Dawn broke over Tharos, but the city was far from peaceful.
Arka walked through streets he once saved, now quiet but tense. People peeked from windows, whispers trailing him like shadows.
"They fear me," Arka murmured.
"But fear is only the first step toward respect."
The wolf stirred inside him.
"And respect must be earned… not demanded."
✦ The Arrival of the Wanderer
From the city gates approached a figure a young woman draped in silver robes, with hair like moonlight and eyes that flickered like starlit skies.
"Arka… Star Wolf," she said calmly, bowing slightly.
"I am Liora, a Seeker of the Hidden Beasts. I've come to guide you to the Eastern Wilds."
Arka tilted his head.
"Eastern Wilds… you mean the uncharted lands beyond the Serpent River?"
Liora nodded.
"Yes. There lies a fragment of the lost Seal memories and perhaps allies that can aid your cause."
The wolf growled softly.
"Allies are fragile. Trust is rarer than fire."
Arka simply said,
"Then we'll tread carefully."
✦ The Journey Begins
They left the city at first light, traveling east along rivers that shimmered with residual Seal energy.
The land was alive forests whispered with ancient voices, mountains hummed faint melodies, and shadows danced in patterns that seemed deliberate, like eyes watching.
"These lands remember the old world," Liora said.
"The beasts here… some never fell under mortal dominion. Others… hide from it."
As the sun climbed, they entered a valley where trees twisted into spirals, and luminous vines crawled across cliffs.
Suddenly, a beast leapt from the shadows massive, serpentine, scales glinting like black pearls.
"Halt," Arka commanded, aura flaring.
The creature paused, sensing the power of the Star Wolf. Its glowing eyes studied him for long moments, then bowed its head slightly.
"Not all beasts are enemies," the wolf said within him.
"Some await the one worthy of command."
Arka exhaled, a small smile forming.
"Then let's find what's hidden here… and prepare for what comes next."
✦ Discovery of the Hidden Shrine
At dusk, they arrived at a cliffside plateau. Half-buried in the stone was a shrine, glowing faintly with silver and crimson light remnants of a Seal long thought lost.
"This is it," Liora whispered.
"The shrine of the Echoing Star. Its memories could teach you new powers if you're strong enough to bear them."
Arka stepped forward. His aura flared, matching the shrine's light.
Silver, gold, and crimson intertwined as he reached out… and the ground trembled beneath them.
"Prepare yourself," the wolf warned.
"The shrine does not give. It tests."
✦ Awakening the Echo
Inside the shrine, visions assaulted him:
Battles from a thousand years ago, where beasts fought gods.
A young Star Wolf, first of its name, mastering power he never knew existed.
Faces of allies and enemies, smiling and screaming across time.
Arka gritted his teeth.
"I will bear this. I will learn it. And I will grow stronger."
The shrine pulsed. Silver light entered his body, intertwining with the other Seals. His muscles tensed, his senses sharpened, and his mind opened to new currents of power.
"The first trial of the Eastern Wilds… complete," the wolf said with satisfaction.
"But this is only the beginning."