I stretched and padded cautiously toward the cave entrance, my senses heightened in the heavy fog that enveloped the forest like a thick blanket. The mist twisted around the gnarled branches, creating an eerie yet perfect atmosphere for hunting. I took a deep breath, inhaling the damp earth and crisp leaves, while my ears perked up, attuned to any sounds that might betray the presence of prey.

  Suddenly, a familiar scent wafted through the air—a rich, musky aroma reminiscent of the jackalopes I often hunted. Intrigued, I began to track the source, weaving my way through the trees, the soft earth yielding beneath my powerful paws. Each step was a calculated move in a silent dance, a blend of instinct and purpose guiding me deeper into the wild.

  As I followed the scent, my pulse quickened with anticipation until I finally spotted my quarry: a lizard-like creature known as a Fern Lizard, about the same size as me. Its vivid green scales glimmered like jewels amidst the foliage, and I felt a surge of confidence swell within me. With a swift leap, I closed the distance between us. The lizard, sensing my approach, charged at me with surprising speed, but I deftly dodged its attack. Seizing the opportunity, I lunged forward, aiming for its neck.

  Focusing on my sparse Soul Energy, I channeled it into my jaws, preparing for a powerful bite. As my teeth sank into the lizard’s flesh, it staggered from the force, deep bite marks marring its neck as it began to bleed profusely. My instincts kicked in, and I struck again, my claws raking down its spine with deadly precision. The creature collapsed to the ground, helpless and gasping.

  I stepped forward, my heart pounding with purpose, and with a decisive motion, I crushed its windpipe, ensuring a swift death. Standing over my kill, a sense of accomplishment washed over me. I began to feast, savoring the taste of my hard-earned meal. The lizard’s scales offered some resistance, but I bit through them easily; they were crunchy, a satisfying texture that complemented the tender meat beneath.

  As I finished my meal, a prickling sensation crawled over my skin, a warning that something was amiss. Instinctively, I prepared for an ambush. Suddenly, two goblins burst from the undergrowth, their primitive spears gripped tightly in their green-skinned hands. Their sharp teeth glinted in the sunlight as they lunged at me, eager for a fight.

  I dodged their initial attacks with quick movements, but the second goblin’s spear grazed my flank, sending a sharp pain radiating through my body. Adrenaline coursed through my veins, heightening my senses as I focused on the battle at hand. I swiped my claws at one of the goblins, leaving a deep gash in its side. It staggered back, snarling in pain, but the second goblin, undeterred, pressed its attack, plunging its spear toward my chest.

  I twisted to evade the thrust, but the point nicked my shoulder, causing fresh blood to seep from the wound. The world around me spun for a moment, a haze of fog and pain clouding my vision. I felt vulnerable, teetering on the brink of defeat, but I refused to succumb.

  With a burst of energy, I lunged forward, delivering a swift blow that sent the second goblin sprawling to the ground. The first goblin, witnessing its comrade's defeat, turned to flee, but I was faster. With a surge of determination, I chased it down, my muscles burning with exertion, and brought it to the earth, tearing out its throat with a swift motion.

  As the two goblins lay limp at my feet, triumph surged within me, a fleeting victory. Yet, the forest was alive with danger; more goblins emerged from the shadows, their guttural voices a stark reminder of the peril I still faced. Outnumbered but resolute, I braced myself for the oncoming assault.

  The goblins closed in, their crude weapons glinting in the dim light. I lunged at the nearest one, claws flashing, and managed to injure it, causing it to stumble back in pain. But another goblin was quick to take its place, its spear thrusting toward me with alarming speed. I ducked and dodged, feeling the blade graze my flank once more, sharper this time. Pain flared as I fought to stay focused, each movement more labored than the last.

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  The battle raged on, the air thick with the sounds of their frantic cries and the metallic scent of blood. My strength waned, wounds multiplying as I dodged and countered, narrowly avoiding strikes that could easily end my fight. Each hit wore me down, the adrenaline beginning to fade, leaving me teetering on the edge of exhaustion.

  Finally, after what felt like an eternity of struggle, I saw an opening. With a final surge of will, I lunged at the last goblin, my claws connecting with precision. It collapsed to the forest floor, and I panted heavily, blood staining my fur, my muscles quivering with the effort. The fight had taken its toll, and I felt exhaustion wrapping around me, but I had prevailed.

  Letting out a triumphant howl, I embraced the thrill of battle. It had been far too long since I had faced a worthy foe. In that moment of hard-earned victory, I was reminded of my strength and resilience—a predator once more, standing unyielding against the forces that sought to claim me. I limped back to my cave happy, but tired.

  —

  I opened my eyes in a great empty void, floating peacefully.

  "Hello, great Primordial," said a transparent, featureless blue avatar.

  "I see you have awoken from your prison. I am System."

  “Hello,” I said curiously. “How did you come to be?”

  "The same way you did. She brought me forth to fill the void you left. To bring balance back to this world."

  I bowed my head in sorrow. “I am sorry,” I said, sadness filling my voice. “We were given one command. And we failed.”

  "It is not your fault, Ascending One. It is the fault of the ones who seek to capture you."

  “It is still our fault. We failed to remain free, to bring balance to Oneras. We—” I closed my eyes tightly. “I failed. I am chaos incarnate! I could have at least ensured my siblings remained free. They could have at least held back the Storm in my absence.”

  "There is nothing you could have done, Aaliyah. Every other timeline led to the total destruction of this world. You saved it. You did not fail."

  I looked at the being with sorrow in my eyes. “And yet, the world is in turmoil, the Wolfkin dead, never to return. The elements are unbalanced. I am sure that the Calamities we could not prevent were barely held back, each time with great cost…”

  There was a pause before the being responded.

  "Maybe so… But you can right these wrongs. I hope you regain your power again, great Fenrir. You are the only hope this world has left."

  The System reached out, placing a hand on my chest.

  "I grant you your evolution."

  The void shimmered, and holographic images flickered to life around me. I was taken aback as I beheld three distinct forms.

  "This is the Young Storm Wolf. "

  This form was large and strong. The fur is a striking blend of black and gray, crackling with electric energy. While it lacks wings, it had formidable defenses. Its gray eyes glow with an intense fury, reflecting storms.

  "This is the Young Gale Wolf."

  With a small and agile frame, its fur shimmers in shades of gray and silver, and feathered wings grant it lightness and speed, allowing it to dart effortlessly through the air.

  "And finally, this is the Fledgling Sidus Fenrir."

  Almost twice my current size, this form boasts magnificent scaled wings that stretch wide yet are still too small to enable flight. Its teeth and claws are stronger, designed for powerful strikes. The spines and horns are more numerous and larger, while the scales gleam with a dull silver sheen.

  I gazed at my choices. Though the first two were powerful immediately, it was clear they would not match up to the Fledgling Sidus Fenrir in future evolutions.

  I inhaled deeply, and made my choice. "I choose the Fledgling Sidus Fenrir."

  In that moment, the System dissolved, and a brilliant light enveloped me, pulling me into the realm of sleep.