《Fight To Live Another Day》


 Levels

    To clarify the strength system in this world:


    Every stage is divided into initial, mid, advanced and perfect.


    Cultivation-stages:


    Mortal Stage


    Spirit Energy Stage


    True Energy Stage


    Transcendent True Energy Stage


    Immortal Stage


    There are 3 forms of energy.


    First, vital energy.


    Second, spirit energy.


    Third, true energy.


    Each energy gathers in a specific, definite and different core and has a different effect.


    Vital energy is the energy which supplies the body directly. It is necessary for living and it also directly defines how strong your physical body gets.


    Spirit energy supplies the spirit of a being. Forming a spirit core means also, that it will form intelligence. It also defines your capacity to use spiritual force, so force which exceeds pure physical strength.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.True energy is the energy which sustains any other energy. It is literally the true and original energy, filling the entire world. Vital energy and spiritual energy are solely forms of it, the original form is the true energy form, which is also the purest and most potent form of energy.


    Because of that, true energy cultivator bodies will naturally start to influence the other energy forms by refining them into a purer and therefore more potent form.


    That''s where the term ''transcendence'' is coming from. It describes a certain degree, of how much true energy one possesses, and therefore how much of ones other energy forms are already refined into a truer energy-like state.


    And if one reaches the point, where both lower energy forms in their respective cores are refined into a state of true energy, the immortal stage is achieved.

 Chapter 1: Forsaken but found

    In a remote place, deep into a forest at the foot of a gigantic mountain, a small creek was flowing tranquilly between the lively green trees, and the rustling sound of leaves combined with the gurgling of water into an ambient noise.


    Amidst of the bushes, a fragile-looking deer stepped cautiously out, inching closer to the creek, while being vigilant of potential predators, which often lurked around water places, well-knowing, that at some point, prey was bound to show up.


    But since the deer couldn''t sense anything amiss, it slowly began to thirstily drink, nevertheless ready to flee at any moment.


    After having quenched its thirst, it turned around when a sudden pain shot through its neck. Shocked, it looked into the eyes of a wolf.


    It could not understand. How could this happen? The white wolf, which was still sinking its teeth into the soft and vulnerable neck, was definitely not there a split-second ago!


    The deer felt how its life energy was flowing out of the fatal wound and while its legs were no longer able to carry its body and it felt so incredibly tired....


    The wolf happily tasted the delicious blood of this scarce wind type mountain deer. That would be a feast for her and for her cubs!


    The wolf itself was not just a common wolf, no, she was a special kind.


    A so-called light type wolf, so rare, that it became almost a legend between beasts and humans, and if not for some old and ancient recordings, proving and telling of its magnificent characteristics and exceptional intelligence, the world would probably have forgotten long ago of its existence.


    Not only was it of the highest elemental grade a being could possess, no it also had a unique ability, the ability to transform itself into true energy, commonly referred as light, enabling it to move instantly without the restriction of a physical body.


    Legends even told that by consuming the energy core of a light wolf, one would absorb this ability! But since there was not even one who managed to hunt down a light wolf, it remained a legend.


    The wolf started to gobble down the deer so that she could feed her hungry cubs as quick as possible. But suddenly she sensed something strange. A cry?


    But the wolf couldn''t sense of which beast it was...


    Possessing a natural born affinity to true energy, the wolf was especially sensitive to changes in the energy environment.


    As living beings, natural phenomena and even sound would influence changes in energy, she was basically able to sense nearly everything that happened around her.


    The greater the energy core was, the bigger the range would be, and since the wolf mother was already a beast of the advanced true energy stage, she was able to sense up to 5kms.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.Being curious about the weird cry, she finished eating and transformed into her true energy form and vanished without a trace, reappearing instantly near a clearing.


    She still could feel a strange disturbance of the energy which seemed to centre around that clearing, right where the cry was coming from.


    But since nothing else except that thing in the clearing was to be sensed by the wolf, she sneaked closer, seeing a weird thing!!


    Something little, not even as big as her paw, was wrapped in some kind of fur and had a strangely bald face. And it cried miserably.


    She remembered a story which was passed down by of one of her ancestors when she was still a cub. The ancestor travelled beyond the forest and even saw a puddle as big as the whole forest she was living in! A puddle without end!! And he also saw some weird beings, like bald monkeys which walked on 2 legs, which covered themselves in furs of other beasts and used weird sticks to hack on to the earth.


    Recalling that story she was agitated! This thing there must be a 2-leg-bald-monkey cub!!!


    Sensing the inner turmoil of that cub, she was sympathetic of it, and walked up to it, licking carefully over its bald face, trying to cheer it up!


    The cub suddenly stopped crying and opened its tiny eyes as big as it could, looking amazed at the big fluffy beast in front of it. It then lifted its hand and poked against her nose, making her sneeze. Surprised and amazed the cub started giggling.


    She was amused but also worried. She couldn''t sense the cub''s parents or any other 2-leg-bald-monkeys presence.


    Realising that the cub was left by its parents, she took pity on that little thing and gently picked her up with her mouth.


    She then started to run towards her nest, not wanting to let her own cubs wait any longer.


    When she finally reached her nest, the cubs sensed her presence and toddled towards her to greet her happily. ''Ma, f-fod?'' they asked while looking expectantly at the bundle in her mouth.


    ''Food, its called'' she gently corrected. ''And no! That''s not food, that''s your new brother!''


    The cubs just stood there with an expectant gaze, panting greedily while wagging their tails.


    She resignedly sighed and regurgitated some pieces of deer, which the cubs quickly started to gobble down.


    Suddenly the baby started to cry, amusing her, despite it scared her cubs.


    ''I guess he also has hunger''


    Knowing that he may not be able to eat meat, she tapped the child''s forehead gently with her snout, feeding it some of her true energy, which the child quickly absorbed.


    After having had its fill, it quickly fell asleep and also the other cubs cuddled tiredly into the soft and warm fur of her belly, while she kept tenderly watch over them.

 Chapter 2: Growing up

    -A few years later-


    Renn was currently hiding behind a bush, trying to breathe flatly as he could, while eyeing his prey. It was a tiny rabbit, which was chewing happily on an open root, not realising the danger it was in.


    Renn was smart, he knew that he had to stay against the wind if he wanted to have at least a chance at capturing the rabbit.


    He slowly crept closer, feeling his hunger. Readying to assault it, he tensed up his muscles, searching just the right moment.


    There it was!


    He instantly sprinted and jumped on all fours onto the clueless rabbit and before it even realised what happened, it was already dead. Proudly and happily he lifted the rabbit with his mouth and walked back to his nest, a big cave, where he and his pack-family were living.


    Back at the nest, his 2 brothers and his only sister were already there enjoying their meal.


    ''Oh back already?'' One of his brothers, Thal, remarked.


