The first cub approached, roaring with courage as it launched an attack on the Alpha. Although the Alpha simply shrugged off the assault without retaliating, it still inflicted some damage upon the cub.

Undeterred, the cub persisted with its attacks, even while injured. Only when the Alpha deemed its efforts sufficient did it allow the cub to join the pack. The subsequent cubs underwent the same trial, each one successfully passing and joining the ranks of the proud Deathwalker Wolves.

Klein ground his teeth, visibly bothered by their success. "If this doesn't work, I'll have you find food for us on your own!" he spat out, casting a sharp glance at Arlo.

Now, it was the turn of the last cub, the one that had been hiding behind the others in fear. With no remaining cubs to shield it, the hesitant cub reluctantly stepped forward, its nerves shattering. Summoning its courage, the cub lunged at the Alpha, but the Alpha sensed its hesitation and delivered a slightly more severe blow.

Stricken with pain, the cub attempted to retreat, desperately searching for its mother. This further enraged the Alpha, which used its massive paw to hold the cub beneath it. One of its claws pierced the cub's shoulder, causing it to cry out in agony before being flung aside by the Alpha.

As soon as the Alpha Deathwalker Wolf discarded the injured cub, the rest of the pack turned hostile, driving it away without a second of hesitation. The cub whimpered in pain and confusion as it stumbled away from the pack, its chances of survival uncertain.

"We struck gold!" Klein chuckled to himself, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "It's even injured and vulnerable!"

Arlo looked at Klein and the young goblin with a mixture of contempt and disgust. These creatures were even more ruthless than the monsters they encountered in the dungeon. They hunted down the young and feeble, leaving no room for mercy or compassion.

"But don't be too complacent," Klein quickly added, sensing Arlo's excitement. "Even an injured cub can be very deadly. Stay focused and be prepared for anything."

Arlo nodded, his expression resolute. Unbeknownst to Klein, his resolve was steeled for another purpose entirely.

After a quick brainstorming session, Klein devised a plan. The young goblin would act as the bait, luring the injured cub into a vulnerable position. Arlo, on the other hand, would be responsible for delivering a blow from behind. Klein would find a strategic spot from which he could launch his attack, ensuring their hunt would be a success.

"And remember," Klein emphasized, his voice filled with both warning and encouragement, "if you do a good job, you'll be rewarded with a larger share of the spoils again. You can eat to your heart's content."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"Count on it," Arlo said, his voice brimming with confidence. He tightened his grip on his broken sword, his mind set on the upcoming challenge.

Klein led them stealthily, carefully navigating the terrain as they followed the injured cub. The pack of Deathwalker Wolves had dispersed, focusing on their own activities, unaware of the trio's presence as they stalked the cub they had discarded.

Closing in on their target, Arlo could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins. Every step brought him closer to his moment of reckoning. He focused on his breathing, steadying himself for the critical task that lay ahead.

The injured cub moved with a mix of caution and pain, its movements betraying its weakened state. It occasionally glanced over its shoulder to where its pack was located, as if anticipating an attack from them.

However, it remained unaware that its true threat lurked much closer.

The young goblin made a small cut in his hand, allowing the blood to drip and create a scent that would attract the injured cub. The metallic aroma filled the air, enticing the cub and drawing it closer to their trap.

Once the cub caught the scent, it became alert and cautiously approached the location of the three goblins. It kept its claws brandished and growled towards the young goblin, showing no signs of weakness despite its injuries.

Klein, hidden at the top of a tree branch, oversaw the situation and motioned for Arlo to take action.

Even though he wanted to eat more, Arlo had come to understand the cub's situation better. Now that his hunger was not at a level that drove him insane, he didn't want to devour this cub. Even though the young goblin had been kind to him, it didn't change the fact that it was a wretched creature.

Arlo stepped back, allowing the cub to get closer, positioning itself for an attack.

Klein seemed flustered as he yelled, seeing the cub about to lunge at the young goblin. "Remmy, attack already!"

"Remmy, save me!" the young goblin yelled, his nerves collapsing as he backed off.

"Useless thing!" Klein yelled as he jumped down, swinging his sword in a bid to protect the young goblin.

The cub was scared, but hunger fueled its courage. It lunged from side to side, using its teeth and claws to find an opportunity to go in for the kill. Its inexperience and injured state, however, limited its ability to find a good path of attack, causing only smaller cuts to accumulate on itself.

"I'm here to help!" Arlo screamed as he rushed from behind Klein.

"Quick!" Klein yelled. "Attack it with all you've got! I'll finish it off!"

"Sure!" Arlo replied as he sank his broken sword into Klein's sword-holding arm.

Arlo wore a face full of contempt, feeling no remorse whatsoever. Blood flowed down as Klein found himself shocked by the betrayal, unable to comprehend why he would be attacked by his ally at such a crucial moment. The Deathwalker Wolf cub seized the opportunity and lunged at Klein's throat.

As life left Klein's gaze, Arlo could see his eyes screaming with indignance.

The young goblin, puny and surprised, still managed to make the decision to attack his old friend Remmy in return, fearing for his life.

His dagger found its mark, opening a cut on Arlo's chest. Unexpectedly, the blood wasn't red but black, and Remmy didn't bleed as much as one would expect.

"What... what are you?!" the young goblin screamed in response to such a sight.

Arlo's goblin façade slowly broke down, and long, beast-like arms resembling those of the Deathwalker Wolves appeared, with claws at the ends.

"You filthy creatures deserve much worse."

The claws stabbed the young goblin in the head, leaving a mess of flesh on the ground.

"I don't know who those skeletons belonged to-" Arlo talked to himself. "but I hope you can finally rest well."