Location: Shinsengumi Oni Headquarters
The ritual from the night before had left William exhausted, his mind still awake, wandering through the last remnants of the shared dream with Nyx. When he opened his eyes, a soft, cold breeze filled the air, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and lunar crystals. His senses sharpened, but what struck him most was the complete transformation of the place. The large cave where he had fallen asleep the night before was now unrecognizable. Where he had found a raw, wild, and unexplored space, a vast and mystical sanctuary now stretched before him.
The cave walls, once bare, were now adorned with mysterious symbols etched into the rock, while lunar crystals emitted a soft, calming light, bathing the space in a mystical atmosphere. Several levels stacked upon one another, each leading to smaller rooms, but all seemed organized with almost supernatural precision. The cave had become a sacred place, imbued with an ancient aura, a refuge for the secrets of past guardians and of Nyx herself.
The pack members had worked tirelessly throughout the night. Paths had been cleared, vast spaces organized, and every corner imbued with new energy. This sanctuary had now become a stronghold of power, an impregnable fortress, protected by the spirits of the ancestors but also by the pack itself.
William slowly rose, his body still heavy with fatigue, but his mind sharp, his gaze scanning every detail of the sanctuary. His footsteps echoed on the cold, smooth floor as he made his way toward one of the observation points overlooking the great central hall. He spotted two silhouettes forming in the shadow: Haku and Néro, his commanders, ready to give their report.
— Haku (in a calm but respectful voice): "Master, the cave has been arranged as per your wishes. Each level is designed to serve a specific need. From surveillance points to resource management, everything has been planned to ensure the safety and efficiency of our sanctuary. We've identified strategic points that will help protect the sanctuary and ensure our control."
Néro, more imposing, stood beside him, his piercing gaze gleaming under the light of the lunar crystals. He turned toward William, his voice cold and determined.
— Néro (in a firm tone): "The surveillance zones have been set up at every entrance, and we've secured secret passages for the scouts. There's no chance anyone can penetrate without us knowing. The cave is ready to receive those who serve our cause."
William observed his commanders, a subtle smile curling his lips, satisfied with the work accomplished. He then turned his gaze toward Iris, who hovered nearby, the AI ready to deliver her report.
— Iris (from blue to green): "Master, I have also assigned reconnaissance missions to the pack members. We have crucial information about potential DNAs to assimilate to strengthen our power. Moreover, among the four dominant species of the forests, the primates, the pack's enemies, are the most threatening. Their alpha is responsible for the death of the previous master. As for the King of Insects, he has been inactive for 20 years, according to scout reports."
A heavy silence settled after this statement, filled with tension and contemplation. William surveyed the cave, his fingers lightly gripping the edges of his tunic, feeling the weight of the mission ahead. The pack would have to prepare to face these formidable enemies.
— William (with a deep, determined voice): "We will face them, but not before proper preparation. Their power should not be underestimated. As for the King of Insects, I will deal with him personally."
He turned his gaze toward Haku and Néro, his eyes sharpening, becoming harder. The pack must move forward, but every step had to be calculated.
— William: "Haku, Néro, lead the operations. Iris will provide you with the necessary training to maximize your potential. You must strengthen our positions. Our base must be fortified beyond measure."
— Haku (with quiet determination): "We have already planned the first explorations. We'll search for clues in the neighboring territories and identify threats before they can reach us."
— Néro (with a slight smirk): "And we will update the attack routes to defend them. The enemy won't stand a chance if they try to approach."
William nodded in approval, a heavy responsibility on his shoulders, but also a certainty in his gaze. The lunar sanctuary would be the starting point of their domination. They were ready. The pack was ready.
Suddenly, a powerful, piercing, and wild howl erupted in the air, echoing through the cave and the surrounding mountains. This cry marked the beginning of the pack's rise, a war call, a challenge thrown to the world, resonating all the way to the stars.
William closed his eyes for a moment, absorbing the intensity of the cry. He knew that under his command, the pack would sweep everything in its path.
But then, a faint murmur reached his ears, distant, deep within the cave. A barely perceptible call. Only he could hear it. He narrowed his eyes, straining to listen. The murmur grew louder, clearer, more distinct. It was Nyx... a call coming from the depths.