Two days later, Umbra awoke.

  Her body was heavy, aching, but she was alive. Somehow.

  She remembered the wolf’s retaliation. The madness in his eyes still haunted her. He had evolved into a divine beast, yet it hadn’t been enough. He wanted more. That hunger had driven him insane.

  If she were alive, then the wolf must be dead.

  All that power… only to die in the end.

  Umbra realized she was walking the same path, chasing strength, never satisfied. This was a wake-up call. She needed to forge her own way, to live freely, unchained by the greed for power.

  The wolf had been the strongest beast here, and still, he had fallen.

  She understood now: there is always someone stronger.

  And if that someone was her brother Kai, then being by his side was enough.

  She thought of Kai.

  Where was he?

  Umbra rose slowly, her limbs stiff. She was in a dimly lit chamber, surrounded by shimmering mountains of mana crystals. Her body was covered in smeared herbs; someone had tended to her.

  She stepped into a vast hall, where voices echoed.

  Scry hovered near a massive green mammoth with golden tusks, their conversation low and solemn.

  She walked toward them with quiet grace.

  Scry’s eyes lit up when he saw her, and the mammoth smiled warmly.

  “Umbra!” Scry flew to her. “You’re awake! Thank the spirits. That was a close call, the closest yet. Thankfully, Kai managed to save you.” He exhaled deeply.

  Umbra trembled. “Where is Kai, Scry?”

  She could barely sense him.

  The mammoth stepped forward. “He’s still sleeping… but his soul is weak. We don’t know what’s happening. In all my years, I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  “I don’t know if it was the new spell he used, or the amount of Thunderfire he devoured to heal you,” Scry added, his voice heavy. “His body healed incredibly well, and his core is intact. I’ve inspected it. But his soul… It’s not responding. We’ll have to wait and see.”

  Deep down, Scry held onto hope. He couldn’t lose another friend.

  Umbra, conflicted, walked outside, lost in thought.

  He had saved her again… but at what cost?

  Outside, four beasts rested, absorbing mana from the world.

  They opened their eyes and bowed, even the proud Silver Gorilla.

  The old turtle, fire jaguar, violet tarantula, and silver gorilla approached Umbra.

  The turtle spoke first, his voice deep and reverent.

  “Thank you for standing up for us. In all my years, I’ve never seen a battle like that. What happened here… will stay with us forever.”

  The one-armed gorilla grunted. “I curse this weak body of mine. To fight by your side, mighty tiger, would’ve been an honor. Even giving my life wouldn’t be enough for what you and your human did for us.”

  The jaguar smirked. “Would your human need a mate? I’m willing.” She blushed.

  Umbra stared, jaw wide open.

  What did she just say?

  The violet spider shot a web, sealing the jaguar’s mouth. “Forgive her. She’s… enthusiastic.

  But her heart’s in the right place.”

  The old turtle burst into laughter, his cane clattering to the ground. “This bitch is insane! Hahaha!”

  Loud laughter echoed from the gorilla’s metallic chest. “Crazy idea, but I understand her. That human was amazing.”

  Umbra asked softly, “Can you tell me what happened? I don’t remember the end.”

  The gorilla’s eyes gleamed as he began.

  “After the wolf transformed into an elemental monstrosity, he nearly killed you. Then the human snapped. I’ve never seen anything like it. He summoned countless spells; dark water drilled through the wolf as he slashed with his sword. He was like a king. The wolf stood no chance.

  Then the wolf summoned countless moons of Thunderfire to destroy the human… but the human destroyed them. And then…”

  The gorilla paused, lost in memory.

  “What then?” Umbra asked, breathless.

  “A huge silver serpent appeared behind the human, like a god of all snakes. A white blazing sword materialized in his hand. He slashed twice. The serpent flew, light shone… and the wolf died.”

  “It was the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen,” the jaguar said, finally burning through the spider’s web.

  “The human found the wolf’s core and absorbed its energy to heal you,” whispered the violet spider. “It was reckless… but it made my heart race. It reminded me of the old days.”

  Umbra stood silently, tears dripping down her cheeks.

  “You have a good brother, tiger,” the turtle said gently. “Never betray him.”

  He turned to the others.

  “Now… join us. We must heal. And grow stronger. We cannot remain spirit beasts forever. This battle awakened something in all of us. We’ve been complacent for too long.”

  Umbra nodded.

  She would stay here and wait until Kai woke.

  ***

  The Dragon King lay in his halls, silent and still, lost in thought.

  A massive mana screen flickered before him, replaying the battle again and again.

  He had watched it for a full day now.

