Chapter 11 – The Call of Adventure
The day after hearing the vastness of the world from Hektor's stories, Elric found himself more restless than ever. The weight of his grandfather's words lingered in his mind, echoing through his thoughts. The world was indeed much bigger than his village, his family, and his pack of loyal animals. Every moment now seemed charged with the potential for something more—something bigger than the peaceful life he had known so far.
It wasn't just curiosity that drove him; it was the weight of responsibility that tugged at his heart. Hektor had spoken of power, races, kingdoms, and a world full of dangers, and now Elric knew he had a part to play in it. He wasn't some child anymore. The power granted to him was not just a gift, it was a calling.
After breakfast, Elric walked into the forest near the village, his footsteps light but purposeful. The morning sun shone down through the canopy of trees, casting shadows that danced across the ground. His pack of wolves, the ones he had slowly bonded with over the past few weeks, were at his side. There was a deep, unspoken bond between them now. The pack wasn't just made up of animals—it was his family.
As he walked deeper into the woods, the wind stirred the trees, and the familiar rustling of leaves was interrupted by a sharp, unsettling howl in the distance. It was a wolf's cry, but not one from his pack. Something else had entered the forest.
Elric froze. His senses heightened. He could feel the tension in the air. The energy of the forest shifted, becoming more alert, as if the very earth itself was aware of the presence of another predator. He was not alone anymore.
The howl sounded again, closer this time. It was followed by the unmistakable crunch of twigs under heavy footsteps. Elric's heart raced. It wasn't the usual lowly beasts that wandered the woods. This was something far more powerful.
"Stay close," Elric whispered to his pack. The wolves gathered around him instinctively, their eyes sharp and ears perked. They too could sense the danger.
Out of the shadows stepped a massive creature, its fur as dark as the night itself. It was a giant wolf, but not an ordinary one. Its eyes glowed a deep crimson, and its muscles rippled under its sleek fur. Its size alone was enough to make Elric's heart skip a beat. This was no regular wolf—it was a Legendary Beast, a creature whose power surpassed any regular animal.
Elric's wolves growled, bristling at the sight of the intruder. The Legendary Beast looked down at them with disdain, as if they were nothing more than nuisances. Elric could feel the intensity of the beast's gaze, and his body tensed. This was no encounter to take lightly.
The beast took a step forward, its movements slow but deliberate. Elric didn't know if the creature was here to fight or simply passing through, but he had to make sure his pack was safe. He didn't want to show weakness, but at the same time, he knew he wasn't ready for a direct confrontation with such a powerful being.
Suddenly, the creature's gaze softened. It lowered its massive head, its crimson eyes studying Elric closely.
"Are you the one?" a voice rumbled, though the wolf's lips never moved. It wasn't a sound Elric had heard from the beast—it was telepathic. A deep, ancient voice filled his mind.
Elric stood frozen, his mouth dry. "What do you mean?" he managed to reply, his voice shaky.
The Legendary Beast snorted, its breath warm in the cold air. "You have the scent of something powerful, young one. A power that draws the attention of even the strongest beings."
Elric's heart skipped. He was not sure if the creature was referring to the powers granted to him by the gods or something else entirely. The beast wasn't attacking, but it wasn't here out of kindness either.
"I'm not here to fight," the wolf continued. "I'm here to test you. To see if you are truly worthy of the power you have been granted."
Elric's confusion deepened. "Test me? By doing what?"
The beast raised its head and howled, the sound reverberating through the forest. His pack howled in response, though their voices were far quieter in comparison. The wind whipped through the trees, shaking the leaves, and Elric felt the atmosphere become charged with energy.
"I will give you a choice," the Legendary Beast said, its voice growing colder. "Prove yourself worthy, or be swept away like all the others who have come before you. The world is full of power, but not all can handle it."
Before Elric could respond, the beast's body began to fade, its form dissolving into the air like smoke.
"Seek out the Trial of the Beasts," the voice echoed as the creature disappeared completely. "Only those who can pass it are worthy of their strength."
The forest fell silent once more. Elric stood there, his heart pounding in his chest. He was left alone, except for his pack.
