The Alpha
The Regal beast slashed its gleaming claws towards Michael as he stumbled away, falling to the ground. Blood splattering to the side as a small wound opens across his neck.
Cries of rage and surprise rippled through the campsite as the others rushed to help.
Their booming voices yelling loudly 'HEY, OVER HERE YOU MAGGED MUTT" as they attempt to distract the beast.earning only a twitch of the head before attacking towards michaels defenseless body.
Michael releases his grip on his neck, allowing blood to spew freely. He throws himself to the side, desperately clutching the beast's flank, but his arms are too short to wrap around it completely. The Alpha growls, its eyes twinkling with cruel amusement—it's savoring the hunt.
With a jerk to the side the beast flings Michael across the campsite, his body slumping to the side.
His body hit the ground. Hard. He barely registered the pain before the beast was already on him. No time. No strength. Just... fear.
No... no... there's nothing I can do. His chest heaved, the taste of blood thick on his tongue. I've lost. I hope the others— His vision blurred. Just stay alive.
"MICHAEL!" Joseph's voice shattered the night, dragging Michael back to reality. The knife sailed through the air, striking the beast's flank—only to clatter harmlessly to the ground." I guess he already got lucky once… guess his or my luck has finally run out."
His mind slowly wanders off, ignoring and distracting him as the gentleness of winds caressing his last moments…"Dadd".
No! I won't let this happen! Not again! His ragged breaths turned into a growl, fury replacing his fear as he spat into the beast's eyes, making it recoil in disgust as he reached around the side, fishing for the knife and with a desperate lunge, Michael drove the blade into the Alpha's mouth. The beast thrashed, nearly shaking him loose, but he pressed harder, feeling the blade sink deep.
The beast's body convulsed, a gurgling snarl dying in its throat. Its powerful limbs twitched—one last, desperate struggle—before going still. The camp fell silent
"Huh i wonder why it acted so special, it wasn't even that strong…" Michael thinks as his body of the beast slams down on Michael making him pass out.
The shouts around the campsite grew distant. The crushing weight eased off his chest, but the darkness came swiftly. Michael barely felt himself hit the ground before everything faded to black.
***
"Ugh my head" groans Michael as he raises his hand to clutch his head. His body moaned in discomfort as his sides ached and the stiffness of the battle washed over him.
"Wait, the battle!" Michael says, sitting up and groaning in pain, before being pushed down by gentle hands, with the ringing disappearing in his ears as he heard the gentle soft voice of Sophie guiding him down to rest.
Michael's eyes fluttered open, the faint crackle of a campfire greeted him. His gaze settled on Sophie, carefully wrapping makeshift bandages around his ear.
"Michael, don't even think about moving," Sophie warned, her voice firm but gentle. "I just finished cleaning your wounds." She turned away, wiping blood from her hands. Before beginning again, "If i see you moving around mister, you will be in big trouble" as she wags her index finger jokingly towards him.
Despite the situation Michael finds himself chuckling slightly, before launching into a full blown cough, coughing blood into his hands, as Sophie concerned hands tightly hold him calming him down.
"Are you ok now Michael?" says Sophie with eyes filled with sorrow as people start to wake up around them, their distant voices of concern checking on him.
As he calms down Michael notices the looks from his friends as they stare worried around, even Alex didn't look at him with annoyance for a second but with a slight respect.
Calming down from his coughing fit, Michael hides a small smile between his hands, before turning towards the group and noticing Christophers shameful looks towards his wounds.
"Chris, it's okay. You saved me once today. As far as I'm concerned, we're even." Michael states in a raspy soft voice as Christopher flinches and looks away clearly needing some time to himself to process that.
Gazing towards Joseph, Michael asks " What happened after I was out?" as he looked around confused.
Michael's gaze landed on four faces—weathered and tense. Two of them were children, clutching each other tightly, their wide-eyed stares filled with fear. They were vaguely familiar, but what happened to them?
"Josh and Julie were the only casualties… Julie was the girl holding the child, she managed to protect the kid, but his injuries are severe" Christopher winces, holding the back of his head for support.
He liked Josh, he was the type of good natured person that tried to take care of others, he was one of the few that managed to keep calm and help others with Sophie. Julie was a caring old woman that kept the kids calm, while she put on a strong face for them.
