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Chapter 21: Awakening the Wolf Beast Tree
Ray stood in the center of his Domain, the air thick with magical energy. His heart raced, anticipation bubbling up inside him. The awakening of his Wolf Beast Tree had already started, and now he had the perfect opportunity to test his new acquisition from the God Shop.
He remembered the No-Bark Tree he had planted earlier, how it had gradually transformed his Domain, giving it a peculiar energy. The Wolf Beast Tree, however, was different—it wasn't just a resource generator. It was a living force, a symbol of his growing power, not of death but life itself.
With a focused breath, Ray knelt before the freshly sprouted tree, its bark glowing faintly with a silvery aura. This wasn't just a tree. It was the start of something bigger. He placed his hand on the tree's trunk, feeling a pulse of life, a heartbeat that mirrored his own.
Just like before with the No-Bark Tree, Ray felt an overwhelming connection to it. This time, though, it wasn't just about using the tree for power or resources—it was about nurturing the tree and understanding the life it held within.
Then, a sudden burst of energy shot out from the Wolf Beast Tree. Ray flinched, stepping back, but what emerged from the glowing roots was nothing like before.
A pup, sleek and agile, with fur that shimmered like moonlight, shook off the last remnants of its cocoon. It was small but its eyes gleamed with an intensity Ray could only compare to the wildest of beasts.
"Echo," Ray whispered to himself, naming the pup without hesitation. His voice wasn't soft, but there was something personal about it. Echo's silver eyes locked with his, and Ray felt the bond solidify in an instant—his Alpha had arrived.
The wolf pup let out a playful bark, running circles around Ray, its energy infectious. This wasn't just another weapon or minion—this was a partner. The wolf wasn't undead, wasn't bound by death or necromancy. It was born of life, of magic, of nature itself.
Ray stood tall, a small smirk crossing his face. "Let's see if you're as tough as they say, little one."
System 15's voice echoed inside his head, as sarcastic as ever. "You're getting soft, Ray. This is a pet, not an army."
Ray rolled his eyes. "Not everything's about an army, System. Maybe I'm just trying something new. Ever thought of that?"
The wolf, Echo, stopped its circling and sat beside Ray, looking up at him as if waiting for instructions. Ray could feel it—the bond, the loyalty. The wolf wasn't just a pet or a beast to control. It was a creature he could work with, one that could grow, evolve, and fight alongside him.
With a quick command, Ray motioned for Echo to follow him. The wolf bounded forward, eager to obey, its sleek body moving like lightning. Ray took a deep breath. He had a living companion now, someone to share the weight of the battles ahead, someone to build with.
The awakening of the Wolf Beast Tree wasn't just about the beast—it was the growth of his Domain, a growth he could feel in his very bones. The tree and the beast were intertwined, and in their bond, Ray saw something bigger forming: an army not just of the undead, but of life, of strength, and of loyalty.
He stood tall as Echo playfully nipped at his heels, and for the first time since his reincarnation, Ray felt like the future was his to shape, not just in death, but in life.
---Chapter 22: The Bond Strengthens
Ray's mind raced as he watched Echo, the wolf pup, bounding across his Domain with unmatched energy. He had expected the awakening of the Wolf Beast Tree to be significant, but the bond he felt with the pup was more profound than he had imagined. Echo wasn't just a beast born of his Domain—he was an extension of Ray's very will, an ally that would fight by his side.
The No-Bark Tree had served as a symbol of his connection to the world of death and undeath, but Echo and the Wolf Beast Tree represented something else entirely—life. Ray had always relied on his undead army, building it from the ground up, but this was different. This was a force of nature, one that would not just fight for him, but fight with him.
"You're getting attached, Ray. A little too attached," System 15's voice echoed mockingly in his mind.
Ray ignored the system's constant jabs, instead focusing on the task at hand. He needed to train Echo. He needed to understand his new companion, his instincts, his abilities. The bond was growing stronger by the minute, but Ray knew that training this living creature would be an entirely new challenge.
"Echo," Ray called softly, his voice firm. The wolf's ears perked up at the sound of his name, and it sprinted over to him, coming to a sudden halt just in front of him.
Ray crouched down and placed a hand on Echo's head, feeling the warmth of the wolf's fur. "I'm going to need you to be more than just fast. I need you to be smart."
The wolf's silver eyes met his, and Ray could feel the intelligence behind them. It was like Echo understood the weight of the words.
"Let's see what you can do," Ray muttered, standing up. He took a few steps back and gestured to the edge of his Domain, where the training area was set up for his undead army.
