A Quiet Night – The Echo of Absence
The fire crackled softly in the clearing, its embers pulsing like a fading heartbeat beneath a starless sky. Alter sat cross-legged just outside the perimeter of light, sharpening one of the spare wolf fang daggers in silence. The rhythmic scrape of stone against blade was the only sound, save for the occasional rustling of wind through the trees.
Finn and Mira lay bundled under the thick pelts Alter had made, curled near the fire with peaceful expressions on their young faces. Mira's hand still lightly gripped the hem of Finn's cloak, and his breathing was slow and steady, the sleep of exhaustion and trust.
Alter's eyes drifted toward them.
Children… Who once knew nothing of battle or survival, now slashed, evaded, and moved like wolves born to the wild. His teachings had taken root, and the way they adapted—each in their own style—reminded him painfully of the people he'd once lost.
He set the dagger down on the polished stone beside him.
Without a word, he turned his gaze upward. No stars. No voice.
It had been weeks since the final thread had broken. Seraphina—his first companion in this world, his divine guide—was gone. Not dead, not destroyed… simply no longer present. The silence in his mind was colder than the night wind. There were times he still reached for her without realizing it. Times like now.
"...I know you're not there anymore," he muttered under his breath. "But if you are somehow still watching…"
He closed his eyes.
"I'll keep going."
A deep exhale fogged the air. He reached into his belt pouch, pulling out the old wolf paw pendants he'd carved for the children—one black, one white. A habit. A reminder.
He gently walked over and draped the pendants around their necks, adjusting the cords with quiet care. The kids stirred only slightly. Mira mumbled something in her sleep—"Wolfmaster…"—and Finn gave a short snore.
A ghost of a smile touched Alter's lips.
The silence felt less empty when it was shared.
He stepped back to his seat, glanced at the fire, then at the sleeping children. The shadows danced along his face, hiding the faint glint in his brown eyes. No tattoos, no stars within his gaze—only a man rebuilding himself from ash and memory.
And tomorrow?
They would rise again.
He'd train them. Harder.
He would forge their blades stronger.
He would prepare them—not just to survive, but to carve out their own legend.
And somewhere… down the line…
He would carve out his own once more.
Campfire Quiet – A Mentor's Gaze
The flames crackled softly under the starlit canopy, flickering against the humble campsite surrounded by low brush and distant trees. The night's chill was no match for the thick dire wolf pelts wrapped around the two small figures nestled near the fire. Mira lay curled up, her white wolf hood flopped over her face, rising and falling with every slow, peaceful breath. Finn sat beside her moments ago, back resting on a log, but now even he had succumbed to sleep—head slumped forward, arms crossed, a silent warrior dozing in the wild.
Alter sat across from them, back straight, sharpening one of his daggers slowly. His eyes weren't on the blade.
They were on them.
His disciples.
His pack.
A faint smile touched his lips, barely there. In the stillness, only the crackle of flame and the rustle of nightwind stirred around them.
Then he raised a hand and whispered.
"Analyze."
A faint shimmer of blue circled his pupils as the system interface activated.
[System – Analyze Activated]
Target: Finn
Name: Finn
Age: 13
Title: Wolf Disciple – Black Fang
Class: Trainee Fighter
Level: 9
HP: 210 / 210
MP: 50 / 50
Attributes:
→ Strength: 22
→ Agility: 19
→ Vitality: 20
→ Intelligence: 14
→ Willpower: 18
→ Luck: 11
Skills:
• Basic Dagger Mastery (Lv 2)
• Quick Step (Lv 1)
• Guard Break (Lv 1)
Equipment:
• Dire Wolf Fang Daggers (Black) – Balanced weight, jagged single-edge, sharp and swift.
• Black Dire Wolf Hide Armor – Moderate defense, excellent mobility.
• Pendant – Wolf Paw Emblem (Black)
Personality Summary:
→ Attempts to emulate Alter's stoic nature. Quietly competitive and serious about protecting others. Tries to act cool and composed, but gets flustered when his façade breaks.
Alter grunted quietly.
Alter grunted quietly.
"He's getting sharper. That strike last week wasn't a fluke…"
He shifted his gaze to Mira, raising his hand again.
[System – Analyze Activated]
Target: Mira
Name: Mira
Age: 11
Title: Wolf Disciple – White Fang
Class: Trainee Rogue
Level: 8
HP: 180 / 180
MP: 60 / 60
Attributes:
→ Strength: 16
→ Agility: 24
→ Vitality: 15
→ Intelligence: 16
→ Willpower: 14
→ Luck: 15
Skills:
• Basic Dagger Mastery (Lv 2)
• Evasion Roll (Lv 1)
• Keen Senses (Lv 1)
Equipment:
• Dire Wolf Fang Daggers (White) – Lightweight, curved edges, fast slashing.
• White Dire Wolf Hide Armor – Light defense, high agility.
• Pendant – Wolf Paw Emblem (White)
Personality Summary:
→ Cheerful, energetic, and affectionate. Brings lightness to dark moments, playful but earnest. Openly expresses care and shows joy in small things—especially when teasing Finn or calling Alter "Wolfmaster."
Alter exhaled slowly, lowering his hand.
"She's quick. Too quick sometimes. But that spirit... it's irreplaceable."
His gaze lingered on their peaceful faces a while longer. His hand instinctively reached toward the fire and tossed another log in. Sparks fluttered up like fireflies, dancing into the sky.
He looked up, quietly.
"…They're doing well, Seraphina."
But no voice came back.
