The old blacksmith placed the armor on the counter, his eyes filled with pride in his craftsmanship.
"It's done, kid. This wolf hide not only boosts durability but is also much more flexible. It'll give you better protection against piercing attacks."
Ren ran his fingers over the newly reinforced material, feeling its smooth yet firm surface.
[Equipment: Lupus Vest]
Type: Light Armor
Durability: 50/50
Reduces physical damage taken by 15% +2 AGI
'Amazing… This is the first time I've seen equipment that adds stats.'
Without a second's hesitation, Ren swiftly dragged the armor into his equipment slot.
The moment it was activated, the supple yet resistant leather unfurled like silk, adjusting itself automatically to fit his body.
The design wasn't flashy, still the same simple gray leather, now integrated with high-quality wolf hide, creating a sturdy yet lightweight surface.
The most striking feature was the fur-lined edges, especially the hood covered in thick gray-white fur, resembling the head of a wild wolf.
Ren raised his arm, testing his movement. It felt lighter than he expected. The armor molded seamlessly to his body, not hindering him in the slightest. If anything, it made him more agile.
The soft wolf fur brushed against his cheek as he pulled the hood down, offering a faint warmth against the chilly air.
This feeling… was strange.
It wasn't just armor.
Wearing it, Ren felt as if he were merging with some primal instinct... like a true wolf preparing for the hunt.
"Looks good," he nodded, zipping up the front.
The blacksmith folded his arms, watching him for a moment before speaking. "Planning something dangerous, kid?"
"I need this to survive," Ren replied after a brief hesitation.
The blacksmith didn't press further, simply letting out a sigh. "Then make sure to bring it back in one piece. Don't come complaining if it gets ruined."
"Oh, and the cost is 1,000 Cor. No discounts, even for regulars."
Ren froze as he checked the remaining balance in his pouch.
Only 700 Cor.
He had spent most of his money on healing potions and smoke bombs. A small healing potion alone cost 500 Cor, while each smoke bomb was 300 Cor… and he had bought three.
"Damn it…" he muttered, a cold sweat running down his back.
Now what? Would the blacksmith throw him out if he couldn't pay?
Ren licked his lips, took a deep breath, and turned back, looking at the blacksmith as if he were about to face a high-level boss.
"Uh… can I owe you the rest?"
Silence fell over the shop.
The blacksmith narrowed his eyes, arms still crossed, as if considering whether to toss Ren out. After a long pause, he let out another sigh.
"Only for regular customers."
Ren immediately nodded, not daring to breathe too loudly.
"But just 300 Cor. The rest...you'd better pay up next time."
Relief washed over Ren. He quickly grabbed the armor and bolted before the old man could change his mind.
"Make sure you survive. Don't die just to dodge your debt."
Ren froze at the door, his lips twitching slightly.
"...I'll do my best."
He wasn't sure whether to feel grateful or offended. But instead of arguing, he simply clutched the Lupus Vest tighter and left the blacksmith shop.
The icy night wind swept past him, but this time, the wolf fur on his armor's collar shielded him from the cold.
He ran his fingers lightly over the leather of the Lupus Vest, thinking to himself… He was still short 700 Cor. But whatever.
For now, he just had to survive tonight.
The sky had turned a dusky gold as the evening sun stretched its fading light over the cobblestone streets.
Ren stepped out of the smithy, leaving behind the suffocating heat and the rhythmic clang of hammer on anvil.
He inhaled deeply, feeling the weight of the Lupus Vest against his body.
The soft yet sturdy wolf leather fit snugly, an almost perfect balance of comfort and protection. Everything was set.
Now… to the meeting point.
Ren tightened his grip on his gear strap. Healing potions, smoke bombs, weapons, he had prepared everything he could.
But no matter how well-equipped he was, his heart still beat a little faster at the thought of the coming battle.
He was walking closer to the edge of life and death.
The town gates loomed in the distance.
Under the setting sun, silhouettes stood like statues of steel, their armor catching the golden-red glow.
At the center stood the commander of the town guards, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword. His sharp green eyes swept over the assembled fighters with a cold, assessing gaze.
With a bow slung across his back, he carried himself like a seasoned war veteran.
The soldiers at his sides...battle-hardened warriors, stood ready, their weapons gripped firmly.
Ren took a deep breath and quickened his pace. As he approached, the commander's gaze landed on him, scanning him from head to toe.
"You're on time," the man's deep voice carried the weight of command, a presence honed through countless battles. "But let me make this clear, this mission isn't for the hesitant."