    Thal had a rather imposing figure compared to his siblings. He was at least a 2 meters tall, having whitish grey fur, giving him a rather majestic air.


    Renn grinned wolfishly ''I managed to finally capture a rabbit!''


    Kaede, his sister cheered. ''That''s great!''


    ''Did you hear it? Renn finally managed to capture his own animal!'' she told Asik, the other brother.


    Asik was totally different from Thal, having pitch-black fur and a slender figure, giving him combined with his intense blue eyes, a sharp, keen look.


    And Kaede.. well Kaede was just adorable and beautiful, also having white fur similar to her mother, but different. While her mother had a bluish glowing white fur, just like the true energy they were sensing, Kaede had a more warm looking white with a tinge of flame red. Both Thal and Kaede had warm looking golden eyes.


    ''That''s great for him'', Asik murmured seemingly tired into his fur.


    ''Gosh Asik! You and I both know that you have just waited for the day Renn finally hunts his own prey!!'' Kaede teased him playfully.


    ''Have I?'' He asked with a grin. Suddenly jumping into Renn, wrestling with him playfully.


    ''HAHA, my little brother finally is a grown man!!!'' He shouted excitedly while licking his helpless brother.


    Even though Renn was probably of the same age as them, he was a lot smaller than those natural born predators, which made them think of Renn as a little brother, but Renn didn''t mind, knowing that they cared a lot about him.


    Thinking back, the first time he realised that he was different from his siblings was a few summers ago, when he saw the reflection of him on a puddle. Perplexed as he was, he immediately ran to his mother, Agacie, asking her why his face was bald and flat.


    Amused and serious at the same time, she touched his forehead, transferring a flow of memories, old memories of ancestors and memories of her own, regarding the 2-leg-bald-monkeys and how he was found by Agacie and even a clear picture of his own look, showing him his brown-eyed flat face. He also realised that his look was in totally different from his siblings or his mother.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.Overwhelmed by this new revelation, he sat back and gazed into space.


    ''You''re different, Renn. And you don''t have our looks.'' She said seriously.


    ''But you are nevertheless one of us and you are one of my beloved cubs. And we will be always one family.'' She said warmly, licking over his bald face.


    Sensing her motherly love, his shock and agitation were soothed.


    ''Really?'' He asked unsurely.


    ''Yes, of course, Renn''


    Biting into his prey, he felt surprised by how surges of vital energy flowed into him. The rabbit was a mortal earth type, and he could feel his body strengthening and his inner vital energy growing.


    ''Surprised?'' his mother asked him amused.


    He nodded.


    ''Every beast has a vital core. Beasts solely with a vital core are called mortal beasts.


    Beasts with a spiritual core would be called spirit Beasts, they would be generally stronger than mortal beasts since they could use spiritual force and possess some intellect.


    And if a beast already had a true energy core, it would be called true energy beast.


    They would be a lot stronger and wiser than spirit or mortal beasts, having stronger vital and spiritual force and also the ability to use the most potent energy of all, the true energy.''


    Agacie explained, ''By eating a beasts core, you are able to absorb a part of its energy, but not all of it. The moment the beast dies, a big part will flow back as true energy into the environment. True energy is the energy, that surrounds everything, fills everything and sustains everything in this world. Vital energy and spiritual energy are only lower forms of it, but they still have its origin in true energy.''


    ''But how come I don''t feel the true energy?'' He asked while wagging with his hands, trying to feel some true energy.


    She laughed ''Most beings can''t feel it or sense it otherwise. Only beasts with the light affinity, or should I say true energy affinity, are able to do it.''


    ''What''s an affinity?''


    ''Affinities describe, in which way true or spirit energy is expressed, If you have a fire affinity, your spirit force will have to do something with fire or when you have the earth affinity, with earth.


    And if you have the light affinity, you are able to directly use true energy.''


    ''Ehhh, isn''t that boring?''


    Hearing that, she instantly vanished and reappeared behind him, licking his one ear. ''Is that boring?'' she asked playfully.


    ''You could do that because of your light ability???'' His eyes gleamed. She nodded.


    ''And what affinity do I have??''


    ''Right now? None.'' She said. ''But don''t worry, when your true energy core grows, you will be able to sense it.''

 Chapter 3: Leaving

    Renn and his brothers would often go to have all kind of wolfish fun. They would often cheekily scare innocent squirrels out of their high nests by climbing stealthily upon their trees or went to discover their territory. Except for certain places which were prohibited by Agacie, like going up the mountain, warning them against the Zhenniao, a true energy poison beast, which had its nest somewhere on the mountain.


    She described it as a gigantic bird with a purple body and poisonous green feathers and a long crimson red beak. So should they ever encounter it, they should immediately run, not because of its strength, but because of its extremely poisonous feathers and body.


    She laughingly told them, that even its shit could disintegrate stone.


    Filled with fear and respect, they would never dare to openly approach the foot of the mountain, but stay rather under the cover of the forest, even though they would love, and perhaps die, to take a glance, so she showed them precautiously an image of it.


    Agacie herself didn''t see a Zhenniao with her own eyes, but her ancestor once did and she recognised its presence by sensing it.


    (For curious readers  similar to this: https://imgur.com/JTuCmK8</a>)


    While he and his brothers messed around, they trained him without knowing and strengthened him through various challenges they made up, of course enjoying themselves too.


    Kaede would meanwhile be taken away by their mother, where Agacie would pass over step by step the knowledge and wisdom she got on the other hand by her mother and so on.


    Since ancient times it became a tradition of the light wolves, to designate the female wolves as the wisdom keeper of the entire race. Even though the light wolf was scarce, it kept an incredible amount of wisdom throughout the millennia.


    Since the sheer amount of every life experience would be an amount too great to contain for a single individual, only very useful and important memories would be inherited.


    In this way, the days, months passed, until a certain night.


    Agacie was sleeping with her children when she sensed an abnormality. Something, what felt unfamiliar and familiar at the same time. Many beasts she didn''t notice on her territory were running, seemingly fleeing from something. Judging from some tired beasts, they must have been running for quite a while already.


    She then felt, how a void of true energy expanded into the span of her senses, devouring more and more true energy into its embrace.


    Suddenly as a burst of memories surfaced, letting her reliving an experience of a long-dead ancestor, in a different land, one she didn''t recognise.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    --------


    Large, lush grassland and a blue sky spread as far as her eyes could see and all kinds of beautiful and colourful flowers were flourishing. She could feel the gentle wind caressing her fur and the bright sun bathed everything in its warmth, while butterflies and chirping birds were cheerfully flying around.


    But suddenly the birds stopped to chirp and a sudden chill overcame her. The sky turned darker, the wind stood still as if everything and everyone were holding their breath.


    A silence overshadowed the world, but not a peaceful silence. Not a calm, warm or comforting silence, no, it was cold, oppressive and just... dead.


    A deadly silence.


