Kaelor sat slouched in one of the fur-draped wooden chairs within the dim parlour, the weight of his decisions beginning to sink in. Across from him sat Mildred, hands clasped tightly on her lap. Hound stood silently behind Kaelor, arms folded over his massive chest, each breath making it bulge with barely-contained strength.
His form was shadowed by the flickering firelight, and the room felt just a little smaller with him inside.
Mildred’s eyes kept drifting between them. Her gaze lingered on Hound the most, half in awe, half in apprehension.
"H–How do you feel?" she finally asked, voice hesitant.
Hound turned his sharp gaze toward her. A wolfish smile spread across his face, revealing pronounced canines.
"Great," he said simply, voice low and thunderous. "Like I’ve been reborn from brittle bones and tired muscles into a body forged from steel. My old strength feels like that of a boy in comparison. I feel... endless."
His words rang with truth.
He wasn’t boasting, just stating what he now knew to be real.
"I’ve never seen or heard of anything , though," Hound added after a pause, his expression growing distant with memory. "I’ve hunted since I could walk. Became the strongest in town. Brought down tigers, mountain bears, beasts twice my size. And yet, the people I fed turned their backs the moment I couldn’t stand. Dragged me like trash... to a stranger."
"And that stranger gave me more than any of them ever did."
Kaelor exhaled quietly, eyes narrowing in thought. From the knowledge fused into him, he knew this world only housed humans and barbarians, who were still human, just larger, stronger, and more primitive.
With the thick fur, clawed limbs, and animal grace, he resembled something Kaelor had seen before... in books, games, and anime back on Earth. A beastkin.
But in this world, such a thing had never existed.
If the Church found out, Hound wouldn’t be revered.
He’d be chained, labeled a demon, and burned alive for all to witness.
After all, what sane man would believe a beast could walk on two legs, speak clearly, and possess a mind of reason?
"Lord Kaelor," Mildred said suddenly, breaking the silence. "How... were you able to do this?"
Her eyes were a strange mix of dismay and awe.
Kaelor leaned back, choosing his words with care. "I don’t know. When I saw Hound dying and the wolf’s corpse beside him, something stirred. A force, deep within me, that let me combine them. I know it sounds strange. But I also know he now holds the strength of an Expert."
Mildred gasped, her chair creaking as she leaned forward. "An Expert?! Are you certain?"
"Then... does that mean you’re an Acranist too?" she asked, eyes wide.
Kaelor frowned slightly, unsure. "Not the way you know them."
"But some Acranists awaken strange gifts," Mildred continued, excitement breaking through her caution. "I once read about one who could tear open space and walk from one city to another in seconds. Another could create an identical version of himself. Maybe you’re... one of those."
Kaelor didn’t respond immediately. He could feel the system lingering beneath his skin, pulsing faintly in his core like a second heartbeat.
Like he could summon it at any time. It was a comforting feeling.
"I don’t know what I am," he said finally. "But I do know the Church wouldn’t approve. They’ve condemned others for less."
"That’s because some Acranists use their gifts for wickedness," Mildred murmured. "But that’s none of our concern now."
Kaelor gave a small nod and turned his eyes to Hound. "Then tell me. What exactly are we facing?"
Hound’s chest rose and fell heavily. "The Devil Forest lies just north of the town. It’s named for the creatures that dwell within it, devil beasts."
"Devil beasts?" Kaelor echoed.
"Creatures larger and more savage than their natural kind," Mildred answered. "Mutated. Bloodthirsty. Some say they’re born from a curse."
"True," Hound said. "The wolves attacking us are devil beasts. What’s worse... a new Alpha has risen. A powerful one. Strong enough to conquer other Alphas and merge their packs. That’s why the attacks are growing bolder."
Kaelor’s brows drew together. "So that dead direwolf... it was an Alpha?"
"Yes, My Lord," Hound replied grimly. "And it wasn’t even the strongest. I reached the edge of their den before it found me. I saw hundreds of wolves. All under one command."
Kaelor closed his eyes for a moment, letting the gravity of the situation settle in.
"What’s an exact count?"
Hound shrugged, muscles shifting beneath his fur. "A lot."
Kaelor opened his eyes and sighed. Of course. He didn’t know why he’d expected a precise count from a man who had spent more time tracking beasts than counting them.
After a long silence, Kaelor stood and walked to the window. The moon was rising above the trees, casting a silver sheen on the village rooftops.
Then he spoke, quiet, but resolute.
"Post a notice at first light," he said. "One silver coin for anyone who joins the defense of this town."
Mildred stood. "That’s... a lot of money."
"I know," Kaelor said, eyes never leaving the night. "But if I don’t give them something to fight for, we’ll all be bones long before the Church ever learns our names."
"I’ll go rest," Kaelor said, retreating into the his room. In the solitude of his room, he retrieved a pouch from his belongings, the one he’d taken from the wrecked carriage. Untying the strings, he poured the contents onto the bed.
Gold coins spilled out in a glittering stream.
After a quick count, Kaelor’s lips curled slightly. Seven hundred gold coins.
More than enough to change this town’s fate.
The next morning, the sun had barely cleared the hills when Kaelor stepped out of the hall. He was surprised to find Mildred and Hound waiting outside the fence and beyond them, hundreds of townspeople had gathered.
Mildred looked slightly sheepish. "I forgot... most of them can’t read. So I brought them here."
Kaelor gave her a small nod. "It’s okay."
He stepped forward, eyeing the crowd. There were no smiling faces, just suspicion, hunger, and unease.
"I’ve spoken to Hound," Kaelor said clearly. "The wolves will come again, and soon. This town won’t survive unless we fight them together."
His voice rose above the quiet murmurs. "Anyone willing to risk their life to protect this place will be rewarded, one silver coin each."
For a heartbeat, silence. Then came a scoff.
A large man with a thick beard stepped forward, arms folded across his barrel-like chest. His leather pants and soot-stained gloves marked him as a blacksmith.
"One silver coin?" he scoffed. "Should I hike to the Baron’s estate just to spend it?"
He turned away without another word and like falling dominoes, the rest began to turn as well. Muttering, shaking their heads, walking off.
Kaelor watched them go, stunned.
A silver coin was worth a laborer’s full month. In the capital, people would kill for it. But here...
Hidden within the crowd, Ned sneered and walked away in silence.
"They’re not just refusing the coin," Mildred murmured beside him. "The Town Head’s been spreading rumors. They say you’re cursed. That you brought a demon into town." Her eyes flicked to Hound, whose arms were crossed and jaw tense.
"They don’t see a savior," she whispered. "They see a monster."
Kaelor let out a bitter sigh. "If silver can’t win them... what will?"
Hound answered without hesitation. "Food."
Kaelor glanced at him.
"They’re starving," the hunter continued. "The fields are failing, no one dares hunt, and Ned hoards what’s left. He feeds a few just enough to keep loyalty. The others are barely scraping by."