6. The Fire That Devoured the Silver Moon

Raven's steps quickened as he entered the village. Fires were everywhere, and commotion could be heard almost everywhere. The cold night was transformed into a warm glow by the flames that filled the Silver Moon Pack.

The house that had been his refuge was now a sea of ​​flames. Black smoke billowed into the sky, obscuring the light of the Blood Moon, which should have been a symbol of celebration.

Screams filled the air. Children's cries. Werewolves' howls. Weapons clashing. Everything blended into a symphony of chaos. This attack was unexpected, throwing the pack into chaos.

"What's happening...?" Raven stopped on a small hill, gazing at the heartbreaking scene of war.

Raven's eyes widened. Wooden houses were burning one by one. Some pack members were trying to extinguish the flames, while others were fighting against the black-robed men who were moving nimbly through the flames. Among them were some who had become werewolves and were fighting to protect the pack with all their might.

They weren't members of any pack Raven had ever seen. Their movements were too practiced. Their attacks were too deadly.

And their goal... wasn't to slaughter everyone. They seemed distracted and searching for something. Or... someone.

Ding!

The screen in front of Raven reappeared.

[LEGACY OF THE FIRST ALPHA]

[Warning]

[Silver Moon Pack is under attack.

Protect those you can.]

Raven clenched his fists. He also had to protect Martha, who was the target. Without thinking, he ran down the hill. He reached the pack and immediately ran towards Martha's house.

"Raven!"

A loud voice called out to him. Daren emerged from behind the rubble, his face covered in black dust. His gaze immediately turned furious.

"You jinx!" Daren's fists flew.

BUGH!

The blow landed on Raven's cheek, sending his back two steps.

"You hid in the woods, and then our pack was attacked! It's all because of your curse!"

Raven gritted his teeth. Anger welled up in his chest. Why had he always been blamed for every misfortune that befell the pack? Was it because he was a Cursed Omega? Or because he lacked powers? Even now, he was still being blamed for external attacks.

Raven tried to control his anger, even though he felt he could retaliate against Daren right now. However, he ignored it because there were more pressing matters than a needless argument with Daren.

A screen caption appeared in front of Raven:

[A true Alpha protects before he conquers.]

Raven looked at Daren for a moment, touching his cheek, which was red from his punch. Raven was used to it.

“I don’t have time for arguments, Daren. The pack needs us; we must help our people.”

Daren was shocked by Raven's firm words. Usually, he remained silent when disturbed. Raven ignored Daren and ran to the other side. Daren stared at Raven, who was retreating. What Raven said was true! At a time like this, they had to help each other before the pack was destroyed.

Daren didn't want to lose; he had to help evacuate the residents and children. If he fought the attackers, he would probably be defeated easily. For the first time, Daren acknowledged Raven's courage in taking part in saving the pack.

Raven ran toward Martha's house, but a scream came from the left. Sense Wolf sensed danger. A small child was trapped under a collapsed beam.

"Mom! Help me! It's hot!"

At a time like this! Raven couldn't leave the child. He had to save the child. Raven turned and saw the burning house. A wooden beam blocked the door, and the child screamed, unable to get out.

The log was enormous. Raven approached, his muscles tensing. Raven held a large log, the top of which was already burning. He held it tightly and lifted it with all his might.

"Come out! I can't hold on any longer!"

The little boy nodded, understanding, and seeing the gap in the raised wood, he climbed out. In the distance, the mother arrived, and the little boy ran to hug her. Raven saved the child.

The screen in front of Raven lit up.

[Authority +1]

Raven frowned in surprise, "Saving someone can increase Authority?"

The mother thanked Raven for saving her son. She sympathized with Raven, even though he had always been called the Cursed Omega. However, he fought to save her son.

BOOM!

Raven's eyes, now sharper than ever, saw the figure of an old Beta being knocked over by the enemy. The old Beta had crashed into an old house, and it collapsed. The flames were raging inside, and Raven sensed danger. He ran into the rubble, ignoring the heat that was starting to burn his skin. Smoke filled his lungs, and his vision blurred.

However, he managed to find the old man, crushed by the falling planks. He approached, reached for the old Beta's body, and with difficulty carried him. He managed to get out and rescue the old man.

Cough! Cough!

The old man coughed, clutching his chest, which was in pain from the enemy's blow. Raven carried him to the other side where several healers were tending to the wounded. Raven handed the old man over for treatment.

[Authority +2]

Raven didn't yet understand whether increased authority would also increase his strength. The system's message was that protecting could enhance his abilities. Was this system the best protective power?

Raven's ears sharpened, he sensed Martha's presence. He had to hurry. Martha dodged flying debris and the werewolf battle. His goal was one: reach Martha's house.

Three more buildings and Raven would reach Martha's house, the house at the very end of the pack.

Whoosh!

The last house was now before Raven's eyes. Raven's feet stopped moving, and he was in front of him. Martha was shocked by Raven's arrival.

"Raven!"