Only the quiet wind, and the soft crackle of flame.
Alter stood up, turning toward the forest. He pulled his cloak closer, Yin and Yang sheathed at his sides. There was still meat to gather, traps to check, and dawn to prepare for.
Behind him, Mira stirred in her sleep, murmuring something unintelligible. Finn adjusted his position slightly, one hand gripping his dagger even as he slept.
Alter smirked.
Wolves, both of them.
He vanished into the trees—leaving behind the fire, the warmth, and the next generation growing under the stars.
First Quest – Goblin Culling and a Harsh Lesson
The sun filtered through a scattered veil of clouds, casting shifting shadows over the forest floor. Alter knelt at the edge of the goblin-infested ravine, his eyes narrowed as he studied the terrain. Behind him, Finn adjusted his grip on his black dagger while Mira bounced on her heels, practically humming with excitement.
"First real mission," Mira whispered. "Let's do this!"
Finn nodded, affecting a deep voice, "Stay sharp. Goblins are nasty in groups."
Alter didn't comment. Instead, he gave a subtle nod, then motioned forward. They split into formation—Mira flanked left, swift and low to the ground, while Finn took the right with cautious steps. Alter advanced from the center, letting the two take the lead.
They struck fast.
Mira dashed between two goblins, her white fang dagger slashing across one's throat before flipping backward to dodge a retaliatory spear. Finn leapt from cover, plunging his dagger into a distracted goblin's back. They moved like twin shadows—Mira's high agility dancing circles around targets, Finn anchoring with guarded precision.
"Watch left!" Finn called.
"Got it!" Mira responded, ducking and countering.
Alter remained behind, observing. Their training had paid off. Six months ago, they would've been winded dodging one clumsy swipe. Now, they were handling swarms with surprising coordination. He joined only when needed—dispatching clusters with swift efficiency, not stealing their momentum, only covering their blind spots.
Within thirty minutes, the goblin camp was nearly wiped out.
"Only two left!" Mira shouted, ducking behind a tree.
Then it happened.
A rumble of footsteps echoed from deeper within the cave. A heavy growl. Branches snapped as a hulking figure emerged—green skin stretched over thick muscle, a crude helmet on its head and a black iron mace gripped in one meaty hand.
A Hobgoblin.
Its eyes locked on the trio.
Alter's eyes glinted as he called internally:
[Analyze] – Activated
[HOBGOBLIN – GORK MAWBREAKER]
Level: 32
HP: 920 / 920
MP: 110 / 110
Strength: 58 | Agility: 30 | Vitality: 45
Traits: Battle Hardened, Brutish Commander, Iron Mace Proficiency
Abilities: Crushing Blow, War Howl, Charge
It was stronger than all three of them combined.
Alter stepped forward to intercept—
But Finn raised his dagger. "No," he said firmly. "Let us try."
Mira nodded. "We can do this."
For a moment, Alter considered saying no. But then he saw their eyes—determined, sharp, not reckless. He gave a single nod. "Don't die."
What followed was chaos—and growth.
Mira baited the hobgoblin with rapid slashes, using the trees as cover while Finn circled, waiting for an opening. But the hobgoblin was no fool. It swung its mace in wild arcs, forcing both kids to retreat. They were knocked down more than once, bruises forming.
"Switch!" Finn called.
Mira dove left. Finn slid in with Guard Break, his dagger catching the underside of the hobgoblin's arm. It roared in pain but retaliated with a vicious swing. The children dodged barely, rolling across dirt and leaves.
Alter watched, tense but silent.
Then it happened. Mira landed a quick stab to the hobgoblin's leg—causing it to falter. Finn capitalized, stabbing at its shoulder. The beast roared and raised its mace overhead, about to crush Finn.
A flash—Alter appeared behind the goblin, parrying the mace with one dagger.
"Now!" he ordered.
Both kids stabbed in unison—Mira at the knee, Finn at the throat.
The hobgoblin collapsed with a loud thud.
Silence.
Breathing heavy, Finn dropped to one knee. Mira wiped sweat off her brow, then immediately tackled Finn into a hug.
"We did it!" she shouted.
"Y-Yeah…" Finn muttered, dazed but smiling.
Alter sheathed his blades. "Well done."
[System Prompt – Quest Complete: 'Goblin Culling – Forest Border]
Reward: 4,000 EXP (Split)
Bonus: Hobgoblin Eliminated – +2,000 EXP
Mira: Level Up! → Lv. 9
Finn: Level Up! → Lv. 10
The three stood together in the fading light, the goblin camp smoldering behind them.
This was their first step.
The first of many.
Return to the Guild – Bags, Banter, and a Hobgoblin Head
The doors of the adventurer's guild swung open with a dramatic creak.
Heads turned. Conversations paused.
There, framed in the sunlight, stood the trio of wolves:
A tall man in a rugged brown dire wolf cloak.
A young boy in a black pelt, arms folded, trying to look stoic.
And a cheerful girl in a white pelt, smiling like she owned the world.
Each held a bag—Mira's bouncing slightly with each step, Finn's gripped firmly in both hands, and Alter's… dragging a rather large sack behind him with a thump… thump… thump every few steps.
The entire guild hall went silent.
One whisper broke the quiet.
"D-Did he… multiply?"
"No, no, they're… smaller. Clones?"
"Why are there three of him now?"
"Color-coded wolves?"
Mira skipped to the front desk and leaned forward with a bright smile. "Hi Miss Leila~! We're back!"
