CHAPTER 238: CHAPTER 237: THE RISE OF MOONFANG

Slowly, Grokk turned. His heavy steps carried him forward until he stood directly before Lumberling. His shadow loomed larger than ever, yet his movements carried no arrogance. With deliberate reverence, he sank to one knee, lowering his head as he had countless times before.

"My Lord," Grokk’s voice rumbled, rough but steady, "I swore loyalty to you once, and I’ll swear it again. I stand stronger now than I ever have, and it’s because of you. You gave me a path when I had none, and purpose beyond just survival. For that, I owe you everything."

He pressed a clawed hand to his chest and bowed low. "From this day to my last breath, my life is yours. Against beast, man, or whatever comes, I will follow you."

The warriors around them fell silent, watching the moment with wide eyes. It wasn’t just an oath, it was devotion, forged through blood and battle.

Lumberling stood still, his spear resting at his side. He let the silence linger before speaking, his voice calm, measured, but carrying weight.

"Grokk... you’ve shown more than loyalty. You’ve shown strength, resolve, and will. Stand with me, and we’ll shape a future that no one can take from us."

Grokk’s chest swelled, pride burning in his eyes. He rose, his aura pulsing like a storm barely contained, and for the first time, the others saw not just a gnoll, but a commander in his own right, reborn beneath his Lord’s banner.

The silence broke into murmurs of respect, nods of approval, and renewed determination among the ranks.

After Grokk’s evolution, the camp still buzzed with awe, but Lumberling raised his hand, calling the next name.

"Lunira. Come here."

The great wolf padded toward him, her silver form steady and fearless, her yellow eyes fixed on her master. She lowered her head slightly as she stopped before him.

Lumberling glanced at one of the chained Gorehide Bears, then back to her. "Signal me if anything feels wrong," he instructed.

Lunira gave a low growl of acknowledgment, tail flicking once.

With a swift motion, Lumberling ended the Gorehide’s life, his spear piercing through. As the massive beast stilled, its essence unraveled, and he guided it carefully toward Lunira. Slowly, cautiously, he channeled it, more measured this time, remembering Grokk’s ordeal.

Lunira’s body tensed as the energy surged through her veins. She growled low, her paws digging into the dirt, but her eyes never left him. It was a struggle, but nothing close to the violent storm Grokk had endured. Bit by bit, the essence settled inside her.

Her aura flared, rippling with new strength. Her frame grew subtly larger, her presence sharper. But still, no true evolution.

Lumberling rested a hand on his spear, thinking. ’Close... she’s close. One step more and she’ll cross that line.’

"Lunira," he said at last, crouching to meet her eyes. "Do you think you can take more?"

The wolf tilted her head, then pressed her forehead gently against his arm, her way of answering. Yes.

Lumberling nodded. It carried some risk, but he chose to give her another essence. More than anything, he wanted her to evolve before he left the village again.

"Alright. One more."

This time, he turned to a Dire Bear. Its chains rattled as it snarled weakly, but Lumberling silenced it with a decisive strike. Again, he channeled the essence into Lunira, slower than before, guiding it carefully.

The ground beneath her paws cracked as her body absorbed the power. Her growl deepened, her aura pressing heavier against the air. Still, her form resisted full change.

But Lumberling could feel it, she was at the edge. ’One last push.’

"Lunira..." He placed a hand on her head, fingers brushing through her fur. His voice softened. "One more. You can do this."

Her yellow eyes locked on him, unwavering. Then she gave a sharp bark.

Choosing not to overwhelm her, Lumberling struck down a common bear this time, guiding the lesser essence into her. The change was immediate.

Lunira threw her head back and growled, the sound echoing like thunder. Her body swelled larger, muscles rippling, fur shining with a faint silvery sheen. Her aura surged wildly.

When the glow settled, she stood taller, exuding an undeniable authority. She was no longer the Alpha Dire Wolf. She had become something greater, a Moonfang Wolf, her strength now on par with a Quasi-Knight.

Around them, the soldiers murmured, some stepping back in awe.

Lumberling allowed himself a small smile as he looked at her.

She had already surpassed the Alpha of her old pack, the one she’d once followed before becoming his subordinate. Now, she stood at the head of her own, leading the wolves as their Alpha, an Alpha female.

Lunira lowered her head, pressing it against his side with a rumbling growl of affection. The bond between them pulsed stronger than ever.

...

The remaining Gorehide Bears were brought forward one by one.

"Trask, Kelgroth, Ragza, you take these," Lumberling ordered.

The three kobold sub-captains stepped out, tense but eager. Each pressed their clawed hands as Lumberling killed the Gorehide Bears one by one. The essence surged into each of them, their bodies trembling, muscles straining against the sudden influx of power. They grit their teeth, enduring the burn until it finally settled deep within.

When the glow faded, all three looked stronger, their auras sharper.

Next came the Dire Bears. Five remained.

"Tor, Shen, Zel, Zephar. and Karnark, you’ll take the last."

The air thickened as the Dire Bears were cut down one by one, their vast essences spilling forth like rivers of fire. Shen clenched his jaw, shoulders trembling as he took his share.

Zel grunted, sweat dripping down his brow but not once did he falter. Zephar roared aloud, letting the power shake through him before mastering it with deep, steady breaths. Tor hungrily accepted the infusion, his aura expanding until it pressed on the others around him.

And then there was Karnark.

The kobold stood before the final Dire Bear with a long pause, claws flexing at his sides. His breaths came low and heavy, as though he were preparing for something deeper than simple absorption.