While the knight effortlessly slew the adult Icefield Wolf, Louis and his party had already swiftly infiltrated the wolf pack's den.
"Light the fires," Louis whispered.
Several hunters immediately took out their torches and carefully lit them.
Warm orange light spread through the cave, illuminating its rough stone walls. The air was thick with the unique musky scent of beasts.
Everyone scanned their surroundings, and their eyes quickly locked onto their target deep within the cave.
More than twenty Icefield Wolf pups were huddled together, trembling.
They were not very large. Their fur was dense and snow-white, like frost, and their eyes were filled with instinctive fear of humans.
"So many pups!" one of the hunters exclaimed in a hushed voice.
Egg licked his chapped lips, his gaze burning with excitement. "Once these little guys grow up, they'll definitely be top-tier hunters…"
A few of the young wolves let out soft yet fierce growls, attempting to warn the intruders.
When you are weak, even your anger appears cute in the eyes of others.
"These little fellows have quite the temper," Egg chuckled.
"Come, little ones. Have some food."
One hunter gently placed a piece of meat in front of a pup hiding in a rock crevice, then deliberately stepped back half a pace to seem less threatening.
The meat had been specially prepared, coated with a sedative extracted from herbs.
The concoction could effectively calm the pups' emotions, allowing them to relax without realizing anything was amiss.
A few bold and hungry pups sniffed the enticing scent in the air. After a moment of hesitation, hunger won out, and they cautiously stepped forward to nibble at the meat.
Seeing that nothing happened to the first eater, more pups soon scrambled forward, even pushing one another with their small paws, afraid of missing out.
Less than two minutes later, the sedative began to take effect.
The once-wary pups gradually became sluggish. Some swayed unsteadily on their feet, their small bodies wobbling as their eyes lost focus.
"We can move now," Egg whispered.
"Be gentle," Louis reminded them. "These are all future war wolves."
"Understood."
The hunters carefully wrapped each pup in animal hides, preventing them from struggling due to discomfort.
A few pups remained conscious and unwilling to submit, twisting their small bodies desperately and resisting capture.
But their strength was far too limited. They were soon restrained and placed securely into leather bags.
Before long, all twenty-odd pups had lost the ability to resist and were individually packed into specially prepared bags, ensuring they would not be harmed during transport.
Mission accomplished.
Louis glanced at the rows of leather bags and chuckled. "Let's go."
The hunters hoisted the bags onto their backs, exited the cave to rendezvous with the knight, and hurried back toward the territory.
After returning to Red Tide Territory, Louis ordered the pups to be placed inside a wooden enclosure that had been prepared in advance.
The enclosure was spacious. Thick, dry grass covered the ground, and several soft nests made from animal hides had been arranged in the corners, imitating a wolf's natural habitat to reduce their anxiety.
Even so, after such a sudden upheaval, the pups remained highly alert.
They huddled together tightly, furry ears pricked upright, baring small but sharp teeth, ready to defend themselves from any perceived threat.
Louis stood outside the fence, his gaze fixed on the most distinctive pup among them.
This pup was clearly larger than the rest, with longer limbs and a trace of wild defiance shining in its eyes.
While the other pups whimpered softly and pressed close together, this one stood tall.
Its sharp gaze swept across the humans beyond the fence, showing none of the panic expected from a young beast.
The aura it radiated—something fierce and unyielding—made it obvious at a glance how different it was.
"That one," Egg said, having noticed it as well, "has the makings of a Wolf King."
"A Wolf King?" Louis paused, then smiled faintly. "Then you shall be called Cold Fang."
The pup's ears twitched slightly, as if sensing that the humans were discussing it.
Still, it showed no sign of retreat and continued to stare back warily.
"Egg," Louis said, withdrawing his gaze and turning to the hunter beside him, "how do you think we should go about taming them?"
Egg's heart tightened.
The question sounded casual, but he could sense the hidden test behind it.
He knew the Lord was evaluating him.
Daring not to be careless, Egg quickly organized his thoughts and replied respectfully.
"First, we must establish dependence. The pups need safety and food, and we must ensure that every feeding happens in the presence of humans. That way, they'll associate humans with survival."
"But that alone isn't enough," he continued. "Wolf pups are naturally fierce. Relying solely on food won't tame them completely. They'll guard their meals and may even attack people. We must use a more direct approach to teach obedience."
"Specifically?" Louis asked.
"If a wolf guards its food, it must be disciplined immediately. If it resists, it should be pinned to the ground until it gives up. In the world of wolves, strength determines authority."
Louis nodded in satisfaction. "Go on."
Encouraged, Egg relaxed slightly and continued, "The second step is establishing order."
He pointed toward Cold Fang. "There's a clear hierarchy in a wolf pack. This strongest pup—its size, posture, and gaze—prove that it's a natural leader."
"Once it is tamed, the others will follow."
Hearing this, Louis thoughtfully tapped the wooden fence.
Cold Fang immediately lifted its head, staring back at him. There was caution in its eyes, but it did not retreat.
"So," Louis asked calmly, "what do you suggest?"
Egg gathered his courage. "You must personally tame Cold Fang. Only if it acknowledges you as its master will it—and the others—be absolutely loyal."
As soon as he spoke, the surrounding hunters looked at Egg in surprise.
Having the Lord personally tame a wolf was an audacious suggestion.
But Louis only smiled meaningfully.
The Daily Intelligence System had already identified Egg as a master beast tamer.
Now it seemed that assessment was accurate.
Louis rose slowly and patted Egg on the shoulder. "Very good. From today onward, you will be responsible for all beast-taming affairs in Red Tide Territory."
Egg froze for a moment, then an uncontrollable surge of excitement filled his chest.
He dropped to one knee. "This subordinate will not fail your expectations!"
Just a few months ago, he had been a miserable wanderer in the Northern Territory, barely surviving through hunting.
Had Louis's group not passed by, he might have frozen to death in the snow.
Now, not only had he earned the Lord's trust, but he had also been entrusted with a critical responsibility.
Given the Lord's character, if he performed well, he knew he would not be treated poorly.
The onlookers exchanged envious glances.
"Egg really struck gold…"
"Indeed. His status won't be the same from now on."
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