The sky was still cloaked in a silvery haze from the moonlight as the sounds of footsteps gently brushed against the forest floor. The night was quiet, save for the steady rhythm of pawsteps—dozens of them.
A lone goblin guard was posted at the front gate of the village, leaning lazily on his spear, eyes half-lidded. It had been a peaceful few days—life had settled into a rhythm of rebuilding and training. But that peace shattered when he looked up and saw what was coming from the woods.
His eyes widened.
Dozens of enormous wolf-like creatures, sleek and powerful, their eyes gleaming with intelligence and a strong aura, were walking silently toward the gate. They were unlike anything he'd ever seen—some had multiple tails, others emitted faint auras of elemental energy, and their fur shimmered like starlit obsidian.
Panic set in. "W-We're under attack!" he shouted, stumbling back and blowing the horn at his side.
But then… he saw him.
At the front of the pack, atop the largest and most majestic of the wolves, sat Varvatos—calm, regal, and commanding. His cloak fluttered gently behind him, and the Dire Wolf beneath him carried him like a steed carved from divine power itself. The wolf had a curved black horn, glowing softly, and eyes like blue fire.
The goblin froze in place, jaw hanging. "L-Lord Varvatos…?"
The horn continued to blow. Inside the village, goblins jumped to their feet. Some dropped pots, others spilled food. Rigur, the goblin chief, immediately sprinted toward the gate, still adjusting his armor.
From the barracks, Benimaru stormed out with his weapon in hand, eyes sharp.
Souei materialized from the shadows near the rooftops, silent and alert, kunai in hand.
Hakuro, though calm, moved swiftly with veteran precision, his hand gripping the hilt of his blade.
Even Veldora, who had been lounging atop his makeshift stone throne near the village plaza, turned his head toward the gate, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Hoh? What's this? A new challenger perhaps?" he mused, cracking his neck with excitement as he took to the skies and soared toward the source of the commotion.
All of them arrived at the gate just in time to see the gates opening slightly—only to reveal Varvatos riding calmly into the village on the back of the massive dire wolf.
The tension shattered into stunned silence.
Rigur blinked. "M-Master Varvatos…?!"
Benimaru narrowed his eyes at the creatures following him. "Those aren't normal monsters… I can feel their power. They're magical beasts."
Veldora landed with a thunderous thud behind them, his cloak billowing dramatically as he crossed his arms. "Hmph. I thought we were under attack. Don't scare me like that, Varvatos. I was looking forward to a little nighttime warm-up."
Varvatos smirked slightly as he dismounted, his boots touching the earth softly. "I apologize for the surprise… I didn't expect to return with new companions either."
The largest wolf—Ranga—walked up beside him and bowed his head respectfully. "I am Ranga, and these are my kin. We now serve Master Varvatos."
Everyone's eyes widened. The wolves… spoke?
Rigur stepped forward cautiously. "You mean… you're not enemies?"
Varvatos turned to him and nodded. "They were planning to attack this village. But I convinced them otherwise. I've taken them in as my subordinates. They'll be protecting the village alongside us now."
Souei observed them intently, noting their unified movement and reverent posture. "They move like a trained unit… loyal, disciplined. Impressive."
Benimaru walked up to Ranga, staring into his gleaming blue eyes. "You were strong even before your evolution, weren't you?" he said, more a statement than a question.
Ranga nodded. "Yes. But now, we are more than just beasts—we are Direfangs, reborn under Lord Varvatos' name."
Hakuro gave a pleased hum. "Such loyalty and transformation…
Ranga lowered his head. "He saw us not as enemies… but as potential. He gave us that chance. We will never forget that."
Veldora grinned, rubbing his chin. "Fascinating… perhaps I should get myself a pack too. What do you say, Varvatos? Care to give me a name so I can evolve into something even cooler?"
Varvatos chuckled. "You already name yourself titles every few minutes, Veldora. I doubt you need my help."
The group laughed, tension melting into camaraderie.
Rigur then clapped his hands. "Prepare food! Prepare beds! We have new family members joining us tonight!"
Shuna, who had arrived quietly during the scene, smiled gently. "I'll prepare a midnight stew. Something hearty—for our new Direfang friends."
Ranga's ears perked up. "You… cook for us as well?"
Shuna nodded. "Of course. This village feeds all who live under its banner."
The Direfangs all lowered their heads deeply in unison, their gratitude evident.
As torches were lit and the scent of warm food began to waft through the village once again, Varvatos watched the wolves being welcomed with awe and wonder. He could see the spark of unity beginning to grow.
He looked up to the stars.
"A kingdom," he murmured, "built not by race or strength… but by loyalty and trust."