    Amidst the fields, she could see a shadow with an unnatural darkness. Even her sharp eyes could not discern anything, except for a figure surrounded by darkness.


    Spreading a bone-chilling aura, the figure lifted an arm and suddenly all life around it started to wither. The aura spread unstoppably devouring every life, every energy it encountered.


    She could feel how her energy senses were growing numb, no longer able to feel anything from this enlargening circle of void and absolute death.


    Dead and dryly sucked birds fell from the sky and the sun itself seemed to lose its warmth.


    Panic and deep fear filled her, as she fled as far as she could, fleeing from this darkness.


    --------


    Agacie found herself back in her cave and quickly woke up her children.


    ''Ma, what''s the matter?'' Renn asked drowsily.


    ''Listen carefully!'' She said. Sensing their mother''s seriousness and urgency, they perked up their ears.


    ''A Death-bringing-shadow is close and we have to leave this place!


    We will go to the high plains of Xanten, where the main pack lives. We have to tell them and warn them.''


    She quickly led them out of the cave and started heading north-west while carrying Renn on her back.


    Even though since Renn grew up being fed true energy and was consequentially physically much stronger and faster than normal humans, he still was slow compared to the running speed of his much bigger wolf family.


    He felt kinda bad, knowing that without him, they could travel much faster in their true energy forms.


    Feeling his emotions, Agacie licked over his face.


    ''Silly boy''


    While they ran, they also saw many other beasts running also away, he saw some old and new faces, like the squirrel he would keep nagging and a wood spirit tiger he had never seen.


    Dozens of different beasts were running away in unison, driven by their shouting instinct to flee!


    A loud majestic cry was to hear and as looked above, he could see the gigantic purple and green coloured Zhenniao with his own glittering eyes.

 Chapter 4: Journey to Xanten

    Countless beasts were running. There were all kinds of beasts, ranging from mortal to true energy stage, from little mouses to large lizards, even an odd looking tiger with a striped elephant head was among the crowd.


    As the wolf pack was moving fast they quickly left most of the beasts behind them.


    Hours later, they did sense, that quite a few beasts stopped running.


    ''Thal, go back and check the situation.'' Agacie ordered while continuing to run.


    Thal vanished just to join them after a short while.


    ''The darkness stopped moving, so the fatigued beasts took the chance to rest. I think the shadows are gone.'' He reported.


    Agacie nodded, looking slightly relieved, but only a bit. The fear and terror she felt were still very present. She had never felt such fear in her entire life up until now.


    ''Thal, Asik and Kaede, you go ahead as far as you can and keep moving northwest.''


    She swiftly touched their snouts, transmitting them the route they should take.


    ''We will follow you as quick as we can, but don''t expect us before evening. Watch out and use your senses, so that you won''t enrage any beast you shouldn''t enrage, Kaede will know what beasts I mean. Follow her lead! When you reach the main pack, they will ask for your origins. Tell them that you are the sons and daughter of Agacie, daughter of Agape. They will know if you tell them.''


    They blinked their eyes in approval and transformed again into their true energy forms, instantly moving ahead.


    ''Shall we go to, son?'' she asked rhetorically.


    He still nodded.


    Almost before he could react to her ''Then cling on tight!'' she started leaping in big darts without holding herself back.


    While riding on Agacie, Renn was fascinated by the passing landscapes. Even the forest part, which he depicted as the whole world, was only a tiny point of a much bigger forest, bigger than he ever imagined. Leaving the familiar boreal forest behind him, he saw more and more deciduous trees. There were a lot more plants which he didn''t recognise and some even looked dangerous, alarming his sharpened senses.


    He also saw the silhouette of a gigantic tree in the distance, but he wasn''t sure since it could also be a weird shaped mountain.


    ''Ma, is that a tree there on the left side?''


    ''Which tree do you mean?'' she asked smilingly.


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.''The tree in the distance. Or is it even a tree?''


    ''Ah, you mean Ogham, the Giant tree. It is home to many beasts and also home to a folk of faes. An odd folk, you would have a hard time understanding their rituals and rules.'' she mentioned casually, picking his interest. ''You''re a free wolf after all.''


    ''I have to go there at least once'' he thought for himself, although his curiosity and determination


    didn''t slip from his mother''s perception.


    Leaving the forest completely behind them, they reached a barren land, with no vegetation at all, spreading as far as his eyes reached.


    ''Don''t let it fool you, son, below that barren land you see with your bare eyes, there is a whole different world hidden. The entire plateau you see there is habituated underground with numerous folks and different tribes. Even kingdoms lie well hidden under it.''


    Renn''s fantasy was running wildly. He imagined the creatures which were living under that big barren chunk of land but turned tired soon after and finally fell asleep. After all, he was woken up midnight and had to cling tightly for hours onto his leaping mother. Feeling his grip loosening slightly, she shortly stopped to give him a bit of her energy to replenish his sore muscles, before she started to leap again.


    When Renn woke up, the setting sun was hidden by grey clouds and they were currently crossing a large river by leaping from stone pillar to stone pillar, which were laid into the river as stepping stones.


    He also felt uneasy discerning a big shadow in shape of a large snake under the surface.


    Without any incidents, they soon reached the other side of the river, stepping into a hilly tundra.


    The moss and shrubs dipped the scenery in all kinds of gorgeous colours of fall, ranging from vivid reddish violet, warm yellow to lustrous green.


    Suddenly, the cloudy sky broke up and the golden sunrays made the tundra glitter, turning the scenery almost painfully beautiful.


    ''This, my son, is the true meaning of breathtaking!'' his mother shouted, before she threw her neck back, howling joyfully up to the sky.


    Excitedly he also put his head back and howled overjoyed up to the sky.


    Still elated, his mother pointed her snout to the distance.


    ''Renn, do you see those mountain slopes far ahead? Up there, the high plains of Xanten begin.''

 Chapter 5: The Main Pack (1)

    Just when Agacie and Renn reached the top of the slopes, an endless plain stretched off to the distant horizons.


    Tall grass was covering the entire plain and they both enjoyed the last reddish sunrays and the ripples the wind caused within the grass.


    Renn could feel Agacie stiffen slightly. ''Here they come''


    The moment she finished speaking, 2 big wolves appeared before them, both at least a wolf head taller than Agacie, who already had a height of 2 meters.


    The one to the left seemed older, his original dark grey had turned whitish of age. His posture was majestic and authoritative, showing that he was used to being obeyed to.


    The other one seemed... rather laid-back. His fur had the same colour which the older wolf must have had when he was younger. He threw an interested glance on Renn, before he looked at Agacie, his expression turning a notch more delighted.


    The older one stepped up ''Agacie, welcome back home.'' he said gently, before turning an odd glance at Renn. ''But I would not have expected from you to bring a human child. This is not a place for those barbaric humans to be.''


    Renn realised that he was talking about him. He was called a human? What was that even? I''m just a wolf like you too!


