Chapter

The controlled worker ants under Gerhan's guidance crept silently through the grass, heading toward the carcass. The scent of decay and blood hung thick in the air, but to the ants, it was a feast waiting to be salvaged. Gerhan, viewing the world through the eyes of one of his ants, observed the area with caution.

As he approached the nearly devoured wolf carcass, his attention was drawn to the sound of rustling and low growls. Emerging from the shadows of the trees were three wolves. Two of them had sleek, battle-worn gray fur, while the third was distinct—a brown-coated wolf whose sturdy fur gleamed unnaturally.

The bear, still lazily guarding the carcass, immediately stood on its hind legs. Its towering size cast an imposing shadow, but the wolves didn't flinch. Their snarls grew louder as they fanned out, circling the bear.

"Are they here for the food? Or… was this wolf carcass one of their kin?" thought Gerhan.

The gray wolves were the first to act. One charged directly at the bear while the other flanked, looking for an opening. The bear roared, slamming its massive paw into the ground. Its claws began glowing an intense red, radiating searing heat. The first wolf lunged in a powerful pounce, but the bear was ready.

With a swift, brutal motion, the bear swiped its molten claws through the wolf's head, killing it instantly. The lifeless body hung limply from the bear's claws, blood sizzling against the heated tips.

Before the bear could react further, an earthen spear shot through the air. The brown-coated wolf had stayed back, conjuring magic from a distance. The spear, aimed at the bear's chest, was deflected as the bear instinctively used the dead wolf as a shield.

"That brown wolf can use magic?" thought Gerhan. "What kind of world have I ended up in?"

The remaining gray wolf seized the distraction. It darted in, lunging at the bear's arm and sinking its sharp fangs deep into the flesh. The bear bellowed in pain, swinging its other claw to dislodge the wolf. But the nimble predator released its grip and darted around to the bear's back.

With a well-timed leap, the wolf latched onto the bear's neck, tearing at it ferociously. The bear, desperate and enraged, tried to fall backward to crush its attacker. The wolf, quick as ever, leapt free just in time.

Seizing the moment, the brown wolf conjured another earthen spear. This one struck true, piercing the bear's skull with deadly precision. The massive beast collapsed with a thunderous crash, blood pooling beneath its head.

Gerhan watched in awe. "What an incredible fight. Wolves with magic and strategy? This world is more dangerous than I thought." He paused, observing the victorious wolves as they examined the bear's carcass. "Still… more food for me."

Cautiously, Gerhan commanded the ants to retreat, knowing it wasn't safe to act while the wolves were present. He would bide his time, waiting for the predators to leave before attempting to claim the remains of both the bear and the wolves. Patience, as always, would be key to survival in this perilous world.