Chapter 38

Hunter's Trial: Clash of Fangs and Steel

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Wolf Attack Squad

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The dense forest of Golaith's territory lies within Violet's domain, and just before it opens up to the grassland where the trap door spiders make their home, the tranquillity of the area is abruptly disrupted. The sunlight filtering through the trees is dimmed, and the sound of rustling leaves and chirping birds is replaced by a tense silence. A forward scout, named Hunter, moves stealthily through the undergrowth, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. Armed with a bow and arrow, his job is to lead a band of attacking warriors from the wolf clan into Violet's queendom.

Hunter whispered to himself, "Quiet now... Almost there..." He pauses allowing his commander to come up on his right-hand side as he lies on his belly under a bush.

Hunter is a majestic and imposing wolf with a thick, plush coat of pure white fur. His fur is long and luxurious, with a dense undercoat that provides insulation against the cold night of the Badlands. Hunter's coat is immaculate, shimmering with an otherworldly glow, and appears almost ethereal against a snowy backdrop, too bad for him he isn’t in the northlands. The scout’s eyes are a striking ice blue, sharp and penetrating, and seem to hold a glimmer of wisdom and mystery.

Watching Hunter move in the forest, anyone can tell that he has a calm and stoic demeanour, often observing his surroundings with a sense of wisdom and serenity. Hunter appears to be patient and calculated, carefully choosing which paths to follow and the correct movements to keep him unseen.

Hunter is a protector of his pack. The others find him to be fiercely loyal and willing to defend them at all costs. During one battle in which they were capturing a wild human tribe, Hunter took a rusted dagger to the knee protecting a first-year trainee. After the encounter, Hunter had a few choice words for the absent-minded pup. However, in the end, Hunter is also elusive and mysterious, often disappearing into the wilderness for long periods of time. These trips into the forest leave others wondering about his true nature and motives, but deep down he longs to find his ancestor’s homelands to the north.

Overall, as Hunter is surveying the path before him, he is a stunning and enigmatic white wolf, possessing a regal and majestic aura that commands respect and awe. His striking appearance, keen senses, and calculated demeanour make him a formidable and captivating presence on the battlefield.

He pauses for a moment to check on his stats, “System: Character Sheet.”

Name

Hunter

Species/Race

Wolfman

Class

Hunter/Scout

Level

25

Attributes:

Strength

10

Dexterity

14

Constitution

12

Intelligence

14

Wisdom

16

Charisma

14

Abilities:

Keen Senses:

Hunter has exceptional hearing and smell, able to detect prey or danger from great distances.

Winter's Camouflage:

Hunter can blend seamlessly into snowy landscapes, gaining an advantage with his stealth skills when on snowy terrains.

Pack Protector:

Hunter has a natural instinct to protect its pack and gains a bonus to its armour stats and attack rolls when defending his allies.

Cunning Hunter:

Hunter is a skilled and strategic hunter, gaining an advantage in wildness survival, especially when tracking or hunting prey.

Frostbite:

Hunter’s bite carries a chilling effect, dealing additional cold damage on a successful bite attack.

Ethereal Presence:

Hunter exudes an aura of elegance and mystery, gaining an advantage in charisma interaction with others.

After a few moments, the pack leader asked Hunter in a whisper, “Anything to report? Any signs of the scorpions?”

“Sorry, sir. No bugs. I saw some Hi-Elk Tracks. Could be some good eating?”

“Maybe once we set up our base camp and get the lumber rolling, the mission comes first.”

With a smirk, Hunter said, “Roger, dodger, sir. What about Storm and Shadowfang?”

“Storm and Showfang are guarding the humans,” Bloodthrone said as he smacked the back of Hunter’s head. “You know that.”

Hunter giggled at the misfortune of the two other members of his pack. He hated guarding humans.

“Sorry Sir, I try to be a nice wolf, but you know, my mouth doesn’t always cooperate.”