The cute, perky female attendant blinked, recognizing the voice—and the unmistakable white pelt. "Oh! Mira! Welcome back. And Finn too, I take it?"
"Yep!" Mira chirped. "And we finished our first quest!"
Leila leaned forward with interest. "You two did? That's great! Was it scary?"
Mira gave an exaggerated shrug. "Only a little. Finn screamed once."
"I did not," Finn grunted, arriving beside her with a practiced 'cool' expression. "That was a tactical exhale."
Leila giggled behind her hand.
Moments later, a heavy THUD echoed across the counter as Alter stepped up and dropped his massive bag.
Mira placed the mission scroll and her smaller bag of goblin ears with a proud smile. "Mission scroll and proof of kills!"
Finn followed suit, placing his beside hers.
Leila began sorting through the items… until she glanced at Alter's bag and froze.
"…Um… M-Mister Lone Wolf?" she said, nervously poking the side of the sack with her pen. "This… isn't more ears, is it?"
Alter said nothing. He simply untied the top and tilted it forward.
THUNK.
The severed head of a hobgoblin, still wearing its iron helmet, rolled out and landed squarely on the counter, its tongue lolling to the side. A low drip… drip followed.
A silence heavier than a dungeon boss filled the guild.
Leila's smile cracked. "A-Ah… thank you for the… generous confirmation."
Mira poked it. "Ew, I think it's still leaking."
Finn nodded solemnly. "Battle damage."
Leila gave a weak laugh and immediately waved to the back. "Lars! Can you take this—um—head and the bags to the backroom?"
A tired-looking male attendant peeked out from the back office. "Is it that Lone Wolf guy again?"
"Yes," she whispered.
He groaned. "Not touching another head. Last time it blinked."
"Just do it!" she snapped.
"Fiiiiine," Lars muttered as he grabbed a thick pair of gloves and slowly, very slowly, dragged the hobgoblin's head and materials away.
As the trio waited for their reward, more whispers echoed from the hall.
"Who brings a head for confirmation?"
"Those kids are terrifying…"
"That white one smiled while poking it."
"Don't make eye contact. They might be born hunters."
Mira turned and waved at the eavesdropping adventurers. "Hi~!"
Several flinched.
Leila handed over three small pouches of gold. "Here's your payment. And… congratulations again."
"Thank you!" Mira beamed.
Alter nodded. Finn gave a single thumbs-up.
The trio turned to leave, their matching cloaks fluttering behind them.
As the guild doors closed behind them, one adventurer whispered:
"…We just witnessed a wolf pack cash in."
Another added:
"…And the alpha brought a trophy."
Second Quest – A Wolf Pack in the Wilds
The trio stood before the quest board once more. Mira scanned the parchment like a child choosing candy.
"Oooh! This one's about kobolds!"
Finn squinted, arms crossed. "Not challenging enough."
Mira pointed again. "Giant horned rabbits?"
"Still too easy."
"What about… spiders?"
Finn paled. "...Next."
Alter leaned in, silent as ever, and tapped one of the quests near the top.
It read:
[Request] – Eliminate the Wildfang Alpha
A territorial beast disrupting trade routes through the eastern plains. Believed to be a mutated dire wolf.
Reward: 400 gold, Alpha-class materials.
Mira gasped. "A mutated dire wolf? That's like… our cousin!"
Finn nodded. "Full circle."
Alter didn't speak, but they both understood.
This would be their first elite-class monster as a team. The perfect step up.
—
Location: Eastern Plains – Wildfang Territory
The sun was high, wind sharp with the scent of blood and fur. The team crouched near the tall grasses lining a shattered trade road. Claw marks tore through wood and rock alike. Bones of livestock littered the roadside.
They had been tracking the Alpha's path for over an hour.
"Tracks," Finn whispered, kneeling. "Fresh. He's close."
"Smell too," Mira added. "Like wet fur and bad breath."
Alter, crouched between them, motioned silently—fingers gesturing left, right, split formation.
The children nodded.
They moved.
—
Moments Later – The First Encounter
A massive mutated dire wolf lunged from the thicket, its body nearly twice the size of a normal wolf. Its fur shimmered with unnatural red streaks, and its eyes glowed yellow.
[Wildfang Alpha – Lv. 25]
"Here it comes!" Mira shouted, rolling away as it pounced.
Finn flanked right, his daggers clashing against the beast's side. Sparks flew, but the hide was tough.
Alter didn't draw a weapon yet—he watched.
"Too shallow!" Finn grunted. "Need to target softer spots!"
"Under the legs or neck!" Mira called out. "Remember the mock drills!"
Finn adjusted his approach, using Quick Step to dodge a tail swipe.
Mira dove under, slicing toward the hind legs.
A howl erupted from the beast, just as it lunged toward Finn.
Alter moved.
In a blink, his twin daggers Yin and Yang struck out.
A clean slice across the Alpha's flank redirected the beast mid-charge.
Finn landed his hit on the soft inner leg. Mira rolled under again, slicing at the underbelly.
The trio's rhythm intensified—cut, retreat, reposition, strike again.
Blood began to pool.
The Wildfang Alpha roared, fur bristling, entering a berserk state.
[Warning: Wildfang Alpha has entered Frenzy Mode]
"NOW!" Alter barked for the first time.
Together, Finn and Mira leapt—crossing paths mid-air.
Twin Fang Strike.
Both daggers pierced into the Alpha's neck from both sides.
The beast collapsed, its final breath a growl into the wind.
—
Aftermath
Mira sat on the ground panting. "We did it… we did it!!"