"What was that?" Elric whispered, still in shock. His wolves circled around him, their behavior agitated, sensing the lingering tension in the air.
But the silence remained, broken only by the faint rustle of leaves.
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Back at the village, Elric didn't waste any time telling Hektor what had happened. The old man listened quietly, his expression unreadable. When Elric finished recounting the encounter, Hektor finally spoke.
"The Trial of the Beasts," he murmured, stroking his beard. "It's an ancient trial, one that tests the heart of a beast tamer. It's not something that comes easily to those who are unprepared. But it seems fate has chosen you to face it."
Elric's thoughts swirled. What was this trial? And why had the Legendary Beast chosen him?
"You must prepare," Hektor said, his tone serious. "The world is a vast place, Elric. If you want to survive and protect those you love, you must prove yourself. And this trial is only the beginning."
Elric nodded, feeling a newfound sense of resolve. He had come into this world with nothing, but now, with his powers and the guidance of his grandfather, he could feel his path ahead becoming clearer. It wasn't just about survival—it was about proving that he was worthy of the power that had been granted to him.
And with that, Elric knew his journey was truly just beginning.
Chapter 12: The Beast Tide
Elric stood at the edge of the village, his eyes scanning the horizon. The once calm, picturesque landscape was now filled with the scent of danger. The villagers had gathered at the gates, weapons in hand, ready to defend their home. Elric's newly-formed pack stood behind him, the beasts quietly watching the scene unfold, their eyes gleaming with both loyalty and hunger.
For the first time, the peaceful village was on the verge of being overwhelmed. The Beast Tide was coming. A massive horde of wild creatures, led by intelligent predators, had begun their march toward the village. Wolves, monkeys, and other terrifying beasts, larger and more vicious than the ones Elric had encountered before, surged from the forest like a tidal wave of fur and fangs. The villagers, experienced in fighting off smaller threats, had never faced an assault of this scale.
The MC's hand tightened around the staff that he had crafted from the wood of a fallen tree, a symbol of his growing abilities. Though still young and inexperienced, he knew the gravity of the situation. His pack was his greatest strength, but could they be enough?
"Elric," his grandfather's voice called from behind, cutting through the tense silence. "Stay close. Let the experienced fighters handle the front lines."
"I can't just sit back," Elric replied, his voice filled with resolve. "I need to help protect the village. The pack is strong, but we need more." He glanced over at the creatures by his side. His beasts, his loyal friends, were ready to fight.
His grandfather sighed, but there was a pride in his eyes. "Do what you must, but be careful. The beasts coming from the forest are not like the ones you've seen before. They are led by a cunning force."
Elric nodded, turning his gaze back to the incoming tide. "I know." The energy in the air shifted. The distant howls of wolves mixed with the shrieks of monkeys as they neared the village. The first wave of beasts appeared, charging through the trees, a black mass of fury and muscle.
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The Battle Begins
The villagers moved swiftly, positioning themselves in strategic formations. The archers took their places on the rooftops, ready to rain arrows down on the incoming beasts. The warriors stood firm with their spears, shields ready, prepared for the inevitable clash.
Elric stood at the back, a few steps away from the action, his heart pounding in his chest. He had no combat training, but his connection with his pack gave him an edge. With a sharp command, he gestured to the pack, and they moved in sync, charging toward the oncoming tide of beasts.
His first summons, the wolf he had befriended months ago, darted forward, leading the charge. It was swift and vicious, tearing through the weaker beasts in the front. The monkeys, agile and intelligent, leaped from tree to tree, launching themselves into the fray. Elric's pack formed a barrier, an unpredictable force that turned the battlefield in their favor.
"Keep pushing!" Elric shouted. "Don't let them overwhelm us!" His voice carried, though he wasn't sure if it was the right words or just his desperation.
But despite the pack's strength, the horde was relentless. Larger and more dangerous beasts kept emerging from the forest, pushing forward in waves. Elric's beasts fought valiantly, but they were outnumbered.
In the chaos, Elric's heart sank as he saw one of his pack members—a massive bear he had bonded with—fall under the onslaught of a giant wolf. It wasn't the first loss of the day, but it felt like the hardest. The bear had been with him from the start, and seeing it fall left a bitter taste in his mouth. His wolves and monkeys fought back fiercely, but the reality of the battle hit him hard.