Bloodthrone is the leader of the attack squad assigned to investigate and set up a base camp. The massive wolfman stood tall, towering over its surroundings with an imposing presence. His immense size and muscular physique were a testament to his raw power and ferocity. Bloodthrone’s thick fur was a blend of earthy browns and grays which helped him to camouflage into the wilderness around him. The most striking feature of the wolfman was his eyes, they gleamed with an intense golden hue, filled with a primal energy that reflected their untamed nature.

The wolf's body was covered in durable armour that seemed to be fused into his flesh, enhancing his already powerful natural defences. The armour consisted of overlapping plates made of dark, hardened wood; wood harvested from the northern territories of ancient oaks. Etched into the wood were intricate engravings that told stories of battles and victories, combined with runes of defence which were powered by his life force. The plates were expertly crafted and embedded into the skin and muscle layers below to fit the wolf's body; this allowed for fluid movement while providing formidable protection.

The wolf's muscles bulged and rippled beneath its armoured hide, giving it a formidable and imposing physique. His forelimbs were like pillars of strength, ending in large, clawed paws that could rend through stone and steel with ease. Bloodthrone’s hind legs were equally powerful, propelling it with grace and speed, enabling it to charge or leap with incredible agility.

The wolf's head was crowned with a fearsome bone helm which was created from his first kill as a pup, it was carved with more defence runes which were connected to his life force. His teeth were sharp and long, capable of delivering a devastating bite that could crush and snap bone as if he was eating a piece of toast. Bloodthrone’s jaw was always ready to tear through anything that stood in its way, which is how he attended his position of alpha in the squad.

The wolf's overall demeanour exuded confidence and primal prowess as if it were the embodiment of nature's untamed power. He radiated an air of danger and dominance, a force to be reckoned with in any battle. The combination of its massive size, bulging muscles, durable armour, and primal aura made him a formidable and awe-inspiring sight to behold. Bloodthrone was a creature born for war, a guardian of the Wolf Clan Nation, and a force of nature all its own. He dreamed of becoming the clan’s alpha one day.

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As the Bloodthrone moves forward to meet with his forward scout, Hunter notices a pair of glowing yellow eyes suddenly catch his attention. A small mechanical spider about the size of a house cat emerges from the shadows of a nearby berry bush hedge. The odd spider at first didn’t notice the tundra wolf but soon they looked into each other's eyes and stared back at each other with a mix of curiosity and caution. The spider’s metal shell is a mix of gray and white steel, with a pair of sharp fangs glinting in the twilight sunlight piercing the treetops.

As Hunter moves forward to get a better look at the spider. The large majestic wolf emerges from the shadows, the spider looks at the wolf with a mix of curiosity and caution. Hunter raising his bow cheered in victory, "Gotcha!"

He jumped onto the back of Nyx and gave her a love nip on the neck.

She didn’t waste any time and quickly flipped him over her shoulder in one fluid motion.

The second in command of the attack squad is Nyx.

Nyx is a small weasel-sized wolf girl, only about a meter and a half tall. Others in the past have mocked Nyx for her size and lack of muscles, saying her mother laid with a small number of rodents, those that did generally didn’t see the morning light. She is a compact fighter and lithe with sleek fur that is a mixture of dark browns and grays, allowing her to blend well in shadows at a moment's notice. Her eyes are sharp and bright, with a constant glint of mischief. Nyx has a slender body with a long, sinuous tail that she uses for balance and agility. Her paws are dexterous and nimble, perfect for grabbing and manipulating small objects.

Nyx lives up to its name, the female personification of night, with her sneaky and cunning demeanour. She is always on the lookout for opportunities to gain an advantage or outsmart the others in the war band. She is Bloodthrone’s second in command. Nyx is sly and deceitful, she poisoned the last second in command to gain her current position, and she often manipulates situations and individuals to her advantage.