"Martha!" Raven shouted in surprise. Martha was surrounded by three men in black robes. One of them was even holding a sword, the tip of which was now at Martha's neck.

"Run, Raven! Get away from me!"

The man with the sword looked at Raven, "Oh, there's a little mouse coming to help you, Martha!"

Raven still didn't understand, his chest heaving from exhaustion.

"Let go of Martha!" Raven shouted.

"I'm fine, Raven! Go, they won't kill me!" Martha shouted weakly. Blood was streaming down her temple. Her body looked weak and trembling.

"You want to try and save this old woman?" The cloaked leader drew his sword. "Try if you can! Come forward, little mouse!"

Martha saw Raven was in danger and signaled for him to leave.

Raven knew he couldn't defeat the enemy, as Martha possessed immense combat prowess. If Martha lost, Raven would certainly be unqualified to face them. However, Raven wanted to test her strength and activated her Dominance. Raven wanted to see the enemy's reaction when Dominance was activated.

[Dominance: Active!]

Whoosh! The silver wolf mark flashed.

"No way!" the cloaked leader was shocked. "There's a legacy bloodline active in such a weak pack!" The dominance pressure, though weak, could be felt by those with werewolf blood.

"Raven! You...!" Martha felt it too; she recognized the mark and energy. It was the legacy of the first Alpha.

"Interesting!" the cloaked man spun his sword around. He sheathed it. The cloaked man stared at Martha for a moment, briefly thinking that Martha had taught the weak young man an important ability. So indeed, the relic Martha carried possessed powerful abilities. The leader must obtain it.

"Who are you guys?" Raven asked.

The robed leader chuckled, “You’re still too weak, Omega. It’s not time for you to know who we are. But trust me, if you want to fight me, you’ll have to get stronger and come at us!”

“Raven, run! Don’t listen to them!”

Slap!

Raven was shocked. The leader slapped Martha, knocking her to the ground. Raven was furious and was about to charge forward. Two followers stepped forward, ready to block Raven’s attack.

“No need! Just leave that weak Omega alone. Trash trying to climb to the sky? How hilarious! Ha ha ha!”

Damn it! Raven was furious. However, dozens of other robed men emerged from the burning houses and quickly surrounded the robed leader. Raven swallowed hard and decided against attacking.

The robed leader glared at Raven, “Hey, weak Omega. I don’t really care about this old woman. However, she has something she stole from us. So, we have to take it.”

“Let go, Martha!” Raven shouted.

"Unfortunately… I can't let her go. She knows something the world shouldn't know. She's been running away for a long time. If you're not satisfied, look for me!" the man signaled to his subordinates. And, two people moved using strangely carved black chains that restrained Martha's hands. The chains moved as if by magic and bound Martha's body.

Agh! Martha grimaced in pain. Martha's glazed eyes looked at Raven who was worried about him. "Raven..." is a mother's love for her child.

“Protect Silven Moon. That’s my final wish…”

“No, Martha, don’t leave me!” Raven didn’t care, even if it meant dying. He had to save Martha. He moved forward.

However, dozens of sharp knives aimed at Raven from the cloaked soldiers who tried to stop him.

The werewolf sense kicked in again, and Raven retreated, as the blades only wanted him to retreat and not continue his attack.

The black-robed leader smiled faintly, "Good choice. If you advance, you'll die!" He raised his hand. And...

Woooonng!

A black portal opened behind him. Raven was shocked; he had never seen such magical abilities before. Raven watched silently as several cloaked men entered the portal, and two others carried Martha through. The black-robed leader smiled faintly, also preparing to enter the portal, leaving Raven where he was.

Martha looked at Raven one last time, tears streaming down her face. Martha had considered Raven her daughter. Raven was speechless. He felt powerless to save the only person who cared about him.

Wooonnggg!

The portal nearly wiped them all out, just before it did. Martha screamed weakly one last time.

“Never believe the history they write, Raven!”

The cloaked leader was shocked that Martha had said that. He punched Martha once more, knocking her unconscious. Raven ignored it, tears streaming down his face as he ran toward the large portal. However… he was too late, as the portal vanished completely, taking Martha with it.

Slash!

“Wait! Don’t take her, Martha!” Raven ran fast, his senses activated, and he charged forward. He passed through the portal, which vanished completely.

Raven passed through the void, as if no one had ever been before him. They all left, leaving the silence, the fire still burning in the Silver Moon Pack. The person Raven wanted to save most was now taken away.

Ding.

The screen lit up in front of Raven, who dropped to his knees.

[LEGACY OF THE FIRST ALPHA]

[Authority: +5

Reason:

You chose to protect your Pack before yourself.

New Main Objective

Find Martha.

Uncover the truth of the First Alpha]

Raven clutched the ground, his hands clutching the dirt. He had to save Martha. His eyes were bloodshot, and he stared up at the sky. The red moon gave him an aura of mystical power, for the first time in his life. He wanted more power and to be strong. He had a clear goal now: those who took Martha would be the enemies Raven would have to face.

Whatever the cost. Martha, wait for me!