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Chapter 8: The Lord's Trial II
Part 2 – Trial of the Silverfang
The clash echoed like thunder. Dust spiraled from the ground where Jefel's fist met the Direwolf's claw. For the briefest heartbeat, the beast faltered, its glowing red eyes narrowing in disbelief.
Bang!
A sudden flash—deep green aura burst from Jefel's arm and cut across the Direwolf's hide. Blood sprayed.
"Awoooooohhh!"
The Direwolf howled, its roar shaking the chamber. This was the first time it had been wounded. Rage drowned its arrogance; its eyes burned with bloodlust as it lunged forward, no longer holding back.
Boom! Crash! Crack!
Claws raked stone, sparks igniting as steel-like talons scraped against the walls. Jefel staggered under the onslaught, his fists and forearms slamming against claw after claw. The chamber lit with streaks of violet and green, every strike shattering the air.
Robin, observing through the sanctum's veil, leaned forward. His calm eyes sharpened.
"So… the tiger's aura truly exists within him. That boy… he is not ordinary."
The Direwolf's thoughts were no different. Its instincts screamed caution. This human… his spirit grows fiercer with each blow. Is this truly a boy—or the heir of war itself?
Jefel's body trembled. His breath came in ragged bursts. Pain tore through his muscles. Blood filled his mouth. His vision swayed as dizziness dragged him toward collapse.
Pwehhh!
He coughed blood, dropping to one knee. His arms shook, bones creaking from the impact of countless strikes. The Direwolf stalked forward, saliva dripping, its eyes glowing murderously.
But then—deep within—something roared.
It was faint at first, a growl echoing in the marrow of his bones. Then it grew louder, sharper, until it consumed his chest like a storm. The roar of a predator awakening after centuries of silence.
Jefel's eyes widened. "No… I won't fall. Not here. Not before I've proven myself."
Tink—
[System]
Body Strengthening – Stage 1. Core Tempering Progress: 12% → 14%
His aura exploded. The Direwolf skidded back, claws scraping against stone as the chamber trembled.
Robin's brows lifted. "He's tempering… mid-battle?"
The wolf's snarl deepened. Violet energy flared around its frame, fangs glinting like blades.
Tink—
[System]
Congratulations! Breakthrough → Minor Medium Realm]
Core= Yellow 🟡
+10 All Attributes
Strength: 20
Agility: 20
Speed: 20
Endurance: 20
Stamina: 20
Charm: 16
Intelligence & Awareness: 15
New Skill Gained: [Silver Fang Wolf Battle Style] (Copied)
Jefel's fists clenched tighter. His aura now yellow rolled off him in violent waves. Every muscle felt reforged, every breath sharper, every vein roaring with power.
Robin's eyes glimmered. "So fast… but of course. He built his foundation before his breakthrough. Unlike others, he tempered his body first. This… this is the boon of his training."
Tink—
[System]
Do you want to interpret both copied battle styles?
{Yes} {No}
"Yes!" Jefel barked without hesitation.
[System]
Interpreting Styles… 1…2…3…
Interpretation Complete → [Blue Tiger Style + Silverfang Wolf Style] =predatory beats art.
Jefel's stance shifted. His shoulders relaxed, his knees bent, his movements flowing between raw ferocity and precise calculation. His aura burned—half wild tiger, half savage wolf.
The Direwolf froze, hackles rising. For the first time, fear prickled its beastly instincts.
Robin leaned forward in his chair, a slow grin spreading across his lips.
"Good. Break… and rebuild. Show me if you're worthy of Roland's legacy."
The trial's outcome would decide whether Jefel was just another cub—
—or the true heir to a beast's throne.
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End of Chapter 8
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