Chapter 22 - The First Strike
The night air was thick with tension. The tremors that had rumbled through the ground were now a steady pulse, reverberating through the earth like the heartbeat of some ancient beast awakening from its slumber. Elric stood at the edge of the village, his heart pounding in his chest. The growls had stopped, but the silence that followed was even more unnerving.
Beside him, Darius, Seraphina, and Cael were on high alert. Their sharp eyes scanned the shadows, every noise amplified in the stillness. Elric's fingers gripped the hilt of his sword tightly. It was heavier than he remembered, a stark reminder that he wasn't the helpless child he once was. But even with his newfound power, there was a knot of fear in his gut. Fear for his village. Fear for his pack. And most of all, fear of the unknown.
"Stay close to the center." Darius commanded, his voice low but steady. "The beasts are not the only ones we need to worry about. There will be more. We've been tracking their movements for days, but they're quicker than we anticipated."
Seraphina's eyes gleamed in the moonlight, her posture ready to spring into action. "We've prepared the traps, but they won't hold forever. Elric, you need to stay focused. This is your first real battle. Your pack will follow you, but you need to lead them."
Elric nodded silently. His stomach churned as he thought about the beasts he had summoned—his pack. Would they be strong enough? Were they ready for this?
Suddenly, a sharp cry pierced the night air, followed by another. The unmistakable sound of the wolves' howls echoed through the trees, signaling the arrival of the first wave. Elric's heart skipped a beat. The beasts were coming.
"They're here." Darius's voice was grim. "Stay sharp, everyone."
From the trees, figures began to emerge—fast, agile, and deadly. A pack of wolf-like creatures, their eyes glowing a faint red in the darkness, charged toward the village. Behind them, larger shapes moved, shadows creeping along the edges of the trees like wraiths. The beasts had arrived in full force.
Elric took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. He turned to Cael, who was already in motion, his sword raised in anticipation. "Ready yourself."
"Always." Cael's grin was one of wild excitement, as if this was a game he had been waiting for.
Seraphina stepped forward, drawing her bow with practiced ease. "I'll cover the left flank. Elric, take the right. Keep your pack in control. Darius, you're with me."
Darius didn't say a word. His movements were swift and precise as he took his place at the front lines.
Elric felt the weight of the moment press down on him, but there was no turning back. The beasts were upon them now. He could hear the snapping of jaws, the rustling of leaves, and the heavy breath of the wolves as they closed in.
"Pack, follow me!" Elric shouted, his voice surprisingly steady. "Stay close, and don't break formation!"
He felt the familiar tug of his bond with his summoned beasts. The large shadow of the dire wolf, the smaller but equally fierce wolves, and even the eagle that had perched nearby responded. His pack had grown in strength, and now it was time to see how they would fight.
As Elric moved forward, the wolves at his side, he saw the first of the beasts leap at him. A massive, snarling creature, its claws outstretched, charged with terrifying speed.
"Now!" Elric roared, his sword raised high.
The dire wolf at his side lunged forward with a snarl, knocking the beast out of the air. Elric's sword flashed, cutting through the creature's exposed side with a quick, decisive strike. The beast yelped in pain, stumbling back, but before it could regroup, Elric's dire wolf sunk its teeth into its throat, ending its life in an instant.
More beasts surged forward, but Elric was not alone. His pack fought with him—his bond with them strengthening as they worked together. The smaller wolves darted between enemies, attacking with precision, while the larger ones tore through the beasts with brute force. Elric's heart swelled with pride as he watched his pack fight with such coordination. They weren't just animals to him; they were his family, his strength.
But the battle was far from over.
A larger, more formidable beast emerged from the darkness—a hulking, muscular creature with blood-red eyes. Its fur was matted and dark, its teeth sharp and unnaturally long. It was a leader of sorts, and Elric could feel its power in the air. The other beasts paused for a moment, as if waiting for the signal to attack, but Elric knew this creature was the real challenge.
"Watch out!" Darius called from behind him. "That one's different! It's not just a wild beast—it's been enhanced. Be careful!"
Elric's grip on his sword tightened. He had faced beasts before, but this was different. He could feel the weight of its power.
"Pack, stay focused! We take it down together!" Elric ordered.
His pack responded immediately, circling the creature with a fluid grace. The dire wolf charged first, its massive form slamming into the beast with a bone-crushing impact. But the creature didn't stagger—it retaliated with a furious swipe of its claws, sending the dire wolf flying through the air.
Elric's heart raced. His wolf, injured but not defeated, scrambled to its feet, but the creature was already charging toward it. Without thinking, Elric lunged forward, raising his sword to intercept the blow.
