Chapter 20: The Eve of the Storm

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Night fell like a curtain, enveloping Flamestone Village in darkness. The glow of the campfire flickered faintly, like stars about to extinguish but refusing to die out. Wolves circled the village’s perimeter, their eyes sharp as blades, guarding the remnants of life within. Kaler stood at the village entrance, gazing into the depths of the night, where hidden hostility gradually advanced from the shadows.

Azureclaw let out a low growl, and the surrounding wolves tensed instantly, all staring toward the forest’s edge. The shadows of dead trees stretched long under the moonlight, resembling lurking monsters waiting for the right moment.

“They’re coming…” Kaler narrowed his eyes, the blade of his long knife reflecting a cold, steely gleam. He felt an oppressive aura thickening the air, an ominous tide rolling in.

These were no ordinary wolves but creatures corrupted by darkness. Stripped of reason, they answered only to the call of shadow, like harbingers of death, leaving destruction wherever they passed.

Kaler inhaled deeply, steadying the turmoil within. He glanced back at the village behind him; the surviving villagers had already fled south under the guidance of Allen and the woman. Here, only he and the wolf pack remained to defend their home.

“We will not retreat.”

Azureclaw lifted his head and howled long and sharp, a piercing wolf cry that sliced through the night and echoed through the valley. The pack swiftly dispersed, silently crouching around like statues, waiting patiently for their prey to approach.

Kaler stroked Azureclaw’s back, feeling the surge of raw power within it. “If we can hold this place tonight, Flamestone Village might still have hope.”

—

Deep within the forest, more pairs of eyes gleamed in the darkness, low growls intertwining as though countless watchers peered toward the village.

Suddenly, a shadow slipped silently through the night—a beast larger than any common black wolf appeared among the tree shadows, stepping slowly from the darkness.

Kaler’s gaze sharpened. This black wolf was clearly different; its fur flowed like black flames, and its crimson eyes seemed to pierce the soul.

“The Black Wolf King…” Kaler whispered, tightening his grip on the long knife.

The Black Wolf King advanced steadily, followed by a pack of massive black wolves. They growled softly, radiating an irresistible killing intent as they silently closed in on the village.

Azureclaw gave a warning snarl, and Kaler’s wolves quickly gathered, forming a semicircular formation at the village entrance. The two forces faced off, the air seeming to solidify in the stillness.

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Kaler did not act rashly; his eyes fixed on the Black Wolf King as he spoke slowly, “You do not belong to the darkness. Leave this place; we do not wish to be your enemies.”

The Black Wolf King growled lowly, its sharp fangs gleaming coldly in the moonlight, as if replying to Kaler: Darkness has consumed all; there is no retreat.

Kaler frowned deeply, knowing words could no longer quell the inevitable battle.

“In that case…” Kaler slowly raised his long knife, the blade catching the gaze of the wolf pack, “then let strength decide.”

—

The battle erupted in an instant.

The Black Wolf King howled wildly, and the black wolves surged forward like a tide. Kaler’s pack met them head-on; at the village gate, teeth and claws clashed with blade and fire sparks flying in all directions.

Kaler wielded his long knife, fighting side by side with Azureclaw. Every strike took the life of a black wolf. The black wolves were swift and fierce, but Kaler’s reflexes were superior—his movements swift as the wind, each blow precise and true.

Yet, the black wolves’ numbers were overwhelming. Though the pack resisted fiercely, the relentless wave of black wolves pressed forward, gradually encroaching.

Kaler panted, his blade stained with blood. He glanced toward Azureclaw, who bore several fresh wounds, while the wolf pack’s numbers dwindled rapidly.

The Black Wolf King stood apart, watching the battle coldly, as if waiting for Kaler’s strength to wane before delivering the final blow.

Kaler gripped his knife tightly, yet felt no trace of retreat.

He knew this fight was about more than just Flamestone Village—it concerned the survival of the entire Southern Territories.

“Even if my life burns out, I will not step back.”

Kaler drew a deep breath. His blood seemed to ignite, and an unfamiliar yet powerful force quietly awakened within him. His pupils shimmered faintly with golden light—the wolf bloodline inside him was stirring.

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Azureclaw sensed Kaler’s change and howled loftily. The wolf pack’s morale surged, and they launched a renewed assault on the black wolves.

Kaler gripped his long knife and walked resolutely toward the Black Wolf King.

The Black Wolf King’s gaze shifted slightly as it growled, charging headlong. The two collided in the village center, stirring dust and sparks of flame.

At the instant blade met claw, the entire Flamestone Village seemed bathed in moonlight, and time stood still.

—

Morning sunlight spilled over Flamestone Village. Wolves lay scattered among the ruins; the bodies of black wolves littered the ground. The air was thick with the scent of smoke and blood.

Kaler leaned against a tree, cradling the unconscious Azureclaw, his face worn and marked by wounds. Not far away lay the corpse of the Black Wolf King; its crimson eyes had long since dimmed.

Flamestone Village had been defended.

Kaler lowered his gaze to Azureclaw, gently stroking its fur. “You did well.”

The wolf pack gathered around him, softly whining, as if celebrating their victory while mourning their fallen comrades.

The sun rose, darkness receded, and Flamestone Village welcomed the light once more.

Kaler slowly closed his eyes, sinking into deep sleep.

At this moment, he knew—the true battle had only just begun.