Chapter 21: Challenge of the Chained
The rising sun barely warmed the blood-soaked trees of Black Ash Vale. Mist hung low across the outskirts, and the scent of scorched bark and broken bones still lingered. Though the night's battle had ended, the weight of the hunt and what it revealed pressed heavily on the pack.
Kael stood alone outside the den's stone walls, the new blood on his arm fading into faint pulses. The Devourer Mark glowed softly beneath his skin. Inside him, shadows writhed and clawed—the residue of the Moon Cult stalker still unsettled within.
He hadn't told the pack everything.
He couldn't.
Not yet.
The system's whispers were his alone, and the burden of its missions—its rewards, its risks—was one only he could bear.
System Notification:
Pack Mission Unlocked: Establish the Ring of Trial
Objective: Create a sacred battleground where rank disputes are settled
Reward: Wolf Chain Relic (Enhances Control of Bloodline Influence)
Failure: Internal Division – Chaos Bloodline Regression
Kael narrowed his eyes at the notification, jaw clenched. A challenge was coming. Not from the outside… but from within.
Inside the great den, the Crimson Council had gathered—Flam, Tamir, Vira, Drego, and several elders. At the rear, the Ancestors, Ronin and Varric, watched with quiet resolve. Kael stood before them, not as a spoiled heir, but as an Alpha tested by blood and shadow.
"We survived the cult's ambush," Vira said, folding her arms. "But survival won't be enough next time."
"Agreed," Flam added. "And while Kael stood tall last night, we need to be sure he's not just changed—but worthy."
Tamir glanced up. "You speak of a trial."
Flam stepped forward, eyes locked with Kael's. "The old ways were lost. It's time we carved out new laws—and tested our new Alpha by them."
Kael nodded slowly. "Then we'll build a Ring. A sacred ground where all grievances, doubts, and rivalries are decided in combat—not whispers."
The next day, the pack constructed the Ring of Trial—a large, circular stone arena etched with bloodline symbols. It pulsed faintly with the remnants of their awakening. Bones from fallen enemies lined its edge. It became more than an arena—it became ritual.
Before it had even cooled, Flam stepped into the circle.
"I believe in you, Kael," he said, his voice echoing across the vale. "But belief without proof is empty. I challenge you—not to weaken you, but to forge you."
A hush fell over the gathered pack.
Kael stepped forward without hesitation, removing his cloak. "Then forge away."
The crowd parted.
Tamir threw a blunt ceremonial blade into the center of the ring. Neither warrior moved for it.
They didn't need weapons.
The fight began with a blur—Flam lunging like a wild boar, Kael dodging with the fluid grace of a young predator. Every strike was brutal. Flam's fists were forged by years of warrior bloodline, his power raw and unrelenting.
Kael countered with instinct—system-boosted reflexes guiding his every movement, though none watching could know the truth. He moved like a shadow with purpose.
A heavy blow struck Kael in the ribs, sending him sliding back. He grinned through the pain.
"You hit like my grandfather's cane."
Flam snorted. "He hit harder."
Kael dashed forward. Feinted left. Swung right. His elbow clipped Flam's jaw—but not enough. Flam responded with a kick to the chest, knocking Kael back again.
The crowd tensed.
Kael breathed in. Closed his eyes briefly.
Then—he vanished.
System Skill Activated: Shadow Pulse
Three seconds.
In that time, Kael appeared behind Flam and swept his legs out from under him. As Flam hit the ground, Kael drove his knee gently into the center of his back and whispered, "Yield."
Flam growled. But he smiled too.
"I yield."
Kael stood and offered a hand.
Flam took it.
System Update:
Wolf Chain Relic Acquired – Anchoring Chaos Instinct Level: 1
Bloodline Sync: 37%
Ring of Trial Established – Internal Pack Stability Increased
The pack erupted in howls—not of mockery, but pride.
Kael turned to face them all.
"From this day forward," he declared, "strength will be earned, not inherited. The Ring stands for truth. If anyone has doubts—bring them here."
He turned toward his Ancestors.
Ronin nodded once.
And deep in the woods, something far older… something chained and waiting… growled in the dark.
It had heard the call.