Finn nodded, equally breathless. "Took damage. But nothing serious."
Alter knelt by the corpse and began harvesting the valuable fangs, claws, and fur.
Mira watched with sparkling eyes. "Can you make us accessories with those?"
Finn added, "Or new armguards?"
Alter didn't reply—he simply packed the materials in silence.
But his eyes lingered on them for a moment longer than usual.
A flicker of pride.
Their second real quest, and a victory well earned.
Campfire Under the Stars – "A Pack's Victory"
The fire crackled softly beneath the open night sky. Sparks danced upward as the last light of the Wildfang Alpha's blood baked off their blades. The soft chirping of insects filled the quiet. Meat roasted on skewers, thick and sizzling with the rich aroma of a fresh hunt.
Finn sat cross-legged, arms bandaged from minor scratches. Mira leaned against a tree stump, her head tilted back to the stars, humming some random tune she probably made up.
Alter sat nearest the fire, slowly turning the skewers, adding dried herbs for flavor. His gaze was calm but distant, as usual—until Mira broke the silence.
"We're awesome," she declared, grinning ear to ear. "We totally beat up a giant wolf."
Finn adjusted his wolf pelt. "Wasn't just a wolf. It was mutated. Stronger. Meaner."
"Still counts. I'm calling us the Fangs of Fate!"
Finn frowned. "That's... way too dramatic."
Mira puffed her cheeks. "You're just jealous you didn't think of it first."
Alter let out a very slight exhale. A breath that might've been a chuckle. Maybe.
Mira pointed triumphantly. "You saw that, right?! He laughed! That's a win!"
Finn smirked. "Mark it down. First Alpha kill and we made the Wolfmaster laugh."
Alter handed each of them a skewer. "Eat. You'll need the energy."
Mira accepted hers with sparkling eyes. "You know, I didn't think wolf meat would taste good… but this is amazing."
Finn nodded, chewing. "Seasoning makes a big difference. You used those green leaves, right?"
Alter answered, "Wildleaf and cracked root. Balances the gaminess."
They ate in content silence for a while.
Then Finn, in a quieter voice, asked, "Do you think… we'll get strong enough to protect others? Like you do?"
Alter looked at him for a long moment before responding.
"If you keep walking the path, step by step… one day, others will look at you and feel safe."
Mira leaned closer, her voice soft. "You really think so?"
Alter nodded. "Strength is earned. You've taken your first steps. Many never do."
Finn glanced down at his dagger. "I want to be that strong."
"I know," Alter said simply.
Mira held her skewer like a sword. "Then I'll be even stronger than Finn!"
Finn immediately turned. "In your dreams."
She stuck her tongue out. "I dream big."
Alter added more firewood, the warm light flickering off their faces.
Then he said quietly, almost to himself, "Someday, the world will remember the black and white wolves who ran beside the lone brown one."
Mira blinked. "That sounded kinda poetic."
Finn muttered, "Don't encourage him."
Alter said nothing else. But the faintest smile traced his lips.
Their bond—no longer mentor and students alone.
They were a pack.
And their journey was just beginning.
One Year Later – "The Great Bull Stampede Trap"
Boom—BOOM—BOOM—BOOM!
The ground quaked with every thunderous step of the incoming horde.
Two figures sprinted through the grassy field with full adrenaline, sweat flying, hearts pounding.
"THEY'RE STILL GAINING ON US!!" Finn shouted, voice cracking in panic as a snort of steam blasted over his shoulder.
Mira, slightly ahead, yelled over her shoulder, "MAYBE BECAUSE YOU CALLED THEIR LEADER A COW WITH ISSUES!"
"I THOUGHT IT WAS A COMPLIMENT!!"
Behind them, a stampede of muscular, horned, four-eyed bulls—each the size of a wagon—barreled across the terrain, eyes glowing red, foam spraying from their mouths.
[Monster Type: Ironhide Stampedehorns – Lv 47]
[Aggro Status: ABSOLUTE RAGE]
Mira dodged a flying rock. "WE CAN'T OUTRUN THEM!"
"I KNOW!" Finn gasped. "BUT THE TRAP!"
Realization hit them both at once.
Their eyes widened.
"—THE PIT!"
Without slowing, Mira shouted, "ON THREE!"
"One!"
"Two!"
"THREE!!"
THWUMP—WHOOSH!
The two shot up into the air like twin wolves in flight, their cloaks fluttering dramatically behind them.
BOOOOOOM!!!
The herd surged forward—
CRAAAAAACKKKK!!!
The moment their monstrous weight hit the false-grass covering—
The ground gave way.
An enormous pitfall trap, layered with softened dirt and hidden planks, collapsed in a thunderous roar as twenty stampedehorns bellowed in shock, plunging into the earth in an avalanche of muscle and horns.
CRASH—THUD—SLAM—BAAAAAAAAAW!!!
A cloud of dust exploded upward, followed by a chorus of enraged mooing echoing from below.
The pit was deep. Very deep. Far too deep for even those monsters to leap from.
"YEAHHH!!" Mira whooped, landing in a slide on the grassy ledge beside the pit.
"BOOM, BABY!" Finn declared, skidding beside her with a triumphant fist pump.
They turned and high-fived in perfect sync, proud grins on their faces.
Below, the bulls roared in impotent fury, pacing and crashing into the pit walls.
Mira cupped her hands to her mouth and called out, "Hope you like your new basement apartment!"
Finn smirked. "No refunds."
From a nearby cliff, standing atop a smooth boulder with his arms crossed, Alter watched in silence.