"Follow my lead," Ray ordered, and without hesitation, Echo darted forward, moving with a fluid grace that was both instinctive and trained.
Ray watched the wolf as it weaved through the obstacles set up in the training area, avoiding traps and taking down dummy targets with ease. Echo was fast, intelligent, and focused. The wolf had been born of magic, yes, but it also had the instincts of its wild ancestors, making it a perfect blend of nature and power.
System 15 interrupted his thoughts once again. "Not bad. For a dog. But can it keep up when things get serious?"
Ray ignored the system's taunts, instead allowing himself a small smile. He could feel the connection with Echo deepening, the wolf trusting him more with every passing second. This bond was going to be something special.
As Echo completed the training course flawlessly, Ray called him over. The wolf stopped immediately, sitting obediently at Ray's feet, as though waiting for his next command.
"Good boy," Ray said, his tone softer than usual, but with genuine pride. He hadn't expected the wolf to adapt so quickly to the training, but Echo was proving to be a natural.
Ray turned to look at the edge of the Domain, where the No-Bark Tree stood tall and quiet. The golden leaves of the tree fluttered in the wind, glowing softly in the twilight. It was a constant reminder of Ray's power over the dead, but now, the Wolf Beast Tree and Echo were reminders of something new. Something alive.
"Let's see what we can do with both," Ray murmured, his mind already planning how to integrate Echo into his growing forces. His undead army had proven to be a valuable asset, but the wolf would be his new frontline warrior, one who could adapt and evolve in ways that his undead minions could not.
---
Chapter 23: Training the Family
With Echo's training session over, Ray stood for a moment in quiet contemplation. The bond with his new wolf companion was still fresh, but Ray couldn't afford to focus solely on Echo. His family, his real family, needed attention as well.
His father, grandfather, and uncle had been busy with their own tasks, but Ray had not forgotten the training they had all undergone in the past. His family wasn't just made up of warriors; they were a powerful unit, each member bringing a different strength to the table. Ray knew that they needed to be in top form if they were to survive the dangers lurking in the future.
He headed towards the training area in his Domain, where his siblings were already engaged in their own exercises. His brother, the Shepherd, was guiding a small herd of undead beasts, his rare class allowing him to communicate with and control animals. His sister, always determined, was practicing with her light-based magic, creating intricate barriers of light to sharpen her control.
Ray approached them, noting their progress. His brother had improved in leaps and bounds, the undead beasts under his command following his every whim. His sister was equally impressive, weaving spells with precision and strength, her barriers flickering like a living halo.
Ray smiled. "You two are doing well."
His brother looked up, grinning. "Just trying to keep up with you, Ray."
Ray turned to his sister, who was still focused on her magic. "What about you? Ready for the next level of training?"
She nodded without hesitation. "I've been waiting for the right moment. I'm ready to push harder."
Ray raised an eyebrow. "Good. But remember, we do this together. We grow stronger as a family, not just individuals."
His sister gave him a determined smile. "I know. Let's make sure we're ready for whatever comes next."
Ray couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. Despite all the chaos, the tension, and the uncertainty of the future, his family was solid. They were growing stronger, and each of them was carving out their own path, their own purpose.
But Ray knew that it was time for him to push even further. He had a living army now, and his undead forces were growing in strength. But there was still more to do. More to build.
As Ray's family continued their training, he made a mental note to reach out to his uncle. He had always respected his uncle's wisdom, and it was time for him to start preparing for the bigger challenges that awaited them.
"Time to get serious," Ray muttered to himself. There was no more room for hesitation. No more waiting.
The world was waiting for him to take the next step.
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Chapter 25: The Uneasy Growth
The morning mist had yet to settle, and the warm, golden hues of the rising sun filtered through the canopy of trees surrounding Ray's Domain. The quiet hum of nature was soothing—almost too soothing. The wind gently swayed the leaves, their shadows dancing across the ground, and Ray stood there, hands in his pockets, eyes focused on the No-Bark Tree in the distance. There was a sense of calm here, something he had come to appreciate over the last few days.
But today... today felt different.
The No-Bark Tree, that strange yet powerful entity, had always been a source of quiet contemplation for Ray, its strange aura of necromantic energy mixing with the natural forces around it. It had become a familiar part of his life, though still enigmatic. Its presence, however, seemed more distant today, as though something in the very air was shifting.
Ray sighed and shook his head. Maybe it was the weight of the slow growth his father had spoken of, or the realization that all things—no matter how mighty—took time to mature.
"I'm here if you need me, Ray," System 15's voice echoed in his mind, almost as if it sensed his thoughts.
"I know, but it feels like something's changing." Ray ran a hand through his hair. "It's… hard to describe."