    He could feel how his mother turned still before she spoke calmly ''This is my son, Renn. If you got a problem with him being my son, you are looking for trouble with me. He was raised by me.''


    Renn would not forget, how his mother then stepped closer to the old wolf and growling terrifyingly ''He. Is. My. Son!''


    There was silence for a moment before the old wolf cast an amused glance at her before reminding her sternly ''You will be responsible for him.''


    Calmed, she said ''Of course.''


    Without a second word, the old wolf vanished, although Renn could swear he winked at him.


    ''Haha our old man always has to act like that imposing, but he''s really not.''


    Intrigued, he looked more closely at Renn. ''So my nephew is a human child? Interesting!'' he said cheerfully.


    ''Nephew?'' Renn look questioning at Agacie.


    Agacie sighed ''That''s Phileo, my younger brother and thus, you''re uncle.''


    ''Exactly and that old man''s you''re grandfather. He must be really happy to see his grandchildren and beloved daughter, right Agacie?''


    Agacie smiled mildly before answering dryly ''You bet.''


    They made their way to their new home when 3 wolves appeared next to them.


    ''Renn, mom you finally made it!'' his siblings greeted and licked them cheerfully.


    ''My beloved'' Agacie said warmly. ''Did you warn the council?''


    ''Yes, ma'' Kaede said. ''But they asked you to come personally as quickly as you can, they want to see it with their own eyes.''


    ''Alright'' Agacie said and vanished.


    His siblings also looked apologetically at him ''We have to go too, sorry we can''t show you around!''


    ''Just go'' their uncle reassured them ''I will take good care of my nephew.''


    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!''Thank you uncle!'' they said before also vanishing.


    ''Let''s go, Renn was it?''


    Renn blinked agreeing.


    His uncle then led the way while explaining. ''Since you have never been to the main pack, I will need to tell you everything from the beginning.


    So, this main pack consists of several packs. At least a few dozen packs of light wolves and other wolf races, call this place their home and like you just heard, also your mother and I were born from this village. We call this place Xanten, meaning old castle since it really is the home for light wolves as long as we can remember. You must know, the light wolves exist since ancient times, always with the duty of keeping the knowledge and wisdom of past generations and sometimes other beings, which decided to pass us their experiences.


    Not every single wolf knows everything, especially not the male wolves. But the sum of every living light wolfs knowledge must be a sheer unimaginable amount.


    As such, our race has a special position within the beast world and we are respected by everyone, except for the ignorant ones, of course.


    This is the general rally point'' Phileo interrupted himself, pointing at a large blank area with a large stone on its edge.


    ''Anyway'' he continued ''Most male light wolves'' duty is to guard their packs or the main pack as a whole. They will, therefore, spend more time cultivating their battle senses and usage of true energy. Do you see the place over there?'' He pointed at a large place with more wolves training with different devices, tools or sparring against each other than he had seen in his entire life. ''That''s the training ground.''


    He was especially captivated by a pair of wolves, one with crimson red fur and one with silver fur. They were both currently sparring, the silver-furred wolf was currently dodging the crimson wolfs fierce attacks and to Renns surprise he saw how talons made of flames shot out from its swings.


    Just when Renn thought the silver wolf would be hit by a talon, it vanished reappearing behind its opponent. The crimson wolf seemed to have anticipated this move and turned in a swift circling motion, intense flames exploding from the marks he made with his hind leg on the soil.


    The silver wolf barely managed to avoid the flames and teleported a few steps behind, when already another flame talon appeared amidst the flame wall which obscured the vision, hitting its shoulder. Although the flames seemed to hit an invisible barrier and did no damage at all, the silver wolf still stopped the fight and walked up, congratulating the crimson wolf on its win.


    Loud cheers came from the onlooking wolves and the crimson wolf was smiling happily.


    ''I see, Targ has really gotten quite strong. As you could see, he is a fire wolf, and thus has a fire affinity. Maybe Joanne won''t need to hold herself back in the future.'' Phileo commented casually.


    Seeing Phileo walking on, Renn quickly snapped out of his daze and caught up.

 Chapter 6: The Main Pack (2)

    Going further, several scattered trees were standing. They were quite huge and had a large leaf canopy, where at least hundreds of wolves could settle themselves down comfortably.


    ''These trees were specially grown by our wood type wolves. The tree you see there is for schooling purposes. The female wolves gather there to learn about our culture and its legacy. They get taught and shown all sorts of important knowledge a mother and a knowledge keeper needs to know.


    But of course not every female wolf has to follow the path of knowledge. Some choose to be warriors, like Joanna you saw before. She is one of our most talented fighters and has a great gift.


    There are also some males who decide to devote their lives to the knowledge path.


    Raghnall is the best example. Raghnall is the chief wolf of the council. He is very wise and has a big heart. Maybe you will even meet him.''


    Besides the schooling tree, there were several slightly tinier trees with thick bushes surrounding it.


    ''Those trees are for the wolf packs to sleep in. The bushes give us cover from the occasional strong wind here in the plains. And the tiniest tree, that lies the farthest away is where the council meets.''


    Renn would have expected something greater for the council, but he guessed it made sense since the council wouldn''t be too big of a group.


    ''So, nephew, you want to check out the training grounds with this old man?''


    Renns attention was immediately caught. He shouted ''Yes!!!'' wagging his imaginary tail.


    He closely followed Phileo to the training grounds. At a remote corner of it, he first signalled Renn to sit down beneath him.


    He looked seriously and Renn. ''Renn, do you know what affinities are and what they do?''


    Renn thought a while before answering. ''Mhmm, there are several types of affinities, like fire, water or light! And... they make you use fire, water or true energy.''


    ''That''s not a bad start. Yes, there are indeed several types of affinities. But more than you can imagine. For nearly every material in this world, there is an affinity. Some may be scarce, like a iron or actually light, but others like earth you find nearly everywhere. But don''t mistake, that earth affinities are weak or you will be badly surprised.


    I bet you already know, that the whole world is filled with true energy.''


    Renn blinked.


    ''Then you also should know, that every living being possesses at least a vitality core. But it gets interesting when you have a spirit or even true energy core.


    Those cores have different effects, but the most interesting and by far fascinating effect is what we call ''affinity''. We actually don''t know why, but what generations of light wolves have observed is, that the true energy or the weakened and thinned out form spirit energy, is still in direct connection to the surrounding true energy. To break it down, beings which held spirit energy are able to manipulate the surrounding true energy partially in their own respective affine way.


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.And the greater the amount of spirit energy, the greater the call one can make. And if you possess true energy, even more so.'' Phileo explained.


    ''So I can get stronger the more energy I have in me?''


    ''Yes, but don''t think too lightly of that. The so-called process of ''absorbing'' is extremely progressive and requires painstaking efforts.''


