The second Bone Shed was halfway built by midday. One skeleton chopped wood with steady bone arms, while the other patrolled silently, eyes scanning the forest.
Rael sat nearby, tracing defensive diagrams in the dirt with a stick. Her side had healed, but she was still weak.
The forest held its breath.
Suddenly, a low growl rolled over the clearing.
Iden's heart pounded.
Three six-legged beasts burst from the treeline—muscle-bound, armored, eyes glowing crimson with hatred.
[PACK-HOUND (Tier F) ×3]Agile and aggressive, immune to blunt damage, vulnerable to piercing and fire.
They weren't sneaking. They charged with lethal intent.
"Prepare for battle," Iden muttered.
He glanced at the first skeleton, the Woodcutter, still hauling logs. No longer a mere laborer—it was his only melee fighter for now.
[Skeleton Class: Woodcutter (Permanent)]
The second skeleton—the Scout—slipped between trees, watching.
The first hound lunged straight at the Woodcutter. Bones crashed against claw and fang as the skeleton braced itself, using the axe in a defensive swing.
The Woodcutter wasn't built for war, but it fought desperately.
Another beast charged toward Rael, teeth bared.
Iden's pulse quickened.
"Skeleton Scout! Flank and harass!"
The Scout darted toward the second beast, slashing with a bone dagger.
Rael gasped as the beast closed in.
"Use Sanctum Pulse!" Iden urged.
Rael nodded and raised her trembling hand.
[Sanctum Pulse Activated — Target: Scout Skeleton]Temporary Tier Boost +1 | Duration: 10 minutesEffects: Speed, reaction, intelligence sharply increased.
The Scout's bones shimmered blue and gold, its movements becoming fluid and precise. It dodged a savage swipe and drove its dagger deep into the beast's neck.
The creature fell.
[Enemy Defeated]Skeleton Scout EXP: +112Iden EXP: +37Scout Lv. 1 → Lv. 2Trait Gained: Reflex Boost I
Iden's own EXP bar, floating faintly in his vision, surged from 18% to 29%.
The Woodcutter grappled the lead beast, swinging wildly. Bones cracked, axe splintered.
Iden growled, "Rael, pulse the Woodcutter!"
[Sanctum Pulse Used — Target: Woodcutter Skeleton]Tier Boost +1 | Duration 10 minutes
The skeleton's frame glowed and hardened, the shattered axe reassembling into a gleaming bone-blade.
It roared with silent fury, slashing deep into the beast's throat.
[Enemy Defeated]Woodcutter EXP: +120Iden EXP: +40Woodcutter Lv. 1 → Lv. 2Trait Gained: Martial Protocol I
Iden's EXP bar now climbed from 29% to 43%.
The last beast hesitated but was quickly overwhelmed by the Scout and Woodcutter working in tandem.
[Enemy Defeated]Skeletons EXP: +60Iden EXP: +20Player EXP: 43% → 51%
He allowed himself a brief smile.
Rael sank to the ground, exhausted but alive. "Two pulses left this week," she said quietly.
"You saved us," Iden replied.
The beasts had attacked with fury, but the bond between them and their summoned guardians had turned the tide.
Loot Acquired:– 3 Beast Hides– 5 Bone Fragments– 2 Beast Fangs– 1 Tier F Beast Core
Store Unlocked:– Craft Scout Upgrade: Silent Step (requires Hide)– Craft Minor Skeleton Totem (requires Beast Core)
Summons: 2/2 Capacity– Woodcutter (Lv. 2)– Scout (Lv. 2)
Iden's mind raced.
Every skeleton summoned was permanent in class. Choosing wisely was everything.
He glanced at the ruined axe lying by the Woodcutter's feet.
"Soon," he whispered, "I'll have legions of bones — perfectly crafted for every task."
The beasts had come to kill.
They left behind strength.