Everyone one looked down, their minds clouded in thought.
Except one "Tch. Playing hero didn't save them, did it? Guess that's what happens when you waste time on lost causes" the elderly brunette lady vindictively said appearing before Micheal "Served him right dying like that…heroes ain't good for anything" as she groaned resting her body across the floor, like a dying dog on its last legs.
Everyone had looked towards the sound, varied looks of disgust and disappointment ranged across their faces with even Sophie staring aghast towards the elderly lady.
"Would you be a lad and get me some wate-" the old lady stutters as Christopher steps forward ripping her to her feet interrupting her "Someone just died you old hag, and you're sitting here saying they died a dog's death?" says Christopher, while violently shaking her body a rare act of negative emotion from him.
"Christopher please stop shaking her, you might hurt Karen" Sophie softly reminds Christopher, placing her hands soothingly on his chest. As he lowers the old lady Karen to the floor.
"Thank you dear" Karen says, holding her hand on her heart, before turning towards Chistopher "you young man should bending over apologizing" Karen said haughtily lowering her finger to point to the ground, before stopping at Sophie narrow eyes "But i'll forgive you just this once because I'm so gracious…" pausing briefly noticing the groups withering glares.
"Oh I see how it is, you're bullying an old lady huh" Karen's huffs, turning away.
Everyone's eyes followed her, each too tired to really argue, too much had recently.
"Don't think I didn't see Josh being pushed into that wolf? Was it you Karen…?" Michael softly adds, groaning softly as he moves to his side watching Karen tense before stammering "N-no that was Julie…"
No one really believed her.
A moment of silence was held by the group before Christopher sighs deeply causing the others to turn towards him.
"I-uhhh" begins Christopher is voice breaking, "Could i ummm have someone help me dig two holes with me later? I want Julie and Josh to at least" taking a deep breath "to at least have a proper grave" Sophie rubbed his shoulder consoling him and promising her help.
The others just stared there empty gazes looking out before them.
"Something strange happened," Alex said, snapping the group from their lonely daze. He looked different now—more composed after the fight.
"After the fight I noticed a small blinking light in the bottom right corner of my vision, and I thought it was kinda like the video games I used to play…" Alex reportshis hands falling to his sides "i started experimenting while Michael was asleep and i figured something out… it's better if you try it yourself though… it hard to describe, just say Status" Alex says, flustering slightly from the attention, his hands fidgeting by his side.
The group's eyes blinked in confusion, before looking around to find the strange blinking light, remembering Ales's words, as a chorus of "Status" resounded through the camp
People falling to the ground are coupled with shocked gasps as they wave their hand through the air, grasping and trying to interact with something unknown to Michael.
What the hell are they talking about? Status?
Status
Status
Name: Michael Ashford
Race: Human (G)
Rank: (G)
Class: N/A (Level 5)
Profession: N/A
Tutorial Points (TP): 14
Stats
Strength: 8
Recovery: 9
Perception: 7
Soul: 1
Ki: 2
Free Attribute Points: 5
Titles
[First Lords] - Given to those that became the first nobility within the newly integrated worlds. (Gives access to Lords interface and abilities to give authorisation and control others within their settlement)
You have slain [Wolf Level 5] - bonus experience earned for fighting above your level. 5 Tutorial Points (TP) awarded.
Class: N/A has reached level 2. Awarded 1 Attribute Point to physical Stats. +1 Free Point
You have slain [Wolf Level 4] - bonus experience earned for fighting above your level. 4 Tutorial Points (TP) awarded.
Class: N/A has reached level 3. Awarded 1 Attribute Point to each physical Stats. +1 Free Point
You have slain [Royal Shadow Wolf Level 8] - bonus experience earned for fighting above your level. 5 Tutorial Points (TP) awarded.
Class: N/A has reached level 5. Awarded 1 Attribute Point to each physical Stats. +1 Free Point
Level 5 Reached - Choose Skills from Class: N/A, General Skills only until class chosen at level 30. Note: Skills are chosen through the person's experiences and Legends
Michael rubs his eyes, desperate for a break as the glowing blue holographic screen floats in the centre of his eyes, as his mind struggles to process the influx of information. Groaning as he brushes against his ear, the flesh wound is still too painful for comfort, causing a worried Sophie to brush away the screen she no doubt was curious about and look at Michael in concern.
