As I regain consciousness, I open my eyes to see that I'm still in the wooden cottage. Unlike before, standing up isn't as painful as before. I guess what Fenrir said about my sickness is true. As long as I don't push myself, I might be able to improve my condition day by day until the full moon. I should be well enough to get up on my two feet and tour around the village.

[Oh? Looks like you're bright and early, kid.] I turn to see Fenrir walking towards me from the stairs. [How are you feeling?]

I sigh as I stretch my limbs. "A lot better than yesterday. You were right. A full day of rest mitigates my sickness a bit. It's not a lot to regain my full strength, but it's enough for me to walk again."

[Glad to hear, kid,] Fenrir chuckled. [No, wait. I should stop calling you "kid" now that you're joining the pack. In these parts, you should call me "Master" and in return, I will call you "cub".]

I narrow my eyes. "I don't know if I'm comfortable for anyone to call me a cub... I'm surprised you haven't let me call you "Alpha"."

["Alpha"? If you mean the [Alpha Lycan], then I don't deserve that title just yet.]

"...Excuse me?" I asked in confusion.

[Oh, right. You're still new to our [Lycan] culture. You will get the chance to learn more during your whole stay here. For now, I should give you a tour around the village.]

I nodded with a smile. "Sounds good to me. I do need to stretch my legs after staying on your hard sofa for the whole day. No offense, Master."

[Hehe... Remind me to put it in repairs later. Now come on. We're burning daylight.]

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After we left, we didn't waste any time to start the tour. To my surprise, the village in question was nothing more than I imagined. It was a settlement filled with a few wooden cottages similar to Fenrir's along with a few stands, store buildings, and huts to the side. It was also a bit packed since I saw several people chatting and running around. Some seemed to have wolf ears and tails and some even walked in their half-wolf form in bright daylight. When Fenrir said it's a hidden village full of [Lycanthropes], he wasn't kidding.

As for the tour itself, I learned the facilities in the village from the village leader himself such as the general store, smithery, farm, and armory. There was a training hall similar to . According to him, it was made for new [Lycans] like me along with the future village guards. I don't know if I can use it, but I'm sure I'll make a mental note of that. Then, there's a small library near the hall. It's not as big as the one from the town, but he said there is some information and history about [Lycanthropes] left from his ancestors. So I might visit it if I have some time.

Eventually, we arrived at the last destination of the village, which was a large wooden building with a silver banner of a wolf and moon symbol.

[Here we are. The village hall of . This is where the village meetings will be held and this is where we end the village tour,] Fenrir declared. [So what do you think, pupil?]

I hummed as I looked around the village. "It's a lot better than I imagined. A bit claustrophobic, but it's very cozy to stay."

[Yeah, that's one thing I'm aware of. The village might be cozy thanks to the blessing of the spirits, but it's still vulnerable to monster attacks and we have to rely more on self-sustaining methods. That is why village guards and freelancers exist to export items and deal with the monsters.]

My eyes widen in realization. "Is that the reason why you have to visit , right?"

[Yeah. To tell you the truth, our only potion maker was one of the injured and I was a bit desperate to search for some potions to heal them. Of course, that is until I met you and everyone including the potion maker is recovering well.]

I see. I guess even a peaceful hidden village has some issues on its own. They may be fictional characters, but I'm grateful to have some people getting me back up on my feet after everything Savior and [Viper Fangs] had done.

"If it's possible, would you let me create some potions until they're fully recovered?" I asked.

[Really?!] Fenrir responded with his jaw dropped. [You've done so much for us. I couldn't...]

I chucked. "Come on... If I want to stay here, then I should do more than training here."

This time, it's Fenrir's turn to chuckle. [Alright... Alright... But after your first day of training is done, then you'll help out the village.]

"Deal." We shook hands on it, too. "So what am I exactly going to do first?"

[I don't think it's my job to tell you your first lesson.]

I raise my eyebrow. What does he mean by...

[Oh! So you're the new cub Fenrir's been raving about!] I turn around and my jaw drops to see a muscular woman walking from the village hall. She was wearing the same leather armor Fenrir was wearing along with a yellow blouse, light blue pants, and orange sandals. [Sorry for disturbing your chat, you two. But I can't wait to meet the newcomer to our village!]

I'm still speechless to see this tall woman standing in front of us as Fenrir nods to her.

[This is . She's one of the instructors for the village guards. For the first phase, she will be your first instructor in the world of [Lycanthropes].]

My eye twitched once I heard those words. Why do I have a feeling she's going to break my back during my training?

