Monsters of the Forbidden Forest

Raven remained confused, the holographic display still glowing in front of him. Raven's hand tried to touch the translucent screen, but his hand went right through it, and the text was faint and wobbly. When he pulled his hand back, the screen returned to its original state, displaying the text clearly.

[Werewolf Evolution System Activating...]

[5%...]

Once again, Raven reassured himself. Was the screen before his real? Was this a mystical force igniting his powers?

Raven was still pondering the connection between the flashing screen and the wolf mark on his chest. Could he really unlock his incredible powers as a werewolf? At least, awaken to Gamma power? Would he possess the powers of a high-level werewolf?

Just being able to attain Gamma power made Raven imagine the respect and trust he would receive within the Pack. Ah, was that even possible?

Werewolf power levels that had increased were divided into several levels:

• Omega

• Beta

• Gamma

• Delta

• Alpha

• King Alpha

• Emperor Alpha

• Divine Alpha

In a world where those who reached Beta strength were respected, Raven was left behind. Yes, he was the Cursed Omega. The most vulnerable werewolf in the Silver Moon Pack, perhaps even the entire Pack.

Woosh!

The previously calm night breeze suddenly turned cold. Very cold. The previously calm night breeze suddenly turned ice-cold. Raven felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end, sensing a dangerous presence watching him.

Raven's senses suddenly sharpened, his sense of smell beginning to detect a presence. Raven felt someone watching him. He realized it was very dark. Slowly, he turned toward the Forbidden Forest.

Dark.

Silent.

But it was precisely this silence that made his chest feel even tighter. Then he heard the sound of a twig snapping.

Crack!

Raven focused, still, and motionless. Something was truly around him. Was it part of the werewolf race? However, no one had noticed him except Martha.

His eyes narrowed, sharpening his vision.

Crack!

Crack!

Crack!

The sound of footsteps. Not human. Now, there was no more doubt. His senses and sense of smell had clearly picked up on cautious movement. Someone, or something, was approaching him. Raven froze. The shadow was truly approaching.

Heavy breathing sounded from behind the trees. Then a pair of glowing red eyes appeared in the darkness. Raven recognized it immediately.

Shadow Wolf.

A monster that had always rivaled werewolves, renowned for its speed, and even Betas wouldn't dare to engage it alone. Now, in Omega, Raven was at his weakest, facing a Shadow Wolf alone!

More terrifying than ever, the Shadow Wolf in front of Raven was larger than usual, the size of a full-grown horse. Its fur moved in a shadowy silhouette, as if it wanted to attack Raven and devour him.

Raven and the Shadow Wolf's eyes met, Raven still staring at the screen in front of him, which followed his every turn.

[7%...]

The system screen continued to increase in numbers.

"Were you the one who howled?" Raven dared; he couldn't run now.

The Shadow Wolf growled.

GRRRRRRRRRR! The Shadow Wolf's teeth bared, as if ready to tear Raven apart. Its roar made the ground tremble.

Whoosh!

The Shadow Wolf ignored Raven's question; it growled once more and leaped at Raven. It was incredibly fast.

Raven's eyes narrowed, watching the swift movement, and saw the Shadow Wolf's claws. Raven could only block with both hands, but the monster's powerful thrust sent him flying several meters back.

CRASH!

Raven rolled, his back hitting a rock. Pain shot through his entire body.

"Argh!"

It hurt so much. Blood flowed from the corner of his lips. Before he could move again, the monster lunged again, giving Raven no time to prepare.

WHOOSH!

Raven's eyes widened. Too fast. I can't avoid it! Raven thought.

Just as the giant claws were about to rip his face apart...

[10%...]

[Emergency Function Open]

The world suddenly slowed down. The Shadow Wolf's movements were like a movie slowed down several times.

Raven was shocked. He could see the monster's movements much more clearly. It was as if time itself were moving more slowly. His body reflexively rolled over.

WHOOSH!

The monster's claws passed his face just centimeters away. Raven's heart skipped a beat.

"What was that?"

There was no answer. This was truly a miracle.

Only the screen continued to expand in front of Raven.

[12%...]

The Shadow Wolf growled. He looked extremely annoyed. The monster attacked again.

This time, Raven could follow its movements slightly better, though not completely. Raven could barely dodge the Shadow Wolf's attacks and always avoided the danger of the Shadow Wolf's sharp claws.

Raven continued to dodge the Shadow Wolf's attacks expertly, his instincts able to see the monster's movements. This was a strange ability; Raven felt his speed increase. Although the monster's attack nearly hit Raven, he managed to dodge it at the last moment.

[15%...]

[Passive Skill Acquired]

[Enhanced Vision Lv. 1]

Raven felt a strange sensation in his eyes. The world suddenly became sharper. He could see the details of the monster's fur. He could see the tension of its muscles before it attacked. He could see the direction of its movements.

"This... what's happening to me?"

Raven gripped his hand. The system truly empowered him.

The Shadow Wolf attacked again. Raven didn't want to keep running. This time, he tried experimenting, as he could see the enemy's movements so well. Raven saw an opening as the monster charged at him at close range.

Raven dodged the Shadow Wolf's claws and descended faster, his hand searching for a sharp-looking rock beneath him. He quickly twisted his hand and stabbed the monster's head, right through the Shadow Wolf's left eye.

Crop!

AUUUUUUUU!

The Shadow Wolf roared in pain. Its head rose, and black blood spurted out.

Raven gasped for breath as he rolled over. His body trembled. He had never fought like this before. His adrenaline was high, the tension between life and death.

But something had changed. For the first time in his life... He felt like he could fight back.

[20%...]

Suddenly, the system beeped again.

[Host In Danger]

[Temporary Feature Unlock]

Suddenly, a burning sensation appeared in Raven's chest. The silver wolf symbol glowed brightly. The light coursed through his entire body. His muscles tensed. His breathing quickened. His heart beat like a war drum.

BOOM!

BOOM!

BOOM!

The wounded Shadow Wolf suddenly backed away. The monster looked terrified. As if it had seen something Raven couldn't.

[25%...]

[30%...]

The monster growled. But this time it wasn't out of anger. It was out of fear.

Raven didn't understand. But before he could think...

Another howl came from the forest.

AAAAUUUUUUUUU!!!

Then another.

AAAAUUUUUUUUU!!!

And another.

AAAAUUUUUUUU!!!

Raven's face paled.

Not one. Not two. Dozens of red eyes began to appear among the trees. His entire body froze.

The first Shadow Wolf wasn't a hunter. It was merely a scout, and it moved because it thought it could easily kill Raven.

And now... the entire Forbidden Forest knew of its presence.

[Werewolf Evolution System Activation...]

[49%...]

Raven swallowed hard. Dozens of monsters began to emerge from the darkness.

Meanwhile, his system wasn't even halfway activated. The red eyes of the Shadow Wolf pack were ready to crush every last one of his bones.

Am I going to die?