Under the golden sky, the small wolf crept stealthily from the shadows. His black mane helped him blend perfectly with the thick bushes and dense trees.
A soft wind rustled the leaves around him, carrying the damp forest scent and a strange smell that made his muzzle twitch restlessly. His eyes closed for a moment, trying to discern what was in the distance.
His ears twitched, catching the sound of unfamiliar footsteps rustling closer.
His steps halted. Strange. The footsteps were too orderly, not even those disgusting green creatures were like this. What was approaching?
Curiosity led him to hide behind the bushes. With his body crouched and breath held, he peered through the gaps in the thicket. His golden eyes shone brightly, tearing through the darkness of the bushes.
Slowly, the scent became clearer in his nostrils.
The aroma felt unfamiliar. Are they new creatures in this forest? Or have I wandered to the other side of this forest?
He didn't have to wait long. A group of creatures appeared. Five members, standing upright, walking on two legs.
The wolf's yellow eyes widened. His chest felt tight. For the first time since being born into this world, he saw that form. A form that reminded him of his past life.
Humans…
His body froze, watching in silence. His golden irises focused on the long objects sheathed neatly at their waists and backs.
Weapons? Ah, they are hunters. I must be careful.
One of the hunters, a long-haired woman, stretched out her arm and shouted something that sounded strange to his ears.
"[Scanning wind]"
A moment later, a wave of air shot from the woman. It wasn't harsh, but gentle, like a breeze. Yet, when it touched him, his black fur stood on end.
An energy seeped into his pores. As if the air was sniffing out his presence.
Run!
His instinct screamed. But his legs felt frozen. Rooted to the spot, only his eyes moved rapidly, watching the hunters before him.
What's happening? What did that woman just do?
But before he could unravel his fear mixed with curiosity, the woman's arm stretched out, pointing at the bush where he was hiding. All eyes sharply focused where she pointed.
"Over there!"
His eyes widened. The wolf retreated a step. A gasp caught in his throat. Am I… discovered?
"Are you sure?"
"Are you underestimating the top student of Lysvarn Academy, Ned?" the girl retorted, placing her hands on her hips before pushing the back of the man named Ned. "Hurry up, before it escapes."
"Alright, alright, I'll handle it."
The tall man turned and raised his hand. His mouth moved, muttering something.
A blazing red light began gathering in his palm, swirling like a small vortex. The air temperature instantly rose.
"[Fire ball]"
A fireball shot out from the man's hand, heading straight for the bush.
The small wolf immediately leaped out. His claws hit the ground, kicking up dust behind him. His breath was frantic, his heart pounding like a war drum.
Boom!
The bush exploded, consumed by raging flames.
I have to run!
The wolf turned and fled as fast as he could, weaving through protruding tree roots, piercing through thorny bushes that sliced his body. No more curiosity, only a gripping fear for his safety.
Yet, amid the rush of his steps, his mind churned violently. The sequence of events replayed in his head, demanding answers he couldn't find.
What… what was that? How could they produce wind and fire without tools? What kind of humans are they?
He had never seen anything like it before. Even in his old world, no one could produce fire just by shouting a few words.
In his memory, there were weapons that could create loud explosions that killed many people. But there was nothing like that among their belongings, only swords and spears–which were still sheathed behind their armor.
Dodge! Right!
His instinct warned him again. He obeyed, pushing his body to the right as directed.
Whoosh!
An arrow was shot from behind; luckily he managed to dodge it. The arrow struck a tree, and then a strange thing happened. The large tree split as if something had cut it.
"Don't let that wolf escape! Its body can be used for magic weapons!"
The hunters' hoarse shouts were clear to his ears.
Magic? Isn't that just a fairy tale?
Without time to think, his legs were forced to move. His instinct screamed again. But this time, there was no clear direction.
Where this time?
Crash.
The ground before him suddenly rose, creating a high wall blocking his path. Not just one, but four walls surrounded him.
Damn it. I'm trapped!
His eyes widened, his claws gripping the wet soil tightly. He growled fiercely upon hearing footsteps approaching from behind the wall.
However, the quick rhythm slowed to a leisurely pace before stopping right behind the wall in front of him.
"Hey, are you sure this wolf will really yield quality materials, Fraha?"
The woman named Fraha let out a soft snort. "Why do you always underestimate me?"
"No. Not at all. It's just... the wolf inside looks... small and weak?"
"On the contrary, we are very lucky. This wolf is still small and weak. I'm sure weapons made from its body will be very special. You'll praise me later when you realize how valuable it is."
"Hm. Alright, we trust you."
Inside the earthen walls trapping him, his ears continued eavesdropping on the faint conversation about him.
His front paws clawed the ground. His jaw tightened. He couldn't accept being turned into a weapon. Who did they think they were? He hadn't even met, let alone harmed, any humans. Why were they so selfish towards an innocent like him?
Humans... they are so narrow-minded!
But his shoulders suddenly slumped. Fragments of memory returned, reminding him that perhaps... he was once part of the very creatures now trying to kill him.
Right. If humans are truly cunning. How am I any different? Aren't all living creatures destined to be like this? A wolf can never befriend a rabbit. And vice versa. This is an unchangeable law of nature.
His mind cleared again. His focus shifted to escaping and surviving in this strange world.
His ears twitched again, hearing sounds from outside the wall.
"In that case, can you lower the barrier trapping our little wolf, Gildark? I can't wait to skin it and turn its bones and heart into weapons."
"Wait a moment, it takes a little time."
No time. I must escape!
His eyes moved quickly, scanning every possible point of escape. His brain worked hard to find a way out.
What should I do right now?
He looked up, gazing at the crescent moon beginning to shine brightly in the dark sky. The rustle of wind brushing against leaves was faintly audible over the wall-less canopy.
His eyes widened, a grin spreading across his face, as if he had just realized something.
Why didn't I think of this earlier?
"[Release]" a shout was heard from outside.
The ground shook, the walls slowly sank.
This is my chance.
In one strong push, he leaped in a zig-zag pattern between the earthen walls nimbly. Then, with one final push, his body shot out from the wide-open top.
All eyes widened in shock as they saw him leap over them.
"Don't let it escape!"
The chase between them resumed. This time, the hunters didn't hold back, launching various kinds of attacks. But the wolf easily dodged them, as if he had already adapted to their attack patterns.
"I won't let you get away!"
A large, muscular man blocked his path. No sword, no shield, not even armor. Just a muscular body with arms crossed in front.
Without a second thought, he charged at him, aiming his fangs and claws right at his arm.
"You think I'm afraid of your sharp teeth? I am the best fighter here!"
Who cares?
He didn't bite him, instead using the man's crossed arms as a foothold to leap once more. Easily jumping over the man in front of him.
"What?!" The man was stunned, realizing a wolf had fooled him.
But the wolf didn't care, immediately melting into the dark shadows of the forest. His black fur helped him vanish from their sight completely. Gone without a trace.