A Warning Amidst the Ashes

Ash drifted through the air, painting a grim picture of a once-thriving forest now reduced to cinders. The flames still roared, reflecting in The Sage Rat's piercing eyes.

The hunters stood frozen, not yet considering him a true threat, but none dared to step forward. Only the leader smirked, his voice laced with mockery:

"So, a talking rat dares to threaten humans?"

He chuckled darkly, raising his axe.

"Let's see what you can do."

Before he could swing, a sudden gust of wind swept through, and in an instant, a dark figure dove down from the sky. Wise Crow spread his wings wide, his talons slashing across the leader's face. The hunter let out a pained yell, staggering back as blood trickled from the fresh wound on his cheek.

At the same moment, movement flickered among the trees. Sharp eyes gleamed in the shadows, reflecting the firelight like crimson jewels. Wolves, panthers, eagles—nature's deadliest predators had emerged, surrounding the hunters.

The atmosphere shifted.

The leader tightened his grip on his axe, glancing around. The other hunters were beginning to feel the weight of fear pressing down on them.

The Sage Rat didn't need to repeat his warning. The scene unfolding before them was proof enough that nature was no longer the weaker force.

"This time, we're letting you go" he stated calmly, yet with undeniable authority. "If you return…"

He paused, his unwavering gaze sweeping over the intruders.

"We will not be so merciful."

The leader clenched his teeth before abruptly waving his hand.

"Let's go!"

The hunters hesitated for a moment, but as the wolves inched closer, they turned and fled, disappearing into the burning forest.

The Sage Rat lowered his gaze to the smoldering remains of the woodland.

This battle… had only just begun.