The change occurred immediately. A darkness blocking out all light swept through the area, encircling Alan in a bubble nearly the size of the entire room. A sharp buzzing noise pierced his ears, and his entire body went numb.
“What?” Alan mumbled, still able to speak, although he struggled to let out even a whisper. The ground began to rumble, and an intense aura burst out, penetrating Alan’s skin, causing his body to shake, and shivers to shoot down his spine. And then, the darkness began to move. It was sucked away in an instant, and the room returned to normal. Alan could feel again, and his eyes landed on something not there before. He could feel its warm breaths on his face, and the tremendous aura continued to pierce him, like millions of tiny needles stabbing into him at once.
[You have successfully summoned an {Infant Shadow Wolf}]
The beast let out a low growl, its shining purple irises boring into Alan. Its body was large, even though called an infant, it towered over, slightly larger than that of a horse. It was covered in flowing black fur, puffy yet sharp. This creature was nearly identical to a wolf, save for its unusually sharp fangs and more pointed ears.
Alan was stunned, although he knew he needed to act fast. He didn’t know if summoned creatures would immediately obey him, or if he was required to tame these monsters first. He exuded a ferocious killing intent, pivoting his legs in a specific way, prepared to face the wolf if it decided to attack, although, in his current state, he knew that would only end in death. The wolf leaned closer and sprang toward Alan. He grunted as he prepared a technique to defend himself, but his eyes were forced closed as the wolf licked him.
“Huh?” Alan mumbled as he saw a black tale wagging behind the wolf, its slimy tongue continuing to draw across his face,
“Okay, Okay, that's enough,” Alan drew in his lips, spitting and blowing out, trying to get the salvia out of his mouth. The wolf obeyed, leaning back as it sat down. Even while sitting, Alan knew it would still tower over him. The wolf sat happily, its tail springing back and forth, its mouth open in what looked to be a smile.
Without hesitating, Alan opened up the system window, a blue screen quickly unfolding before his eyes.
{Infant Shadow Wolf} [Bronze] {Grade 2}
Special Technique: Shadow Expansion
This wolf can expand an area of darkness around itself. Within it, any entity below its mana core grade will lose all six senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and mana sense). The wolf can adjust the intensity of this technique, and which senses are affected however it chooses. Any entity trapped within, with a mana core difference of six grades, or 1 stage, will experience only a few of the losses in sense. Any entity above that, will not be afflicted at all, aside from the area becoming completely dark.
Techniques:
Shadow movement: This wolf can enter darkness, and move freely within.
Venom Fangs: This wolf can coat its fangs in a powerful venom made of mana. This venom can cause paralysis.
Evolution:
Requirements:
Souls: [0/150]
Mana Core Stage: [Bronze] {Grade1}
“Wow, I’m honestly not even surprised anymore,” Alan let out an impressed breath, “This thing is really strong for my level. And I was a little worried about monsters I summoned not being able to keep up with my growth rate, but I guess this wolf can evolve.” A smile played on Alan’s face as he scanned the information once more, “Hmmm…so I guess each evolution is just when the monster goes up a mana core stage. Thats really-” An unraveling blue screen interrupted Alan, its blue light shining into his eyes.
[After analyzing the details of the {Infant Shadow Wolf}, what would you like to name it?]
“A name?” Alan glanced at the Wolf, sitting happily, its soft fur occasionally grazing his legs as it looked around curiously. Alan sighed, cursing his terrible naming sense, “I don’t trust myself to give you a good name…how about Fenrir?” The Wolf let out a happy woof, wagging its tail, “I stole it from a mythical beast I killed. That thing was really strong. I hope you get that powerful someday. It nearly killed me when I was at my strongest.” Memories replayed in Alan’s mind, the image of a vicious beast the size of a mountain, pools of lava careening down its lower jaw before shooting to the ground in a grand explosion. Its roars could eviscerate entire cities, and it was practically immortal. Alan shook his head, pushing away the thoughts.
This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
[Name has been chosen: Fenrir]
“Alright, I think I took care of everything,” Alan searched his mind before continuing, “Fenrir, do you understand my words at all?” Immediately, the wolf shook it’s head with comical ferocity, “Okay, that makes things a lot easier I guess,” Alan chuckled, “Anyway, go to the room past those doors. If any more comes down, subdue them and wait for me to finish healing.” Fenrir stood up, and took a few steps, arriving in front of the large wooden door. Swiftly, it began to sink into the darkness, shadows reaching out and wrapping around the wolf's body as it slid silently underneath the door.
