Chapter 3: Fangs Unleashed
The academy courtyard buzzed with activity as students gathered in small groups for their gate raid project, their conversations a mix of excitement and nerves. Caleb stood by the fountain with his Dark Wolf at his side, its silver eyes scanning the crowd. He could feel the unease radiating from the other students; they whispered and cast him sidelong glances, their curiosity laced with judgment.
"Hey, Ardent!" a sharp voice called, cutting through the murmur of the crowd.
Caleb turned to see a group of second-year students approaching. Their leader, a tall boy with slicked-back blond hair and a cocky smirk, was flanked by two others, both radiating confidence. They wore their uniforms slightly disheveled, their beast emblems gleaming proudly on their collars.
"Looks like the newbie thinks he's hot stuff," the blond sneered, pointing at Caleb's wolf. "You show up on day one with that mutt, and suddenly everyone's talking about you. Do you even know how this place works?"
Caleb frowned. "I didn't ask for the attention," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.
The second-years laughed. "Of course you didn't," one of them jeered. "But we can't let you walk around thinking you're better than us just because you lucked into taming a beast. Especially when it's probably a low-class one."
The wolf growled low in its throat, stepping closer to Caleb. Its dark fur bristled, and the shadows around it seemed to flicker.
"Back off," Caleb warned, his heart pounding.
The blond boy grinned. "Or what? Let's see how strong your little pet really is."
Before Caleb could respond, the second-years summoned their beasts. The air shimmered as glowing emblems on their wrists activated, and three creatures materialized: a sleek jaguar, a hulking bear, and a serpent with glittering scales.
"Three against one?" Caleb muttered, gripping his arm where the sigil still pulsed faintly. "That's fair."
"Fair?" the blond laughed. "Consider this a lesson, rookie."
[Battle Mode Activated: Dark Wolf System]
Skill Unlocked: Shadow Fang
Caleb barely had time to process the system's voice before his wolf leaped forward, a blur of black and silver. The jaguar pounced to intercept it, claws extended, but the wolf twisted mid-air, its fangs glowing with dark energy. It clamped down on the jaguar's shoulder, sending it skidding across the courtyard with a yelp.
The second-years stared, their confidence faltering.
"Get it together!" the blond shouted, ordering the bear and serpent forward. The bear charged, its massive paws shaking the ground, while the serpent slithered with lightning speed, its fangs bared.
"Caleb!" the system's voice rang in his head. Command your wolf to use its skills.
"Uh… Shadow Fang! Again!" Caleb called out, unsure if it would work.
The wolf howled, its body shrouded in dark energy as it lunged at the bear. Its fangs struck true, tearing through the beast's thick hide and forcing it back. At the same time, the serpent coiled around the wolf, trying to constrict it.
"Not so tough now, are you?" the blond sneered, his smirk returning.
But Caleb could feel his wolf's energy surging. "Shadow Step!" he yelled, the command coming to him instinctively.
The wolf vanished in a swirl of shadows, reappearing behind the serpent. With a feral snarl, it sank its teeth into the serpent's neck, sending it writhing to the ground.
The courtyard fell silent as the second-years' beasts lay defeated, groaning or unconscious. Caleb's wolf stood tall, its silver eyes blazing as it turned its gaze to the blond.
"You… you got lucky," the blond stammered, backing away. "This isn't over."
Caleb stepped forward, his wolf by his side. "If you want to fight again, I'll be ready," he said, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through him.
The second-years retreated, their humiliation evident. The crowd that had gathered erupted into murmurs and scattered as the tension dissipated.
Caleb knelt by his wolf, running a hand through its dark fur. "You okay, buddy?"
The wolf let out a soft huff, its eyes meeting Caleb's with what he could only describe as pride.
[Battle Complete. Experience points, Gained.]
New Skill Unlocked: Shadow Veil.
Caleb stood, feeling the weight of the day settle on him. He hadn't just proven himself; he'd shown everyone that his Dark Wolf was more than they could handle.
But as he looked at the retreating backs of the second-years, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. Something darker loomed on the horizon, and he would need every ounce of strength—his own and his wolf's—to face it.