Chapter 26: Shifting Woods

Arlon's instincts kicked in, and he scrambled to dodge, barely avoiding the creature's snapping jaws. Just as the monster lunged again, the wind surged around them with unnatural force.

Rustle— Rustle—

A powerful gust slammed into the creature, sending it flying into a nearby tree with a deafening crash.

Crash!— Thud—

The creature hit the tree, the impact splintering bark and sending a shower of leaves cascading to the forest floor.

"What was that?" Arlon gasped, his heart racing as he glanced at Ace.

Thud— Thud—

The creature struggled to rise, its guttural growls filling the air.

"Don't look at me," Ace muttered, his tail flicking in irritation. "Whatever just happened wasn't my doing either."

Before anyone could react, a gray blur shot through the forest. A sleek, imposing gray wolf leapt at the monster, its fangs sinking into the creature's wooden throat.

Snarl!—

The gray wolf ripped into the monster with savage precision, its jaws locking around the mossy throat until the creature collapsed in a heap of splintered roots and mud.

Slash!—

Turning, the wolf's glowing eyes fixed on the group, unreadable yet piercing.

Eric's breath hitched, his wide eyes fixed on the gray wolf. "It's one of ours," he said, his voice trembling with relief and awe.

The gray wolf huffed, its glowing eyes scanning the group before letting out a low, commanding howl.

Awoooo!—

The sound reverberated through the forest, and as it faded, the oppressive energy in the air seemed to dissipate, leaving behind an eerie calm.

The gray wolf moved with terrifying precision, its claws slicing through the monster's mossy hide with ease. Each motion was fluid and calculated, its strength undeniable as it forced the beast to the ground.

The second monster tried to rise, but a well-timed slash from Lawrence's blade severed one of its limbs.

Anthony followed up with a decisive strike to its torso, the force of his attack splintering the creature's form.

Alice raised her hands again, summoning a burst of ice that froze the remnants of the second monster in place. It let out one final groan before collapsing into lifeless fragments.

The gray wolf finished the first monster with a brutal bite, its glowing eyes burning with intensity as it turned to face the group. For a moment, no one moved.

The gray wolf huffed, its gaze scanning the group before letting out a low, commanding howl that echoed through the forest. The oppressive energy in the air seemed to dissipate, leaving behind an eerie calm.

Lawrence lowered his sword but kept his stance defensive. "Are they really on our side?"

"It just saved us," Anthony pointed out, sheathing his blade. "I'd say that counts for something."

Arlon's sharp gaze swept over the group, his voice steady despite the tension. "Don't let your guard down. If this forest can summon monsters like that, it's not done with us yet."

Before anyone could respond, the gray wolf that had been helping them approached, its eyes softening as it turned to Eric.

The wolf nuzzled Eric affectionately, its tail wagging as it added, "The Elder and your brother have been beside themselves with worry."

"What happened? How did you get back?"

Eric smiled faintly, his ears twitching as he leaned into the wolf's touch. "It's a long story, but I'm here now," he said softly. "It's good to see you too."

The gray wolf's gaze shifted to Arlon and his companions, its expression growing cautious. "And these people?" it asked, eyeing the group with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "Who are they?"

Eric stepped forward, his voice steady and reassuring. "They're the ones who saved me," he explained. "They're good humans, so please don't scare them."

The gray wolf hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly. "Alright," it said. "We trust you, Eric. If you say they helped you, then we believe you. You look unharmed, and if they helped you find your way home, that's all that matters."

The wolf's gaze softened further as it continued, "But we need to go back to the village. It's dangerous to stay here for too long. The Elder Elandar will be very happy to see you."

Eric's eyes brightened at the mention of his grandfather. "Okay," he said eagerly, turning to Arlon. "We need to go to the village . We're close"

Arlon gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable."Alright, lead the way."

With that, the group began moving again, the gray wolves flanking them protectively as they made their way deeper into the forest. The tension eased slightly, but the sense of unease lingered as the dense canopy loomed above, hiding whatever secrets lay ahead.

As they ventured deeper, the shadows pressed closer, the air growing heavier with each step. The forest watched in silence, its secrets still shrouded—and its dangers far from over.

As Arlon followed them, his mind drifted back to the earlier moment when the narrator screen had flashed, showing him a cryptic glimpse of the forest's strange power.

The words had hinted at something deeply tied to him, or perhaps to the sky dragon soul within him.

He couldn't shake the feeling that the forest was more than just a backdrop to their journey—it was watching him, perhaps even responding to his presence in ways he didn't fully understand.

As the group followed the gray wolf deeper into the forest, the dense canopy above seemed to draw closer, casting long shadows across the path. The trees whispered softly in the cool breeze, their branches intertwining to form an almost impenetrable ceiling.

The oppressive tension that had weighed heavily on them since entering the forest began to lift, though the reason for the shift remained unclear.

Crunch—Crunch—

Their footsteps echoed softly in the quiet, broken only by the rustling leaves and distant calls of unseen creatures. The air was cooler here, filled with a palpable energy that hummed just beneath the surface.

