"So why are we just standing here, Ethan? Let's attack already," one of the eight direwolves said through their telepathic link, its crimson eyes locked on the beast ahead.
Ethan stood motionless, his blood-red eyes narrowed with focus. The forest around them was eerily silent, the air thick with primal pressure. Ahead of them loomed a monster unlike any they had encountered.
It was the Apex beast of the Forest of Nihilith... the Crimson Dreadmane.
A lion-like creature, but far more terrifying. Twin saber-like fangs jutted from its upper jaw, its claws shimmered like reforged steel, and its mane burned with hues of deep black and molten orange—like smoldering lava caged within fur. It was known as Rank 1, the deadliest beast in the entire forest.
Right now, it was feasting on a massive bird-like creature, its jaws crunching bone like it was brittle wood.
Ethan clenched his fists. "It's not time yet."
The wolves didn't question him further.
"Listen closely," he continued. "Once I activate Intimidate, you'll have exactly ten minutes before it breaks free. If we don't kill it by then… we die."
The direwolves nodded. No fear. Only resolve.
Ethan stepped forward.
The Crimson Dreadmane turned and their eyes met.
The beast froze. Muscles locked. Fear poured from its gaze like sweat.
♧ Skill Activated: Intimidate ♧
♧ Effect: Target Fear Threshold Surpassed ♧
♧ Timer: 10:00 ♧
"NOW!" Ethan roared.
The wolves launched themselves at the creature from all sides, their attacks coordinated and fierce. Claws slashed, jaws tore, and Qi bursts erupted against the beast's frame.
Even at its peak, the Dreadmane couldn't break through the overwhelming presence of Ethan's intimidation combined with the pack's precision.
Ten minutes later, blood stained the soil, and the beast collapsed in a final, defiant roar.
Ethan stepped forward and placed a hand on each of the wolves. "Well done, all of you. You've proven yourselves."
He turned toward the deeper forest, a smirk playing on his lips. "Let's go further in. We're just getting started."
The wolves howled in agreement—and they vanished into the shadows of the forest.
Meanwhile… in the Capital of Solburn
High above the shining city of Solburn, a figure darted across rooftops like a blur of silver and flame.
A boy, no older than seven, with wild white hair and glowing red eyes, leapt between buildings with laughter on his lips. Below, two exhausted royal guards gave chase.
"Please, Lord Lucien, stop running!" one of the guards shouted, nearly tripping over a chimney.
"No way!" Lucien grinned, wind whipping through his hair. "This is way more fun!"
He was the second son of the Sunfire King, the child of power and privilege. But he hated confinement.
Minutes later, Lucien sat calmly on a bench in one of the palace courtyards, arms folded behind his head, not a care in the world.
"You really need to stop doing that, young lord," one of the guards panted nearby, still catching his breath.
"Yeah... hard pass," Lucien muttered, turning his face away.
Then a voice cut through the air—calm, deep, and absolute.
"You really should listen sometimes, son."
The guards dropped to their knees immediately. Civilians nearby froze and bowed their heads.
Walking toward them was a man of pure command.
King Daemion Draegonhart.
His long white hair fell like silver waterfalls over a royal mantle stitched in golden fire patterns, wrapped over a regal white robe adorned with glowing sun crests. His beard was finely trimmed, his sharp crimson eyes gleamed with wisdom and danger.
Lucien didn't react.
"Sorry, dear father, but I prefer doing what I want," he said with a grin as he placed his hands behind his head.
King Daemion sat beside him.
"You are not just my son, Lucien. You are the future king. The true heir."
"And why is that?" Lucien asked. "Because I'm stronger than your other child?"
At birth, Lucien had tested at Level 15—a phenomenon. At age six, he reached Level 45. He broke every known boundary of growth and awakened potential.
In Solburn, the five Ascendancy Tests marked a human's life:
Birth
Age 6
Age 12
Age 16
Age 21
But not all progressed. Those who failed to grow between each stage were labeled The Hollowborn—powerless souls destined to serve, not rule.
Lucien? He was far from Hollowborn.
Back in the Forest
Ethan and his direwolves stood before a massive stone structure, half-buried in vines and thick moss.
"What is that?" one of the wolves asked, sniffing the air.
Ethan stepped forward, his eyes lighting with curiosity and hunger. "Ancient ruins..."
Massive stone doors, etched with forgotten glyphs, loomed ahead.
He smirked.
"Let's see what secrets you've buried."
With a burst of Qi, the doors groaned open, revealing darkness beyond.
"Show me what you've got, ruins."