Chapter Ten

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A week after Mist, the dire wolf, joined my pack, I had her lead me back to her old pack’s territory. I prowl behind her, waiting for a nearby patrol to reach us. Mist steps out of the undergrowth, revealing herself, and I follow, my massive form barely moving the plants nearby. It almost seemed as if I was floating, a result of my large stats.

“Hello, little wolves. I have come to meet your Alpha,” I announce confidently, looking around at the curious and wary faces of the pack. Nodding hesitantly, a black and gray female wolf steps forward to lead the way. I follow her, the rest of the patrol surrounding us. Mist follows me closely, glancing around warily.

Soon we arrive in a large clearing, a mix of small and large caves sticking out of a semi-circular ridge. A red and black wolf, the Alpha named Smolder, lays lazily on a large stone, basking in the sun's light and watching us with half-lidded eyes.

"Why have you come here?" Smolder asks, his deep voice echoing around the clearing.

“I have come with a challenge,” I state boldly. “If you defeat me, I will leave. However, if you don’t, this pack will become my vassal. Do you accept my rules?”

Smolder nods in agreement. “I do.”

He leaps off of the stone, landing heavily in front of me. “I, Smolder, Alpha of the Firestone Pack, accept your challenge. Now, we shall fight!”

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He lunges towards me with surprising speed, but I meet his blow easily. Snapping my fangs towards his neck, he falls back, circling me. I charge towards him, using my size and strength to my advantage, throwing him to the side.

“You do not fight like a wolf,” Smolder remarks.

I nod with a grin. “I know, but this is a good learning experience!”

As we exchange blows, Smolder uses his size and strength while I rely on skill and agility, Mist watches from the sidelines with a mix of fear and admiration. The rest of the pack watches in awe, unsure of who will emerge victorious. But we all know it's going to be me, after all, I'm just too strong.

Suddenly, yelps of shock and pain sound from the southeast. Wolves run away as a giant rooster-like creature emerges from the forest. A cockatrice, with glowing green eyes and a deadly ability, causes chaos among the pack.

"Run, hide in the dens! Do not look into its eyes!" Smolder commands urgently.

My eyes narrow, and I charge straight at the cockatrice, clawing at its rocky skin. It regenerates slowly, but I refuse to back down. “Everyone, stay away from the cockatrice. I’m going to try something,” I howl, activating [Howl] to boost the pack's speed.

With a determined growl, I use [Lightning Strike] repeatedly until the creature finally falls. The pack looks on in awe and gratitude, their respect for me growing stronger.

Placing a paw on its chest, I rip off a chunk of flesh. It tastes delicious, though not as good as sianach.

Turning back to Smolder, I notice his jaw hanging open. “I never stood a chance, did I?” He says. I chuckle. “Probably not, but it was an enjoyable spar. You and your pack may eat. It will be beneficial for your future evolutions.” He nods, and howls to his pack. We feast until we cannot eat anymore. Finally, our stomachs full, Smolder addresses me. “We, the Firestone Pack, swear to follow you and to never betray you.”

Would you like to accept the Firestone Pack into the Shattered Moon Clan?

Yes.

Suddenly, several wolves stare at something in front of them, Mist and Smolder included. “I can evolve.” Smolder states disbelievingly. I nod. “Good. If you are stronger, the pack is better.” Smolder howls, and the rest of the pack joins in. “Hail the Shattered Moon Clan!”