The forest was thick with mist and the scent of damp earth, but something darker lingered — a presence that sent subtle vibrations through the ground. The squad moved in tight formation, twenty-eight soldiers, their new equipment and talismans gleaming faintly. Alaric and Alex led from the front, their eyes scanning the shadows for the enemy.
Ahead, a clearing opened, and the wolf pack revealed itself: 110 beasts, ranging from vicious basic wolves to ten intermediate-tier wolves, and two advanced-tier leaders — the Alpha and the Luna, both glimmering with predatory intelligence and power. The Alpha, larger than any wolf Alaric had faced, its fur black as night and eyes burning like coals, prowled the center. The Luna, silver-furred and equally lethal, circled, eyeing the squad with sharp cunning.
I could feel the tension ripple through the squad. Facing 110 beasts was no small feat. But this was the purpose of our training — strategy, coordination, and control under pressure.
"Positions," Alaric commanded quietly. "Vantage points first. Spread out along the ridges and behind cover. Alex and I will engage the leaders. The rest of you focus on the pack — prioritize intermediate first, then basic."
The squad moved fluidly, taking high ground, behind large boulders, and natural barriers, ensuring no wolf could ambush them from blind spots. Alaric drew his sword, mana flaring along the blade, while Alex's spatial mana twisted subtly around him, creating protective zones.
The Alpha lunged first, massive fangs aiming for Alaric. He sidestepped gracefully, countering with a slash that cut through the beast's dense hide. The Luna leaped toward Alex, claws extended. He bent space, dodging at the last second and striking a tendril of mana into the beast's flank, drawing blood.
The squad engaged simultaneously. Spears jabbed, axes swung, and mana bursts erupted across the clearing. Basic wolves were dispatched swiftly, but the intermediate-tier wolves pressed hard, forcing the squad to use coordinated strikes and traps.
Alaric danced around the Alpha, dodging a vicious bite and cutting deep into its shoulder. Each strike drew more mana, flowing precisely from his mana pool, enhancing speed and strength. Alex mirrored the effort against the Luna, spatially manipulating distance to land precise strikes while avoiding the creature's acid-coated claws.
The Alpha growled, charging again, but Alaric anticipated, feinting, leading it into a trap set by the squad. Spears and mana-infused arrows struck simultaneously, staggering the beast. The Luna lunged at Alex, but he split space, redirecting her into a pit trap the squad had dug during the approach.
Intermediate wolves pressed the attack, but the squad's discipline held. Using flanking maneuvers, fire bursts, and coordinated mana strikes, they wore down the ten intermediate wolves. Basic wolves, though numerous, were mowed down by precise attacks and defensive formations.
Finally, Alaric struck the Alpha with a mana-enhanced thrust, piercing the beast's chest. The Alpha fell with a final, throaty growl. Alex followed with a spatial strike that cleaved through the Luna, sending her to the ground.
Silence fell over the clearing. The squad had survived, coordinated perfectly, and defeated the Alpha, Luna, and their pack.
The aftermath required careful handling. The squad worked together to collect:
2 Advanced-tier wolf cores
10 intermediate-tier cores
100 basic-tier cores
Teeth, claws, and furs from all slain wolves
Each piece was handled carefully; the Alpha and Luna's furs shimmered with residual mana, perfect for crafting protective or enhanced equipment. Talismans were bound to the cores for safe transport, and the squad worked efficiently, their coordination strengthened by the battle.
As the squad loaded the spoils, Alaric and Alex surveyed the clearing. Pride filled them — the men had fought without direct intervention, relied on strategy, and proven their growth.
The forest clearing now smelled of sweat, blood, and scorched earth. The squad methodically cleaned, cataloged, and packaged the wolf components. Mana cores were stabilized with enchantments, claws sharpened for potential weapon crafting, and teeth polished for sale.
Alex inspected the spatial binding of the wolf cores, ensuring no residual energy leaked. "Every piece is valuable," he reminded the squad. "The cores, furs, and teeth will sell for resources to upgrade gear, acquire supplies, and enhance training. Never underestimate proper handling after a fight."
The recruits, though exhausted, moved with precision. Gao Wei organized the intermediate cores, Liang Hao oversaw the basic cores, and others ensured talismans and protective barriers maintained potency during transport.
Once the spoils were secured, the squad trained briefly, using the clearing to practice coordination, flanking, and mana synergy. Even in fatigue, their attacks were sharper, more precise, their confidence unshakable.
As dusk fell, Alaric and Alex gathered the squad. "Today, you not only fought but also managed every aspect of a battlefield — from strategy to spoils. Remember this. These lessons will define your survival, your leadership, and your effectiveness in higher-tier missions."
The squad nodded, silently aware that the real growth came from facing overwhelming odds and working as a team. The clearing, littered with the evidence of their victory, was a testament to their transformation from recruits to elite forest warriors