Nyx is skilled at using charm, bedding the current squad commander to gain favour, and using manipulation to get what she wants. The warriors under her command are wary of her because she often preys on others' weaknesses or vulnerabilities to come out on top. Nyx is opportunistic and thrives in environments where she can hide in the shadows, gather information, and exploit situations to her benefit.

Bloodthrone growled at the two, “We have work to do Hunter, get back to your position or I will skin you alive myself.”

“Right away sir, I was just having a little fun. This milk run seems a little boring so far. Nothing to sink my teeth into.” Hunter turned and moved back to his forward position.

“Don’t worry Throne, you are the only alpha for me,” Nyx winked at the larger wolf.

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30 minutes later

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Hunter moved forward and travelled for about a kilometre. He stopped once he reach a massive hedge, and he could not see a clear entrance past. That was when he noticed a mechanical spider, a marvel of Victorian engineering which resemble a tiny arachnid with eight spindly legs and a bulbous body. As the spider moved in and out of the hedge, Hunter guess its standing at a height of about thirty centimetres. The scout took note that its body appeared to be made of brass and copper, polished to a mirror-like shine, and its legs are made of combined durable joints to allow for nimble movement.

The wolf was in shock for a brief second as he noticed how the spider walked. The spider's movements are surprisingly lifelike, with each leg moving independently and with remarkable fluidity. The spider scuttles across difficult terrain with ease and climbs over obstacles in the hedge with a nimbleness that is almost eerie.

Hunter whispered, “System Scan.”

A pop-up appeared before him.

System Notification:

This spider belongs to -Error-

The mechanical spider is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Victorian era, and a fascinating example of the intersection between art and technology.

Its movements are controlled by a set of delicate mechanisms, which allow the operator to manipulate its motion with precision.

Hunter focused his eyes on the mechanical spider. He thinks to himself, I am going to take this thing out, and take it back to the pack, "I won't hold back!"

Hunter draws back his bowstring and lets the arrow fly, but the spider leaps aside with lightning speed, narrowly avoiding the projectile. The wolfman's eyes narrow, and it lets out a fierce howl, signalling the start of the battle. Hunter quickly nocks another arrow and takes aim, but the spider charges forward, moving with incredible agility. The wolfman scout releases two arrows at once, but the mechanical spider dodges them with a graceful leap, closing the distance between the two combatants in seconds.

Hunter began to raise his bow, pulled the arrow back, and bang, "Gotcha!"

In the heat of an instance, the arrow whistles through the air with deadly accuracy. Hunter aimed at the spider's exposed underbelly as it charged forward but Hunter’s intended victim is not so defenceless. The spider’s body was an armoured suit of plate mail, designed to protect the spider from such attacks. As the arrow strikes the armour, there is a sharp metallic clang, and the arrowhead deforms under the impact. The armour absorbs the force of the blow, distributing it across the surface of the metal and minimizing the damage.

The wolfman quickly draws his hunting knife, and the mechanical spider lunges at him with a snarl, two short swords extended from the spider’s front legs. The two engage in a fast-paced melee, with the hunter using his knife to parry the wolf's sharp claws and fangs.

The two warriors faced each other in a tense standoff, each sizing up their opponent with a steely gaze. The first fighter, the spider, brandished a short sword, the polished steel glinting in the sunlight. The second duelist held a knife, its blade sharp and deadly. The close combat battle began with a flurry of quick movements as the two combatants circled each other, looking for an opening. The spider with the short sword lunged forward, aiming to strike his opponent with a quick thrust. But the other, Hunter, was quick on his feet and agile, dodging the attack and retaliating with a quick jab of his knife and the spider countered with a quick slash.

Hunter manages to dodge the strike but is not unscathed. A shallow cut on his flank oozes blood. The wolfman growls, his aggression rising as he charges at the spider again, this time he is filled with frenzied bloodlust.

Hunter jeers at the spider, “A lion, such as myself, never loses sleep over the abilities of the sheep, and soon you won’t have to worry about either.”