"It's like the forest is watching us," Alice whispered, her eyes darting around nervously.

"It is," Arlon responded quietly. His gaze swept the surrounding trees. "But not all of it seems hostile."

The gray wolf, leading them with unwavering confidence, glanced back at Arlon. There was a flicker of curiosity in its glowing eyes, as if it sensed something unusual about him but couldn't quite place it.

The narrow path suddenly opened into a wide clearing. In the center stood the remnants of a crumbling stone temple, overgrown with vines and moss. Despite its dilapidated state, the temple exuded a powerful aura that made the air thrum faintly, as if the land itself was alive.

Thrum—

"This is it," Eric said softly, his eyes wide with recognition. "Our village."

The group stepped forward, their eyes scanning the ancient structure. The ruins bore the marks of time, but there was something about the place that felt timeless, a sense of forgotten knowledge hidden within its stone walls.

From the shadows of the temple, several gray wolves emerged, their forms moving silently through the dense foliage. Their postures were respectful yet alert, their eyes watchful as they approached the group.

As they neared, their forms began to shift, rippling and changing until they stood before the group as humans. The largest among them, with silver hair and a sharp gaze, stepped forward.

The largest among them stepped forward, his voice low but reverent. "Elder Leader Elandar, we've returned," he said, bowing his head slightly. "The forest guided us safely back."

Their human forms still carried the strength and poise of their wolf counterparts, a subtle reminder of their wild origins.

Elandar inclined his head in acknowledgment, his eyes warm but sharp. "You've done well, Fenrik," he replied. "And the journey?"

Fenrik's gaze flicked toward Arlon's group before returning to Elandar. "It was not without its challenges," he admitted. "We encountered a group that was surrounded by beasts corrupted by the forest's unrest."

"A group?" The elder leader paused, his brow furrowing as his thoughts drifted to the past. He remembered the group who had come before, the ones who attacked half the pack and took some of the young wolves, including his grandson. A wave of unease settled over him.

"Where are they? Do you think they look like those who came before, the ones who took my grandson?"

Fenrik shook his head. "I don't think they were the same group, Elder Leader," he answered firmly. "But you should look for yourself."

The elder's eyes shifted toward Arlon's group as they approached the temple, his gaze calculating, yet tinged with wariness. Without a word, he walked forward to meet them.

"Well, look at this," Elandar chuckled, his voice carrying a light, teasing tone. "We don't get visitors often, especially ones escorted by our finest."

Elandar studied them carefully, noting their faces, and felt a sense of relief wash over him. These were not the same dangerous individuals from before.

He still vividly remembered the chaos that day, the helplessness he felt as his pack was torn apart, and his inability to protect his grandson.

Then, his gaze fell upon a young figure among the group—a boy with familiar features. His heart skipped a beat as he realized who it was. Eric. His lost grandson.

Elandar froze, his eyes widening with disbelief as he locked onto Eric. For a moment, time seemed to slow. The weight of his emotions held him in place, speechless, as the realization of what stood before him washed over him like a wave.

"Eric..." The elder's voice cracked, tears welling up in his eyes. "You're alive."

Eric dashed forward, his eyes brimming with tears. "Grandfather!"

Elandar enveloped Eric in a firm embrace, his laughter mixing with a choked sob. "I thought I'd lost you forever," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.

"They told me you were taken, and I feared the worst."

Eric hugged him tightly. "I'm okay now. Master Arlon saved me."

Elandar pulled back slightly, cupping Eric's face with trembling hands. "Look at you," he said, his eyes scanning every feature as if committing it to memory. "You've grown so much."

Eric turned slightly, gesturing toward the group behind him. "Grandfather, these are the ones who brought me home," he introduced. "This is Arlon, Lawrence, Alice, and Anthony."

The elder leader's gaze shifted to Arlon and his group, a silent assessment in his eyes. "And these are the ones who brought Eric home?" he asked.

"Yes," Eric replied, his voice thick with gratitude. "They saved me from the evil mage who kidnapped me."

Arlon's eyes narrowed as he processed the information. So, Eric had been kidnapped by the Pry members, which meant they were likely gathering wolves from different bloodlines.

Turning to the other gray wolves, the elder leader's expression hardened when he saw their disheveled state, a clear sign of a recent battle. "What happened?" he asked.

One of the wolves stepped forward, lowering his head in respect. "We were ambushed by monsters. They've become more aggressive lately."

The elder leader's sharp gaze flickered back to Arlon, lingering for a moment. There was something about him—a presence that seemed to resonate with the very land itself.

"I see," the elder leader murmured thoughtfully, his eyes gleaming with a quiet curiosity. "It seems the monsters were aware of the upcoming guests."

Despite the warmth in his voice, there was a sharpness in the elder leader's gaze as he studied each of them, his eyes lingering a moment longer on Arlon.

There was something inquisitive in his look, as though he were weighing not just their appearances, but their very presence, sensing something beyond the surface.

Arlon stiffened under Elandar's gaze, the elder's piercing eyes seemed to dissect him, seeking something buried deep within. It wasn't mere curiosity—it was as though Elandar was peering into his very soul.