  Sometimes, he admired the wolf’s tenacity, its refusal to yield, even in madness.

  Other times, his heart grew heavy, watching Kai lose himself in fury at the sight of Umbra on death’s edge.

  It had been a long time since Arthraxius felt this way.

  Not since the old wars.

  Not since his first disciples.

  This human, from a distant and faraway land, had fought with a raw, untrained heart.

  No guidance. No legacy, only scattered crumbs from a long-lost nation buried by time.

  He had survived through instinct alone, clawing his way forward in a world that should have crushed him.

  And yet…

  He had awakened something ancient and defeated such monstrosity.

  The Dragon King couldn’t believe it.

  Kai had even summoned the First Page.

  Unlocked its ability.

  How was this possible?

  Then, space trembled.

  A ripple of divine energy pulsed through the chamber.

  From the void stepped a pale, godly woman in a flowing red dress.

  Her dark hair floated around her like smoke, and her eyes shimmered with living darkness.

  Arthraxius smiled.

  “So… you finally remembered your old comrade. What brings you here, Tenebria?”

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  She didn’t answer.

  Her gaze locked onto the mana screen.

  She had felt the First Page awaken but hadn’t known what triggered it.

  Now, she saw.

  The battle played again.

  Kai’s fury.

  His sacrifice.

  His impossible power.

  Tenebria watched in silence.

  Arthraxius said nothing, only smiled faintly.

  At last, he spoke.

  “So… what do you think?”

  Her voice was barely a whisper.

  “This is beyond anything I imagined. Could he really be the one I’ve been searching for?”

  Arthraxius hesitated.

  “We’ve had strong candidates before. And they…”

  He couldn’t finish.

  “No,” Tenebria said firmly. “This is different. His resonance is the strongest I’ve ever felt. I’ve searched for the final fragment for millions of years.”

  Arthraxius’s voice was low.

  “That means little in the grand scheme.”

  “I know,” she replied. “That’s why we must not interfere. His destiny must unfold on its own.”

  She paused, her voice softening.

  “But within the bounds of the program… I can help him. That much is allowed.”

  Arthraxius nodded.

  “I know. That’s why I’ve made my decision. I will make him my final disciple. He will inherit everything I have.”

  Tenebria’s eyes widened.

  “You’re leaving?”

  “After he completes the final trial,” Arthraxius said, hope flickering in his voice. “My contract will be fulfilled.”

  Tenebria stepped forward, her expression solemn.

  “You’ve suffered long enough.”

  She raised her hand.

  “I release you, Dragon King Arthraxius. You are free of your contract. Your soul is unbound by my decree.”

  A holy light burst forth. Something ancient cracked.

  Invisible chains shattered and fell away from the Dragon King’s body.

  He bowed deeply.

  “Thank you. I will remain until he is ready. After that… I hope we meet again, with some good news… for a change.”

  Tenebria turned to leave but paused.

  “What of our third brother?”

  “Scry has made his choice,” Arthraxius said. “I felt it. Arcanum now belongs to the boy; a contract has been formed.

  It’s for the best. Scry deserves peace… and perhaps, happiness.”

  Tenebria nodded.

  “Notify me when he passes the trial. I want to say goodbye.”

  She began to fade, but Arthraxius called out.

  “Wait.”

  The screen flickered.

  A new scene appeared: Kai, lying motionless in a bright chamber.

  “He is in an interesting situation now,” the Dragon King said.

  Tenebria closed her eyes.

  “I can feel him through the Page. This is his moment. He must choose it himself.

  Whatever happens… You are free. But if he succeeds, he will truly make the First Page his own.”

  And with that, she vanished.

  Arthraxius remained, eyes fixed on the screen.

  Hope stirred in his ancient heart.

  ***

  Inside Kai’s inner world, a small silver-red pup floated, its energy slowly fading.

  As Kai awoke in a dark, humid cave. Around him, small pups howled. He looked down and saw that he, too, was a pup, grey and furry.

  He could feel mana coursing through his small body. He had a core. It seemed all the pups were born with one.

  He didn’t panic. It felt natural. His old life was but a distant memory.

  Then, a massive Gray Wolf entered the cave, a large bird-like spirit beast clutched in its jaws.

  The pups leapt toward her as she dropped the prey. They began devouring it ravenously.

  The wolf mother walked over to Kai, gently picked him up in her teeth, and placed him beside the bird. He understood she wanted him to eat.

  He began eating. With each bite, energy surged through his body. He relished the sensation.

  Time passed. Their mother fed them high-quality spirit beasts, and they grew quickly, Kai and his three brothers.