“Now I just have to heal,” Alan grimaced as he looked at his ravaged arms. It was a terrifying sight. As his muscles burst, and rent apart, small streams of blood stained his skin, and his muscles were jumbled, as if they were turned to mush and squeezed randomly. His arms had no defined state, his biceps and triceps mismatched lumps and holes. He lightly drew his legs inward, bringing them crossed, entering a meditative position. He let his breaths come and go, focussing on only the rhythmic feeling. Air entered through his nose, and then out of his mouth. He maneuvered the remaining mana he had into the injured parts of his body, and let it sit their, gently, allowing it to absorb into the body.
[Congratulations!]
[New Technique Unlocked]
[Healing Breath]
This technique was complicated, holding many intricacies, Alan’s mind straining as he directed the mana in his body with pinpoint accuracy, even a slight deviation resulting in permanent damage. Although complex, [Healing Breath], at least for the next few mana core stages is by far the best healing technique. Not only is it fast, but also had none of the side effects many of the others held.
Alan continued this rhythmic breathing. His mind burned for what felt like an eternity.
“Finally!” Alan let out a powerful breath, his back immediately hitting the ground in exhaustion, beads of sweat streaming down his creased forehead. Wetness permeated his body, and his clothes were soaked in sweat, and a horrid black liquid. Alan examined his arms, still sore, but completely healed, and back to their original structure. He took a few minutes to rest, and regain his barrings, breathing intensely, thoughts difficult due to the weariness of his brain.
“Fenrir!” He wanted to yell, but only let out a muffled whisper. He closed his eyes, deciding to rest a while longer.
Woof!
Alan’s eyes shot open, a fluffy figure standing over him. It’s mouth hung, panting happily, tail wagging.
“I’m surprised you heard me,” Alan mumbled, his voice rough, as if he had been smoking for decades,
“Did anyone come down?” Fenrir shook his head, indicating a no.
“That's good…I’ll rest some more than we can head out. Wake me up in around an hour,” Alan shut his eyes once more, falling asleep almost immediately.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Woof!
Alan slowly pulled his eyelids open, leaning up, his back aching. He groaned as he stretched the sleepiness from his body, watching the towering figure of Fenrir begin to stand.
“Thank you,” Alan smiled, his arms shaking as he pushed upwards. His legs were in much better shape, so walking was no issue. He quickly strode to a box in the corner of the room, its lid off, revealing a pile of shining silver coins. He reached for his belt, pulling at the pouch attached to it. His arms shook and strained as he lifted the pouch, bringing his other hand over for support. He dropped the bag onto the pile with a thud,
“I guess I'll only take ten coins,” Alan said, examining his arms, “I doubt I could carry more.” Painstakingly he brought the coins up individually, Fenrir using his head to support Alan’s right arm. Eventually, the pouch was stuffed, sagging on Alan’s belt as it was attached with a click,
“Thank you Fenrir, I’ll be fine from here,” Alan waved his hand, motioning towards the door. Fenrir rammed his head against the metal, the door separating in two as he held it for Alan like a doorman. He squeezed past Fenrir’s massive figure, the wolf opening the other set of doors in the same manner. With haste, Alan finally reached the exit, struggling up the rotted staircase, stopping just before the door with piled mulch on top.
“Fenrir, get in my shadow for now. If people saw you in the town they would freak out. I’m in no state to deal with that,” Alan said, before Fenrir immediately began to sink into the darkness, strands of shadows like emaciated hands reached out, pulling him deeper, until he was gone. With a smile, Alan channeled a minuscule amount of mana into his arms, feeling slight warmth overtake them as he groaned, pushing up. The hollow sound of sliding mulch echoed, and strands of sunlight began to pierce into the dimly lit cavern. Alan’s arms began to shake, and just as they were about to give out, he heard a metallic ring, and then a thud.
“So bright!” Alan squinted, hovering his hands over his eyes as he peered about. The radiant sun hung overhead, plunging the village in overwhelming light. The heat was intense, and he could feel slight pain at the back of his eyes as they adjusted. He sighed,
“It’s really only been a day huh?” Alan recalled everything that had happened, for him at least, in only a day. The fight with the combat gods, the mysterious techniques, and facing a Bronze stage warrior while still in the Foundation realm. His mind begged for answers, even while understanding none would come. Even after nine regressions, he had no idea why he was chosen, or who kept bringing him back in time. He only knew his purpose. Killing the combat gods in order to prevent demons from entering the human world and committing mass genocide. That was all he knew for over 300 years, and now, he was blind to his true purpose. All he understood was revenge. But that was a long way away. His 300 years of experience and knowledge were nothing compared to beings who might be over 700 years old.
“But I have something different now,” Alan eyed his shadow, memories of the system rushing to the forefront of his mind.