The stench hit first — sweat, cheap wine, rotting meat. Smoke curled from crude huts scattered across a ravine. Bandits lounged, gambling and laughing, swords at their sides.
Jin Mu-Won descended the slope, hood drawn, the bronze wolf token clenched in his palm. His body still ached from wounds, but his stride carried the cold assurance of someone who belonged.
A scar-faced sentry stepped forward, halberd lowered. "Stop. State your business."
Jin tossed the token lazily. It clattered at the man's feet, the wolf head glaring in the firelight.
The sentry's eyes widened. He bent hastily, picking it up with trembling hands. "T-This… belongs to Boss Harun…"
"Not anymore," Jin said coldly. His voice was steady, controlled. "Harun is dead. By my hand."
Murmurs rippled through the bandits nearby. Some laughed nervously. Others frowned, hands drifting toward blades.
Scar-face sneered. "Big words for a boy. Anyone can flash a trinket. Prove it."
The circle formed instantly — a dozen bandits surrounding Jin. One stepped forward, a brute with a spiked club.
He grinned. "Let's see if this pup can howl."
Jin's eyes narrowed. He let the bandit swing first. The club smashed into the dirt, sending dust flying. Jin moved with ruthless precision, darting inside the man's guard.
His fist struck the brute's throat. A sickening crunch echoed. Before the man could gasp, Jin seized his club, spun, and shattered his skull with a single blow.
The bandit dropped like a sack of meat.
The crowd went silent.
Blood dripped from Jin's face, but he stood tall, eyes burning with cold fury. "Anyone else?"
Silence. Then, slowly, bandits began to grin. Some laughed, pounding their weapons against shields and armor.
"The pup's got fangs!"
"He killed Harun, did he? Then he's the boss now!"
"Hahaha! I'll follow a wolf like that!"
The token was passed back to Jin, reverently this time.
Scar-face bowed his head. "Boss… what are your orders?"
Jin's lips curled into the faintest smile.
From prey… to pack master.
"The furnace burns hotter," he whispered to himself. Then louder: "First, we grow stronger. Then, we hunt."
The den erupted in cheers, the sound of wolves welcoming their new alpha.