"Im fine dont worry" Michael replies to Sophie's unspoken question, touched by her concern "Guys before we do ANYTHING we gotta figure this out."
"Mich, what's your Status say? This looks straight out of a video game," Alex asked, his earlier hostility mostly gone, except for the annoying nickname the Micheal pretended not to hear.
"Hey Chris, do you mind helping me out here? You look like you're better at this than me anyway" Michael asks, handing the role of leader to Christopher. "I would like to conserve my strength for the next Wave" pointing out the impending timer with only sixteen hours remaining.
"If we survive that is" he says under his breath only the concerned look of Sophie seemed to be bothered or heard that comment.
The group, still reeling from the magical screen in front of them, lean in patiently. "Just sit there on the side and rest and if needed at any time please give your input Michael… we will need it" says Christopher sighs, as he brings his own screen in front of him to view as he gathers the others to discuss their stats and what each part may mean.
It seemed not everyone there was no sharing their experiences from people that did not take part in the fight leaving the elderly lady, the children that Julie and Michael saved as well as two late teenagers, a boy and a girl around Alex's age. These people began on Level 0 with around 3 physical attributes in each, maybe this was the world's average.
Joseph and Sophie were each on Level 1 with some attributes exceeding 3 due to level ups, while Alex was apparently at Level 2 due to killing the wolf that escaped Christopher. While Christopher told the group he had reached Level 3 due to killing one wolf and getting experience for helping others, making him the highest level in the group other than Michael.
Strangely even Karen had sneaked back into the discussion at one point, pointing out that a mental command was all that was needed to activate the Status, while that did little to change our opinions of her she seemed more eager to be a part of the group, Joseph accidentally learned that he could transfer all his TP points through a handshake.
For some reason though, everyone's Soul and Ki attributes seemed to be weirdly low despite the levels with the highest in the group having a 3 and when Alex tried to add one of his free attributes to them, nothing happened. It was locked but he was still able to increase his vitality with the same attribute points.
The group began fiddling with each attribute as Christopher and Joseph walked around asking everyone how they felt and what they think changed the most, which Christopher wrote down in his small hand sized diary he had apparently always left in his shirt.
"Hey, what about that Lord thing, you got before the start of the Wave, Micky?" asks Alex, as the others turn towards Michael, curious.
"I don't know yet I haven't checked. It's not on my status?" Michael replies, cocking his head to the side, giving Alex an annoyed side eye, I really don't like that nickname. " Maybe it is a special command like i have to say Lord Status"
A golden screen expands from the blinking dot in his vision again, in contrast to the sea blue colour of the normal status.
Lord Status
Store: 10 TP
Guide: 50 TP
Upgrade: 100 TP
Residents: 10
Authorisation Controls: Michael Ashford [Lord]
Possible Controls: Pylon Mayor, assistant, vassal
Focusing back to the group, Micheal saw the impatient eyes of everyone around him boring into his skull, forcing him to hastily explain the Lord Status.
"Chris, i'm going to give you the highest command of this place as i can, ok?" as Michael fiddles through his Lord Status, giving Christopher the position of Pylon Mayor before he could complain.
Watching as Christopher's eyes unfocus as he receives the notification and grins back to me. "Thanks man, this means a lot"
Nodding briefly Micheal turns back to the group "Now guys, what do you think I should do with my free Attributes? And what are you guys going to do?" Michael questions the group.
"Hmmm you should put it all in recovery for now" Sophie chides, sending glares across the campsite as the frightened little lambs of the group rapidly nod in agreement.
"I don't think we should do that too" Joseph replies, shrinking his head back as Sophie's viscous glare bares a hole through him. "No no I mean Michael should definitely do that" he says raising his hands in surrender "but for the rest of us these Attributes can save our lives so I believe we should put them in something different right now like vitality" desperately explaining, attempting to duck and cover from Sophie's glare.
"I agree" Micheal chimes in softly.
"Agreed" replies both Alex and Christopher at the same time, as they hide behind Joseph.
"While recovery may help us later, what we really need is strength to survive this… place" as Christopher gestures to the campsite where they are stuck. "And Michael don't forget to ask for any help, we all owe you for what you did for us." as the group around him nod even Karen gave the tiniest bit of acknowledgement before looking away.