    ''But I could effortlessly absorb the energy my ma gave me.'' He wondered askance.


    ''That''s because her energy was in an already absorbed state. Let me explain it to you more precise.


    Although true energy is abundant in this world, it is not accessible to absorption.


    You need to absorb slowly by gradually filtering it so that your own body will be able to manage it. The filtered energy differs slightly from person to person and we believe that this slight difference is which defines your affinity.


    But there is a shortcut, by absorbing already filtered energy, since it only needs to be slightly modified by your body before it can absorb it and that explains why you didn''t feel any trouble absorbing your mother''s energy. But you need to grow and absorb your own energy instead of relying on others work.'' He reminded him kindly but seriously.


    Renn blinked and felt how he wished to be stronger. He now understood how precious the energy was, that his ma had gifted him and wished to return the favour.


    ''But in your pursuit of strength, you need to know more than just to be strong. Strength corrupts. And absolute strength corrupts everything.


    Great strength comes with even greater responsibility, do you understand that, Renn?''


    Feeling the wisdom in his uncle''s words, he blinked earnestly. ''Yes, I think I do, uncle.''


    Phileo sighed. ''You think you know, but everyone has to experience it himself, to really understand what that means. That is wisdom and not just knowledge.'' he said and Renn felt how Phileos eyes turned absent and mirrored an odd emotion he didn''t know yet.


    Renn did not dare to disturb his uncle''s thoughts and stood silent for a while.


    Phileo seemed to recover himself and suddenly said cheerily ''But you didn''t come to hear an old mans sermon, right? Do you see the parkour over there? Let''s see how deft you are!'' and ran playfully ahead. Surprised, he followed his uncle eagerly to a kinda crazy looking parkour.

 Chapter 7: Storm Is Rising

    A yellowed forest stood motionless. Not a single chirp of a bird or cricket could be heard.


    Amidst the trees, a single person stood on a silent clearing. His appearance radiated an ice-cold aura. His face may be considered handsome, if not for his fearsome eyes.


    But if one looked closely, he would notice an unfitting tiredness marking his smooth face.


    Gazing at the lifeless forest in front of him, the iciness in his eyes slowly gave way to a tinge of warmth. Maybe a tinge was even too exaggerated. A hint of a tinge maybe.


    And if one looked even closer, he would notice the tiniest tinge of... sorrow? and regret?


    Those emotions, how foreign they felt to him. He couldn''t even remember when the last time was when he felt those old companions. Pain filled his heart when he looked again at the lifeless bodies of creatures and dry sucked trees.


    Suddenly, a chill ran through his mind. Even the last bit of a maybe never existent warmth vanished before a familiar cold. His shadow started to crawl on its own. It grew darker and darker and the more it grew so, the more frosty and dark the clearing became.


    When it seemed impossible to get any darker, an unshapely figure slowly rose from his shadow, until it towered silently in front of him.


    A big pair of blood red eyes popped out of the darkness, looking at him.


    Hate, Rage, Terror, Cold, Void and all other existent dark emotions gathered around its presence, like moths found themselves inevitably drawn by light.


    ''ReGRet, my FrIenD? It''ssSs TO LaTe to fEel ReGRet.'' it hissed horrifyingly before it pounced on him.


    But it instead of pushing against him, the shadow merged into him.


    Once again a familiar presence occupied his mind.


    He shook off the last remnants of warmth before he felt a hunger awaken in him.


    Unstillable, unrelenting hunger drove his mind. Only more life could satisfy his craving.


    And nothing could hinder him from taking it.


    ''ThAt''ssSs rIghT, my friEnD. AnD WE wilL dEssSstroy thOssSse who ssSstandssSs on oUr waY.'' the hissing voice spoke into his mind.


    The man, now covered in an obscuring cloak of darkness, took off, moving northwest.


    ---Xanten---


    Although as a human, Renn had lacking physique in certain regards compared to the wolves, like jumping power or raw strength, he certainly was more agile and deft with his hands. Showing off his trained and sharpened movements, he moved seemingly effortlessly through the parkour with an elegance, which was naturally radiated by his efficient movement.


    Nearby wolves stopped their training to watch how he surpassed the various parkour levels in quick succession, impressing them.


    One of the wolves, a rather young wolf with brown fur sneered at Renn.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.''What''s the point of him being agile if he can''t win a real fight.'' he mocked, not loud, but loud enough to be heard from everyone present.


    Renn stopped in his track and turned around. ''What was that?''


    Phileo wanted to step in when Joanna stopped him. ''Why did you stop me? Renn has no experience or affinity he could use now.''


    Joanna looked at him ''He has to learn to fight on his own. Protect him or he will stay a cub forever. You know that.''


    Phileo indeed knew she was right and decided to back off.


    ''Didn''t you hear me? Maybe humans can''t hear properly. Or is it just you who is deaf?'' the wolf mocked. He knew that he had caught everyone''s attention and provoked Renn.


    Renn couldn''t hold his rage. ''Take that back!''


    ''You dare to fight me?''


    ''You bet!''


    Before the two could actually brawl, Joanna stepped in. ''Calm down you two. I get that you''re hotheads and I certainly won''t hinder your fight, but we will fight with set rules, you understand?''


    They both halted before they blinked in agreement.


    Joanna looked at an old looking ground wolf, who stomped twice on the ground and a circle with a diameter of 10 meters elevated out of the ground, marking a sparring ring.


    ''The rules are just like normal sparring rules. Whoever lands the first direct hit onto the body wins. The moment you step out of the ring, you lose. Needless brutality will be punished. That''s all. You understand?'' Joanna explained.


    Both opponents blinked, still staring at each other.


    ''Alright get in, the fight starts with my signal.''


    They walking onto the stage and waited silently.


    ''Fight!''


    The brown wolfed darted towards him. Renn had plenty of sparring experience and compared to his brother Asik, the brown wolf was slower by a margin.


    He already had planned out how to dodge to the right in the last possible moment and kick the wolf flank.


    The wolf came close and time seemed to slow down for Renn. He felt the adrenaline and focused on the right timing.


    He tensed up his muscles and right at the last possible moment, he moved aside or at least he tried to when he realised his feet were stuck. Shock and disbelief filled his face when he looked down and he saw how his feet had sunken deeply without him noticing at all. He had been too focused on the wrong things.


    He could only raise his hands to guard himself when the wolf suddenly stopped and circled around him. He then lightly touched Renns back of the head with his paw.


    ''Pathetic'' the wolf murmured for himself before he turned and simply left without saying another word.


    Silence filled the place.


    Still shocked a sudden realisation struck him. He had overestimated himself and underestimated his opponent. His mind was filled by his hurt pride and he lost his calm, resulting in him missing the fact that he was shackled. He was truly pathetic.


    Ashamed he turned around and ran away.

 Chapter 8: Baku

    Renn ran without looking back, he ran as fast as he could.