  Years went by. They advanced to Tier 2 spirit beasts, growing to the size of normal wolves.

  Now they hunted alongside their mother. She taught them how to use their bodies efficiently, how to manipulate earth mana to trap prey.

  The four brothers grew stronger. Eventually, they hunted on their own. Their mother was proud.

  When they reached Tier 3, she told them it was time to leave and carve out their own territory in the vast jungle. The other three scattered across the world, and that was the last time Kai saw them.

  Kai stayed near his mother’s territory, watching over her from afar. He wanted to protect her, unaware that she was a Tier 8 spirit beast, one of the jungle’s generals.

  His dreams were still childish.

  Then one day, a foreign beast entered his mother’s territory, settling on the hill beneath the great stone.

  Kai was forbidden to go near the hill. His mother had taught him that early on.

  That hill was a restricted zone for all beasts.

  But something happened. Sounds of battle echoed through the jungle. Kai ran toward the hill and saw seven massive beasts confronting a small, ape-like figure.

  “Human, we do not care that you have permission. You cannot enter our jungle as if you own it,” growled a huge black panther.

  “I mean no harm,” the man replied calmly. “I’m here only to learn and live in peace. Do not force my hand.”

  The blue turtle floated forward. “Bow to us, and we might let you,” he mocked.

  The Gray Wolf snarled. “This is my territory. You should at least beg for permission.” Her canines flashed.

  A massive dark-blue eagle spread its wings. “I’ll eat this bug. He’ll make a fine snack.” Lightning crackled as he soared into the sky, then dove toward the man.

  Kai watched, pride swelling in his chest. His mother was fierce, proud, and powerful.

  Then the unexpected happened.

  The man summoned two blazing red magic circles. From them emerged two dragon-like fiery serpents. One coiled around him; the other streaked across the sky in a flash of crimson. The eagle fell, bisected midair, smoke rising from its corpse.

  The generals froze in shock.

  The panther and wolf lunged, summoning shadow and earth mana. But the fire serpent struck again, instantly killing the panther and wounding the wolf, who howled in agony.

  The wolf retreated, summoning a moon behind her. Earth mana surged, and a massive boulder crashed toward the mage. He countered with a breath of fire, shattering the rock.

  Then the sky darkened.

  “Meteorite Shower!” the human roared.

  Each meteorite, as large as the wolf’s moon, slammed into the earth. The turtle fled but was struck, barely surviving. The other generals, a red gorilla and two green snakes, fled without looking back.

  The turtle survived. The wolf did not.

  The mage sighed and left.

  Kai stood frozen, tears streaming down his face. His mother, his whole world, was gone.

  Killed effortlessly by a human. The beast lords fell like ants before him.

  Something awakened in Kai. A burning desire. If he had been strong enough, he could have protected her. He could have defeated the fiery human.

  On that day, the wolf swore he would do anything to become strong, stronger than anyone.

  He abandoned his mother’s path and sought greater power. Deep in a volcanic cavern, he found a magma rock. By meditating beside it and absorbing its rich red mana, his core changed from yellow to red. He reached Tier 4. A few years later, Tier 5. His fur turned crimson. He became the Volcanic Wolf.

  He felt incredible, able to wield the power of fire like that human. But it wasn’t enough.

  Over the next hundred years, he claimed his mother’s territory as his own, growing stronger.

  Still, it wasn’t enough.

  One day, while hunting, he stumbled upon the eagle’s old lair.

  In the center of a valley stood a crystalline lightning tree. Its power radiated outward. He claimed the valley and absorbed the tree’s mana for years.

  Eventually, his body evolved again, into a Tier 6 Thunderfire Wolf. But he pushed further, reshaping his form into something he longed for: a humanoid wolf.

  He became the Thunderfire Lupus. He walked on two legs. His front paws became arms. His claws, weapons.

  He felt stronger than ever. Years passed. His power stabilized.

  He decided to test himself.

  He challenged the lord of the jungle, a massive mammoth. The beast easily defended against Kai’s attacks and beat him into the ground. But instead of killing him, the mammoth bound him as his next general.

  Kai hated himself. Hated his weakness.

  All those years… and it still wasn’t enough.

  Kai continued his pursuit of power.

  He moved the magma rock and the thunder tree into his lair, absorbing their mana daily.

  But that wasn’t enough. He hunted powerful elemental beasts and devoured their cores.

  Through this relentless path, he rose from Tier 3 to peak Tier 8 in just five hundred years, a feat only the most blessed of beasts could achieve.

