The bushes trembled again.
A pair of yellow eyes locked onto Leon from the shadows. Then, slowly, the creature stepped forward—a Shadowfang Wolf.
Its black fur blended into the undergrowth, muscles tensed like coiled steel. It wasn't alone. Behind it, three more wolves stalked forward, low to the ground, their hungry gazes fixed on Leon and his people.
Ding!
---
[Enemy Identified: Shadowfang Wolf (Lvl 3)]
HP: 150
Abilities: Shadow Pounce, Razor Claws
Threat Level: Moderate
[Warning: The pack is preparing to attack!]
---
Leon's stomach clenched, but he forced himself to stay calm. He wasn't a soldier. He had never been in a real fight before—his past life was spent in offices, not battlefields.
But that didn't mean he was helpless.
Leon knew one truth: In a real fight, hesitation kills.
His mind raced, analyzing the situation.
The wolves were faster, stronger, and deadlier in close combat.
His people were untrained and terrified.
The best way to fight? Control the distance. Strike first. Strike hard.
Leon took a slow step back, his hands tightening around the crude fishing spear. His modern instincts kicked in.
This wasn't a game. This was survival.
"Garrick," he muttered, not taking his eyes off the wolves. "Keep the settlers behind you. If they attack, we focus on one at a time."
The captain nodded, shifting into a defensive stance. His sword was steady, but even he knew they were outmatched.
The lead wolf growled—a deep, guttural warning. Its muscles bunched.
Leon knew what was coming.
It's testing us. Seeing if we'll run.
That wasn't happening.
Leon's First Kill
The wolf pounced—a blur of black fur and sharp fangs.
Leon didn't think. He moved.
His body reacted on instinct—he sidestepped, thrusting his spear forward in a quick, precise strike.
Shhk!
The tip of the spear slammed into the wolf's shoulder. It wasn't deep, but it was enough to stop its momentum.
-20 HP!
The wolf yelped and stumbled. But Leon didn't stop. He knew that in a real fight, you never give an enemy a chance to recover.
He twisted the spear, dragging it downward—
RIP!
The wolf howled in pain as blood sprayed across the grass.
Critical Hit! -50 HP!
Leon pulled back and stabbed again—straight into its throat.
The creature gurgled, its body convulsing. Then, with a final whimper, it collapsed.
Ding!
---
[You have slain a Shadowfang Wolf!]
[+100 EXP]
[Extraction Available!]
Extract Shadowfang Essence? (Y/N)
---
Leon panted, gripping his spear tight. The smell of blood filled the air. His hands shook, but not from fear—from adrenaline.
His first real kill.
There was no thrill, no excitement—only the cold realization that he had just ended something's life.
But he didn't have time to process it.
Because the other wolves lunged.
The Pack Strikes
Garrick roared and slashed at the nearest beast, his sword clanging against its claws. The settlers? Panicking. They backed away, some stumbling over themselves.
Leon's mind worked fast. Think. Think!
He couldn't take on multiple wolves head-on.
The guards were barely holding the line.
He needed to turn the fight in their favor.
His gaze flicked to the river.
Then to the wolves.
Then back to the river.
Risky… but it might work.
He turned to the terrified settlers. "Everyone—MOVE TOWARD THE WATER!"
They hesitated.
Leon's voice snapped like a whip. "NOW!"
The settlers scrambled backward, stepping into the shallows. The wolves hesitated.
Leon smirked. Bingo.
These creatures were fast on land—but in the water? They'd be slower.
"Garrick!" Leon barked. "Pull them in!"
The captain didn't question it—he stepped back, drawing the wolves closer.
Leon gritted his teeth. Time to use my new power.
He flicked his hand. "Extract."
Ding!
---
[Extraction Successful!]
You have obtained:
Shadowfang Hide (Material)
Skill: Shadow Pounce (Basic Combat Ability)
[Skill: Shadow Pounce]
A short-range burst movement. Useful for dodging or closing gaps.
---
Leon's body tingled—and then suddenly, he understood the skill. He could feel it in his muscles.
A movement technique. Perfect.
A wolf lunged for him—Leon reacted instantly.
He pushed off the ground—his body blurred forward, moving twice as fast as before.
The wolf missed, its jaws snapping at empty air.
Leon whirled mid-motion and drove his spear into its exposed flank.
Shhk!
-40 HP!
The wolf howled in pain—but before it could turn, Garrick finished it off, his sword cleaving through its skull.
Leon staggered, breathing hard. His legs trembled from using the skill, but he grinned.
"This… is going to be fun."
Victory
With the river slowing them down, the last two wolves were quickly dispatched. The water ran red, and soon, only silence remained.
Leon stood among the fallen wolves, his grip on his spear tightening. His body was sore, his mind racing.
He had just fought his first battle.
And he had won.
Ding!
---
[Battle Complete!]
+300 EXP!
Territory Secured!
New Extraction Available!
---
Leon looked down at the bodies. More power, more resources.
He inhaled deeply.
Then, with a smirk, he muttered, "Extract."