The wind tugged gently at his wolf pelt. His brown eyes followed every motion of the trap, from baiting to detonation.
His mouth twitched into a subtle, proud smile.
"…Perfect execution."
The student wolves had grown.
Dust swirled in the distance as the final echo of the bulls' roars faded beneath layers of soil and silence.
Alter stood atop a grassy ridge, arms crossed, cloak of brown dire wolf fur rippling slightly in the wind. Below, the massive pit lay closed—a fresh mound of earth where the wild stampede had once thundered.
Finn and Mira, both taller and leaner now after another full year of growth and training, stood side by side, panting. Dirt clung to their hands and sleeves. Their eyes remained locked on the sealed pit, as if expecting the monsters to burst through at any moment.
But there was nothing.
Just the wind.
Just the silence of a successful kill.
Two hours earlier...
Alter had stepped forward from the forest's edge as the two teens cheered, high-fiving after watching the bulls fall into their trap. His voice rang out over the field, calm and clear.
"Finish it. Close the hole. Suffocate them."
Finn turned first, sweat running down his brow. "With earth magic?"
"Now," Alter said firmly.
Mira swallowed and stepped beside her partner. They both raised their hands. The ground trembled as the duo focused.
"Earth Pillar—collapse."
"Earthen Fold—bury!"
Chunks of dirt and stone rolled inward from the sides of the pit, caving in with calculated precision. A muffled thunder echoed from within as monsters cried out—but soon those sounds were silenced under tons of packed earth.
Alter watched their technique closely. It wasn't perfect—but it was controlled. That mattered more than power.
He nodded.
Now, standing above the sealed tomb, Finn dropped to one knee, catching his breath.
"That… was intense."
Mira flopped down beside him, brushing her hair back with a grin. "We did it though. That was like—twenty bulls!"
"Thirty-seven," Alter corrected as he approached. "I counted."
"…Of course you did," Finn muttered.
Mira looked up. "Wolfmaster! Did we pass?"
Instead of answering, Alter opened his system menu. A faint golden glow flickered in front of his eyes.
[System Notification – Alter]
Monsters Defeated: +37
Target Type: Stampede-Class Beasts (Bullanox)
Reward: +Exp (x3 Multikill Bonus)
Notification Delay: 2 hours
[Kill Confirmed]
Skill Experience Gained
All elemental affinities: Magic Skill Slot #1 Unlocked
Alter slowly exhaled, the feeling washing over him like old familiarity. His magic affinity list pulsed—finally usable again.
After a long time of grinding with no access to casting, the first tier had opened back up. His lips quirked into the faintest of smirks.
Fire, Ice, Water, Wind, Earth, Light, Dark, Lightning, Nature… finally.
Beside him, Finn tilted his head. "Did you just… smile?"
Mira gasped. "I think he did! Is it a full moon tonight?!"
"I can smile," Alter said flatly.
"Prove it," Mira teased.
"...Get stronger first."
They both groaned.
Still, as Alter looked out over the buried pit, he felt something he hadn't in a long while—momentum. His Creator Authority was still sealed, but now he could feel the pieces slowly returning. Even if only one skill per element at first, it was a start.
He placed a hand on each of the kids' shoulders. "You've done well. And your training is far from over."
Mira beamed. "We can handle it!"
Finn nodded with a grin. "Bring it on."
Alter's voice was calm as he turned away.
"Good. Because the next lesson… is mana combat casting while moving."
[System Update – Training Milestone Reached]
→ Alter: Elemental Magic Access Unlocked (Tier 1)
→ Finn: Earthen Control Mastery (Lv 2)
→ Mira: Lightning Flow and Windstream Integration (Lv 2)
Training Flames and Thunder – A Lesson in Control
The afternoon sun dipped low over the horizon, casting golden-orange hues across the quiet meadow Alter had chosen for today's training. The air was crisp, stirred only by a breeze that danced across the tall grass. A makeshift training circle had been cleared in the center—scorched earth marked the result of prior magical misfires.
Alter stood with his arms crossed, his sharp brown eyes scanning the field where Finn and Mira stood ten meters apart, sweat glistening on their brows. Between them, a line of marked targets made of wood, cloth, and bundled straw stood upright—each one a test of elemental precision.
"Alright," Alter said, voice calm but authoritative. "You've learned the theory. You've practiced the basics. Today, we push it further."
Finn clenched his fists, nodding with determination. Mira smiled, bouncing a little on her toes, sparks of excitement already gathering around her fingertips—literally.
"Finn. Earth Spear," Alter commanded. "Mira. Thunder Pulse. Alternate strikes. Do not hit each other. Do not hit me. Do not set fire to my coat."
"…You're still mad about that?" Mira muttered, scratching her cheek sheepishly.
"I'm very attached to that coat," Alter deadpanned.
Finn slammed his palms forward. "Earth Spear!"
The ground rumbled—jagged stones shot upward, piercing one of the straw targets straight through. A solid hit.
Mira flicked her wrist. "Thunder Pulse!"
Crackling lightning burst from her palm. It zigzagged like a wild serpent—but missed the target and instead fried a tree off to the side, which promptly burst into flames.
"Oops."
"…That tree was not a goblin," Alter said with the patience of a man who had long since buried his expectations in a deep, unmarked grave.
Mira grinned. "It could've been a goblin… in disguise."
Alter pinched the bridge of his nose. "Again."
The drill continued. Earth Spears pierced and crumbled targets, Thunder Pulses became more refined, and the two slowly began alternating their strikes with smoother coordination. Whenever they faltered, Alter stepped in—not with criticism, but with correction.
