The lone spearman's panicked challenge, "Who's there?" echoed through the unnaturally quiet section of the forest. Kael, still concealed in his root-bound alcove, felt his own muscles tighten further. The situation had just escalated from tense observation to potential multi-sided conflict.
From the direction of the approaching sounds, a low growl answered the spearman's call – a sound Kael recognized with a jolt of dread. It wasn't human. It was the guttural, rumbling growl of a predator, similar to the one the Shadow Stalker Pup had made, but deeper, more powerful.
The spearman visibly flinched. He took a step back, closer to the ominous hollow entrance, his spear now wavering between the unseen threat in the forest and the equally unknown fate of his companions within the roots. He was trapped.
And so, Kael realized, was he. If a predator, or multiple predators, were approaching, his hiding spot might not be safe for much longer. He was caught between the newcomers, whatever had befallen them in the hollow, and this new arrival.
The rustling in the undergrowth grew louder, closer. Then, a large, dark shape resolved itself from the gloom – a creature Kael had not encountered before. It was built like a wolf, but larger, its fur a mottled grey and black that blended perfectly with the deep shadows. Its eyes glowed with a faint, malevolent red, and a pair of short, sharp horns, like those of a young bull, protruded from its brow. Its lips were drawn back in a snarl, revealing rows of wicked-looking teeth.
[System Analysis: Direhorn Wolf (Adult). Level: 6. Threat Level: High. Traits: Pack Hunter (currently solitary?), Thick Hide, Piercing Horns, Vicious Bite. Notable Abilities: Intimidating Roar, Charge Attack.]
Level 6. A Direhorn Wolf. The System's "High" threat level was an understatement from Kael's perspective. This creature looked capable of tearing through the spearman, and Kael himself, with ease. The "solitary?" note was also worrying; if it had a pack, this situation was about to become a bloodbath.
The spearman let out a choked cry of fear, stumbling back another step, his spear now definitely pointed towards the Direhorn Wolf. He shouted something in his guttural language, a desperate plea or a warning, perhaps.
The Direhorn Wolf ignored him, its red eyes fixed on the spearman, its body tensing, preparing to charge. It let out a short, sharp bark that was more of a threat display.
Kael's mind raced. If the wolf attacked the spearman, what would happen next? Would it then turn its attention to the hollow, or perhaps detect Kael in his hiding spot? The smell of blood from whatever had happened inside the hollow might also attract it.
This was a chaotic, unpredictable situation. He had a few options, none of them good:
Stay hidden: Hope the wolf deals with the spearman and then leaves, or that the leader emerges from the hollow and deals with the wolf. This was passive and relied heavily on luck.Try to slip away: While the wolf and spearman were focused on each other, he could attempt to use his 'Stealth' and 'Silent Step' to retreat deeper into the forest. Risky, as any noise could draw the wolf's attention.Intervene? This seemed like madness. He was Level 4. The wolf was Level 6. The spearman was an unknown, potentially hostile. But if the spearman was killed, Kael might be next. Could he use his bow? An 'Aimed Shot' might wound the wolf, but a kill shot was unlikely, and it would definitely reveal his position.
Before Kael could fully weigh his options, the Direhorn Wolf made its move. With a terrifying roar that seemed to shake the very air, it launched itself at the spearman in a powerful charge.
The spearman, despite his fear, reacted with surprising speed. He braced his spear, angling the sharp tip towards the charging beast. There was a sickening thud as the wolf impaled itself partially on the spear, but its momentum carried it forward, crashing into the man.
Both wolf and man went down in a struggling, snarling heap, the spear shaft snapping with a loud crack. The spearman screamed, a sound of pure agony, as the wolf's fangs and horns found their mark.
Kael watched in horrified fascination. The fight was brutal, primitive, and terrifyingly fast.
Then, from within the root-choked hollow, came a shout – the leader's voice, sharp and alarmed, clearly reacting to the sounds of the struggle outside.
The situation had just become even more volatile. The leader was still alive. But what about the first spearman? And what would the leader do when he emerged to find a Direhorn Wolf locked in mortal combat with his remaining companion?