Mylo moves onwards, deeper into the dungeon's mysteries. He eventually makes it to what is likely the final room.in the middle of the passage. A vast metal door blocks his path. Mylo could see a separate path on his right. He steps closer to inspect the metallic door but there’s no reaction.

“Hmm, maybe I need to explore more of the dungeon. Let’s head right first.”

Further ahead is a single path. Its twisted trail leads passed broken bones and blood marks.

“Wait... Fresh blood!”

Mylo advances further into the pathway with haste. What waited him was a dozen gray wolf encircling a man. Brown, shoulder-length hair hangs over a strong, menacing face. Despite his strong bulky frame, his state was less than vigorous. But Mylo though there was something extraordinary about him, perhaps his steady hazel eyes unwavered by his predicament or perhaps his strong composure in such dangerous condition. Nonetheless, it was obvious he needed help or his death was certain.

“COME! COME AT ME YOU MUTS!I’M NOT CALLED THE BEST WOLF HUNTER OF VALSEA FOR NO REASON!”

What was once a fine piece of leather armour is now merely a blood-stained piece of fabric, hanging from one of his shoulders like a discarded old towel? There are more holes than fabric at this point, leaving much of him exposed.

“Should I help him? He may know how to open the metal door. But there a dozen gray wolf, I doubt I’ll be able to fight all of them.”

As he was pondering if he should step in or not. A system notification appeared right in front of him.

[New Quest Acquired: Help The Wolf Hunter Efferus!]

-----------------------------------

Quest: Help The Wolf Hunter Efferus!

Requirement:

*Save Efferus from the wolves attack

Reward: + 100 EXP, +2 silver coins, + 30% affinity with Efferus.

Failure: Loss of the chain quest ‘Crimson Wolf’s hunt’

Time limit: None

[Do you accept the quest? (YES/NO)]

----------------------------------

“A chain quest? Crimson Wolf?”

“…”

“Yes!”

[Quest Accepted!]

Mylo steps out of his hiding and shouted.

“HEY! IL HELPS YOU! BUT YOU HAVE TO TAKE ON HALF OF THEM OR WERE BOTH FINISHED!”

The sudden appearance of Mylo shocked both the wolves and the hunter. The first to react was Efferus.

“I don’t know who you are, but I’ll gladly take you up on your offer, stranger.”

With a strong possibility of death, Mylo rushes toward the side of the battle, facing the wolves head on in the hope to come out on top. With the thought of victory, Mylo knew he couldn’t win against 6 level 5 wolves when he was only level 1. He could have had a chance if there was around three of them, but not six. He was constantly being barraged by attacks from all sides. He did his best dodging a few of the attacks but he couldn’t avoid all of them. Constant notification filled his view.

[You have lost 12 hp.]

[You have lost 16 hp.]

[You have dealt 142 damage.]

[You have lost 13 hp.]

[You have lost...]

Yet with a steady breathing and eyes fixated on one wolf, he courageously fights on. Some would have already succumbed to terror, but Mylo wasn’t affected by fear at all. It was because he had a plan.

-------------

HP: 11/100

-------------

“Shit one more hit and I’m dead. This is my only chance!”

Mylo’s rushes headfirst into the wolf pack and aimed his attack towards the wolf whose life was in the edge of fading. He barely dodges the attack coming his way, dealing the final blow to the wolf.

[You have dealt 146 damage. ]

[You have killed Lvl.5 Valsea’s Gray wolf #6]

[You have gained +28 exp (20 x 1.4 multiplier)]

[Half your experience will be given to your ego sword.]

[You have gained +14 EXP.]

[You have gained 16 copper coins.]

*DING*

[Congratulations, you have reached Lvl.2.]

[You have gained +3 attribute points and +1 skill point.]

[You have recovered your missing HP & MP.]

*DING*

[Congratulations, your ego sword level has increased!]

[Stat Unlocked!]

Mylo smirked and dashed toward his next target and thrusting his rapier into the nearest wolf’s stomach.

[You have dealt 250 damage.]

[You have triggered ‘Blight’ status to Valsea’s Gray wolf #5.]

[Valsea’s Gray wolf #5 will lose 2.5% of its maximum hp every second for 12 seconds.]

Mylo was speechless.

“What is that insane damage increase? Blight? Is that what my ego sword unlocked?”

Mylo’s confidence skyrocketed. With his damage increase and the occasional trigger of the ‘Blight’ status being inflicted to the wolves. He could carelessly charge into the enemy without a care for his own safety. He knew he could defeat them before they could deal significant damage.

[you have killed Lvl.5 Valsea’s Gray wolf #5,#4,#3,#2 & #1.]

[You have gained +130 EXP (100 x 1.3 multiplier).]

[Half your experience will be given to your ego sword.]

[You have gained +65 EXP.]

[You have gained 83 copper coins.]

[You have gained 2 wolf hide.]

After defeating the wolves, Mylo intended to help Efferus . But to his surprise Efferus was surrounded by wolves’ corps. He held the last wolf standing with his enormous right hand and crushed his neck with his strength.

“Ha, thank you friend. If it weren’t for your help, I would’ve been the one lying there.”

[Congratulations, you have completed the quest ‘Help the wolf hunter Efferus!’]

[You have gained +100 EXP,2 silver coins, + 30% affinity with Efferus.]

[Half of the experience earned is shared to your ego sword.]

[You have unlocked the chain quest ‘Crimson Wolf Hunt’.]

“…”

“It’s my pleasure; may I ask how you ended up in such a situation?”

“Of course, my name is Efferus. I’ve been tasked by the city’s administration to investigate the sudden upsurge of wolf’s casualty in the nearby towns. During my investigation I’ve discovered the appearance of a pack leader, increasing the wolf’s sudden violence.”

“A pack leader?”

“Yes. The Crimson Wolf. A demonic beast of the valsea gray wolf family. My hypothesis is that this specific wolf managed to find the corpse of a demon, consuming its demonic flesh and crystal ore. Succeeding in growing into its current form. A bloodthirsty beast whose favourite meal is the flesh of humans. After following its traces I managed to find its den, only to be welcomed by the ambush of a dozen wolves. If it weren’t for you, I would have perished today. May I know the name of my saviour?”

“I’m Cosmo, nice to meet you Efferus.”

“I feel ashamed, but I have a favour to ask of you.”

“What is it?”

“Unfortunately I’m unable to fight the beast with my current condition. If the wolf is left to rampage as it likes, numerous casualties will unfold and its strength will keep increasing. After witnessing your strength, I believe you have the capacity to deal with the crimson wolf alone. My favour is that you eliminate the wolf in my behalf. Of course you will be handsomely rewarded.”

[New Quest Acquired!]

***