The Alpha Wolf sprang first, a blur of muscle and claws. Elior braced, sword raised, but the impact was like being struck by a boulder. He crashed back into the stone wall, air driven from his lungs. Pain flared, ribs screaming.
The beast lunged again, jaws wide. Elior rolled aside, sparks flying as its teeth sank into rock. He coughed blood, eyes narrowing. The systems roared in unison:
> "Rise." – Dragon
"Drink." – Vampire
[Survive.] – Overflow
---
Blood Frenzy Ignites
Elior slashed across his own arm, blood splattering the floor. The crimson burned like fire through his veins. His speed surged. His blade moved faster, arcs of steel cutting at the Alpha's flank.
The beast howled as crimson lines carved into its hide. But its counterstrike was merciless—a claw raked across Elior's chest, tearing cloth and flesh alike.
Pain blurred his vision, but he didn't falter. He seized the chance, sinking his fangs into the Alpha's wound.
> [Blood Drain Successful – Alpha's Vitality absorbed.]
Health restored +20%. Strength temporarily boosted.
The taste was overwhelming—thicker, richer than any blood before. His heart hammered, his muscles swelling with new force.
---
The Turning Point
The Alpha recoiled, snarling, blood dripping from its maw. It circled Elior, wary now. Its golden eyes burned with fury but also caution. This prey was… different.
Elior spat blood and lifted his sword again, grinning despite the pain. His fangs gleamed under the cave's pale glow.
"Your pack's dead. Your throne's empty. And your blood—" he dragged the blade along the floor, sparks trailing—"is mine."
With a roar, the Alpha charged. Elior met it head-on.
Steel and claw clashed, sparks and blood painting the cavern. Each strike thundered, echoing like drums of war. Loot orbs burst free with every wound carved, spinning into Elior's inventory.
The dragon's voice roared through him:
> "Dominate!"
Scales rippled faintly across his forearm again, the beginnings of something more.
---
Finishing Blow
The Alpha lunged for his throat. Elior let it. At the last instant, he ducked low, twisting. His sword drove upward, straight through the beast's chest.
The Alpha's howl cut off in a choking snarl. It thrashed, claws raking him, but Elior held fast, fangs sinking into its neck. He drank deep.
The beast convulsed once… then collapsed.
---
Quest & Rewards
> [Elite Beast Defeated: Alpha Wolf – Tier 2]
+250 EXP
Loot Acquired:
– Alpha Core (Rare)
– Wolf Pelt (Alpha)
– Beast Fang (x3)
– [Alpha's Bone Plate] (Equipment)
Elior staggered back, chest heaving, blood dripping from his lips. The cavern fell silent except for his ragged breathing.
The Overflow Engine chimed:
> [Level Up! Level 3 reached. Stats increased.]
---
Status Update
> Name: Elior Draven
Level: 3 (30/200 EXP)
New Loot: Alpha Core (Rare), Alpha's Bone Plate (defense +5)
Evolution Energy: 12% (Dragon Protocol)
Bloodline Resonance: 8% (Vampire Protocol)
---
Elior gazed down at the Alpha's corpse, hand trembling with exhilaration. He had done it. Against the odds—he had killed the ruler of the cavern.
But then his eyes fell on the unopened loot chest, still glowing at the edge of the battlefield.
As he reached toward it, the ground trembled once more. Deeper within the cavern, another roar answered—louder, older, and infinitely more terrifying.