[Hey, don't look so worried, cub. I may look intimidating, but I promise that I won't let you overwork in your current condition. Besides, you have a lot to learn as a [Lycan] and I'll make sure you're fully prepared for that day.]

I'm still worried, but I'm glad to hear that from her.

[Looks like this is my cue to take care of other important duties. Are you sure you'll be okay on your own, Lowry?]

I'm a bit unsure, but I can't do anything if I can't take the first step. "Yeah. I'll promise I won't overwork myself as well."

Fenrir smiled and nodded to me. [Good. Capita, I'll leave him to you.]

Capita bowed to the village leader. [I won't let you down, leader.]

Fenrir walked away, leaving me alone with my first instructor. I turn to Capita next. "So... What should I learn first?"

Capita smirked. [Huh? Up on the uptake, huh? Well, the first thing I should teach you is the basics.]

----------------------------------------

A few minutes later, we walked into the building near the village training hall. It was an open space that looked similar to a dojo or a dancing studio. However, the interior only consists of a wooden wall and floor along with an open window blowing through the room and a small shrine of a wooden wolf statue on the right side of it.

[In the past, [Lycanthropes] emerged from the eyes of the public during the ,] Capita narrated as she walked to the shrine. [They were originally part of the byproducts from the gods' wrath, symbols that represent their gross actions that everyone sees as the beasts they accused to others. Eventually, they fell into their bestial instincts and disappeared from the eyes of the public once they had the means to fight back. But years after the era ended, some regained their humanity and began to regret their ancestor's actions, truly seeing the deeds within their hearts from the wolves that grew to hunt and satisfy their ravenous hunger and greed. They vowed to never return to the civilization as an atonement and began living in secrecy.]

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

The ... So there are some connections with the [Lycans] and the [Prologue Lore] itself.

[Over time, the spirits of the beasts and the God of Darkness saw their actions and gave the ones living in peace true respite. We were given the blessing to control our powers and one by one, we returned to civilization and revealed our forms to the most trusted people we knew. That's how the villages of [Lycanthropes] were born and that's how we were treated as equals to the eyes of Nox and the spirits.]

Capita kneeled down and clapped her hands together to pray at the shrine. I guess I understand how [Lycans] came to be in this world and lore-wise, that might explain why I haven't found any [Lycans] out of the open lately.

"Okay, I need to recap everything I learned," I said out loud. "The [Lycans] were created from some of the people who instigated the , correct? And they lost their humanity afterward, is that right?"

[Yes. While most [Lycans] slowly regained their humanity enough to create their villages, some didn't and because of its curse-like condition, it caused them to bite some people and took others’ lives with it, leaving some new [Lycans] unaccounted for,] Capita answered. [Of course, that would be the same case as today. Most who have never been marked by a blessed [Lycan] tend to lose control and attack any unsuspecting villager or traveler during the full moon. In some cases, they grew aware of their new power, but they preferred to abuse them out of greed just like the first [Lycans] who hurt others through their crimes in the war. We call those people [Rogue Lycanthropes].]

I see. Looks like there are some [Lycans] that act as the stereotypical werewolf of the old cinema.

[But worry not, cub. It is my job to ensure you have some control over your [Lycan] abilities and I promise to clear up any misunderstandings about our people.]

I understand how she feels. Looks like I got my work cut out for me.

"I appreciate that. And I'm also aware that this whole thing should be a secret, correct? Then I'll promise I won't tell a soul about them." I bowed to Capita. "Except with a few people when the time comes, I will make sure no ill will people will know about [Lycans] or the hidden villages."

This is not just a vow I made in-universe. If what Capita said about [Rogue Lycans] were true, then there's a chance chaos will occur around to both players and NPCs. With the added risk of its associated [Mink Link] function, I'm not letting this out in public until I learn more about this [Sub-Race].

[I'm relieved to hear that, young cub. That saves my breath on warning you of the penalties that come with breaking the [Vow of the Lycanthropes].]

Yeah, I rather don't want to know...

[But still, "people you knew". I'm a bit concerned about your wording.]

"Well, there's a chance I might slip up and I don't like lying to my friends," I admitted. "However, I do know that they respect my privacy, and if they also discover the existence of [Lycans] by themselves, I will see to it to take responsibility for their induction into the fold."

Honestly, I didn't want to admit this in character. But knowing me turning into a werewolf-like [Sub-Race], there's a high chance I will never hear of Lyco going into werewolf fanboy mode during the full moon.

[If you say they are trustworthy, then I'll take your word for it. However, they are still strangers to us, so don't get your hopes up once we meet them.]

I sigh in relief. I knew they were still cautious about them, but it's better than nothing.

