Chapter 24 - Not a Pup Anymore
It was a creature about the size of a normal dog, but its entire body was cloaked in shadow, like living darkness compressed into a solid form. Its mouth gaped open, revealing jagged predator teeth, glinting with lethal intent as it lunged straight at Tave.
In a flash, Tave twisted his sword around and sidestepped, slamming the hilt of the blade into the creature's side. It let out a soundless hiss and went flying into the water with a heavy splash.
He burst out laughing and slumped back into the river, sinking in until the cool water wrapped around his chest again.
A moment later, the figure of the creature resurfaced and began swimming toward him, dark fur dripping, glowing eyes focused on him with playful intensity. It was Fang.
The shadow wolf paddled closer and placed his front paws firmly on Tave's shoulders, tail wagging, tongue out, letting out a low series of playful woofs.
"Fang... testing your new hunting skills already, huh?" Tave grinned, pushing the wolf gently back into the water. "Don't forget. I'm still the better hunter here!"
Fang splashed around, paddling through the stream and letting out a triumphant bark that echoed off the trees.
What an incredible upgrade.
In just about a week, Fang had broken through to Tier 2. Not only that, but he'd already reached Level 12, faster than Tave had ever expected.
Not surprising though. He was an Elite-grade monster, after all.
Meanwhile, Tave himself had yet to gain a new level, still stuck at Level 15 since the night of his Bloodline Override. And yet, he didn't feel frustrated about it.