He must have noticed something about me with just a glance, Arlon thought, his mind racing as he tried to pinpoint what could have given him away.

Elandar took a step forward, his posture commanding yet approachable. With a subtle nod, he introduced himself.

"I am Elandar, leader of the Gray Wolf Pack. Welcome to our home." His voice carried a calm authority, yet there was a certain warmth that made it clear he wasn't just a leader—he was a protector, a guide to those under his care.

He glanced around at the group, his eyes softening with understanding. "Come," he said, his voice now more inviting.

"Come, let us find you some rest. You must be weary from your journey." Elandar's gesture toward the temple was inviting, encompassing the ancient sanctuary that had long been a refuge for his people.

The temple doors creaked open, revealing a warm, inviting space illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns and the steady crackle of a central fire.

The group followed him, the weight of the journey still heavy on their shoulders, but the promise of rest ahead lightened their steps.

As they made their way toward the temple, the air seemed to hum with the presence of something ancient, as if the very land around them was alive with history and secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Once everyone was seated, the gray wolf members began preparing the table. As they settled in, Arlon glanced at Ace, who had jumped onto the table and sat next to him.

"Have you noticed anything odd about what happened earlier?" Arlon asked, his voice low.

Ace, not looking at him, licked his paws nonchalantly. "Don't worry about getting attacked again. I'm the type who's more aware of these things than anyone else."

Arlon raised an eyebrow. "I know you're aware, but doesn't it feel strange that those monsters attacked us not because we're outsiders, but because we're guests?"

Ace paused, his grin turning sly. "Traditions like these always come with a twist."

"But don't worry," Ace added with a wink, "I'll keep you out of trouble—most of the time."

He shrugged before adding, "But yeah, I feel it too. Even the dragon soul reacted the same way. It's like this land is aware that we're carrying the Sky Dragon's soul."

"The wind earlier," Arlon began, "it wasn't from the power of the dragon soul, but from the forest?"

Ace paused, his expression thoughtful. "That's possible. But the real question is... why? Why would it protect you, yet at the same time, try to harm you?"

Arlon frowned, turning the thought over in his mind. It was a strange contradiction. Why would the forest act in such a way?.

Before he could delve deeper into the thought, Elandar returned, sitting down after a brief exchange with the gray wolf.

He began to speak, his voice carrying the weight of years and wisdom. "You must be wondering about this place, about the land you've walked through." He smiled knowingly. "When we first made this place our home, the land rebelled against us, seeing us as intruders who disturbed its ancient slumber."

"But as time passed, it began to recognize our intentions, testing our resolve before granting us a fragile peace."

Alice's brows furrowed. "But you stayed?"

Elandar nodded. "It wasn't easy. The land tested us, but after a few days, it began to accept us—not fully, but enough to allow us to stay."

Arlon leaned forward slightly. "And the monsters? Were they testing us too?"

Elandar chuckled. "It seems they gave you an... intense welcome. But not because you were mere outsiders. The land saw you as both a threat and a guest."

Arlon's gaze narrowed, his voice steady but laced with curiosity. "Why would it see me that way?"

Elandar's eyes twinkled with a mix of wisdom and amusement. "Perhaps it senses something within you—something it hasn't yet decided whether to trust or fear."

Ace smirked, his tail flicking lazily as he leaned closer to Arlon, his voice slipping smoothly into Arlon's mind. "Sounds about right," he whispered, his tone light but knowing.

Arlon's jaw tightened slightly, his eyes flicking toward Ace with a hint of exasperation. Always with the cryptic comments, he thought, resisting the urge to roll his eyes at the cat's usual antics.

"..."

Elandar, unaware of the silent exchange, chuckled warmly, his laughter breaking the tension like the first light of dawn. "Enough of that," he said, his voice carrying a quiet authority. "Gather around, for I will share with you the tale of the Seven Heavens."

The fire crackled softly in the background as the group settled in, their eyes fixed on Elandar, anticipation hanging thick in the air.

Arlon leaned back slightly, his expression shifting to one of cautious curiosity. His sharp gaze remained fixed on Elandar, but there was a flicker of interest in his eyes.

The Seven Heavens? Arlon pondered, carefully weighing the elder's words. It sounds familiar... is he referring to the seven continents, each guarded by the gods' servants until their return?

Beside him, Ace stretched lazily, his red eyes gleaming with amusement. "Finally, some storytelling," he whispered into Arlon's mind. "I hope it's not as dull as it sounds."

Arlon shot Ace a sidelong glance, his lips twitching ever so slightly in response. You might actually learn something useful for once, he thought dryly.

Ace smirked, his tail curling around his paws as he settled in comfortably. "We'll see," he murmured, his tone playful but intrigued.

"The Seven Heavens?" Lawrence interjected, his voice cutting through the quiet exchange between Arlon and Ace. His brows furrowed in keen interest as he leaned forward, his curiosity clearly piqued.

A faint flicker of eagerness lit up his eyes, as if the name had sparked a long-forgotten memory.

Elandar nodded, his expression grave yet inviting.