Michael hides his face, his ears bright red hidden in the dark night as he welcomes their praise.
"Sophie and Joseph, do you mind watching and helping the children before bed and making sure they can sleep? Sorry to ask this, I know you're tired but i don't think they will be ok without you two" Christopher asks before turning to the two teenagers that remained at the side during the fight. "Can you two watch us tonight? It's late and you two are the least tired and we don't know if anything else is out there" Christopher said the last part loud enough just for the two to hear.
The two brothers both around 19 nodded, walking away to find a good place to lay.
"Now you" Christopher pauses his gaze on Karen, "go sit somewhere away from everyone and don't bother anyone" he says staring down Karen.
"Ok Ok jeez no need to get your panties in a twist" Karen mocks walking away, "I hope you play hero in the next fight too like Josh" she whispers just loud enough for him to hear it, only to receive an annoyed scrunched up eyebrow.
Sighing watching her walk off, Christopher tuns to the remaining people surrounding him "Now everyone goes to bed and gets some sleep, those who have attributes to add try to remember what the feeling is so we can better prepare for what's next." says Christopher commandingly as everyone searches for a snug place before the fire as they attempt to drift to bed.
Michael watches as Christopher and Joseph nod, saying nothing at the silent agreement of not bothering the others as they both head towards the area where they fought earlier, both were a bit green-faced and grim, as they rolled up their sleeves and went to the wolves bodies and… the child's, julie, and josh's bodies.
I didn't even ask for the kids name… I'm sorry Joseph and Chris, I'm sorry you have to do this yourselves, as Michael sulks to himself on the hard cold ground, pulling his clothes tight around him for warmth. Good job you two.
Before Michael attempts to sleep, no doubt scared for the nightmares to come, he resolves to pull up his status one last time and get it in order before bed.
"Status"
Status
Name: Michael Ashford
Race: Human (G)
Rank: (G)
Class: N/A (Level 5)
Profession: N/A
Tutorial Points (TP): 14
Stats
Strength: 8
Recovery: 13
Perception: 8
Soul: 1
Ki: 2
Free Attribute Points: 0
Titles
[First Lords] - Given to those that became the first nobility within the newly integrated worlds. (Gives access to Lords interface and abilities to give authorisation and control others within their settlement)
Level 5 Reached - Choose Skills from Class: N/A, General Skills only until class chosen at level 10. Note: Skills are chosen through the person's experiences and Legends
5 Skills to choose
[Small blade Mastery (Trash)]
A assassins most deadly attack and easily hidden within there foes hearts. Grants small increase in damage when sneak attacking and added effect of easily hiding one's weapons
[Engineer (Common)]
The ability to connect power and create machines, through cables and mechanics. Grants user the ability to perceive electrical contents and boosts their production rate
[Unarmed combat (Trash)]
A martial artist's body is their weapon, they can fight with anything and survive anyway they can. Grants the user slightly stronger limps and increased coordination.
[Royal Stealth (Rare)]
Stealth isnt the ability to never be found, stealth is the ability to make the loudest noise then disappear under another nose. True stealth disappears from the mind.
[Identify (Trash)]
Basic identification, known to even the weakest and smallest of races within the system. Grants the user an attempt to learn information from an object or creature it is used on.
Well it was obvious the correct choice was royal stealth, as it allowed me to disappear easily and make my presence known. But i'm not too sure how i got it, it said my skills came from my experiences and Legends? Wait. How did I forget about the Alpha even though it was so terrifying at the start. Everyone did. Could this have been why? Well it doesn't matter, all the other skills don't help me, like i'm out in the woods what would i use Engineer for? But identify could help, but what if the Royal Stealth doesn't show up again? Yep, I'm picking Royal Stealth.
Michael's body trembles, as his body pulls side to side, stifling the painful scream he had, as he feels his body already trying to repair itself. Before heaving heavily as his body relaxes, as his healing slows down. Before scrunching his nose as he realises that maybe adding one point to perception may help him perceive things better, but it also increases his sensitivity to his pain.
Damn it… this hurt Michael quietly thinks as he tries to sleep, his mind drifting away from the previous matters of the day, his thoughts wondering as nothing could stop the exuberant smile spreading across his face, as he falls asleep.