The screen floated before his eyes, showing the improvements he had gained:
? Strength +2
? Speed +3
It wasn’t a drastic change, but something in his body felt different. His muscles seemed more responsive, his movements smoother. A sudden warmth coursed through his veins, giving him a sense of newfound power. Clenching and unclenching his fist, he realized his reflexes had improved. "Every little improvement counts. If I keep growing, I could really make a difference."
As he reflected, his gaze fell on the Bloodwolf’s carcass. There was something strange about the creature’s body. He approached, examining it more closely. He noticed unnatural scars along its flanks, and the skin seemed tougher in some places, as if it had been artificially enhanced. He gently touched the thickened fur and found markings resembling incisions, possibly the result of experiments. "It wasn’t just a natural monster... someone modified it." The thought unsettled him, but he didn’t have enough information to draw any conclusions.
He decided to take proof of his victory. Gripping one of the beast’s fangs, he yanked it free. The long, sharp tooth seemed sturdier than he expected, almost as if it had been reinforced.
As the sun sank behind the mountains, Zayne resumed his journey back to the city. The sunset painted the sky with red and orange hues, and the evening breeze caressed his sweaty skin. The forest, now shrouded in shadow, seemed less threatening. He reflected on the battle he had just finished and the implications of what he had discovered. "Whoever did this to the Bloodwolf... they could have done it to other creatures." The thought gave him chills, but he decided to focus on his mission.
Upon arriving in the city, he headed straight for the guild. As soon as he entered, the noisy atmosphere quieted slightly when the adventurers noticed his presence. Behind the counter, the same receptionist who had registered him that morning looked up, recognizing him. Her eyes widened at the sight of the fang in his hand, and the scroll she was filling out almost slipped from her fingers.
"You... you killed it alone?" she asked incredulously, gripping the scroll tightly.
Zayne nodded. "Yes, I was alone."
She slowly placed the scroll on the counter, studying him carefully. "But... how is that possible? A Bloodwolf of that level should have been faced by a skilled group! Did you get help from someone?"
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"I used everything I had. And I defeated it."
The receptionist scrutinized him for a moment, then sighed and shook her head. "If I didn’t have this proof right in front of me, I wouldn’t believe it myself." She gestured to the adventurers around her, who were already whispering among themselves, some with surprised looks, others skeptical.
"Was it really just you? No hidden companion in the shadows?" insisted a man in heavy armor, sitting at a nearby table.
Zayne crossed his arms. "I was alone. But if you want, you can always go check the carcass in the forest."
The tension in the air thickened, and the adventurers' gazes on him grew more intense. Some seemed impressed, others suspicious. One thing was certain: he had drawn everyone's attention.
His words were simple, but the weight behind them was enormous. The adventurers present began to whisper among themselves, amazed. Some exchanged incredulous looks, while others observed him with newfound curiosity.
Two men approached him. One wore a black cloak, and the other was in golden armor. Immediately, some adventurers nearby stiffened, recognizing them.
"It’s them... the strongest party in the city," someone whispered.
"A novice who defeats the King of Bloodwolves... You don’t see that every day," said the first, studying the fang with an unreadable expression.
"What’s your name, kid?" asked the second, scrutinizing him with interest.
"Zayne," he replied simply.
Another adventurer nearby whispered, "They’re the leaders of the 'Steel Blades' party. They’ve taken on B-rank missions, and even an A-rank one... and now they’re talking to him."
The two men exchanged a glance, and then one of them smiled faintly. "I’ll keep an eye on that name. You might be more interesting than you seem."
News of his feat spread quickly throughout the city, and within a few hours, it reached even the highest levels of the kingdom. Within the corridors of a grand palace, a messenger kneeled before a figure cloaked in regal attire.
The throne room was filled with a solemn atmosphere. The flames of the torches cast dancing shadows on the walls adorned with imperial banners. The emperor, sitting on an intricately carved golden throne, drummed his fingers on the armrest as he listened to the news.
"Your Majesty, there’s unusual news. A young adventurer, registered the same day, has slain the King of the Bloodwolves."
A silence heavy with tension filled the room. The advisors exchanged puzzled glances, some seemed incredulous, others worried.
The emperor remained silent for a moment, then a faint smile appeared on his lips. "Interesting... Who is this boy?"
And so, without even realizing it, Zayne had begun to move the gears of a destiny much larger than he could have imagined.