Slow growth had been Ray's mantra for the past few days, ever since he'd started pushing his undead army and his family's training to new limits. He had always prided himself on being able to adapt quickly, but he couldn't deny it anymore—there was something to be said for steady, gradual progress. And yet, today, his usual certainty felt clouded by an uneasy feeling.
That's when it happened.
The boundary of his Domain hummed with a low, pulsating energy, faint at first but growing stronger by the second. Ray's muscles tensed instinctively, his senses on high alert. The boundary wasn't supposed to allow anyone through unless he permitted it. So why was this happening?
He looked around. There was no immediate threat visible. His family and undead were scattered throughout the Domain, engaged in their daily routines. The peaceful atmosphere was quickly starting to suffocate him.
"System," Ray demanded, voice hardening. "What's going on? Who's breaching my barrier?"
For once, System 15 didn't respond immediately. A moment passed, then another. The silence stretched out as Ray's pulse quickened, and his fingers curled into fists. The system was almost never this quiet, but the stillness spoke volumes.
"Someone is trying to enter, but... not through a conventional method," System 15 finally replied, its usual flippant tone replaced with something Ray could sense as concern. "It's not one of the usual intruders... this is something different."
Ray clenched his teeth. "Different? What does that even mean?"
"You're going to have to see for yourself."
The air seemed to still, the early morning sounds vanishing as the pressure in the air intensified. Ray knew something was coming, and it wasn't just his usual fears or doubts. It was more than that.
---
His hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword. It was a reminder of the years of training his father had put him through—lessons learned the hard way, lessons on trust, combat, and resilience. Yet now, standing in the heart of his own domain, he couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't just about power anymore. There was something... deeply personal at stake.
Turning on his heel, Ray made his way toward the central clearing of his Domain, the place where the undead army had been gathering over the past few weeks. His father, grandfather, and uncle were already there, observing their troops, a quiet but intense focus on their faces. They, too, seemed to sense that something was wrong.
"Ray," his father spoke first, his voice low, "you feel it too, don't you?"
Ray nodded. "Something's happening. Something's trying to get in."
His father's eyes darkened. "I'll check the outer defenses. Keep the troops here. We need to be ready for anything."
Before Ray could respond, his grandfather, a stalwart figure even at his age, stepped forward, his face unusually grim. "I'll take a look at the Beast Trees—they might have sensed something we haven't. Keep the rest of your family here and don't let them wander."
Ray wasn't sure why his grandfather was focusing on the Beast Trees, but it was clear that the old man's instincts were sharp. Whatever was coming, it wasn't something they could just ignore.
As his father and grandfather moved to their tasks, Ray turned to his uncle. The man was still overseeing the training of the undead, but even he couldn't hide the concerned look in his eyes. "Ray, you need to focus. Whatever's happening now isn't something you can just fight with strength alone."
Ray's jaw tightened. "I know. But if it's something I need to fight, then I'll be ready."
---
The day wore on, the tension in the air growing thicker. Ray's army had returned to their training drills, but no one was really focused. His family, usually composed and steady, were all on edge.
Hours passed, and nothing changed. The strange disturbance, the humming of the boundary, had finally stopped. But Ray wasn't about to let his guard down. The stillness felt like the calm before a storm.
By late afternoon, Ray's sister approached him, her face serious. "Ray, you're not letting your guard down, are you?"
He shook his head. "No. I feel it's coming, Lira. Something—someone—is trying to test me."
Lira frowned, her eyes narrowing in thought. "Have you thought about it? Could this be something to do with the Insect World? The portals? Or maybe the Lost Family?"
Ray's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the Lost Family. It wasn't that he feared them, but their presence was a growing complication. Their conflict with the government was legendary, and anything they did could change the balance of power in the Human World.
"I'm not sure," Ray admitted. "But I don't think it's an external threat... This feels different."
Lira studied him for a long moment before speaking again. "Just be careful. You're not the same person you were when you first arrived here. Things have changed. And whatever comes next, you need to be ready."
---
As night fell, a chilling wind swept through the Domain, rustling the leaves of the No-Bark Tree. Ray stood at its base once more, his mind racing. There was something he had learned over these past few weeks—growth wasn't always about leaps forward. Sometimes, it was about standing still, understanding the subtle changes, and preparing for what lay ahead.
And he wasn't ready yet, not for whatever was coming. But he would be. He had to be.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new struggles. And Ray would rise to meet them—slowly, steadily, but with unyielding determination.
The calm before the storm had passed. Now, he had to face whatever was coming with everything he had.
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End of Chapter 25
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