The battle continued with both duelists expertly parrying each other's attacks, their weapons clashing together with a metallic ring. The spider used his weapon's length to his advantage, but Hunter's knife proved to be a formidable opponent with each thrust and swipe. The duelists matched each other's moves with precision and speed.

Hunter, gritting his teeth spoke out, "You're a tough one, aren't you?"

The wolfman roars and snaps his jaws, lunging an aim for the spider’s throat, but the spider manages to dodge just in time as the jaws snap into thin air. The steam-powered spider counterattacks with a swift slash of his sword, but the wolfman dodges. Hunter retaliates with a powerful swipe of its claws followed by a knife swipe, but the spider shifts to the left and as blades scrap across each other the tip of the short sword leaves a gash on Hunter's arm.

Hunter meets the spider head-on, deflecting the spider’s swords and teeth with swift and calculated movements. The clash of fangs and steel echoes through the forest as the two combatants engage in a ferocious exchange of blows.

Hunter charges at the spider with incredible speed, jaws wide open, aiming for a deadly bite. The spider reacts swiftly, dodging the wolfman's attack with a graceful sidestep, and then counterattacks with a swift, precise strike of the short sword. The wolfman leaps back, narrowly avoiding the blade, and circles the spider, trying to find an opening. The spider follows the Hunter's movements, eyes locked on its every move, and anticipates its next attack.

The wolfman's speed and agility are matched only by the spider's skill with the sword.

As the blades clash Hunter states, “I feel like I’m waiting for something that isn’t going to happen.” Ending his words with an eye roll.

Hunter launches a series of rapid slashes, aiming to create an opening in the spider's defences. However, the spider is relentless, evading and dodging with uncanny speed, using its natural instincts and senses to its advantage. The mecha counters with powerful lunges and swift slashes, testing Hunter's reflexes and skills. As a result, Hunter's movements become more calculated, as he looks for an opening to deliver a decisive strike.

Spider weakly praises the wolf he was battling, saying, "Grrr... You're skilled, wolf..."

Hunter was shocked to hear the machine speak but responded with gritted teeth, "You're fast, but so am I."

The battle intensifies as Hunter and the spider trade blows in a deadly dance. The spider lands a few cuts on Hunter, but his resilience is impressive. He shakes off the wounds and keeps coming, driven by his primal instincts and the need to protect his pack that should be following behind him.

As the combat rages on, both combatants begin to tire. Hunter's breath comes in short gasps, but neither is willing to give up, each determined to emerge victorious. With a final burst of energy, Hunter makes a daring move, aiming for a quick strike to his opponent's midsection. But the spider is ready and with a swift movement, disarms his opponent and claims victory.

Despite their fierce fight, the spider gains the upper hand, and they clash once more. The mecha spider manages to deliver a well-placed strike with his sword, nicking the wolfman's neck. Hunter lets out a pained yelp and staggers back, but he doesn't back down. Instead, he lunges forward with renewed ferocity, aiming to deliver a decisive blow.

The spider whispered, "Rest in peace, noble wolf. You fought valiantly. But you will end by a death of a thousand cuts."

Hunter wipes blood from his lips and spits a glob on the ground. He then laughs and says, "The fight isn't over yet, machine."

The wolfman charges again, this time feinting to the left before lunging from the right with a powerful swipe of its claws. The spider narrowly avoids the attack, but Hunter's sharp claws graze the spider’s shoulder, drawing blood. The spider hisses and winces but remains focused on the battle. The spider retaliates with a flurry of slashes, each strike aimed with precision, but Hunter's agility and speed make him a difficult target to hit. The wolfman dodges and weaves, evading the spider's attacks with uncanny agility, except for the odd scrape and slash. Each combatant is skilled and relentless, refusing to back down.

The attack squad scout weakly says, "Grrr... well fought."

