his body screaming as he dodged another attack. The Alpha was relentless, its speed and power far surpassing anything he'd faced before.
The system screen reappeared.
Divine Pulse Available.
Ian didn't hesitate. He activated the ability, and a burst of energy radiated from his body, slamming into the Alpha and sending it skidding back. The creature snarled, shaking off the attack, but the momentary reprieve was enough for Ian to catch his breath.
He glanced at the system screen, his eyes scanning for any hint of weakness.
Weak Point Detected: Lower Jaw.
Ian's mind raced. The Alpha's movements were too fast for him to strike directly, but if he could create an opening...
---
The Alpha charged again, its massive jaws snapping inches from Ian's face. He used Quickstep to evade, darting to the side and slashing at its leg. The creature stumbled, its balance momentarily thrown off.
"Now!" Lyra shouted.
Ian lunged, his dagger aimed for the creature's lower jaw. The blade found its mark, piercing deep into the soft flesh. The Alpha howled, its body convulsing as the light in its eyes flickered.
With one final effort, Ian twisted the dagger and pulled it free. The Alpha collapsed, its massive form hitting the ground with a resounding thud.
---
Victory and Revelation
Ian stumbled back, his chest heaving as the adrenaline coursing through his veins began to fade. The system screen appeared, its text glowing brightly.
Trial Completed: Defeat the Hollowfang Alpha.
Rewards Claimed: 100 XP, Unique Ability Unlocked—Predator's Instinct.
Ian opened the new ability's description:
Predator's Instinct:
Effect: Enhances perception, allowing the user to sense nearby threats and weaknesses.
Cooldown: Passive.
Lyra approached, her expression unreadable as she studied him. "Not bad, rookie. You've got potential."
Ian glared at her, too exhausted to respond. "You could've helped, you know."
Lyra smirked. "And deprive you of the chance to prove yourself? Where's the fun in that?"
Ian shook his head, sheathing the Moonfang Dagger. "What now?"
Lyra's gaze shifted to the monolith. "Now, you learn the truth about why you're here."