"NO!" Elric cried out, charging forward to help, but his grandfather's hand gripped his shoulder, stopping him.
"Stay back, Elric. You'll only get yourself killed!"
But Elric's mind was already made up. He felt the loss deeply, but in the pain, there was a burning fire—a hunger for power, for strength. He couldn't allow his pack to fall like this. Not now. Not when he still had so much to prove.
The next few moments seemed like an eternity. He reached into himself, tapping into the strange power he'd been gifted by the gods. He didn't fully understand it yet, but he could feel it. The connection with the beasts. The power of the Shepherd Class that had been given to him. He pushed past the fear and uncertainty, focusing solely on the fight before him.
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Elric's First Command
With a deep breath, Elric raised his hand toward the sky. The air seemed to hum around him as his command went out into the battlefield, resonating with his beasts. The wolves, monkeys, and even the few stray creatures he had tamed over the past months responded instantly. They began to coordinate their attacks, moving with a surprising sense of unity.
"Everyone, follow my lead!" Elric shouted, his voice carrying over the battlefield.
The pack moved as one, flanking the larger beasts and striking with precision. The wolves attacked from the front, tearing into the monstrous creatures, while the monkeys dropped down from above, ambushing them from the trees. The battle began to shift.
Elric's heart raced. This was his first true test, and he was beginning to understand his power. The bond he had with his beasts was not just one of control—it was one of understanding. As the battle raged on, he realized that with every passing second, he was becoming stronger, more attuned to the pack.
The beast tide was slowing, but the battle was far from over. Elric's heart was heavy with the loss, but his resolve only grew stronger. His pack would survive. They had to.
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The Aftermath
When the last of the beasts finally fell, the village was left in a tense silence. The warriors and villagers, bloodied but victorious, began to clean up the aftermath. Elric stood in the middle of the battlefield, his chest heaving, his eyes scanning the scene. His pack was battered, but they had survived. And despite the loss of some of his members, the pack remained stronger for it.
His grandfather approached, his expression unreadable. "You did well, Elric. But this is only the beginning. There will be more battles ahead, and you must be ready."
Elric nodded, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "I will be ready. I'll protect my pack. I'll protect this village."
It was a promise he made to himself as much as to his family. The battle was over, but the war for survival in this strange world had just begun
Chapter 13: The Monkey Leader and the Slave Collar
The aftermath of the beast tide was heavy, but there was no time to mourn. The village, though battered and bruised, had managed to survive the first onslaught. Elric's pack, despite their losses, stood firm, their loyalty to him unshaken. The villagers, too, had proven their strength, driving the remaining beasts back into the forest. But there was a darker undercurrent to the victory—an unsettling reality that hung in the air.
Elric sat on a large rock just outside the village, staring out at the horizon. The beasts that had attacked the village were not just animals—they were part of a greater force, an organized wave that was growing in strength. Elric's heart ached at the loss of the bear from his pack, but there was no time to dwell on it. His pack had proven themselves in battle, and Elric had proven to himself that he was capable of commanding them.
But something nagged at him—a sense that the battle was only the beginning of something much bigger.
"Elric," his grandfather called, walking toward him with an air of authority. The old man's face was hard, his usual warmth replaced by a serious expression. "I need you to come with me. There's something you need to see."
Elric stood up, brushing off the dirt and leaves from his clothes. "What is it, Grandpa?"
His grandfather's gaze turned to the village gates, where a group of villagers had gathered around a large, unconscious creature—a monkey-like beast, unlike any Elric had seen before. The beast's fur was dark and matted, and its muscles were rippling with power. But it was the creature's eyes that stood out. They were intelligent, filled with a cunning and sharp awareness.
"I found this one," Grandpa said. "The leader of the monkeys that attacked us. This one wasn't just a mindless beast. It was coordinating the others, leading them into battle. If we're going to survive, we need to learn about these creatures, and we need to make sure it doesn't come back for revenge."
Elric's eyes narrowed. "So we're keeping it alive?"
