Chapter 5: Realization

The journey was far less challenging than Alexander had anticipated. Since they were looking for a great master, he had expected to face many different trials that would test both his body and mind. But they were only traveling through the forest and passed by the occasional village. According to the Beast King, their destination was still far off, but Alexander could not help but feel underwhelmed. It seemed too easy.

"I have to ask, where are we going?"

The wolf stopped and looked over his shoulder, "I have already told you."

"'To the master' doesn't answer my question. Where is he, and when will we get there?"

"You ask too many questions. I do not have time to explain. Just follow," the wolf continued.

Alexander stopped, "What do you mean you don't have time? We have been walking for the past five hours. You could just stop and tell me."

The wolf stopped again, "No, I can't. Haven't you noticed? If so, you are truly hopeless."

"What do you mean?" Alexander asked, confused.

The wolf started calmly walking, "We are being followed."

"Then we should stop and fight. If we don't, they will follow us to the master!" Alexander insisted.

"Quiet down. No one would dare to follow us to the master. Even Sidero fears him."

Alexander's eyes widened. He struggled to believe that there was anything Sidero feared. The power of such a man had to be unfathomable. He wondered what kind of man the master could have been. As his thoughts ran on, a question came to mind.

"If the master is so powerful, why doesn't he kill Sidero himself?"

"When you meet him, you will understand."

Alexander sighed; he knew it would be pointless to continue asking questions. He turned his attention back to their pursuers.

"I still do not see why we are fleeing from simple humans," he protested.

The wolf answered, this time, without stopping. "Do you really believe you could defeat them? Besides, I already told you, there is no need."

Alexander stopped walking, "I refuse to run from humans. As long as Sidero is not among them, I can kill them with ease. After all, they are only humans."

"If Sidero were among our pursuers, we would already be dead," the wolf replied plainly.

"Then I have nothing to fear!" Alexander proclaimed with confidence.

"Then turn to face them. See where it gets you."

Smiling broadly, Alexander turned back the way they had come, assuming the Huntsmen would be following their tracks. As he ran, he picked up traces of their scent. Unlike the previous Huntsmen he had faced, these seemed to be different somehow.

When they came into sight, he saw it. These Huntsmen were much older than the others. There was no doubt in his mind that they were strong, but they were still just humans.

Alexander lunged at the closest man, hoping to break his neck and end the fight quickly. Before his attack could connect, the man moved out of the way. His movements were slow, but it was as if his body had sensed the attack coming. The man drew his sword and faced Alexander.

"Oh, that was a close one. Nearly had me there," the man joked with a big smile. He turned to his comrades, "don't interfere; this one is mine."

Before Alexander could give a retort, the man lunged at him, violently swinging his sword. Even though his speed was lacking, he was able to read Alexander's moves and managed to land several cuts. The burning sensation of silver caused Alexander to sneer, and the onslaught of attacks was not slowing.

He could not evade every blow, and each successful cut seemed to grow deeper. How is this possible? His body is adapting as he fights. He was only one of the three men that surrounded Alexander. It was clear that he had no chance against these men. Right before he gave up, the familiar voice of the white wolf came from the forest.

"Humans, disperse!" He started, "I am the Beast King, descendant of the great wolf himself; if you do not leave now, you will all die!"

The men looked at each other for a moment before taking the wolf's advice and quickly retreated.

After the men had left and he was sure there was no danger, the wolf walked over to Alexander and spoke to him almost threateningly.

"If you cannot even defeat one of his men, how will you ever be able to defeat Sidero himself?"