In the forest surrounding the village, an unnatural silence loomed. Even the sounds of insects and nocturnal birds had vanished, as if nature itself was holding its breath. Amidst the darkness, flames flickered—not ordinary flames, but the fire of determination and vengeance.
Sitting in a circle, Renzo and his friends watched as the dancing flames cast shifting shadows across their faces, each filled with unwavering resolve. Before them, drawn into the dirt with a wooden stick, was a simple diagram outlining their plan to hunt the beasts.
Kaiden raised an eyebrow as he examined the plan.
"Are you sure about this? We've never hunted like this before."
Renzo responded with a confident tone.
"That's the difference between us and ordinary hunters… We're not hunting for food. We're hunting for power."
Saira, leaning against a nearby tree, smirked mischievously.
"If what you're saying is true, we'll soon be stronger than all of them."
Eleanora, the group's healer and trader, glanced at the ring on Renzo's finger.
"But we need to be careful... If we overuse it, we might attract unwanted attention."
Renzo nodded, then looked around at his group.
"Then let's begin the plan..."
---
The First Night of the Hunt
They moved in silence, like shadows stalking their prey. This was their first time setting traps instead of engaging in direct combat.
Folk, the blacksmith, used his expertise in metalwork to craft crude yet lethal traps.
Aria, the archer, placed hidden tripwires between the trees to slow down the beasts.
Raven, the master of dark chains, set up magical snares that could paralyze their targets for a brief moment.
Meanwhile, Dieron constructed a defensive position in case the hunt turned into a battle.
As they worked, Renzo stood watch, his eyes glowing with a killer's resolve. Tonight, they would not be frightened children… Tonight, they would become true hunters.
---
The First Prey
By midnight, the beasts began to appear. This was an area teeming with Night Wolves—swift and strong creatures that operated in packs.
Renzo signaled with his hand, and everyone hid in position. Their first target was a lone wolf, large and menacing, walking straight into their trap.
Just a little more… The wolf moved… One step… Another…
Suddenly, the trap was sprung!
The ropes snapped, coiling around its legs, and it fell into a concealed pit lined with sharpened stakes.
It didn't even have the chance to howl before its blood spilled onto the ground.
Without hesitation, Renzo leaped into the pit, plunging his dagger into the wolf's neck to ensure its death. And in that instant… the ring on his finger glowed.
A surge of energy coursed through his body. It wasn't just a fleeting sensation—it felt as if he was absorbing the very essence of the wolf.
Slowly, he lifted his head, his eyes gleaming in the darkness.
This was just… the beginning.
---
But They Were Not Alone...
Before they could celebrate their first success, the unexpected happened...
A chilling howl tore through the night.
They turned sharply—only to find themselves facing an entire pack of wolves!
But the worst part wasn't their numbers—it was their leader.
Standing at the front was a massive alpha wolf, its fur black as the night, its eyes burning with fury.
Kaiden gripped his sword, stepping beside Renzo.
"Looks like we made them angry."
Saira chuckled coldly.
"Isn't this exciting?"
Renzo didn't smile. He simply raised h
is dagger and looked at his friends.
"Get ready… This battle will decide our fate."