"For now," his grandfather replied grimly. "I intend to learn from it, and I also intend to make sure it can't escape or attack us again. There are... methods, Elric."
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The Slave Collar
Elric followed his grandfather to the outskirts of the village, where the monkey leader was being held. The villagers had created a makeshift cage to contain it, and Elric could see the creature stirring, its eyes flickering open, confusion clouding its gaze. But there was something else—fear.
Grandpa was standing next to a large wooden crate, and when Elric arrived, he was carefully unwrapping something inside. "This," he said, pulling out a dark, ornate collar, "is what we'll use to keep it under control."
Elric blinked in confusion. "A collar? What is it?"
"This," Grandpa explained, "is a slave collar. It's a device used to suppress the will of creatures, to force them into submission. I had it made for situations like this. A creature like that might be useful, but we can't let it have its freedom."
Elric frowned, uneasy at the thought. The collar seemed... cruel, and he could see the monkey leader watching it with a kind of desperation in its eyes.
"But we're not just going to use this on any creature," Grandpa said, noticing Elric's discomfort. "The monkey's leader is intelligent. If it's willing to work with us, there's no need for this. But if it shows signs of hostility, we'll have no choice. We can't allow these beasts to keep attacking us."
Elric nodded slowly, though he didn't fully agree with the method. Still, he knew that survival often required hard choices. The collar seemed like the only way to ensure they didn't lose more people, more pack members, to these beasts.
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The Confrontation
The monkey leader was now awake, its eyes darting between Elric and his grandfather. It growled low in its throat, but there was something different about its behavior. It wasn't the mindless rage of the creatures that had attacked the village; this one was calculating, watching them with a mix of caution and anger.
"You're not like the others," the monkey leader muttered in a low, guttural voice. Elric froze, surprised that the creature could speak. "You're different. Why do you care for your pack so much? You're weak."
Elric's hand tightened on his staff, but Grandpa stepped forward, holding out the slave collar. "You will wear this, or you will not leave here alive," Grandpa said firmly. "You attacked us, and we're not going to let you or your kind threaten this village again."
The monkey leader snarled, its muscles tensing as it tried to break free from the cage. But Elric saw the hesitation in its eyes. This beast wasn't like the others—it was aware. It wasn't just a mindless animal. It had goals, a purpose. And it was trying to calculate its next move.
"I won't wear it," the monkey leader spat. "But if you want me to stay, you will have to earn my loyalty. You can't control me. Not like this."
Grandpa's gaze hardened. "You'll wear the collar if you value your life. There's no other choice."
Elric could feel the tension building in the air, the silence growing between them. He stepped forward, sensing the change in the atmosphere. He wasn't sure what was driving him, but he didn't want to force the leader into submission so easily. There had to be another way.
"Wait," Elric said, his voice firm but not cruel. "We don't have to do this. You can work with us. If you prove your loyalty, there's no need for this collar. We can protect you. You don't have to be a slave."
The monkey leader's eyes flashed with something—surprise, maybe even hope. But it quickly returned to its defensive stance.
"Why should I trust you?" it growled.
Elric met its gaze with steady resolve. "Because I'll make sure you're not treated like an enemy. You're smart. You're capable. We can use that. But if you keep attacking us... then yes, the collar will be your fate."
The monkey leader stared at Elric for a long moment, then slowly lowered its head. It seemed to be considering the offer. Finally, with a defeated sigh, it nodded.
"Fine," the leader muttered. "I'll work with you. But don't think I'll forget this. You will need to prove to me that you are worth my loyalty."
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Conclusion
With that, the tension in the air began to dissipate. The monkey leader had accepted Elric's offer, for now, but there was still an underlying mistrust. The collar had not been used, but its presence had lingered as a reminder of the power Elric and his grandfather held.
As they turned back to the village, Elric felt a strange sense of responsibility settle over him. He had made a dangerous choice, one that could either prove to be the right one or lead to further conflict. But in this world of beasts, survival was never simple.
Elric glanced at the monkey leader, who now walked behind them, the promise of cooperation hanging in the air.
This was the beginning of a new chapter in his journey. And whether he liked it or not, the path ahead would be full of difficult decisions, alliances, and enemies.
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