Winston was adamant about venturing out during the dark. The trauma of everything was taking a heavy toll on his conscience. His heart would skip a beat at every unfamiliar sound. It could easily be considered his worst night of sleep—if he had slept at all.
The only saving grace was Noah. Their strange mental connection provided Winston with a comforting sense of calm. It wasn't just trust—it was deeper, a quiet understanding between two lost souls trying to survive together.
By now, they had grown used to each other's presence. Winston lay curled up beside Noah, his head resting against the warm fur of the wolf's massive flank. It was his first time owning a pet—well, more like being chosen by one. He had always wanted a dog back home, but his mother's allergies and his father's indifference had never allowed it.
Now, here he was, lying beside a two-meter tall, otherworldly wolf in the heart of an alien jungle.
Thankfully, the night passed without intrusion. Winston barely rested, and his entire body screamed for sleep. But staying in one place for too long was dangerous. He had no backpack, no tools, not even proper shoes. Just a dirt-streaked pair of jeans and a sweat-drenched t-shirt. He felt like one of those desperate survival show contestants—except this wasn't a show.
As Winston stepped out of the cave, the morning sunlight struck his face. The area was surprisingly less dense than the rest of the jungle—ideal for a predator's lair. A wide view of the surroundings, minimal blind spots, and room to escape if needed.
"We need to get moving now," Winston mumbled, cracking his neck and stretching his limbs.
Noah, ever vigilant, padded up beside him. The wolf's noble posture contrasted with his alertness. His golden eyes scanned constantly, ears twitching at every rustle and chirp.
Then something unusual happened.
Noah crouched slightly and nudged Winston with his snout. He didn't need words to convey it—ride, the gesture said.
Winston blinked. "You sure? I mean... you're massive, but I don't want to slow you down."
The wolf made a face and looked away as if he wanted pout at his master underestimating his strength.
"Ok don't give that look, I am climbing", Winston smiled at his friend, he didn't knew that Noah was capable of showing so much emotions.
With some hesitation and a clumsy leg swing, Winston mounted Noah's back. Surprisingly, it was comfortable—like riding a warm, breathing force of nature.
They moved swiftly through the semi-dense jungle, avoiding the thicker forest and open clearings. Winston had reasoned that thick underbrush would hide ambush predators, and open spaces would leave them exposed to larger threats.
Then—he heard it.
The unmistakable sound of running water.
"There's a stream ahead!" he exclaimed, excitement lifting his tone.
Noah surged forward, brushing past ferns and leaping roots with practiced grace. Moments later, they broke into a clearing. Just ahead, a narrow but fast-moving river shimmered under the early light.
Winston's heart leapt. He hadn't had a sip of water since arriving, and after all the stress, dehydration was kicking in hard.
He slid off Noah and dashed toward the stream like a kid discovering treasure.
"Just one drink," he told himself, crouching at the edge.
The water was cold and refreshing. He drank greedily, cupping it into his parched mouth. It tasted clean—pure and revitalizing. He splashed some on his face, letting out a breath of relief.
But then—something shifted.
The water just ahead rippled unnaturally.
Winston tensed. His eyes narrowed.
A low growl rumbled behind him. Noah was already alert, muscles coiled.
Before Winston could turn, a monstrous creature exploded from the stream. It was grotesque—bloated and dog-like, with a face shaped like a hippo's but packed with jagged teeth. Its eyes gleamed like molten gold, and thick claws raked the muddy bank.
His breath caught in his throat. Panic rooted him in place. The beast lunged.
Then, a blur.
Noah shot forward like a shadow unleashed. One moment the creature was mid-lunge, the next it was airborne—flung backwards by Noah's powerful strike.
A sharp crack echoed as Noah clamped down on the beast's neck and twisted. Bones shattered. The monster—whatever it was—fell limp.
For a moment, silence.
Then—
DING.
A glowing interface blinked before Winston's eyes.
[Beast Slain: Muddrag – Basic Tier]
He gawked at it. "I didn't even touch it. How...?"
Noah approached, blood dripping from his jaws, posture proud—like a knight returning from battle.
Winston realized—the system must consider them bonded. Whatever Noah did in combat was counted toward Winston too.
He stepped forward and gave Noah a well-earned pat on the head.
Suddenly, a golden pulse of light enveloped Winston. It was warm, electric, and stirred something deep inside him, like a dormant engine roaring to life.
[You have received your first reward.]
— 1 Basic Grade Crystal
— 20 EXP
— Intermediate Beast Blade Obtained: Blue Fang
From thin air, a blade materialized before him. A double-edged sword, colored a deep stormy blue, with faint electric lines pulsing along its length like lightning veins.
He reached out and grasped the hilt. It was cool to the touch, humming softly.
[When wielding the Sword following bonuses are applied.]
Strength:+2
Speed: +5
[Active Skill: Blue Fang Shock]
When activated, releases a lightning stream that paralyzes the target for 2 seconds. Reduced effect on higher-tier beasts.
Winston was still staring at the blade when more notifications appeared.
[Bonus Rewards for First Kill:]
First Kill Bonus: 100 EXP
First Time Killing a Muddrag: 50 EXP
[Passive Skill Unlocked: Sixth Sense]
Allows the user to instinctively detect incoming danger.
He couldn't believe it. Skills, a weapon, crystals, and EXP—all from a single encounter.
His first kill.
He wanted to jump with joy, maybe shout in celebration—but he held back. But a grin spread across his face.