Tension hung heavy in the air of the forest; every shadow stretched long and menacing beneath the pale light of the twin moons. Gravefang Wolves had lost most of their pack; the silver-gray forms lay scattered throughout the clearing. One lone figure remained—the alpha.
It stood tall and unmoving, its glowing eyes set upon mine, and pulsating with a deadly intelligence. Its fur was matted with blood, but its stance didn't break. The air between us crackled with an unspoken understanding: one of us was leaving this clearing alive.
I squeezed tighter the hilt of Shadowbane Blade, and the runes on it pulsed weakly, attuning themselves to the danger before me. My body ached with cuts and bruises coming from the fight, but the rush of power that Gluttony gave me dulled the pain, sharpening the focus instead.
The alpha snarled, bared its teeth, and attacked.
Skill Activated: Shadowstep.
The world blurred as I moved, faster than the eye could follow. I reappeared to the wolf's side, my blade slashing toward its flank. But the alpha was quicker than its kin; it twisted mid-lunge, its claws narrowly missing my chest as it countered with a ferocious swipe.
Health: 72/112
I stepped back, gritting my teeth against the burning sensation of the wound. The alpha didn't ease off; its movements were a deadly combination of speed and precision. It lunged again, feinting left before striking from the right.
It timed the shot perfectly, and with claws bared, I flung up the Shadowbane Blade. The runed steel it clashed against sent sparks dancing in the night. My arm shook from the blow, but I held firm, pushing the wolf back.
It circled me, eyes aglow, calculating, yet that didn't mean I read any intent in them. I read a predator, however. And I was prey.
I wouldn't lose.
Skill Activated: Lacerate.
In my hand, the blade seemed to thrum with energy as I leapt forward, my strike faster and more ferocious than before. The runes along the Shadowbane Blade flared as it bit deep into the alpha's side, carving a deep gash along its ribs.
The wolf howled in agony, and its voice echoed through the forest. It stumbled but didn't fall, as the eyes blazed with an intense light, the guttural growl released.
Skill Activated: Howl of Terror.
The sound hit me like a physical blow, a wave of fear crashing over me and rooting me to the spot. My breath hitched, my grip on the blade faltering as the primal instinct to flee warred with my resolve.
Willpower Check: Success.
I gritted my teeth and wriggled my way to the side as the alpha closed the distance between us. Its jaws snapped inches from my face, the rank stench of its breath filling my nostrils as I twisted aside to avoid the strike by a hair.
Skill Activated: Shadowstep.
I reappeared behind the wolf, driving my blade into its hind leg. It let out another howl, stumbling as blood spattered the ground.
Health: 46/112.
The alpha turned on me. Its bright, glowing eyes were laced with furious intent. This was its final stand. It was fighting with all it possessed.
Skill Used: Gluttony.
The hunger surged through me, ravenous force that sharpened senses and fueled my strikes. I went toe-to-toe with the alpha, Shadowbane Blade flashing as I parried and countered him. Each strike was a blur of precision and power, every movement fueled by skills and strength I'd taken from its pack.
A clash of steel and rage was what sealed it. My sword thrust into the alpha's chest, sinking deep as its glowing eyes dimmed and it shuddered out one last breath before it hit the ground.
Entity Defeated: Alpha Gravefang Wolf.
Stats Absorbed:
+10 Health
+12 Strength
+15 Agility
+10 Endurance
+15 Mana
Skill Gained: Howl of Terror.
Level Up: +15 XP (Full Monster Level).
New Skill Unlocked: Predator's Instinct (Passive).
I stumbled backward, chest heaving as the system notifications flickered before my eyes. The rush of power from Gluttony was exhilarating and overwhelming, hitting me like a wave, and my wounds throbbed, but this strength dulled the pain, leaving only the thrill of victory.
The clearing was silent now, only with the soft rustle of the wind through the trees. The bodies of the wolves lay scattered around me, their silver fur glinting faintly in the moonlight.
I cleaned the blood from the Shadowbane Blade, and the runes on the surface faded out with the dying light of battle. My breathing slowed as adrenaline ebbed, leaving exhaustion to set over me.
Kaelrith's words came into my mind once more: Power is nothing without control.
I put the sword back in its sheath and headed towards the castle. The forest was now incredibly silent because the battle was over. I grew stronger tonight, but I knew this was only the start. Enemies would not cease coming, and I couldn't afford to rest.