Chapter 730 (2/2)

“You are sad. I do not like the sadness,” The monster mumbled, talking with Neveah’s voice. “So… a gift. I think it is fine for me to give it, yes?”

Naffur didn’t answer, because he was frozen in fear. The monster reached down and pressed its hand to Naffur’s chest. At first, there was nothing. Then there seemed to be an explosion of violet color in his chest. The sensation began as hot, but as the feeling intensified, Naffur realized it was freezing cold. And he was someone drowning in this terrible feeling of-

Gasping, Naffur woke up.

Instantly he quieted himself. Even if he was indisposed, that didn’t mean those that would eat him would be. Much safer to remain as quiet as possible for as long as possible and leave his hiding space slowly.

Strangely, as he scuttled out of the old log, the feeling in his chest didn’t go away. It was cold and then it was hot, and for the first time in a month, Naffur felt something. He reached up and gently felt the skin of his collarbone, under which the feeling originated.

So strange.

But then Naffur heard the grumble of what could only be a giant boar and he dashed away like lightning.

As he meandered North, Naffur occasionally encountered monsters or other people. He often would avoid both. Right now, Naffur wasn’t in any sort of mood to talk to anyone. He didn’t need that. He was changed. He was changing himself. Out here in the wilderness, he could be-

He could be strong-

That thought haunted him until he was walking across a game trail and spotted a Level 22 Grey Wolf napping in the sun under a tree. Its eyes were closed and it snorted fitfully as if bothered by dreams. Strangely, Naffur felt an instant connection to the wolf. Dreams were a problem he had struggled with immensely. A few days ago, he had dreamed-

WHITE. WHITE. WHITE.

Naffur crept closer to the dozing creature, his breath coming hot and fast. He had changed. He was much stronger than he had been when he left the Orchard. Now, he didn’t doubt at all that he would catch the eye of someone at the Lottery. He was the only member of the Order Ducis. He could kill a wolf of this caliber.

...right?

His Stealth Skill had increased to Level 82 in the last month, as Naffur relied on it constantly. And it seemed like that would be enough for this wolf as well.

Eyes blazing, Naffur raised his hand and prepared to strike.

Intrepid Hammer!

Congratulations! Your Skill Intrepid Hammer has increased to Level 63!

Congratulations! Your Skill Cheap Shot has increased to Level 79!

But the small rush of air must have alerted the wolf because its eyes shot open and it lifted its head slightly. It was a small movement, and the wolf was still clearly groggy with sleep. But it was enough to shift the target of Naffur’s strike from the monster’s skull to the tip of its nose.

Even though Naffur missed, his fist smashed the thing's snout. And such was the force that Naffur felt its jaw crack audibly as it reeled backward.

The wolf raised its head and managed to get off a howl before Naffur struck with another Intrepid Hammer and silenced it permanently. For several seconds, Naffur stood stock still. His Perception hummed, as he hoped…

Silence.

Naffur sighed with relief.

Awooooooo!

The return howl of the wolf’s pack sounded out, filling the afternoon. And worst of all, the noise came from several directions.