Hunt Race

The forest fell silent.

Not because the wolves had stopped.

Because they had.

Kael slowly turned.

Emerald eyes stared back at him from every direction.

One.

Three.

Five.

More stepped out from the shadows.

Iron Rank.

Bronze Rank.

Their low growls blended into one.

Kael tightened his grip on his sword.

"They've surrounded us."

Leon didn't answer.

His eyes swept across the wolves.

Counting.

Measuring.

Looking for a weakness.

The Peak Bronze Shadow Wolf emerged from the trees.

It didn't stand with the pack.

It stood behind them.

Watching.

Waiting.

As if the outcome had already been decided.

Kael frowned.

"...Why isn't it attacking?"

"It doesn't need to."

Leon's voice was low.

"It has us where it wants."

The wolves began to move.

Not charging.

Walking.

One step.

Then another.

The circle slowly tightened.

Kael's heartbeat quickened.

"They're closing in."

"Stay calm."

A Bronze Shadow Wolf suddenly lunged.

Kael reacted instantly.

"Ripple Slash!"

Shhk!

The first slash drove it back.

The second forced another wolf to retreat.

A gap opened.

"Now!" Leon shouted.

The two hunters burst toward it.

They hadn't taken five steps—

Two more wolves landed in front of them.

The opening was gone.

Kael's eyes widened.

"They're replacing each other..."

Leon clicked his tongue.

"They're buying time."

Another howl echoed.

The wolves answered with low growls.

The circle shrank again.

A Shadow Wolf attacked from Kael's blind side.

Clang!

Leon intercepted it with his spear.

Another attacked Leon.

Kael blocked.

Neither had time to counter.

Every attack came only to delay them.

Every retreat was replaced by another wolf.

Minutes passed.

The hunters barely moved.

The encirclement grew smaller.

Kael's breathing became ragged.

"They're not trying to kill us..."

Leon nodded grimly.

"They're waiting."

"For what?"

Leon slowly lifted his eyes.

The Peak Bronze had started walking.

Not toward the pack.

Toward them.

One step.

Another.

The wolves immediately parted to make way.

No growls.

No hesitation.

Complete obedience.

Leon exhaled.

"...The hunt is over."

The Peak Bronze lowered its body.

Its muscles tightened.

Kael instinctively raised his sword.

Leon suddenly stepped in front of him.

"Don't."

Kael stared at him.

"If it moves..."

"We break through."

The Peak Bronze's emerald eyes flashed.

Then—

It vanished.

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