The clash was deafening. Elric's sword met the creature's claws, sparks flying as metal collided with monstrous bone. His strength alone wasn't enough, but he felt the familiar surge of power from his pack, and together, they pushed the creature back.
"Now, Elric! Strike!" Seraphina's voice rang out from behind him, her bow already drawn with a glowing arrow aimed at the creature's heart.
Elric didn't hesitate. With a final, powerful strike, he plunged his sword deep into the beast's chest, just as the arrow hit its mark. The creature let out a final, deafening roar before collapsing to the ground.
The battle was over.
---
Elric stood panting, his sword slick with blood, his body trembling from the adrenaline. His pack surrounded him, the remaining wolves nuzzling him in silent acknowledgment. They had won, but the victory felt hollow. The beast they had slain was just the beginning. He could feel it in his bones.
Darius, Seraphina, and Cael joined him, their expressions grim.
"Good work, Elric," Darius said, his voice low. "But this is only the first wave. We need to prepare for worse."
Elric nodded, his heart heavy. He had proven himself in battle, but the real war had just begun.
The family stood together, the tension in the air thick as ever. This was their world now. And they would fight for it, no matter the cost.
---
Here's Chapter 23 with your requested tone: Elric grows more shameless and begins to show his clever, slightly darker side. New pack dynamics begin to form as Nevol takes an interest in recruiting a powerful beast from another race.
---
Chapter 23: The Art of Shameless Bonding
The sun filtered through the trees, and Elric stood at the edge of the forest clearing, arms crossed, watching the pack go about their usual morning chaos.
A squirrel beast had stolen Nevol's breakfast again.
"Should I interfere?" Elric mused aloud.
"No," the System replied in its usual friendly tone, "this is character development. Let them solve their drama."
Nevol snarled at the thieving squirrel, only to be outmaneuvered once again. "That damned furball is taunting me, I swear."
Elric chuckled. "Nevol, you need allies, not enemies."
Nevol blinked. "Allies? That's a rat."
"Beast," Elric corrected. "And one with very sticky fingers. Useful in the right situation."
That's when they heard it—a growl, low and deep, from the nearby rocks. Out stepped a sleek feline-like beast, eyes glinting with caution and pride. Her fur was obsidian with faint silver streaks, and she moved with the grace of a queen.
Nevol immediately stiffened.
Elric tilted his head. "And who might you be?"
"I don't answer to cubs," she said coldly.
Elric smirked. "Lucky for you, I'm not just a cub. I'm your future alpha."
The System giggled softly in his mind. "Smooth."
"I am Velara, daughter of the Nightclaw line," she declared. "And I do not bend to the weak."
Elric took a step forward, aura flickering faintly. His childish eyes glinted like a seasoned tactician. "Weak? I've tamed wolves, learned from monsters, and dined with nightmares. Weak is not a word that fits me, kitty."
Velara narrowed her eyes. "You'd dare try to tame me?"
"No," Elric said with a grin. "I'd invite you to join something greater than yourself."
Behind him, Nevol muttered, "Is this how you recruited me too?"
Elric winked. "That and food."
Nevol groaned.
Velara, curious despite herself, sat back on her haunches. "What's your goal?"
"To build a family," Elric said, a hint of sincerity breaking through. "A pack strong enough to survive the coming storms. And I need powerful allies who don't just follow orders... but believe in me."
Velara's ears twitched. "Then impress me."
"I will," Elric said. "But first, let's see if you can beat Nevol in a spar."
"WHAT?!" Nevol barked.
Elric gave him a shameless grin. "What? Character development."
The two beasts glared at him, but Velara was already moving. Fast. Graceful. Deadly.
Nevol barely dodged.
The System whispered, "This is going
Perfect! Here's the next part of the story with Elric growing up to age 10, the Village's Awakening Ceremony, introduction of classes, and the first proper appearance of Elric's childhood friends and villagers.
---
Chapter 24: The Day of Awakening
The wind rolled gently through the valley as banners fluttered across the village square. It was a special day—one that came only once every few years.
The Awakening Ceremony.
"Ten years," Elric muttered, brushing the dirt off his simple tunic. "Took long enough."
"You grew fast," said the System, voice now warmer and friendlier than ever. "I still remember the time you got stuck chasing a goat."
"That goat cheated."
"You ran into a tree."
"…Still cheated."
A large platform had been set in the middle of the village, with elders seated in ceremonial robes. Around the square, dozens of families had gathered. Children dressed in fresh clothes. Some excited. Others nervous.
Elric's eyes scanned the crowd.
He spotted Harin, the boy with wild black hair and big dreams of becoming a Beast Knight. His best friend and constant partner in trouble.
Next was Myra, a soft-spoken girl who always hid behind her book but had a sharp tongue when provoked.