"Feel the ground, Finn. Don't force it. Earth responds best to steadiness, not aggression."
"Mira—focus. Lightning isn't about speed. It's about precision and release. Hold until the last moment."
As the sun fully dipped below the trees, their progress was clear. Target after target exploded under the duo's refined control.
At last, Alter raised a hand. "That's enough for today."
Finn dropped to the ground with a gasp, flopping onto his back. "I can't feel my arms."
Mira dropped beside him, panting. "I think I electrocuted myself twice."
Alter crouched beside them, placing a hand on each of their heads.
"You both did well," he said simply.
Mira blinked up at him. "Did you… just praise us?"
Finn, with eyes half-closed, muttered, "He's evolving…"
Alter grinned faintly. "Don't get used to it."
As stars began to prick the sky, the three returned to their camp. A fire flickered to life. Dinner was simple—roasted meat, seasoned with herbs Mira collected earlier.
After eating, Finn leaned back and looked at the sky. "Hey, Wolfmaster…"
Alter tilted his head. "Hmm?"
"When do we get to fight something stronger?"
Mira immediately chimed in. "Yeah! Like a bear. Or a wyvern! Or—oooh, a giant bug!"
Alter raised a brow. "You want to fight a giant bug?"
Mira nodded eagerly. "As long as Finn goes first."
"Thanks," Finn muttered.
Alter chuckled under his breath. "Soon," he promised. "But for now, sleep. Tomorrow, we try something new."
"What?" Mira asked.
Alter looked into the fire. "We'll begin learning how to move with magic. Body-enhancement through elemental flow."
Both kids' eyes widened in excitement.
"…Does that mean we can run up trees?" Mira asked.
"…Or punch through stone?" Finn added.
Alter didn't answer immediately.
He just smiled.
[System Update: Skill Progression – Unlocked]
→ Mira: [Lightning Step – Lv.1] acquired
→ Finn: [Stonebound Reinforcement – Lv.1] acquired
Mana Flow – The Dance of the Wolf Disciples
The next morning, a heavy mist blanketed the forest clearing where Alter had chosen their training ground. Pale sunlight filtered through the trees, casting long streaks of gold across the dew-kissed grass. In the center stood Finn and Mira, each crouched in a readied stance—daggers at their hips, breath steady, eyes focused.
Alter stood before them, arms crossed as usual, the wind catching the brown dire wolf pelt draped over his shoulders.
"Today," he began, "you stop being grounded warriors. It's time you learn how to fight like shadows—moving faster than a blade, with mana as your engine."
Finn blinked. "Wait… you mean like when you disappear and reappear behind enemies?"
"Yes," Alter replied. "But without teleportation. This is mana-enhanced movement. Flow magic through your body, into your muscles, and let it explode at the moment of motion."
Mira raised her hand. "Uh, what if we explode before we move?"
"…Then you didn't control it right," Alter said flatly.
Finn muttered, "We're gonna explode, aren't we?"
[Training Objective: Mana-Enhanced Movement Initiated]
Phase 1 – Body Channeling
Alter demonstrated first.
With a single breath, faint flickers of light-blue aura wrapped around his limbs. Then he was gone—vanished from his spot and reappearing behind them with a faint wind snap.
"Whoa…" Mira whispered.
"Your turn," Alter said.
Attempt #1 – Finn
He grunted, squatted slightly, and forced earth-element mana into his legs.
"Flow like water, explode like fire," he muttered.
He launched—
—and faceplanted ten feet ahead.
"…Oof."
Mira clapped. "Better than last time!"
Attempt #1 – Mira
She inhaled, focused, and called on wind and lightning mana.
"Okay… smooth… fast—"
CRACK!
She rocketed forward like a bullet… and crashed headfirst into a tree.
Thunk!
"...I'm okay!" she called out, upside-down in a bush.
Alter sighed. "Again. But this time, feel the rhythm, don't force it."
Phase 2 – Flow State
After an hour of bruises and yelling (mostly Mira yelling "We're gonna dieeee!" mid-flight), the two began to improve. Alter guided their breathing. He placed his hand on their backs to regulate mana output. His voice was steady—low and instructional at all times:
"You're surging. Control it."
"Don't grip the ground. Glide."
"Mana is not fuel. It's your partner."
Little by little, their steps grew lighter. Their speed, sharper. Their control—tighter.
Phase 3 – Combat Movement Drill
Alter drew a stick and tossed it high into the air. "Catch it before it hits the ground."
The two bolted.
Mira zipped with a faint trail of wind behind her.
Finn tunneled under a root with a burst of earth-pulse and emerged above.
They collided mid-air.
CRASH!
Both hit the ground in a tangled heap of limbs and wolf pelts.
Alter walked past them, caught the stick mid-fall, and placed it back in his pouch without a word.
Mira groaned. "Why is he so cool…"
Finn muttered, "I think I dislocated my pride…"
[System Update – Skill Gained]
Finn
→ Mana Step (Lv 1): Short-range burst movement using mana-infused legs. Slight terrain impact based on elemental affinity.
Mira
→ Flash Glide (Lv 1): Quick directional movement using wind or lightning. Low mana cost, high maneuverability.
As the sun began to set, the trio stood at the edge of the clearing.
"Good work today," Alter said. "Tomorrow, we add dagger strikes mid-movement."
Mira cried out. "Nooooooo! Let my ankles rest!"
