Eagan's senses heightened as he ventured deeper into the forest, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of movement.
The claw marks on the trees grew more frequent, and the air thickened with the scent of blood and wet fur. He was getting close to the Blood Wolf Den.
"Arianna, what are the characteristics of the blood wolf?" Eagan asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know all wolves move in packs, but there should be a reason why these are called blood wolves, right?"
The system panel flickered to life, displaying a brief summary alongside the image of a blood wolf.
"Blood Wolves have enhanced strength, speed, and agility due to corrupted bloodlines. They are a species under the blood clan, and the sight, smell, and taste of blood make them stronger."
"They are vulnerable to silver-coated blades just like their other clan relatives, and they are susceptible to fire-based attacks."
"They have some unique abilities, which are: Blood Frenzy. This state increases strength and speed when injured or sensing prey's fear."
"Their pack leader, the Crimson Fang, is significantly stronger and more resilient than regular Blood Wolves. Despite being a C-rank monster, it has the same power as a B-rank monster when in its blood-frenzied state."
Eagan's eyes widened in surprise and fear as he read the information. "Crimson Fang? You expect me to take on a monster with the power of a rank B monster?"
"I didn't send you to a different location than your brother." The system replied. Eagan could swear he heard Arianna's mocking voice in his head.
Pushing his thoughts and hallucinations aside, he continued towards the strong scent of blood and wet fur. Eagan's stomach churned, but he prepared himself for the battle ahead, knowing that they wouldn't be able to leave unless the dungeon was cleared or they found the exit.
Soon he arrived at the wolf's pack. He noticed the wolves gathered together in a clearing, all of them feasting on their latest hunt.
Trying not to grab their attention, he slowed down his step, but that proved wrong as he stepped on a dried twig, alerting the feasting beasts.
"Oh well," he muttered as his grip on the sword tightened.
The pack's gaze locked onto Eagan, and their ears perked up, as if savouring the scent of fresh pry. The alpha wolf, Crimson Fang, remained seated, observing Eagan with an air of curiosity and laziness.
Not finding the intruder a threat, he returned to his feast while two wolves charged at Eagan, eyes full of hunger and mouths stained with blood.
Eagan swallowed the urge to gag as he charged forward, his blades flashing under the small ray of light shining through the tall trees. The pack responded with a chorus of snarls and growls, their bodies tensing for the attack.
The first wolf lunged, its jaws wide open. Eagan sidestepped and struck, his blade biting deep into the wolf's shoulder. The creature yelled, stumbling backward.
The next wolf attacked, its claws swiping wildly. Eagan parried the blow and countered with a swift kick, sending the wolf crashing to the ground while he stepped back to create enough distance and room for manoeuvre.
It was soon a full-on battle between the hungry wolf and the hunger, who seemed to grow stronger with every kill. Eagan dodged and weaved between the snapping jaws and razor-sharp claws.
But the more he killed, the more they seemed to come at him. Eagan panted heavily; his breathing labored. "How...how many of them are there?" He asked as he rested on his sword, trying to take a breather as the next set stalked towards him.
"This is a dungeon with a mob of monsters. It's expected to have more monsters than most," the system replied. "Besides, the blood clan is always known for their quick reproduction. One single bite, and they have a Kin."
"But aren't they normally affected by sunlight? It's bright out, and they are this strong." Edgan noted.
"They are a mutation; the sunlight wouldn't affect them as much," Arianna replied, this time speaking into Eagan's mouth directly instead of using the system panel.
"It's much easier to communicate this way than through the panel," Eagan pointed out calmly, feeling his strength return to him.
"It is because you have grown stronger. Speaking directly in your mind would have affected your spirits as of yesterday." She replied. "Now focus. You're doing well, but you need to conserve your energy."
Eagan gritted his teeth, but a particularly vicious Blood Wolf caught him off guard. Its claws raked across his chest, sending Eagan stumbling backward.
He landed hard on the forest floor; the wind knocked out of him. The pack closed in, their hot breath on his face.
"No...no way," Eagan whispered, desperation creeping. He stabbed his sword into the heart of the one closest to him as they kicked him off to create some space.
He scrambled to his feet, ready his deteriorating sword, and focused on the next prey. The pack converged, but Eagan stood firm. His blades sliced through the wolves, each strike fuelled by desperation.
Suddenly, a towering figure emerged from the shadows, followed by a deafening growl. Eagan looked up and saw the Crimson Fang sneering at him as it talked towards him.
Its eyes burnt with an unnatural hunger, and its jaws seemed to drip with an otherworldly crimson liquid.
Eagan shivered, his knees bulking under the alpha's intimidating stare. "I really have to fight that thing." He asked in shock.
"It's like double my size and power! I won't last five minutes against it!"
"You have to," Arianna replied. "You can outrun it, so facing it is your best option. At least that way, you've done an honourable death."
"That's not the most encouraging thing to say, you know?" Eagan sighed and got ready to fight the towering monster standing in front of him.
Crimson Fang's gaze seemed to pierce through Eagan's soul, its presence suffocating. The alpha wolf's massive paws thundered against the ground, sending tremors through the forest floor.
Eagan readied himself, gripping his sword tightly. "Alright, let's end this. It's either you or me!" He muttered.
With a feral roar, Crimson Fang charged. Eagan dodged the initial attack, but the wolf's claws ripped through the air barely missing his face.
Eagan counterattacked, his sword slicing through the wolf's side, but the alpha's Blood Frenzy state amplified its strength, and it shrugged off the wound.
As the battle continued, Eagan's movements became swift and deadly. It was like every swing of his sword made him stronger, faster, and more dangerous.
Unknowing to him, he had gone into a state of subconsciousness due to the danger he felt. Where his mind was controlling every one of his movements and mostly with his past life's experience and instincts.
He targeted Crimson Fang's weak points, aiming for the joints and vital organs. The alpha wolf retaliated with ferocious bites and swipes.
The force of the swipe sent Eagan flying into the trees, his back landing with a painful crunch.
However, the next moment he stood back up despite the blood dripping from his elbow.
Eagan's vision blurred for an instant, but his instincts drove him forward. He charged at Crimson Fang, his sword flashing in the dim light.
The alpha wolf's jaws snapped wildly, barely missing Eagan's face. He sidestepped and struck, slicing through Crimson Fang's shoulder.
The alpha's paws thundered against the ground, sending Eagan stumbling backward. But he regained his footing, his sword slicing through the air.
Eagan's subconscious state amplified the more he fought. His strength and speed increased, allowing him to keep pace with Crimson Fang's Blood Frenzy.
Eagan's gaze locked onto Crimson Fang's vulnerable neck. With a swift strike, he plunged his sword into the alpha wolf's heart.
Crimson Fang's massive body crashed to the ground, its Blood Frenzy state dissipating. The remaining Blood Wolves fled in terror as they noticed their leader had been defeated.
Eagan collapses onto the corpse of the alpha wolf, his heart beating rapidly and his eyes blurry as he begins to lose consciousness.
Before he welcomed the darkness, he heard a familiar voice call out to him before he felt himself being lifted.