  But Kai wasn’t blessed. He sacrificed everything.

  He chased power and nothing else. He never created offspring, never sought companionship. Such things held no meaning for him.

  Then, one day, a message arrived: another human had appeared.

  Fear gripped him, but so did the need to prove himself. He pushed his body beyond its limits, absorbed the elemental treasures into his flesh, and ascended into the Divine Realm.

  He felt invincible.

  But the human was stronger.

  He sacrificed his soul for more power, and in the end, he lost.

  Nothing remained of him. His greed, his fear of weakness, had devoured him.

  ***

  Kai’s mind drifted into his inner world.

  There, his Soul Sword floated, a fragmented silver blade, a crystalline orb, and amidst the thunder and silver pond, a small pup.

  Kai understood.

  This was the last sane fragment of the wolf’s soul, the part he had consumed through Soul Slaughter. The final remnant before madness took over.

  Kai lived through the wolf’s memories. He understood him; they were alike.

  Had Kai not met Scry and Umbra, his path might have mirrored the wolf’s. In moments of desperation, their desires were one and the same.

  The small pup opened its eyes. Now part of Kai’s world.

  Its secrets and memories were Kai’s, just as Kai’s were now part of it.

  “I see. Even you are afraid. Even you feel weak,” the pup said softly.

  “Yeah. There’s always someone stronger. That’s why we must never give in and lose ourselves,” Kai replied, speaking from the heart.

  “It’s too late for me. I wasted my life. But if becoming part of someone like you is how it ends… maybe I wasn’t a useless existence.” The pup smiled as its body began to fade.

  “You gave me no choice. It was you or my friends. I don’t regret it, but seeing your life… I wish it hadn’t come to this.” Kai said, sadness flickering in his eyes.

  “You fought well. But you’ll need more power to be truly free. I longed for that freedom too. Will you let me join you in this life, as a part of you?” the pup asked, nearly gone.

  “I’d like that. You’re already part of me. But I feel you can be more,” Kai whispered, sensing something stir deep within his soul.

  ***

  Suddenly, the inner world trembled.

  The wolf pup was about to be fully absorbed when the Silver Serpent opened its eyes and slithered into the inner world.

  Above, a radiant page appeared in the sky, shining over the serpent and the pup.

  The serpent activated its ancient Uroboros energy, and the pup’s soul transformed into an ancient glyph.

  Then the serpent spat out a fragment of its own soul, forming another glyph.

  The two merged. Power surged through Kai’s body. Pain echoed in his soul.

  And then he was expelled from his inner world.

  ***

  Now, Kai’s mind floated above his core.

  The Thunder Tree shone brightly. On one of its branches, a new leaf appeared, silver-red, pulsing with pure destructive lightning.

  His first magic circle glowed with ancient light.

  The soul serpent emerged, releasing ancient mist that formed a second magic circle.

  A silver-red circle materialized. On its surface, a pack of wolves ran.

  On the first circle, two serpents opened their eyes and hissed.

  The wolves howled.

  Kai’s body broke through, strengthened by Thunderfire and the new circle.

  He reached the middle of the Knight Realm.

  Then something else happened.

  The page above his core glowed. Two orbs emerged, one silver, one red.

  The silver orb merged with the Thunder Tree.

  Two new crystalline branches sprouted, each bearing a bud as energy was absorbed.

  The red orb floated into the soul serpent. Its green eyes opened. A red gem merged into its forehead, cracked, and revealed a third fiery eye.

  It scanned Kai’s mind and body, then closed. The serpent coiled around the lightning tree and fell into slumber.

  Kai didn’t understand what had just happened.

  The page merged into his soul, now truly a part of him. Its task complete.

  ***

  Kai awoke in a bright room.

  Mana crystals fed his body; his core brimmed with energy. He was stronger than ever.

  But a hint of regret lingered.

  The wolf had been an enemy, but not inherently evil. He was shaped by his life.

  Kai sighed and stood.

  Then he noticed something new.

  On his right arm, a bright red tattoo of a wolf had appeared. The wolf howled with anger, as if rebelling. Above its head, a silver moon shone.

  Kai scanned the tattoo.

  He felt it, the remnant of the wolf’s soul, now merged with his own.

  Inside, a small pup slept. Its power and memories were part of Kai.

  They had become one.

  Kai didn’t know what this meant for the future, but he was glad the wolf lived on within him.

  His mind evolved. He felt reborn.

  He now understood that power was important, but freedom and family were everything.

  He would seek strength to protect them, but he would never let power consume him.

  Kai threw on his favorite martial garments and stepped out of the room.