The Bond of Blood and Battle
The Forest Stalkers circled us like shadows with claws, their glowing yellow eyes locked onto me. Despite their sleek, feline movements, there was no mistaking the deadly intent in their steps. Each one moved in perfect sync with the others, as if they shared a single mind.
Fear clawed at my chest, but I pushed it down. I wasn't the helpless high school student from my past life anymore. I wasn't even just a cursed child. I had Silverfang—and with him, I wasn't alone.
The system's voice echoed in my mind as I analyzed the situation.
[Enemy Analysis Complete.]
[Forest Stalker (Tier 1): A pack-based predator with enhanced agility and shadow manipulation.
Weakness: Vulnerable during lunging attacks.
Strength: Highly coordinated in groups.]
Great, I thought bitterly. Fast, organized killers—exactly what I didn't need right now.
Silverfang let out a guttural growl, his fur bristling as he stepped forward. The bond between us surged, and I could feel his confidence bleeding into me. He wasn't afraid. He was ready to fight.
"Alright," I murmured, clenching my fists. "Let's see what we can do."
The pack didn't wait for my plan. One of the stalkers darted forward, its claws extended as it aimed for my throat. My body froze instinctively, but Silverfang was faster.
With a savage roar, he lunged, his powerful jaws closing around the stalker's neck. Blood sprayed as Silverfang slammed the creature to the ground, its body going limp in an instant.
[Enemy Defeated: Forest Stalker (Tier 1)] [Experience Gained: +50]
The system's notification barely registered as the rest of the pack sprang into action. Two more stalkers rushed in, their movements a blur.
"Silverfang, left!" I shouted, the words escaping my mouth without thinking.
Whether it was my bond with him or his natural instincts, Silverfang reacted immediately. He spun to the left, dodging one of the stalkers, and swiped at the other with his claws. The beast yelped as Silverfang's strike tore through its side, but it wasn't enough to stop it.
The second stalker lunged again, this time targeting me directly. My heart pounded, my body screaming at me to run, but I couldn't. I wouldn't.
Instead, I raised my hands, and something inside me snapped. A surge of energy erupted from my chest, flowing through my arms and into the space around me.
[Skill Activated: Beast Bond Surge (Level 1)]
[Effect: Temporarily enhances all companion attributes by 20%. Duration: 30 seconds.]
Silverfang howled as his body glowed faintly, his movements becoming even faster and more precise. With renewed strength, he intercepted the stalker mid-lunge, his jaws crushing its skull with a sickening crunch.
[Enemy Defeated: Forest Stalker (Tier 1)] [Experience Gained: +50]
Two down. Three to go.
The remaining stalkers hesitated, their movements faltering as they reassessed their odds. Silverfang stood tall, blood dripping from his fangs, his growls reverberating through the forest.
And then something incredible happened.
The bond between us flared, and I felt a surge of heat in my chest. A new notification appeared in my mind.
[Companion Bond Upgrade: Silverfang has reached Tier 2.]
[New Ability Unlocked: Feral Rush – A powerful charge attack that deals massive damage to a single target.]
Silverfang's form shimmered for a brief moment, his muscles rippling as the upgrade took effect. He glanced back at me, his glowing eyes filled with a determination that mirrored my own.
"Let's finish this," I said, my voice steady.
The stalkers didn't stand a chance.
Silverfang charged forward with blinding speed, his new ability activating as he slammed into the largest of the remaining stalkers. The impact sent the beast flying into a nearby tree, its body crumpling like a broken doll.
The other two tried to retreat, their confidence shattered, but Silverfang didn't let them escape. He moved like a force of nature, his strikes precise and unrelenting.
Within moments, the forest was silent again.
[All Enemies Defeated.]
[Experience Gained: +150]
[Level Up: Host has reached Level 2. New stat points available for allocation.]
I collapsed to the ground, my legs trembling from the adrenaline and exhaustion. Silverfang returned to my side, his fur matted with blood, but his stance proud and unwavering.
"You did it," I whispered, reaching out to place a hand on his head. The bond between us pulsed warmly, a silent acknowledgment of our victory.
But as the adrenaline faded, the reality of the situation hit me. This wasn't going to be the last fight. This world wasn't going to let me live peacefully, not with the curse that marked me as a target.
If I wanted to survive—if I wanted to rise above this—I needed to grow stronger.
I opened the system interface, my gaze narrowing as I reviewed my newly earned stat points and skills.
[Available Stat Points: 5] [Suggested Allocation: Strength, Agility, Intelligence.]
I hesitated for a moment before following the system's suggestion. Strength and agility would help me stay alive, and intelligence… well, I had a feeling I'd need that for more than just raw power.
As I confirmed the allocation, another notification appeared.
[New Skill Unlocked: Beast Whisper (Level 1)]
Effect: Allows communication with tamed beasts on an instinctual level. May influence untamed beasts within a certain range.]
I smiled faintly. This was just the beginning.
I glanced at Silverfang, who was already watching the treeline, ever vigilant.
"Come on," I said, pushing myself to my feet. "We've got a lot of work to do."
With Silverfang by my side, I took my first steps deeper into the forest, determined to find the answers—and the power—I needed to survive.