A grating voice echoed in Ryan's head:
*Aura detected: Level K creature!*
Not long ago, notifications about skills and weapons had popped up for Ryan. He'd been so freaked out back then that he didn't even glance at the screen a second time.
Across the river, a massive wolf—about five feet tall—was lapping up water. Its belly was covered in silvery-white fur, while the upper half sported a rugged gray coat.
The wolf was a bit shorter than Ryan, but its sheer bulk made that difference laughable. Its black muzzle glistened, and two long fangs dripped with water.
Ryan stole a glance across the river, swallowing hard. From this angle, the beast looked downright terrifying.
The wolf's eyes locked onto Ryan's gaze. He froze. Those sharp, feral black eyes, rimmed with yellow and orange, bored into him.
He took a step back—bad move. His foot slipped, and the ground gave way. His breaths came faster, his heartbeat pounding so loud it felt like the whole world could hear it.
That sound was usually a sign of life. To lovers, it was soothing music; to doctors and patients, a glimmer of hope. But to Ryan, it felt like he was listening to his final heartbeat, each thud escorting him to the end.
For a city kid like him, facing a wolf—or even a weaker wild animal—was anything but normal. Ryan had spent his whole life surrounded by concrete, the only animals he'd seen trapped in TV documentaries or zoo cages.
He hit the ground, his fists splashing into the mud. But that wasn't the real problem. Without thinking, he bolted, running as fast as his legs could carry him. It was the only thing he could do.
Yeah, right—like it'd be that easy. The wolf glanced at Ryan's fleeing figure, paused for a split second, and then took off after him.
Less than a minute later, Ryan could feel the wolf right behind him. They were neck and neck, but how the hell could his inexperience match the wolf's speed and instincts?
*Grrrr!*
The wolf snarled, its claws swiping at Ryan.
He clung to his last shred of hope. Fighting back was his only shot now.
The dagger—yep, that was the one thing that might save his sorry butt.
His thoughts were cut off by a searing pain in his right ankle. The wolf's claws had torn through his flesh. Blood sprayed from the back of his leg, splattering the ground.
The wolf's face twisted into something like a smirk, savoring the moment. It didn't let up, lunging at its prey again.
Ryan collapsed, and the wolf roared, aiming its long fangs at his head. He had no way to block it, so he threw his arms up to shield himself.
The wolf's sharp teeth sank into his arm. Ryan could barely breathe. His face was pale, and weakness spread through his entire body.
With his last flicker of hope, he whispered over and over:
"Dagger…"
"Dagger Speed…"
"Dagger Lightning…"
"What's the freaking name?!"
A screen flashed in his mind.
*Dagger of Light.*
The wolf bit down harder, its jaws clamping tight.
*Slash!*
Ryan didn't hesitate. The dagger that had appeared out of nowhere in his hand swung toward the wolf's throat.
His hand moved so fast the wolf didn't stand a chance.
Hell, you could say the beast was caught completely off guard.
Ryan's eyes widened in shock at the dagger's speed. The wolf didn't even see the blade that sliced its throat.
Warm liquid splashed across Ryan's face.
Pure instinct had driven him to strike. Instinct to survive. That single blow had slit the wolf's throat, killing it instantly.
Fear and shock lingered in the wolf's eyes, a single tear glistening in the corner.
The voice rang in Ryan's head again, but this time, it sounded a whole lot sweeter:
You have slain a Level K Gray Wolf!
1 Life Point earned.