Finn whispered, "I miss the pit trap days…"
Alter walked ahead, his cloak swaying behind him. "You'll thank me when you're dodging a wyvern's breath."
They blinked.
"…We're gonna fight a wyvern?!" they shouted.
Alter didn't answer.
Because yes, they would be. Sooner than they thought.
Chaos Strikes – Daggers, Dashes, and Disaster Magic
The next morning was suspiciously peaceful.
Too peaceful.
Finn narrowed his eyes at the clear blue sky as birds chirped happily overhead. "Something's not right."
Mira yawned and stretched. "Maybe Alter finally decided to take it easy on us—"
CRACK!
A tree exploded.
"—never mind!" she shrieked as a flaming dagger embedded itself into the trunk next to her.
From the far side of the clearing, Alter stood with his arms behind his back, a faint smirk on his face. "Good morning. Today's lesson: Strike while moving… and cast while striking."
Finn's jaw dropped. "That's three things!"
Mira pointed. "You're skipping chapters!"
Alter drew a line in the dirt with his dagger. "The world doesn't wait for you to catch up."
He lifted his hand—and a glowing rune circle ignited in the air.
"Begin."
[Training Objective: Mobile Strikes + Simultaneous Magic Casting]
Phase 1 – Movement + Attack
Finn rushed forward, mana pulsing through his legs. He sidestepped a swinging branch Alter sent flying and closed the distance.
"Strike!"
He slashed mid-step—only for Alter to duck casually under the blow and tap Finn's forehead with a stick.
Boop.
"Too slow."
Mira's Turn
She zipped around like a breeze, her wind affinity leaving wisps in her wake. She threw a dagger mid-glide.
"Got you this time—!"
Alter caught the dagger with his teeth.
Mira's eyes widened. "I—I didn't even know that was possible!"
He spit it out. "You missed the liver."
Phase 2 – Add Magic
Alter raised the difficulty.
"Now… cast basic magic while moving. Use your affinities. Make it flow like your steps."
He snapped his fingers.
A rune barrier shot up and began launching painted rocks—each glowing with elemental energy—at the kids.
"Welcome to Advanced Dodgebattle."
Finn's Attempt
"Earth shield—wait no, fireball—ahh!!"
WHOMP
A rock nailed him in the stomach.
"Uggh… I forgot what spell I was casting…"
Mira's Attempt
She zipped around, hands glowing.
"Windblade! Lightning! Wait, where's my dagger?!"
She had thrown it… straight into a tree squirrel's lunch.
"EEK!" The squirrel fled. The tree combusted. A minor forest fire started.
"Who gave her lightning?!" Finn coughed, rolling on the ground as smoke billowed.
Mid-Training Commentary – Alter's Notes
Finn: solid footwork, spell order confusion, still forgets to breathe when casting.
Mira: creative, reckless, one squirrel casualty.
Overall: acceptable chaos.
[System Update – Skill Gained]
Finn
→ Burst Strike (Lv 1): Delivers a dagger strike mid-movement. Can be chained with a spell if timed correctly.
→ Spell Weave (Lv 1): Enables one spell cast during movement per 10 seconds.
Mira
→ Storm Dance (Lv 1): Allows light attacks while gliding or during wind/lightning dashes.
→ Spell Snap (Lv 1): Casts an instant low-level spell if certain movement conditions are met.
As the sun set, Mira and Finn collapsed near the campfire. Their pelts were slightly singed. Their hair stood on end.
Finn whispered, "If I smell roasted squirrel again, I'm gonna cry."
Mira whimpered, "I forgot what sleep feels like…"
Alter sat by the fire, silently grilling fish.
"You did well," he said.
Finn blinked. "Really?"
Mira perked up. "Does that mean we're ready?"
Alter turned, deadpan. "For what? That was still basic training."
Black lines ran down both of their faces.
Mira flopped backward. "Just bury me here…"
Finn stared into the fire. "…What's a vacation?"
Advanced Obstacle Course – Mayhem Edition
It was a beautiful morning.
Birds were singing, the sky was clear, and the calm breeze made it feel like the perfect day to relax.
Which is why Mira grew suspicious immediately.
"Finn…" she muttered.
"…Yeah?"
"Why is Alter humming?" she whispered, eyes narrowed toward their master, who stood beside a completely remodeled obstacle course—now twice the size, with suspicious glowing runes, floating platforms, spinning logs, and—was that a bear on fire?
"Welcome," Alter said serenely, "to the upgraded training course: Path of the Stormblade."
Mira blinked. "That sounds like a final dungeon."
Finn whispered, "It is the final dungeon. The final dungeon of our sanity…"
Training Objective: Movement + Strike + Magic + Obstacle Navigation
Rules:
You must complete the course.
You must not die.
If you hesitate, the flaming bear wins.
Mira raised her hand. "Wait. That's a real bear, isn't it?"
From behind the trees, the flaming bear roared.
Finn looked pale. "You gave it fire magic?!"
Alter, calm and unbothered, sipped tea. "Adaptability is key."
Round One – Mira
She took a deep breath. "I can do this. I'm lightning. I'm wind. I'm fast and agile and—OH GODS!"
Whoooosh—BOOM!
She dodged a spinning log, leapt across floating platforms, and hurled a wind blade midair.
But then—
BZZZT!
"NOT THE LIGHTNING WHILE IN WATER—AAAH!"
She emerged from the pool section smoking slightly.
Alter nodded. "Noted: electrifying self is suboptimal."
Mira coughed. "You don't say…"
Round Two – Finn
"Alright," he said, dagger in each hand. "Let's do this—"
WHOOSH!
