Episode 4 – Scene 5: The Pack

Location: On the way to William's camp

The walk toward the camp was heavy with silence, broken only by the muffled footsteps of the ten survivors trailing behind William through the ruins and the corrupted forest. The atmosphere was thick with palpable apprehension. Each member of the pack kept a respectful distance, their gazes shifting between fear and respect for their new Alpha. Something had changed within them. Their fate now lay in the hands of this man.

To his left, the white wolf with light blue eyes, adorned with a black crescent moon on her forehead, moved fluidly and elegantly despite her injuries. To his right, the imposing black wolf, with his jet-black fur and golden eyes, pierced the darkness like flames. The white crescent moon on his forehead faintly glowed under the light of the stormy sky. Together, they formed a harmonious duo—shadow and light, breeze and storm.

William walked with purpose, leading the pack to their new refuge. He could feel a growing connection with each of them. Their unique essences were reflected in their traits and behavior, and he knew they were no longer just beasts. They were his allies, his first companions.

But when they arrived at the camp, a bitter reality awaited them: everything had been destroyed. The burned ruins and the footprints left in the mud spoke of hostile forces passing through.

William froze for a moment, scanning the horizon. His eyes landed on the digital map projected on his wrist by Iris. A small, casual hologram indicated a new destination.

— "The Pack's Cave, 5 kilometers to the east. It seems to be our only option."

He took a deep breath and turned toward the pack.

— "Alright, no time to waste. To the cave!" he said in a determined tone.

On the way, William used Iris's data to observe the wolves' behavior. Their postures were more relaxed, but the furtive glances they threw toward their Alpha still betrayed some lingering mistrust. However, a subtle change was occurring. The unease that had once marked their actions seemed to be dissipating, as if, little by little, they were beginning to grant him tacit trust.

— "Analysis in progress. The two wolves in the lead display an interesting genetic structure. Their evolutionary stability is unstable, but they are compatible with your skill tree."

William furrowed his brow. Genetic stability didn't matter. They were here, and he could sense their potential, greater than he could have ever imagined.

The white wolf, though still distant, trotted by his side, her eyes scanning the surroundings with sharp vigilance. The black wolf, on the other hand, lagged slightly behind, but his ears, pointed forward, indicated that he was always ready to react to any threat.

— "The white-furred wolf: refined for speed and agility, she has a strong affinity for the elements. Her dynamic structure allows for quick adaptation."

William studied the wolf, recalling the lightness of the wind and the snow falling beneath a calm sky. She seemed ethereal, like a fresh breeze promising powers to come. The crescent moon on her forehead only enhanced her mystic aura, marking her as special.

— "The black-furred wolf: strong, stable, and resilient. His golden eyes indicate a great sensitivity to changes in his environment. He seems to be a creature of shadows, a protector against external forces."

This wolf, with his imposing build and the wisdom hidden in his golden eyes, emanated raw power, contrasting with the agility of the white wolf. But he was also a guardian, a protector for the pack, standing firm against the unpredictability of an ever-changing world.

After a few hours of walking, they arrived in front of the cave, nestled between moss-covered rocks. A soft glow emanated from the crystals hidden within the walls, and the place seemed like a peaceful haven, despite the oppressive atmosphere of the outside world.

William paused for a moment to observe the scene. Iris displayed a red alert on his interface.

— "Evolutionary structure complete. Stabilization process recommended."

— "Thanks, Iris, but I'll handle something more urgent first," William replied with a smile.

The wolves had already gathered around the entrance, their eyes fixed on him. William turned to face them; his expression was resolute.

— "Alright, first mission as your leader: cooking for everyone!"

The wolves stared at him, a bit confused, as he positioned himself, focused. But his expression soon became playful as he raised his arms as though preparing to conduct a symphony.

— "Watch and learn, my companions!"

With a theatrical gesture, he waved his hands above the ground, activating the Creation Ring. Fresh fruits appeared in a burst of light, followed by pieces of dried crab meat materializing on the stone in front of him.

— "And here's the special menu: the earth and sea feast, Chef William style! Nothing brings bonds together like a good meal!" he said, patting his stomach with satisfaction.

A soft laugh escaped the white wolf, while the black wolf, with all seriousness, approached the dried meat, studying it as though preparing for a reconnaissance mission.

As he observed their reactions, William sat cross-legged, arms crossed.

— "Come on, come on, no fuss. You're wolves, not royalty! Eat, you need energy!"

The two younger wolves exchanged glances, then, after a brief, amused hesitation, rushed toward the food, with the others following, triggering a scene that looked more like a battle than a feast.

William, still seated, smiled.

— "Well, at least it seems to be doing the job!"

After a hearty meal, a moment of tranquility settled in. The pack, having devoured the food, gathered around him, their bodies resting slowly, as though they understood that this simple act was a mark of commitment. William watched their behavior, noting that the wariness that had once been present seemed to be slowly melting away. Their gazes, now more relaxed, fixed on him with a new form of respect and curiosity.

He slowly stood up, gazing at the night sky, the faint glow of the stars shining through the dark heavens.

— "We still have a long way to go. But for now, we have shelter, we have food... and most importantly, you are now my companions, full members of the Shinsengumi Oni."

As soon as the words left his mouth, a message appeared on his holographic screen, projected by Iris's interface. A vibrating notification popped up:

Unique Skill Unlocked – Nomination

A smile spread across William's face, his eyes sparkling with satisfaction. He knew that every step forward, every new skill, was one more milestone, but this skill—one that granted names, titles—was much more than that. It was a sign that his connection with his new allies was growing stronger in almost tangible ways.

— "Nomination..." he murmured to himself.

Then, with a determined look, he turned to face the pack, who watched him closely, as though waiting for a signal.

— "That means it's time. You all need names."

The wolves exchanged looks; their curiosity piqued by their Alpha's words. He sat at the center of the cave, arms crossed, deep in thought for a moment. The pressure was not small. These names were more than simple labels. They would be the key to their evolution. He would give each one a name worthy of their essence, their destiny.