Chapter 2 – Whispers Beneath the Canopy
The wind howled between the twisted roots, and the trees groaned like ancient beasts remembering blood. Ash stood still, the dry leaves beneath his feet not daring to crunch under his presence.
His light blue eyes, glowing faintly in the dusk, reflected both the quiet serenity of the forest and the storm brewing within his soul.
The Forest of Death wasn't just alive. It was watching.
It murmured in a thousand silent voices, through the leaves, through the fog, through the eyes of the beasts hidden in the dark.
A massive stag with crimson antlers watched him from afar. A feline shadow slithered between the roots—too large, too silent, too aware.
He could feel it—they were not attacking him. They were welcoming him.
And yet, inside, he boiled.
"You called me a monster… because I was stronger. Because I didn't kneel to your broken laws. So you smiled, and betrayed me."[ in flashback ]
His voice was low, flat. No rage on his face—only emptiness. But the mana around him screamed as it leaked freely into the earth, causing vines to bloom unnaturally fast, glowing with silver light.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Welcome, Ash, to your Rebirth Zone: Forest of Death
Title Acquired: Ruler of the Wild Domain
Trait Detected: Infinite Mana Reservoir
Skill Activated: Dimensional Market Interface
A blue-glowing screen flickered before his eyes, pixelated slightly, with clean ancient runes.
[ Dimensional Market] Minor Healing Potion — 3 Copper
Flame Spell Scroll (Basic) — 1 Silver
Earth Shelter Blueprint — 4 Silver
Beast-Repellant Cooking Oil — 2 Copper
Summon Token: Lesser Spirit Wolf — 10 Silver
Skill Book: Spirit Speech — 1 Gold
Currency in Use: Copper / Silver / Gold / Obsidian
Balance: 🪙 0 Coins
[Warning: Trade unlocked only after stabilizing territory.]
Ash's eyes twitched.
"System... don't show me useless junk until I can use it."
The screen obeyed and faded out instantly. He hated clutter.
His gaze drifted again to the trees. The shadows parted like servants before a king.
A wolf, cloaked in thick moss, with glowing white stripes, emerged silently. Behind it slithered a python with metal-like scales, and above, a hawk with feathers of burning mist circled once, then landed on a thick limb nearby.
Names flickered before Ash's eyes, written in the language of the forest.
[Beastname: Vurnas] — Spirit Rank: C — Type: Steel Python
[Beastname: Murial] — Spirit Rank: B — Type: Ghost Wolf
[Beastname: Kaelith] — Spirit Rank: A — Type: Emberhawk
He said nothing. He only stared.
But inside, something cracked open.
"You called me a cursed weapon. Now I'll show you what a curse truly looks like."
He took one step forward, and every beast lowered their head. The forest bowed.
The leaves shimmered with spirit light.
He didn't smile. He never did.
But somewhere in the canopy, an ancient voice whispered:
"He has returned… The forest has chosen its king."
A deep silence followed. Not from fear, but reverence. The trees themselves seemed to bow, their leaves trembling under an unseen force. The wind stilled. Every creature, spirit, and beast could feel it — an ancient presence had taken form once more.
And in the center of that silence stood Ash, light blue hair catching the sun between the canopy, eyes the same color, glowing softly, distant, unreadable. Like a statue carved from old ice, his face showed no fear, no joy. Only stillness. Unmoving. Unforgiving.
The system's mechanical chime echoed again:
[Universal Language Synchronization Complete.]
"All beings within Thornveil may now comprehend the King's speech."
From between the thick misted trees, a shadow emerged.
Massive. Ferocious. Divine.
A beast with fur darker than midnight and eyes that burned like twin eclipses. Razor-sharp fangs gleamed as it lowered its head, not to attack, but to kneel.
The ground shook as it bowed before Ash.
"I am Fenrir. Sovereign of the Beasts. I have waited... countless years for your presence to return, King of Thornveil."
Ash didn't blink. His voice, cold but commanding, cut through the silence like a blade.
"You acknowledge me, beast?"
"No," Fenrir growled with pride, "I submit."
The system responded instantly:
[Beast King Fenrir has sworn allegiance. Begin Familiar Binding Process?]
☐ Yes
☐ No
Ash's lips curved slightly — the first sign of emotion.
"Yes."
The wind howled. A circle of runes glowed beneath Fenrir, and above Ash's chest, a mark burned briefly, like fire and starlight fused.
[Familiar Contract Completed.]
[Beast King Fenrir → Status: First General of the Thornveil Court]
A brief pause.
[Reward Unlocked: The King's Starter Item – "Mana Well (Infinite Grade)"]
Description:An indestructible relic that restores all forms of mana and energy instantly. It can be planted as a seed or carried as a stone.
System Remark:You're getting overpowered already. Don't get cocky, Your Majesty.
Ash raised an eyebrow. "System, you talk too much."
System:I was made in your image. Don't blame me for your sarcasm.
Fenrir chuckled — a low, respectful sound. Then, to Ash:
"You hold great power. But power without wisdom destroys. Do you intend to rule us with fear… or purpose?"
Ash stared into Fenrir's blazing eyes. There was no smile, but his words carried depth far beyond his years.
"In my world… people smiled and lied in the same breath. Friends traded loyalty for paper. I trusted. I bled. I was left behind."
"But here… I don't want their love. I don't need worship. I need an order. I will not protect the weak out of pity — only if they can rise."
There was no tear. No trembling voice. Just the truth.
Fenrir stood tall and proud. "Then let me serve. A king without chains… deserves a kingdom without limits."
Ash turned to the sky, raised a hand, and summoned the Mana Well, now a floating sapphire orb, into his palm.
System:Would you like to name your Familiar?
Ash looked at Fenrir, thinking for a moment. "Your true name is mighty. But you're my shadow now. My will in the wild."
He held out his hand.
"I name you Rael. It means 'Silent Thunder'."
Fenrir — no, Rael — bowed again. "I accept… My King."
Ash turned, heading deeper into the forest.
"This forest… Thornveil… it will not be a haven. It will be a kingdom. Divided, maybe. But not broken."
As if on cue, far in the distance, seven thunderclaps echoed through the sky. One by one. Each from a different corner of the forest.
Rael's eyes narrowed.
"The Seven Lords have felt your presence. They will come… or fall."
Ash's eyes glowed, a pulse of mana rippling outward like a silent storm.
"Then let them come."
And so began the rise of Thornveil's true king — not through fate, but by fire.
…. Continued