The system prompt glowed before Ethan's eyes like fire:
[Choice: Share Essence with your Companion?]
Yes / No
His palms were slick with sweat. He could feel every pair of eyes in the square, judging, waiting. The guards, the villagers, even the other Hunters. Most of all—Seris Kael, the Enforcer, whose golden lion watched him with unblinking intensity.
Ethan swallowed hard. He thought of Shadowfang—the wolf who had saved him again and again. He owed it his life. And yet… giving up power in a world this dangerous felt like suicide.
The wolf's golden eyes met his, steady and calm. No demand. No threat. Just… trust.
Ethan's lips tightened. If I hold back now, I'm no better than the Hunters they warned me about.
His voice was firm. "Yes."
---
The Bond Deepens
Warmth spread through his chest as the Essence flowed outward, threads of glowing light weaving into Shadowfang. The wolf stiffened, then let out a low, rumbling howl that shook the air. Shadows rippled across its body, and the faint silver markings along its fur burned brighter.
[Essence Shared: 50]
[Companion Level Up!]
Shadowfang Wolf → Rank E (Growth Potential: ???)
New Skill: Lunar Howl (Active) – Buffs Hunter and Companion, raising speed and attack.
Loyalty: 78%
Synchronization: 32%
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Even Seris's stern gaze flickered briefly with surprise.
Ethan's jaw dropped. "Rank… E?"
Shadowfang padded to his side, fur bristling with new strength. Its presence was sharper now, darker, as if the shadows themselves bent toward it.
The wolf nudged his hand gently. Ethan smiled faintly, his chest tightening with relief. "Guess we're both stronger now."
The system chimed again:
[You have embraced the Second Law.]
Trust rewarded. Bond strengthened.
---
The Crowd's Reaction
But not all were impressed.
"That fool gave away half his Essence," one Hunter muttered. His companion—a serpent with crystalline scales—hissed in agreement.
"He won't last a week."
"Or maybe he's just trying to show off."
Ethan's ears burned. He turned sharply toward them, ready to snap back—but Seris's voice cut through the whispers.
"Enough."
The square fell silent. Her lion's tail flicked once, a warning.
Seris's cold eyes studied Ethan, then shifted to Shadowfang. "You chose trust over fear. Few Hunters would. That alone earns you a place here."
She stepped closer, her armor glinting in the torchlight. "But remember this: Essence is life. Give too much, and you weaken yourself. Give too little, and you betray your companion. Balance is the blade every Hunter must walk."
Ethan nodded stiffly. "Understood."
---
The Hunters' Guild
Seris turned, gesturing for him to follow. "Come. If you're to survive, you'll need more than just a wolf and a stolen goblin blade."
The crowd parted as she led him toward a large stone hall at the heart of the village. A banner of black and silver chains hung above its doors: The Hunters' Guild.
Inside, the air smelled of steel, sweat, and burning oil. Long tables filled the hall, where Hunters drank, argued, and compared scars. Weapons of every shape lined the walls—blades, spears, bows glowing faintly with runes.
Ethan felt dozens of eyes turn toward him. He forced himself to keep his chin up.
Seris's voice carried across the hall. "This is Ethan Vale. Newly bound. He will undergo the Trials."
A ripple of murmurs spread. Some Hunters smirked. Others looked him over with pity.
A scarred man with a hawk perched on his shoulder sneered. "Another greenblood. Bet he won't last through the first hunt."
Ethan bristled. Shadowfang growled low, shadows curling around its paws.
The hawk screeched in answer, wings flaring.
Before things could escalate, Seris slammed her gauntleted fist against the table. The sound cracked like thunder.
"Enough! You'll all see what he's worth soon enough. Until then, he is under Guild protection."
The tension ebbed, though hostile stares still lingered.
---
The Next Step
Seris turned back to Ethan. Her expression was unreadable, her eyes sharp.
"You've proven your bond. Now prove your worth as a Hunter. Tomorrow, you will face the Initiation Trial. Survive it, and you may call yourself one of us."
Ethan's heart pounded. "And if I fail?"
Her lion rumbled, teeth flashing in a silent snarl.
Seris's lips curved, the faintest trace of a cruel smile. "Then your bond breaks… and the forest will reclaim what's left of you."
The system pulsed before his eyes:
[New Quest Unlocked: The Initiation Trial]
Objective: Survive the Guild's Hunt.
Failure: Bond Severed. Death Certain.
Ethan clenched his fists. He wasn't about to let fear rule him. Not now. Not when Shadowfang was counting on him.
He looked at Seris, his voice steady.
"Then I'll survive."
---