Then there was Goro, a bulky kid with strength well beyond his age—rumored to be a half-ogre, though he never confirmed it.
All of them would awaken today.
As for Elric… well, his case was complicated.
"Don't worry," said the System, "your true class is hidden. Even the ritual won't show it."
"You sure?"
"Positive. To everyone else, you're just a kid with a common affinity."
The village chief stood and raised his hand. "Today, the spirits shall guide our children. Today, they shall awaken their path—be it Mage, Warrior, Tamer, or more."
A small altar glowed with ancient runes as each child walked forward to place their hand upon it.
Flames flared.
Light burst.
And the voices of the spirits whispered names of classes.
"Tamer."
"Warrior."
"Water Mage."
Harin grinned wide when the altar announced "Beast Knight – Rare" and raised his fists like a champion.
Myra shyly stepped up, and the altar glowed an icy blue.
"Ice Sorceress – Rare."
Even Goro got a big reaction.
"Earth Guardian – Uncommon."
When Elric stepped forward, there was silence.
He felt a strange warmth enter his chest. The System hummed softly, masking his real power.
The altar glowed faintly.
"Common Class – Beast Tamer."
A few villagers looked disappointed. Elric didn't mind.
Because in truth…
> [SYSTEM NOTICE]
True Class: Legendary Shepherd – Sealed
Skills Unlocked: [Beast Bond (Lv. 2)], [Aura of Kinship (Lv. 1)], [Pack Expansion (Lv. 1)]
"I'll stay small for now," he thought with a grin. "But they'll see."
The crowd cheered politely. Some whispered behind his back.
"Such a weak class."
"He always was strange."
"Poor boy."
But Myra smiled. Harin thumped his back. And Goro offered him a roasted chicken leg.
"I don't care what they say," Harin said. "You're part of our crew."
"Damn right," Goro added, mouth full. "You're the weird glue."
Elric grinned, biting into the chicken. "Then I'll glue us to greatness."
---
Next Chapter Tease:
As the village celebrates the successful awakening, strange tremors shake the forest. A powerful beast approaches—but this one isn't here to fight…
---
Chapter 25: New Windows, Old Paths
> [SYSTEM ONLINE...]
[User: Elric – Status: Active]
[True Class: Legendary Shepherd – Sealed]
[Age: 10]
[Awakening Status: Masked | Public Class: Beast Tamer – Common]
> [WORLD STRUCTURE: PARTIAL INTERFACE UNLOCKED]
[LOOT SYSTEM ENABLED]
[BEAST DROP LOG ENABLED]
[RESOURCE IDENTIFIER ENABLED]
[MAP TRACKING: UNLOCKED]
[ACADEMY REGISTRY: AVAILABLE – EASTERN FRONTIER SELECTION]
The world had always been rich. But now... it was structured.
As Elric walked with Harin and Myra toward the village's eastern cliffside, the System watched silently, windows blinking in spectral light only it could see.
The fight with the low-rank Horned Boar yesterday was a trigger.
> [BEAST KILL: Horned Boar – Level 4]
[Drops Acquired:]
[Boar Fang x2]
[Iron Hide Fragment x1]
[Raw Beast Essence x1]
[Beast Bond XP: +23]
> [Skill Progress:]
[Beast Bond (Lv. 2 → 3)]
[Pack Expansion: 12% to next level]
Elric had no idea, of course. He simply looked at the materials and said, "This looks cool," before tossing one into his pocket and trying to chew a raw fang.
"Don't eat it," the System muttered, exasperated. "You're not a goblin."
As if on cue, Goro appeared with a satchel of fresh fruits. "They posted something big on the announcement stone. Some… test?"
The trio sprinted toward the center of the village, where the old stone slab stood, now etched with glowing script.
[ACADEMY ENTRANCE TRIAL – 3 WEEKS REMAINING]
Location: Riverstone Gate
Eligible: All Awakened Aged 10+
Top 20 Will Be Accepted Into the Academy
"ACADEMY?!?!" Harin's jaw dropped. "The real one? With actual swords? And dragon bones? And hot teachers?!"
Myra rolled her eyes. "It's where talents gather. Where nobles send their kids. We don't belong there."
Elric, however, remained quiet.
He felt something stir inside him.
A calling.
And the System smiled in the void.
> [New Quest Unlocked: "Enter the Academy"]
Objective: Qualify for Riverstone Academy within 3 weeks.
Bonus Objective: Finish within Top 5.
Reward: [System Skill Tree Expansion], [New Pack Slot], [Rare Item Drop Chance Boost].
"Looks like it's finally time," the System whispered. "Time to let the world see what a Shepherd can really