The sun had barely risen above the jagged mountains when Ethan stirred awake. His body ached from yesterday's fight, his muscles stiff from sleeping on the damp forest ground. The crude goblin blade lay beside him, still streaked with dried blood.
The wolf—his wolf—was watching him quietly, golden eyes glowing faintly in the twilight.
Ethan sat up, rubbing his temples. Still not a dream.
The system interface greeted him the moment he blinked:
[Status Update]
Hunter: Ethan Vale
Level: 1
Essence: 12
Bond Synchronization: 15%
Companion: Shadowfang Wolf (Rank F)
Title: Novice Hunter
Beneath that, a new line pulsed.
[Main Quest: The Bound Hunter's Path]
Objective: Learn the First Law of the Oathbound.
Reward: 50 Essence, Skill Unlock.
---
"The First Law?" Ethan muttered aloud.
The wolf tilted its head, then padded a few steps forward. Its nose twitched, sniffing the air, before it glanced back at him expectantly.
"…You know where to go, don't you?"
The wolf's tail swished once. Ethan sighed. "Figures. I'm just along for the ride."
He strapped the crude blade to his waist using torn strips of goblin cloth and followed.
---
The Journey
The forest was alive with sounds. Strange birds with crystal-like feathers sang from branches, their voices like ringing chimes. Tiny creatures darted between the roots—squirrels with flickering ember tails, rabbits with small horns jutting from their heads.
Ethan tried not to stare too much. Every sight reminded him how far he was from Earth.
But not all was wondrous. He noticed claw marks gouged deep into tree trunks, piles of bones hidden under bushes, and trails of blackened earth where something enormous had walked.
His grip on the goblin blade tightened.
"This world doesn't pull punches," he whispered.
The wolf growled softly in agreement.
---
The Monolith
After hours of weaving through the forest, they reached a clearing. At its center stood a massive black stone monolith, carved with glowing runes that pulsed like veins of fire.
As Ethan stepped closer, the runes flared.
[You have discovered: Oathbound Monolith]
Here, the Laws of the Oath are inscribed. Breaking them severs the soul.
A chill ran down his spine.
Words appeared, etched in light across the stone.
The First Law of the Oath
A Hunter and Companion share life and death.
If the Hunter abandons the Companion, the bond breaks.
If loyalty falls to 0%, the Companion devours the Hunter's soul.
Ethan froze. "…Wait, what?"
The wolf's eyes glowed, meeting his own.
He swallowed hard. "So if I screw this up… you eat me?"
The wolf growled softly. It wasn't a threat—more like a warning.
"Great. Just great."
---
A Harsh Test
Before Ethan could say more, the monolith trembled. The ground cracked, splitting open. From the rift clawed three creatures—twisted beasts with skeletal frames wrapped in black mist. Their faces were nothing but gaping voids.
[Trial of the First Law Initiated.]
Survive with your Companion. Prove your bond.
The wolf snarled, fur bristling with shadows. Ethan's pulse spiked.
"Alright," he muttered, drawing the goblin blade. His hands shook, but his eyes burned with determination.
"Let's do this together."
The wolf bolted forward, a streak of darkness slamming into the first wraith-beast. Ethan followed, every muscle screaming, every nerve alight.
The battle had begun.
---
The Fight
The first creature slashed at the wolf, claws cutting through the air like blades. Ethan darted in, swinging the crude sword. Sparks flew as metal met bone.
The wolf leapt, sinking its fangs into the beast's neck. Shadows erupted, tearing it apart.
[Synchronization +5%.]
The second creature lunged straight for Ethan. His heart lurched. He barely raised his weapon in time, the impact rattling his arms. The force nearly knocked him over—until the wolf slammed into the enemy's flank, saving him again.
Ethan gasped, sweat pouring down his face. "Thanks… partner."
[Loyalty +3%.]
The third wraith shrieked, rushing from behind.
Without thinking, Ethan shouted, "Shadowstep!"
The wolf vanished in a blur of black mist and reappeared directly on the wraith's back. Its jaws tore into the creature's spine, dragging it down. Ethan drove his sword into its skull with a desperate cry.
Crack!
The beast dissolved into mist. Silence fell.
---
The Oath Strengthens
Ethan collapsed to one knee, panting hard. The wolf padded to his side, unharmed but breathing heavily.
A warm glow spread across his vision.
[Trial Complete.]
Bond Synchronization: 25%
Loyalty: 64%
Reward: 50 Essence, Skill Unlock.
[New Skill Acquired: Oath Link]
Description: Channel a portion of your strength to your Companion, or receive theirs.
Risk: Excessive use strains the soul.
Ethan's eyes widened. "…We can share power?"
The wolf barked once, as if confirming.
He looked at his companion, a grin tugging at his lips despite the exhaustion. "Guess we're really in this together, huh?"
The wolf's golden eyes gleamed.
For the first time since arriving in this world, Ethan felt something other than fear.
He felt hope.
---