CHPT 173: Learn the Importance.

Monday Nov 5th, 2240

Following the events that transpired in SkyHaven on Sunday, Claude trained— as usual and played spear fetch with the Wolves, with a single concept held firmly in his mind the entire time. The importance of friends.

As scared as he was to get too close to them, he had to acknowledge how important they were to him. They simply had to be since he never had many before. As corny as the statement sounded, he meant it entirely.

Ursula, being the direct— dangerously perceptive, and friendly female Berserker of the group proved to be an amazing teammate who'd probably die for you. Over a school bully gone insane or even a giant snake given Demonic power. She pushed Claude to be more social and approachable which allowed him to repair the tensions built up between him and Warren. She also helped him defeat the first of the HellBred's spawn which in turn ended up catapulting them both into a world of Heroes and Monsters. Her importance was immeasurable.

Warren, being the comedic relief of the group who openly fought the tough battle between himself and his fear never let any moment get too dark— even when he himself was under the weather. He'd find a way to bring light to the group. Something someone as dark as Claude couldn't help but appreciate.

Isaac was someone he still needed to spend more time with. But what he knew of the noble transfer was enough. Someone with the independence to bash through the rumors surrounding Claude and learn who he was himself— much like Chase. He was a great teammate on the field— showcasing his uncanny level of speed and explosive power for a Knight. While also being another beacon of light in the group that shined brightest when he interacted with Warren. Overall— in Claude's eyes he was a great Knight, and an even better person.

Maris, a power hungry sword fighter plagued by seeing too much death. So much so that her heart and soul were plunged even deeper than they already were into the deep and murky depths of nothingness. He couldn't get too close without risking her realizing he was the one who saved her from the village overrun by Goblins. His secret— his mission, was too important to risk trying to know her personally at the moment.

But, he could see her repairing. Slowly, she was coming back to the surface of feeling everything life had to offer and show to her. With the help of the person closest to her, Ursula, she'd be fine. She'd feel again.

All of them were important to him— and he'd probably be a very different individual without them. Even if he didn't spend much time with them all. It was something he felt when he saw Ursula after the atrocities of Sunday morning. The sadness, the longing. The room of death in the cabin was full of people who once had similar bonds. Gone at the hands of monsters in one tragic night. It could happen to anyone.

He had to make sure it never happened to them, that meant removing the human filth that traveled the Wilds of SkyHaven and eliminating the vengeful Demonic Scorpion-Monster who directed its Maternal/Paternal rage at them all.

Arne was right. He wasn't a lone warrior placed on this violent and cruel earth to do one thing. But he did have a mission— one of which is to protect the only ones he could call friends. One of many missions. Strings tied to the outcome of his future and the world itself. He'd complete them, learn more about the people closest to him— keep them alive, watch them grow in power while he did the same. While also spending his weekends following the cries and screams of people who needed the Reborn power of a Night Runner— a Hero.

The same Hero who demanded revenge. Revenge paid in blood.

***

Night fell on Sunday, leaving him with no choice but to venture out into the Wilds once again. With the help of Frosty, the Phantom Wolves and his Lupine power the creatures in the dark stood no chance.

He also continued his investigations of the Raider camps. More failure. All he was met with were destroyed remains, no stolen items and animalistic hairs that they didn't know the origin of. But he was getting closer, Rikah was still out there. He could feel it. She'd find a way to avoid the monstrous assault of whatever was hunting them like the traitorous weasel she was.

He'd keep searching until he found her. Wherever she was.

With his usual routine done, all that was left was the torturous confines of his sleep.

Luckily, he wasn't met with the nightmarish horrors of his past in the dark early Monday morning. He instead woke up in the Forest of the Chosen. Transformed.

He spent his time in the dark and expansive Astral Wildlands, hunting with Wolves and resting under the starry night sky. It was all made easier by his recently unlocked Skill: (Wild Boost) which seemed to increase his physical stats whenever he was in forests, or any other natural habitat. The ability had serious potential.

He continued freely moving with the Wolves until the God that took a particular interest in him appeared.

He was once again reminded of their odd relationship once they spoke. It seemed all Fenriir was excited for was Ragnarok, and Claude becoming the monster he was meant to be. A monster that would be more merciless and grow strong enough to challenge him.

Oddly enough. Claude understood what the Jotunheim God of Wolves meant. If he had a problem with Fenrir somehow planning to play a part in a number of natural events that would result in the fall of Gods and the World being submerged in water, then he should focus on getting strong enough to do something about it.

"If you've got a problem with it. Grow strong enough to stop me, boy." Fenrir's messaging was simple. Take pride in your personal convictions and grow strong enough to live them out— even if it's at the expense of others.

***

When his talk with the God of Wolves ended, he ran under the stars until him and the Wolves had no choice but to rest. Causing him to wake up under the morning sun of SkyHaven. It was time to return to the University.

With his clothes, armor and bag packed, him and Frosty left the forest circle and hit the road— no longer attempting to await a carriage since he knew no normal human could stomach having a giant muscle bound Wolf associated with Orcs sitting behind them. Plus, Claude and the PitWolf needed the run— being around so many people was stressful.

***

"[A Monster Anatomy Book would do you some good. But that's usually for 2nd and 3rd years so don't let anyone see you reading it.]" Arne said as Claude stepped through the portal to enter the University, continuing their conversation about salvaging parts of Monsters to use when empowering his weapons.

"I'll check the Library after classes end. I'm sure they'll have a few books." Claude replied after his feet landed in the Portal Room of the University of the Phoenix. He was semi late, noticing the steady flow of students moving through the halls to reach the Mess Hall and the ones ahead of him that just entered the giant cathedral-like building only moments before him.

He continued his internal conversation with Arne while he headed out of the building to drop Frosty off in Predator's Forest. A place that was beginning to pose as a second home for the PitWolf that functioned as a sort of Alpha to the other tamed canines of the first years.

Now it was time for him to re-enter his second home of sorts.

"Another week. Here we go."