    When he finally stopped running, he found himself lost in the tall grass, not knowing where he was.


    Hearing a rumble of thunder he looked up at the sky to find storm clouds gathering.


    A tiny raindrop fell on his nose. He looked around, searching for a place to take shelter and luckily spotted the edge of a forest, where he quickly sprinted to.


    Reaching the forest he found a large boulder with a spacious hollow under it, which also seemed to be dry.


    Without hesitating any longer, he went into the hollow, finally sheltered from the incoming rain. He leaned against the wall and exhaled deeply. However, he could not relax, his thoughts constantly circling around his pathetic defeat and his stupidity. Angry on himself, he gritted his teeth, shouting again and again in his mind.


    ''Baraagrrr'' A weird trumpeting sound erupted, culminating in a tigers purring.


    Startled by the sudden strange sound, he looked to his side, deeper into a dark corner of the hollow.


    Out of the dark hollow, a pair of curious golden eyes glittered against him. ''Young blood should not be grieving like old blood.''


    The creature stepped closer, revealing its bizarre appearance.


    Its body looked like a tiger and was striped from head to toes like one, but had an elephants head.


    (similar to this: https://imgur.com/a/1OCmnH4</a>)


    Renn still remembered clearly its unique appearance! He had seen it run between the other creatures when they were running from the Death-bringing-shadow!


    He was quickly on his tired feet and warily kept a close watch on it and tried to inch closer to the opening of the hollow, ready to jump out of the hollow any moment.


    ''Young blood, do not fear, for I don''t mean any harm.''


    Renn looked askance. ''How can I trust your words?''


    It grinned and shrugged, which looked kinda weird. ''You simply cannot. But if I meant any harm, I would be a fool to attract your attention and even tell you the truth now.


    Anyway, you really don''t have to be afraid of me. I''m a Baku. I don''t eat meat and most certainly I don''t eat humans like you.''


    ''Then what do you eat? Grass?''


    The creature halted before it suddenly started to make weird trumpeting sounds, mixed with the growling of a tiger.


    Renn realised it was laughing. ''Why are you laughing?''


    ''Baraagrrr, you are some funny fellow, young blood. You don''t know what a Baku is, don''t you.''


    Amusedly, it grinned and leaned forward before it continued to speak. ''A Baku, young blood, feeds off nightmares.''


    Again startled by that weird answer, his face displayed obvious doubt. ''How can you feed off nightmares, if it can''t nourish you!''


    ''Baraagrr'' it laughed but turned serious afterwards.


    ''Young blood is always so ignorant. Nightmares have more substance than you think you know. They are full of fear, worries and anxiety! Ignorant as you may be, you still won''t be ignorant enough to deny that fear, worries and anxiety wield power over one?


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.Oh, what power lies in the deeply buried anxiety of one''s mind. Power so intense, only showing itself in the darkest nightmares. You won''t find something more exquisite to devour, young blood.''


    As the Baku spoke, Renn somehow felt, that a chord was struck deeply in him.


    ''Yes, exactly the fear you feel right now. That''s the power I''m speaking of, young blood.''


    Defiantly he looked at the Baku ''Ha, I don''t fear anything! What should I even be afraid of?''


    ''Much and nothing, young blood.


    Don''t fool yourself.


    Deeply within you, you know exactly where you''re fear lies.


    You fear to be weak.


    You fear to be looked down upon.


    You fear to be useless.


    Because you know that you are different and you fear that difference.


    You fear to be thrown away, outcasted by your wolf family, oh foolish young blood.''


    The more the Baku spoke, the more Renn slumped down.


    His throat tightened and he felt like suffocating. He did not say anything for a while.


    ''Foolish young blood, pull yourself together.'' the Baku said caringly.


    Realising how he had been overcome by his fear, he cleared his throat, before speaking in a weak voice. ''But Baku, what should I do?'' He looked down to the ground.


    ''That, you will have to figure out yourself. But I will tell you this.


    Overcome your fear. There is no other way.''


    ''But how?'' he asked slightly whiny.


    The Baku sighed. ''Young human, you are indeed young.


    To overcome your fear, you have to face your fear.


    Accept your fear and let go of it.''


    Renn contemplated deeply over those words. After a while, which felt like an eternity, he opened his mouth to speak hesitatingly at the start, but resolute at the end.


    ''I...


    I...


    I... am human.''


    The moment those words left his lips, he felt a great burden being taken away from him.


    The Baku smiled contently.


    Renn thankfully looked up to only find himself awakening in....


    tall grass?


    Bewildered, he looked around, but the forest or the boulder were nowhere to be found. He looked up to the sky, but contrary to the expected stormy sky, he couldn''t find a single cloud covering the blue sky and he felt warm sunrays tickling his nose. He even touched the ground, trying to find some remaining wetness from the earlier storm, only to touch upon the dust-dry grass.


    Confused, he wondered where the forest and the.... Baku? had gone. That thing was called Baku, right? He was no longer sure.


    His memories slowly faded away more and more, until everything turned blurry.


    Now he didn''t even know what he was so confused over.


    He shrugged and started to walk back to get home before his family worried. He didn''t get why, but somehow a sentence was lingering around in his mind. He spoke it out loud.


    ''I am human.'' Feeling a surge of joy, he repeated it. ''I am human.'' Now grinning broadly, he repeated it again and again, while walking back to the main pack, mumbling exhilaratedly for himself.

 Chapter 9: Seeking Advice

    When Phileo saw Renn running off, he didn''t chase after him, well-knowing that Renn would need some time for himself.


    He still expected him to be back in a few hours, but Renn didn''t return even when it got dark, making him begin to worry.


    Meanwhile, Agacie came back from the council meeting and his other 2 nephews and his niece came back from their schooling.


    Thal and Asik had seen the entire situation unfold from afar but also decided to step out of it, as they also saw it as an opportunity for Renn and focused back on their training.


    Kaede heard of this later from Phileo and wore a worried expression.


    As Phileo saw his nieces expression, he felt heartwarming because of her deep care for his brother.


    On the next morning, Phileo, Agacie, and Kaede decided to wait for Renn and trained together to pass their time.


    When Renn finally came back, it was already noon, but to their surprise, a euphoric Renn returned instead of a depressed Renn.


    Kaede went towards to greet him and asked still with slight worry in her voice.


    ''Renn.. are you okay?''


    Renn answered rather puzzled. ''Why should I not?''


    ''Because... you lost in that duel against Sam..''


    He laughed ''Don''t worry Kaede, I''m really fine. I''m rather thankful to Sam for showing me my weakness and my fears. I owe him one.''


    Kaede felt kinda odd, seeing her playful brother turning so mature, but she was happy to see him grow that much of a man.


    Renn turned to Phileo with a serious expression. ''Uncle, I have decided to become much stronger. For that, I will search for my roots and for my kin.''


    ''You know that we will always be your family and see you as one of our own?''


