The Oath Amidst the Storm

The blizzard howled over the icy mountains, but within The Sage Rat's heart, the fire of a new war had already been lit.

The Polar Bear King had agreed to join, but the journey was far from over. The Sage Rat and The Wise Crow had to continue south, deep into the dense forests where The Shadow Wolf Pack resided—wolves known as the undefeated warriors of the night.

They left the frozen lands at sunset, when the crimson sun reflected off the vast white snow. The Sage Rat carefully looked back—The Polar Bear King and his army of white bears still stood in the distance, watching them until they disappeared from sight.

The path south was not easy.

The trails through the forest were dark and treacherous. Shadows loomed, and glowing eyes flickered from behind the thick foliage. The wind whispered through the trees, carrying eerie sounds as if hundreds of unseen creatures were observing their every step.

"We are not alone" The Wise Crow murmured, his keen eyes scanning the woods.

The Sage Rat nodded. He had sensed it too—the wolves already knew they had arrived.

Not long after, a dark figure dashed between the trees—fast as the wind. One, then two… then ten. The warriors of the night had appeared.

In the center of the pack, a towering wolf with fur as black as midnight slowly stepped forward. His golden eyes locked onto The Sage Rat.

"You are the one who defeated The Wise Wolf" his deep voice rumbled like thunder in the night.

"I am the one who brought peace," The Sage Rat responded, unwavering.

"And now you come to bring war again?"

"I come to protect our freedom before it is stolen from us."

The wolves began to growl, but the Shadow Wolf King raised a paw, signaling them to stay silent.

"Peace is a fragile illusion. I have seen too many believe in it, only to die under the claws of the stronger."

The Sage Rat met his gaze.

"So you choose to stand by and watch as the strong crush the world?"

Tension filled the air.

The Shadow Wolf King remained silent for a long moment before stepping closer to The Sage Rat. The other wolves watched anxiously.

"I am not easily convinced. But if you want the loyalty of the pack, you must prove you are strong enough to lead us."

His sharp fangs gleamed under the moonlight.

"A duel. If you win, the pack will follow you. If you lose—you will never leave this forest."

A circle was drawn in the heart of the forest, on hardened ground that had witnessed countless battles among the wolves.

The Wise Crow stood outside, watching in silence. This was no ordinary battle—it was a ritual, a test that every leader had to pass to earn The Shadow Wolf Pack's respect.

The Sage Rat stepped into the ring.

Opposite him, The Shadow Wolf King bared his fangs, eyes glowing in the darkness.

"Begin."

The moment the word was spoken, the wolf lunged like a streak of lightning. He was fast—faster than any opponent The Sage Rat had ever faced.

But The Sage Rat did not panic.

One step back. A quick spin. He evaded the attack with precise movement, his sharp eyes analyzing every motion of his opponent.

The Shadow Wolf King snarled and charged again, even faster this time. But just as his claws were about to strike, The Sage Rat leaped into the air, using the wolf's own head as a springboard to flip behind him.

The entire pack gasped in astonishment.

The Shadow Wolf King stumbled but quickly regained his balance. His golden eyes now held a flicker of caution for the first time.

"You are small, but not weak."

"Strength is not just in claws and muscles" The Sage Rat replied. "True strength is knowing when to fight and when to stop."

The Shadow Wolf King fell silent.

For the first time, he realized—the creature before him was not just a warrior. He was not simply stronger.

He was a true leader.

The Shadow Wolf King lowered his head, his piercing eyes no longer filled with hostility.

"You have proven yourself, The Sage Rat."

He turned to face his pack, his voice resonating through the forest.

"From this moment on, The Shadow Wolf Pack will follow your path."

A long howl echoed into the night—an oath of loyalty amidst the coming storm.

The Sage Rat stood amidst the wolves, his gaze firm. Beside him, The Wise Crow gave a subtle nod—another powerful ally had joined the cause.

Now, with the strength of The Shadow Wolf Pack, the alliance of the wild had taken another step forward.

But the journey was far from over.

Farther south, beneath the deep oceans, The Abyssal Dragon King awaited.

And the true battle was yet to begin.