[Enough talk. It's time for lesson #2: Mental control.]

"Mental control?" I repeated while my eyebrow furrowed. "As in controlling our wolf instincts so we won't go on a rampage?"

Capita nodded. [You're partially correct. In the past, many people saw them as heartless monsters and the [Lycans] themselves agreed with their sentiment. But as time passed, they learned they were more than a curse. As they tried to understand their newfound bestial side, they learned their transformations were not limited to the full moon and they mastered them to use them both in their daily lives and journeys as adventurers and mercenaries. Eventually, we also learned that we can help any marked newcomers to control their new abilities before their first transformation. It's what we call a [Mental Imprint].]

"[Mental...Imprint]..." I scratched the back of my head and frowned. "I don't follow."

[Well, it would be easier to learn through experience than words.] Capita sat down on the wooden floor as she crossed her legs. [Sit down and follow my instructions carefully.]

I tilted my head as I sat down in front of my instructor.

[Now close your eyes and clear your thoughts.]

I flinched at the next step. I get this is not the physical part of my training, but I feel like this is more of a yoga session than [Lycan] training to me.

[What's the matter, young cub? We can't start the training until you follow the second step.]

I mentally shrug at this strange exercise. Beggars can't be choosers, I guess. At least this doesn't give me an excuse to overwork myself in my current state.

[Now, as you clear out any unnecessary thoughts, let your mind wander in the black space as you take a few deep breaths. Cancel out the noises around you and focus only on your well-being.]

That reminds me of those breathing sessions Harley participated in during his yoga classes. Well, it is the first lesson, so I should go along with it.

[Now, take a few deep breaths. Do not breathe in with your lungs. Focus only on your stomach and breathe out through your mouth.]

I followed the next step, never thinking about everything else but my breathing. As I breathe in the air, I feel like I'm loosening up the tension in my shoulders as I breathe out. In fact, it feels...kinda nice.

[After that, keep your mind empty and keep everything to yourself in the dark void in your mind. Open your mind as you make a steady pace of your breathing.]

Yeah... Just let everything else out and keep myself in the void...

Just let it...go...

Let it...

Grrrr...

Let...

GRRRRR...

Le...

AWWWWWWOOOO!!!!

"AGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!"

My eyes snapped open and my breathing began to hasten as I felt like my heart was about to give out.

I...saw something... I definitely saw something in my head just now!

[Calm down, Lowry! Take a few deep breaths!] Capita quickly rushes to my side. [Just slow down your breathing.]

[WARNING] [Your pulse starts to increase. Please take a few deep breaths or you will be forced to be put on [Sleep Mode] or log out.]

Crap... It seems like my [VeilCon] just got a false alarm from my shock. I guess I should take Capita's advice before the game follows through with its warning.

"I-I'm okay, Master Capita..." I answered. "I just lost my cool over what I saw. Or rather, what I heard..."

[Is it a wolf's howl?]

I nodded. "Y-Yeah. Is that normal?"

[I can't say that. But if what you're saying is true, then it seems like your [Lycanthropy] has already materialized within your heart. It's normal for them to be a bit...aggressive to their hosts. However, letting them roam around in your mind might not help you in the long run. That's why the [Mental Imprint] is very important if you want to gain a bit of control of your abilities as a [Lycan].]

I think I understand what she's trying to say. Whatever's in my head just appeared after my bite and I feel like it's not going to be easy taming it. I guess that explains the meditation lesson.

"Yeah, I seriously don't want to go crazy back in because of the wolf in my head. I just need to continue with the meditation, right?"

Capita nodded. [Yes. But you need to remember to not overdo it. Your sanity can only take up so much and there is no chance you might able to endure it in a long period without rest.]

Noted. I'll keep that in mind.

"So any tips on the [Mental Imprint] process? You know, so I won't get a bit overboard with it."

[Just stay calm and do not overthink. The wolf inside you is linked with your emotions. If you get agitated, then you may lose yourself to your bestial instincts too early. Try to do the meditation I taught you every day and you will complete the process before the full moon. Which is why your first task is to complete the [Mental Imprint]. If you do, then you can move to the next phase of your training.]

Makes sense. Besides, my panic almost set off an alarm in my [VeilCon]. So I may need to do more than meditating in the game.

"Is there anything else I should know?" I asked.

[Don't go out of the village or do physical labor. You may be in the first phase of your training, but I won't tolerate anyone who would dare try to be reckless in their training. Your sickness will know of that as well, so be careful~]

I chuckled sheepishly as I noticed her uncanny smile. Yeah, this exercise might be a bit tougher to finish than I thought…

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[14 days until the full moon]