    Renn nodded ''And I''m really thankful for that uncle and I can''t express enough of my gratitude I feel towards my pack. But I have to stand on my own and understand myself properly.'' he said with a fiery look.


    Agacie, who was listening first, joined in ''Alright son. You are right. Make your own experiences. Seeing you now, no one can argue that I raised you to be a true wolf.''


    A proud sensation overcame her. ''But don''t forget to meet Raghnall, our chief council member. He will advise you on your upcoming journey. It''s a tradition for every departing wolf, to meet the chief council member to ask for advice. He is residing by his own little tree not far away from the council tree.''


    Renn nodded before he decided to visit Raghnall now.


    Staying behind, Kaede watched Renns disappearing figure with glittering eyes.


    Renn walked a while until he saw the tree Agacie had described. She actually said ''little'' tree, but when Renn got closer, he realized that it was little only compared to the other big sized trees. And it looked much much older than every other tree he had seen so far. With a gigantic trunk and a large and very dense foliage, it looked ancient. Numerous flower tendrils and other kinds of tendrils were wounding around it, covering the trunk with their own leaves and flowers, adorning the tree.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.It was truly awe-inspiring.


    Beneath the large trunk, an old wolf lied, seemingly asleep.


    Not wanting to wake up the wolf, he stood there indecisive.


    The wolf opened his blurry white eyes and looked towards him.


    Before Renn could say anything, the wolf already spoke in a deep voice, which reminded Renn of the creaking of an old tree in the wind. ''Don''t worry my child. It''s been quite a while since I needed to sleep. So, why are you here, son of Agacie.''


    He plucked up his courage and spoke ''Raghnall, I want to go on a journey and find my roots.''


    Raghnall didn''t say anything for a while. ''Interesting'' he murmured.


    ''So, young one, what is your plan?''


    ''Ehm, honestly I hoped you could give me some advice.''


    ''Advice eh? Indeed, that I can give.


    Travel to the east. All the way until you reach the sea. That''s how humans call that gigantic mass of water. There will be a kingdom called Laetland. Begin your journey there and travel northward, until you reach an impressive mountain chain. Follow the Feret river into the mountains. There will be a certain pass near the source of the river. Search for this mark'' Raghnall marked a weird looking sign on the ground. ''And you will know you are right.''


    Renn was confused ''But why should I go there? What''s the point of it?''


    ''Other wolves might not be very knowledgeable about the humanoid races, but I am. Traveling all around the north, south, east and west, I''ve met many many creatures. You see, I wasn''t satisfied to just have all those memories of my ancestors, I wanted to see it with my own two eyes and experience it myself and maybe even add new discoveries.'' A hint of a past adventurous spirit spoke from Raghnalls voice. ''Among those creatures, there were several human and humanoid races. Humans, dwarfs and so on, more than one can imagine. But among those, one breed was very special. A tiny breed, maybe even as scarce as we light wolves. High humans, they call themselves and indeed they have all reason to do so. They possess an innate talent for handling their affinities, which they call "magic".'' He laughed coarsely ''Funny, isn''t it?


    Anyway, I''ve had once the chance to visit their secretive and secluded order, where most of the high humans live.''


    Still confused, Renn asked again ''But if they are so secluded and secretive, why should they let me in?'' A slow realization began to spread as he spoke his words.


    Having an amused glint in his eyes, Raghnall spoke.


    ''Because you, Renn, are one of them.''

 Chapter 10: A Mindblowing Revelation

    ''Because you are one of them''


    Renn opened his mouth, but he couldn''t formulate anything.


    ''I am... one of them? But... how can you know?''


    ''Because I can sense your core and the talent you possess. To my surprise, I sensed a light affinity in you and only high humans are able to have one.''


    Although he was taken by surprise, this news filled him with overflowing joy! He actually had the light affinity! But...


    ''When will I be able to use it?''


    ''That, is a bit complicated, as far as I know. Compared to us light wolves, who evolve their affinity at a set certain age, high humans wait for a certain revelation. You could also say, a moment of clarity.


    Only after evolving an understanding of the invisible true energy world, will they be able to grasp their affinity. For that, they have to accumulate a respectable amount of knowledge and wisdom. For that, they have founded the order, which keeps their entire heritage of knowledge and wisdom. Every high human begins to study it at a young age.''


    ''But how will I be able to grasp my affinity?? Do I really have to study for years in their order to do so?? I can''t wait that long!''


    ''Haha, you sure are some impatient boy.''


    Renn laughed shyly. ''Hehe, I just can''t wait so long to get stronger! The earlier the better!''


    Raghnall waited with his answer. Renn persisted ''There is another way, right?''


    ''There is indeed one. But everything comes with a cost, you should know that.


    Naturally, you want strength, but can you also take its toll?''


    ''Yes, I can!'' He said with a burning passion. ''Please teach me the other way!''


    Raghnall again waited with his answer. He couldn''t figure it out, but this human boy moved his heart as no one did for a long while.


    But that was actually a lie. He knew, deep down. It was this passion, that moved him. A passion he once felt too. And this boy before him arose this passion once again. He had already decided. To teach this boy.


    ''Yes, I will teach you, but don''t regret this decision!''


    ''I won''t! And thank you!''


    Raghnall led the way. ''Follow me.''


    Renn followed hastily.


    The old chief wolf walked leisurely ahead, deeper into the plain. After a short while, a gigantic tree came to sight. But with gigantic, he didn''t mean gigantic as the trees he saw before. This tree was the meaning of the word gigantic itself. It was truly huge!


    A trunk, so large that not even a hundred wolves would be able to surround it with their combined body span. As they slowly came closer to it, the foliage filled their entire field of view.


    ''Unbelievable'' Renn whispered awestruck.


    ''Impressive, isn''t it? This tree is older than the wolves race itself. It was always there, as long as the wolves can remember. Maybe it was there since the beginning of time and planted by the creator himself. If you look closely, you will see, that it''s not a single tree, but actually an uncountable mass of trees, which grew together. So what you see can''t really be called a tree, but rather a forest, an ancient forest.''


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.Full of amazement he looked closer and now was able to discern separate trunks in that one huge trunk. It was simply beautiful, how so many things became a whole.


    ''I brought you to this sacred place because of the abundant energy, which fills this ancient forest.


    It is the best place to study one''s perception of true energy. Normally, you would need to live in this environment several summers long and slowly develop your perception, but I will help you to achieve a shortcut - by simply forcing my perception of this place right now onto you. Do you understand?''


    Renn clearly didn''t, but it sounded scary.


    ''I''ll give you an example. Instead of slowly forming and carving wood, we will brute force it to the right form. Any normal living being would break under the sheer explosive power, but from my understanding of your talent, which I deem exceptional even among your kin, there is a chance for you to withstand the pressure and emerge stronger as you could ever be through ordinary means. I will ask you one last time. Are you really decided to take this path?''


