The forest thinned as Ethan and the wolf pressed forward. Sunlight spilled across rolling hills, and in the distance, smoke curled lazily into the sky. A village.
Ethan's chest tightened. Finally, people.
He quickened his pace, but the wolf blocked his path with a low growl. Its golden eyes flicked toward the village, then back at him, warning.
"…You think it's dangerous?" Ethan asked.
The wolf huffed softly, almost exasperated.
"I don't care," Ethan whispered, gaze fixed on the smoke. "If I'm going to survive here, I need information. And I can't just live in the woods forever."
Reluctantly, the wolf moved aside.
---
The Village of Greystone
The village wasn't large—rows of thatched houses, fields stretching into the hills, and a crude wooden palisade surrounding it. Farmers worked the soil with glowing tools, while armored guards patrolled the gates.
But what caught Ethan's eye was the symbol carved above the entrance: a circle entwined with chains.
As he stepped closer, glowing text appeared before him.
[Greystone Village – Oathbound Settlement]
All who enter are bound by the Laws.
Before Ethan could process it, a sharp voice rang out.
"Halt, stranger!"
A guard leveled his spear at Ethan's chest. His armor was simple iron, but the way he held the weapon showed training. Behind him, another guard tensed, eyes narrowing at the shadow wolf beside Ethan.
Ethan froze, raising his hands. "I'm not here to cause trouble—"
The wolf growled low, lips curling back. The guards flinched.
Another message appeared before Ethan's eyes:
[Warning: If Companion attacks, bond will be judged.]
Cold sweat dripped down Ethan's spine. "Easy, Shadow. Easy."
He laid a hand on the wolf's head, and to his relief, its growl softened.
The guard eyed him suspiciously. "You're an Oathbound, aren't you?"
"…What?" Ethan blinked.
With a grimace, the guard tapped the side of Ethan's neck. Confused, Ethan raised his hand—and froze.
His skin burned faintly where a mark now glowed: a circle entwined with chains, the same symbol carved into the village gate.
[Hunter's Mark Detected.]
Ethan's throat went dry. "When did…?"
"The moment you forged your first bond," the guard said, eyes hard. "Every Oathbound carries the mark. Which means you're either a savior—or a curse."
---
Inside the Village
They let him in reluctantly, though their spears never lowered. Villagers whispered as Ethan passed, eyes lingering on the wolf at his side. Some looked fearful. Others… hateful.
"Another Hunter."
"Why does the council let them in?"
"They bring ruin wherever they go."
Ethan clenched his fists. Great. So much for being welcomed with open arms.
At the village square stood a massive stone slab engraved with glowing text—an Oathbound Monolith, larger than the one in the forest. Hunters, clad in leather and steel, gathered around it, their companions looming nearby: lizards with crystalline scales, birds wreathed in flame, even a hulking bear covered in moss.
Ethan's breath caught. So I'm not the only one.
---
The Enforcer
A woman stepped forward from the crowd, her presence commanding silence. She wore blackened armor inscribed with silver runes, a longsword strapped to her back. At her heel padded a massive lion with fur like liquid gold.
Her eyes locked onto Ethan.
"You," she said, voice sharp as steel. "New blood."
Ethan stiffened. "…Yeah."
She studied him for a long moment, then nodded once. "Name?"
"Ethan Vale."
"Companion?"
The wolf growled softly, stepping closer.
"Shadowfang Wolf," Ethan said.
The woman's lips curved slightly—not into a smile, but something colder. "Rank F. Interesting."
Heat rose to Ethan's face. "Hey, he saved my life more times than I can count already—"
The woman raised a hand, silencing him. Her lion rumbled, golden eyes gleaming.
"Listen carefully, Ethan Vale. My name is Seris Kael. I am the Enforcer of Greystone, charged with ensuring no Hunter breaks the Laws. Fail to obey, and you'll wish you had died in the wilds."
Her gaze burned into his.
[New Character Introduced: Seris Kael, Enforcer of the Oath.]
---
The Second Law
Seris gestured to the monolith. "If you wish to stay here, you must learn the Second Law."
The runes flared, casting pale light across the square.
The Second Law of the Oath
Essence is life. Essence is power.
Hoard it, and your bond weakens.
Share it, and your bond strengthens.
To starve your companion of Essence is to betray the Oath.
Ethan's stomach knotted. He thought of the 62 Essence he had stored. So I have to feed it to Shadow… or risk breaking the bond.
The wolf glanced at him, eyes glowing faintly.
Seris watched him closely. "Do you understand now why most fear us? Hunters who starve their companions… don't live long enough to regret it."
Her lion growled softly. "Your choice will decide whether you remain human—or become prey."
---
Ethan swallowed hard, staring at the wolf beside him. He felt the weight of every villager's gaze.
The system pulsed:
[Choice: Share Essence with your Companion?]
Yes / No
The decision that would shape his bond had come sooner than he expected.
---