Ren met his gaze head-on, unwavering. He didn't need to say anything, his eyes alone conveyed his resolve.
But then… doubt flickered in his expression.
Ren frowned slightly, scanning the group. Including himself, there were only 12 of them.
That… seemed far too few to take on an Alpha.
A sliver of hesitation crept into his mind. He didn't know the full extent of these soldiers' strength, but he knew exactly how terrifying that wolf was.
It wasn't just any ordinary monster that could be brought down easily.
And worse… there was a high chance the rest of its pack would back it up.
Ren clenched his jaw but quickly forced himself to push the doubts aside. This was no time for hesitation.
The commander seemed to catch the flicker of concern in Ren's expression. His voice lowered as he spoke:
"I know the numbers aren't ideal, but these are the best warriors I can gather on short notice. We don't have the luxury of waiting any longer.
Besides… we need to keep some behind to protect the town… when things spiral out of control."
Ren clenched his fists. He could feel the resolve of the soldiers around him… none of them intended to retreat.
Finally, he took a deep breath and nodded. There were only twelve of them, but if they all gave it their all… there was still a chance.
"Move out."
...
Under the final rays of the setting sun, the group advanced toward the sunken rock area.
The place where the scout soldiers had reported signs of the Alpha Giant Elite Dire Wolf.
Along the way, Ren witnessed the soldiers dispatching the monsters blocking their path like seasoned warriors.
Giant serpents with deadly venom, ravenous Dire Wolves hunting for prey.
They didn't even get a chance to touch a piece of the soldiers' armor before being skewered by dozens of sharp spears.
Ren swallowed hard. His confidence slowly returned.
He observed the soldiers' movements...tight, disciplined, not a single wasted action.
They weren't just swordsmen or spearmen; they were warriors who had survived countless life-and-death battles.
Ren gripped his sword tightly. The sight reassured him, yet at the same time, it weighed on him. If he stayed with them, he could survive… right?
But then, another thought crept into his mind, what if the Alpha was stronger than everything they had just slain combined?
He shook his head slightly, pushing away the worry. This time, he would not run.
"Have you ever faced an Alpha monster before?" Ren suddenly asked the commander.
The commander glanced at Ren, his gaze turning deep, as if looking toward a place far away… or perhaps a past he didn't wish to remember.
"Yes," he said slowly, his voice lowering. "I've faced an Alpha before."
Ren waited, but the man didn't continue immediately. He stared straight ahead, seemingly considering how much to reveal.
"And?" Ren pressed.
The commander furrowed his brows slightly but eventually spoke, his voice rough.
"Alphas aren't just stronger versions of normal monsters. They're… different. Far more dangerous. They possess intelligence beyond their kind."
"What do you mean?"
"…That time, I lost a lot of people."
A short but heavy statement. Ren could feel the weight in every word.
"Not just an Alpha wolf," the commander continued, his voice so low it was almost a whisper. "But something worse."
Ren felt a chill crawl up his spine.
"Stronger than an Alpha?"
The commander didn't answer right away. Instead, he quietly tightened his grip on his sword, as if trying to steady himself against a horrifying memory.
"…Pray that we never have to face something like that." That was all he said in the end.
Ren fell into thought at the grim words. He quickened his pace, walking alongside the commander, his eyes scrutinizing the weathered face.
"That thing… how strong was it?" he asked, his voice dropping.
The commander gave him a glance but didn't answer immediately.
"Did you fight it?" Ren persisted, waiting for a response.
The man inhaled deeply, as if debating whether to speak. Then, he shook his head.
"Fight?" He let out a dry chuckle, but there was no amusement in his eyes. "We didn't fight it, kid. We just tried to survive."
Ren shuddered slightly.
"I lost more than half my forces just to escape." His voice grew heavier. "It's not something a small group can take on. Even if we had hundreds of people… we might not be able to bring it down."
Ren fell silent, the unease in his chest growing.
"…Then what was it?"
The commander looked straight ahead, his hand unconsciously gripping his sword's hilt tighter.
"Hope you never have to find out."
"I failed… before the trials of the gods… Those with enough intelligence and courage to face such monsters will receive a divine blessing and grow stronger… to continue facing even greater trials."
"The gods?" Ren frowned, recalling a riddle he had yet to solve. "Is that… the deity worshiped in the church?"
The commander gave a slight nod...but also shook his head.
"Yes, but not entirely…"
Ren asked no more. But the feeling of unease had already crept deep into his mind.