    Renn breathed deeply in and out before he blinked finally.


    With an expression of pity, respect and determination, Raghnall touched Renns forehead with his snout.


    The moment he came in contact, Renns mind exploded.


    An indescribable unimaginable mass of information, sensation and impression overflowed his entire mind. Unbearable pain shot through his entire being and rendered him completely helpless. It felt like his entire mind was being torn, trampled and then set on fire.


    Not able to keep up with the pain, he screamed his incinerated heart out. Impression after impression, sensation after sensation flooded his mind completely, making him lose his mind.


    He no longer was able to feel his self, no he felt EVERYTHING. He had become the plain itself!


    He could feel every single breath of the wind, every swaying blade of grass, every ant, every heartbeat, every emotion, fear, joy, anxiety, happiness, anger, calm, hatred, love.


    He was the majestic eagle soaring in the sky. He was the worm, which crept in the dirt. The wolf which hunted down the rabbit, but also the rabbit which was hunted by the wolf.


    He felt the euphoric joy of slaying its prey. He felt the terrifying pain and the void death after.


    He was the breath that was inhaled and exhaled. He was the forest before him.


    Oh, how could one put to words what the forest actually in front of him was? Never could words do justice to the entirety of it.


    It was a gigantic cosmos, filled with uncountably many lives, more than there are stars in the night sky.


    A torrential storm wrecked in him in that single instance when Raghnall touched his forehead.


    No longer able to endure the strain, he collapsed.

 Chapter 11: Mixed Feelings

    Renn woke up.


    ''Looks like you have overcome the strain. Seems like my instincts have not fooled me.''


    Renn still was in a daze, still immersed in the wondrous world that revealed itself to him.


    ''Raghnall'' he called.


    ''Hmm?''


    ''What I see know, no, I mean what I feel now, is that your perception of the world?''


    ''Indeed it is. You have earned the same depth and understanding of nature that I have earned through hundreds of years. But it still lacks in coverage compared to mine.''


    Renn was awestruck ''Then how far can you reach your senses?''


    ''Let that be a little secret of this old man, alright?'' Raghnall smiled.


    His respect for the wolf in front of him grew. He couldn''t fully understand how great of a gift it was from Raghnall to teach him his perception, but he still felt deeply how precious it was.


    A true gem of knowledge, wisdom and experience. He was moved to tears. Hot tears dropped down and he sensed how the plants, earth and tiny existences absorbed the heat and the energy that was contained in his tears. He knelt down.


    ''Raghnall, you have shown me the beauty of the world. You have opened my eyes. I will never be able to pay this back, but I''m so thankful, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.'' he said, his eyes still wet.


    ''Argh, stop whining, you are a grown wolf and a man now. Act like one!'' Raghnall reminded him slightly embarrassed.


    ''Yes!'' He said and pulled himself together. ''Yes, I will!''


    ''Very good, you know have made your first steps into the true energetic reality. As you are a high human, you won''t be able to transform into the true energy form yet, it will cost you considerably more effort to learn and master it than a wolf would need. But the high humans have developed a much-advanced school for more complex usage of true energy affinities than we practice. That''s related to our different physiques, but nonetheless, it stays a fact, that you will be able to flourish in their school in a way you won''t be able to achieve here.''


    Renn nodded earnestly. ''I understand. I will set out right after I telling my family goodbye.''


    Raghnall blinked. When Renn turned around, Raghnall spoke once more. ''It could be, that Kaede will accompany you. She possesses extraordinary talent as a wolf. She would also profit a lot if she could study with you. I will talk with her and see what she thinks.''If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Raghnall then vanished. But this time, Renn realised that "vanishing" was not the right description. With his newly acquired senses, he "saw" that suddenly the before dimly glowing body of Raghnall turned into a bright flame, which moved at a sheer incredible speed.


    Renn also followed hastily suit.


    When he reached his pack, Raghnall already finished speaking with Kaede.


    He turned to Renn ''Kaede and I have discussed-''


    ''There really was nothing to discuss, chief wolf! I''ll be glad to travel and visit the high humans and learn a foreign way of affinity-usage and culture!'' Kaede interrupted, completely euphoric.


    Agacie gave her a stern gaze, reminding her to keep her composure in front of the chief wolf.


    Raghnall continued amusedly ''-will Kaede accompany you to the high human''s order. If she carries you, you''ll be much faster. But I''m afraid she will have to stay in her true energy form while you move in the human territory since we don''t know how much of a stir a light wolf would create.


    Both Kaede and Renn blinked agreeing.


    Agacie, Phileo, Thal and Asik were there to send them off. It was a touching scene in the setting sun.


    Phileo would have especially liked to spend more time with his nephew and niece, but this was the way of the wolves.


    Agacie also understood this and her motherly love could only support their personal development and wish them luck and success.


    On the other hand, his brothers were challenged by their siblings'' determination to grow. They both were also resolved to not slack and do their everything to grow.


    They all gave Renn and Kaede their blessings for the journey and gifted them a bit of their own true energy, as a symbolical keepsake. For Renn, it felt like his family''s presence was in him


    After saying their goodbyes a final time, they left in direction of the human kingdoms, without looking back.


    Raghnall waited until both of them were far enough away before he howled loudly, a sound which resonated both in the physical and the true energetic world. He was calling the entire main pack to gather.


    Everyone dropped everything they were doing and quickly followed the call.


    Raghnall then climbed upon the speaker''s stone and looked down at the hundreds of wolves.


    His heart was filled with pride, but also dragged down by the impending danger and death.


    ''I have called you to gather. because I have to tell you about the urgent catastrophe, which will come upon us.


    A death-bringing-shadow is on his way.''


    A murmur went through the crowd. Although most didn''t know exactly what it was, everyone had heard about it in some horror stories, tales or actual memories from their ancestors, like Agacie had one. Nevermind how ignorant one may be, he still would know that a death-bringing-shadow spelt danger and death like the name itself said.


    The crowd got uneasy and more and more agitated before Raghnall calmed the crowd with an authoritative growl.


    ''I understand your uneasiness and your worries. That''s why we, the council, have decided to move away from this place.''


    ''But this place has been our home since forever!!''


    ''How can we leave our home?!?''


    ''Where are we even going?''


    Raghnall gave a bone-shaking growl, reverberating in everyone''s hearts.


    ''I very well know, that our roots lie here. Although it may be a long time ago, I too was once born here and have since then always called this place my home. But there is no other choice. Either we abandon this place or we die with it. But remember well who we are, members of the light wolves and fellow wolf races. We were born with a duty and a task to fulfil. We are not allowed to extinguish lightly.


    We have existed since aeons and our identity was never bound to a place. Our duty and task, our past, present and future determine who we are. But I won''t force you to leave this place. I leave you with your own decision to make.


    Will you leave? Or stay?''