A vine trap yanked him into the air.
"…I haven't even started yet!" he yelled as he spun like a top.
He cut the vines midair, flipped, and landed on his feet.
"Okay, we recover. Earth wall!"
He summoned a solid wall—only for a rune trap to trigger and launch a banana cream pie into his face.
"…Why?!"
Alter scribbled a note. "Anti-focus test: effective."
Special Obstacle – The Magic Gauntlet
Alter's voice echoed from a nearby tree. "Now cast magic while running, dodging, and slashing."
Finn: "You're insane."
Mira: "We love you, but you're insane."
The two charged in.
Lightning bolts, wind blades, fire bursts, and earth spikes flew everywhere.
At one point, Mira ended up riding a summoned wind vortex while throwing daggers like a spinning top.
Finn used an earth ramp to leap over the bear—which roared in offense and chased him harder.
"WHY IS IT FASTER NOW?!" Finn screamed.
Alter calmly took notes: "Bear speed enchantment successful."
The Finish Line
Both children were scorched, muddied, and covered in pie residue.
They collapsed at the edge of the finish line.
"…I think my bones learned magic," Finn muttered.
Mira groaned, "I'm 90% bruise."
Alter walked over and crouched. "You lasted three minutes longer this time. Impressive."
Mira blinked. "So we passed?"
He shook his head. "That was the warm-up."
Black lines.
They both passed out on the spot.
[System Notification]
Finn
→ Skill Gained: Adaptive Casting (Lv 1) – Slightly reduces cast time while moving through chaotic terrain.
Mira
→ Skill Gained: Vortex Dancer (Lv 1) – Increases speed and casting accuracy while airborne or spinning.
Alter sighed, looking toward the flaming bear that now wore a flower crown Mira had somehow thrown mid-spin.
"…Maybe I did go too far."
The bear, oddly tame now, nuzzled his side.
"...Never mind. Perfect amount of chaos."
Wolf Cub Trials – The Path of Pain and Pranks
The sun was just rising over the forested hills, casting golden rays over Alter's now absurdly complex training course. Once a modest circuit of logs and pits, the obstacle course had grown to something more fitting for a military fortress under siege.
Ropes dangled from trees. Wooden dummies swung on rigged pulleys. Spinning logs over shallow rivers. Narrow ledges with pressure-plates. And most terrifying of all... Alter's personal trap additions.
Finn and Mira stood at the starting line, wide-eyed.
"…It's bigger again," Finn muttered, brow twitching.
"Yup," Mira chirped with unnerving cheer. "I bet he added those rolling boulders after dinner last night."
From behind a tree, Blazebloom let out a low snort, munching on a charred apple as if watching theater. A flower crown sat sideways on its burning head—Mira's handiwork.
Alter's voice called out from somewhere unseen.
"Begin. Remember… expect the unexpected."
The kids charged forward, moving like trained shadows, flipping and weaving through the early traps. But then—
SPROING—CLANG—WHOOOMPH.
A massive fake tree suddenly dropped, swinging like a pendulum. Mira dove beneath it while Finn vaulted over, barely grazing the bark.
"HE ADDED A SWINGING TREE?!" Finn gasped, landing hard.
Mira laughed breathlessly. "At least it's not as bad as last time—"
BOOOOOM!
A hidden pressure plate launched a dozen chickens into the air, each squawking in magical fire, harmless but very distracting.
Mira shrieked, "THE EXPLODING CHICKENS ARE BACK?!"
From behind the boulders, Alter scribbled in a notebook.
"Note: Exploding Chickens V2 remain effective at psychological warfare."
Blazebloom huffed approvingly.
The children reached the cliff edge segment. Here, they had to cast spells while jumping across spaced stone pillars. And today's twist?
"Cast mid-jump or fall. Bonus points if you hit the floating targets," Alter's voice echoed like a divine decree.
Finn leapt and cast Earthen Javelin, skewering a target midair. Mira twirled with agility, Lightning Spark bursting from her fingers and frying another. Both kids landed, breathing hard.
Then came the final gauntlet—dodging magical projectiles from Alter himself, who teleported to a high ledge and launched harmless but terrifying spells at them like a sadistic PE teacher with god-complex magic.
"KEEP MOVING!" Alter shouted. "A real enemy won't wait for your casting animation to finish!"
Finn shouted back mid-dodge, "We don't have animations!"
Alter smirked. "Then why are you moving like you do?"
Mira was shrieking and laughing at the same time, rolling under a blast of water while casting Wind Push upward to dislodge a hidden dart trap above Finn.
When they finally collapsed at the finish line, panting and bruised but alive, Alter walked over calmly.
"…You failed."
The kids blinked at him, stunned.
"W-what?!" Mira gasped.
"Why?" Finn sat up, sweaty and sore.
"You forgot Rule #17," Alter said, crossing his arms.
Both groaned, "Which one is seventeen?"
"Always assume the enemy cheats."
Suddenly, a bucket tied to a tree branch tipped.
SPLASH.
The two were drenched in cold muddy water.
Blazebloom let out a slow, approving grunt and walked over to flop beside them, smoke curling from its fur. It licked Mira's face.
Mira flailed. "GAH! Smokey bear slobber!"
Finn just lay back on the dirt and muttered, "I want to be reincarnated as a tree."
Alter stood over them, proud. "Good progress today. But you're still only at… third grade."
"THIRD?!" they both cried in unison.
[Training: Week 34 Complete – Psychological Endurance +1]