Hunter, with laboured breathing, raises his claws for a final strike, locking eyes with the spider's glowing yellow eyes. They both charge toward each other, fangs and steel bared, in a final climactic clash. Three-blade strikes connect, and Hunter falls. The scout's wounds accumulate, and the wolfman's fur is stained with blood, but both remain determined to defeat their opponent. However, Hunter falls to his knees and collapses. The spider stands amidst the fallen leaves, banged and oil-dripping, but victorious. The wolf lies motionless nearby, eyes closed, but with a sense of dignity in defeat. The spider kneels down, placing a hand on the wolf's side, showing respect for its worthy adversary.

The spider approaches the fallen wolf cautiously, offering a hand in a gesture of peace. After a moment's hesitation, the spider touches Hunter's muzzle, acknowledging the scout's strength and resolve.

"You fight well, wolf," the spider says before turning to leave the fallen warrior. The domain defender responds grimly, "You left me no choice."

The wolf makes a daring move, feigning death before launching a surprise attack from behind. The spider barely manages to block the attack, but the force of the impact knocks the spider off balance and breaks the sword, which goes flying and lands a few meters away.

A system notification pops up on Hunter's HUD.

System Notification: Experience gained from surprise attack.

The wolf sees an opportunity and charges, teeth bared, ready to deliver the final blow. But the spider refuses to give up. With lightning-fast reflexes, the spider grabs a nearby branch and uses it to block the wolf's attack, buying enough time to pull out a length of razor wire. With the razor wire in hand, the spider regains composure and launches a fierce counterattack. Hunter responds with equal ferocity, and the clash of fangs and steel reaches its crescendo. The spider's movements are precise and calculated, while the wolfman's attacks are fueled by raw instinct and fury.

The spider calmly says, "I won't back down, but I don't want to take your life."

The scout snarls, "Grrrrr!" Hunter raises his weapons, "It's over."

The battle continues, with the scout and spider trading swift, lethal blows. The spider's wire whips by, and Hunter counters with a swift slice, aiming to incapacitate rather than harm. The forest floor is littered with fallen leaves and broken branches as their movements create a whirlwind of motion. Bloodstains and hydraulic fluid cover the ground as both the scout and the spider sustain injuries in the heat of battle.

In a split-second decision, Hunter feints to the side, drawing the spider into a vulnerable position. With lightning-fast reflexes, the wolf strikes with a precise and calculated thrust of his claws, piercing the spider's side and delivering a mortal blow. Hunter manages to land a clean hit on the spider's side, severing its transmission and immobilizing it. The spider falls to the ground, panting heavily, unable to continue the fight. The battle reaches its climax as both combatants push themselves to their limits, sweat glistening on the wolf's forehead and blasts of steam released from the spider.

Breathing heavily, Hunter lowers his claws for a moment, acknowledging the spider's valiant effort. The spider, though injured, looks up at the wolf with a glimmer of respect in its eyes. The mecha lets out a low, reverberating growl, accepting defeat. The spider stumbles, its movements slowing down, and it collapses to the ground, defeated. Hunter takes a step back, breathing heavily, the adrenaline still coursing through his veins.

With respect and kneeling, Hunter says, "You fought well. It's over." Ultimately, the two warriors found a sense of camaraderie in their shared passion for the thrill of battle. At the end of the fight, Hunter stands over the defeated spider, a sombre reminder of the cost of battle and the fleeting nature of life in the wild. Hunter stands up and gazes into the distance, aware that this battle was just one of many in his ongoing quest to return to his homeland. He shoulders his bow and continues on his journey.

In the back of his mind, Hunter wonders why Bloodthrone hasn't arrived yet. Little does he know that Bloodthrone and Nyx are watching from the shadows, taking note of their new enemy. This spider is unlike any bug they have encountered before. The Scorpion Queen had never sent a mechanical bug to attack them.

The forest falls silent, and the rest of the Iron Legion, hidden in the hedge, rallies their defences.

Hunter speaks regretfully, "It's over."

As Bloodthrone and Nyx step out from the shadows, Hunter prepares himself for what lies ahead.