PERFECT REINCARNATION : Being Invincible in Another World-Chapter 78: Strength of the Honorable One

The cavern echoed with snarls. Four Gloomfang Wolves circled slowly around the three intruders who had stepped into their territory. Their claws scraped against the stone floor with a slow, deliberate rhythm while their glowing crimson eyes watched every movement Rowan made.

They were far larger than the dungeon rats. Their shoulders reached almost to Rowan’s waist, and the muscles beneath their dark fur shifted like coiled ropes ready to spring. Rowan tightened his grip on his sword. His breathing had already become heavier from the previous fight.

The wolves noticed. Predators always noticed weakness. "...They’re watching me," Rowan muttered quietly. Aurelion stood several steps behind him, arms loosely folded as he observed the situation with calm interest. "Yes," the prince said. "That is what hunters do."

Rowan said sarcastically. "...Very helpful." The wolves continued circling. They were patient and clever. Unlike the rats, they didn’t rush forward blindly. Instead, they moved slowly, testing the distance, looking for an opening. Rowan turned slightly, trying to keep all of them within sight. "...Four of them," he whispered.

Sally stood a few steps away near a rock formation, casually leaning against the wall of the cavern."...Only four?" she said. Rowan stared at her. "...Only four?!"

Sally shrugged. "They look small."The wolves didn’t appreciate the conversation. One of them suddenly lunged. Rowan reacted instantly. His sword flashed forward, slashing across the creature’s snout. The wolf snarled as blood splattered across the stone floor. But instead of retreating, it kept pushing forward. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Rowan barely managed to block the follow-up strike as the beast’s claws scraped against his blade with a metallic screech. The impact forced him back a step. "Ah—!"

Another wolf seized the opportunity. It leapt from Rowan’s right side, jaws wide open. Rowan twisted his body just enough for the creature’s bite to miss his shoulder by a narrow margin. His sword swung again.

The wolf yelped and tumbled sideways. Rowan stepped back quickly, breathing harder now. "...They’re fast." Aurelion nodded slightly. "...Good." Aurelion’s tone remained completely calm. "Fighting stronger opponents accelerates growth." Rowan looked like he might argue with that. But another wolf lunged before he could speak.

Rowan raised his sword again. This time the strike came low. Claws raked across the stone floor as the wolf aimed for Rowan’s legs. Rowan jumped backward. The beast’s claws scraped against the stone where he had stood a moment before. Another wolf immediately followed the attack. Rowan swung again.

The blade cut across the creature’s shoulder, leaving a deep wound. But the wolf didn’t fall.

Instead, it growled louder. Rowan’s arms trembled slightly. These creatures were far tougher than the rats.

The wolves circled again. Their crimson eyes gleamed in the dim moss-light of the cavern. They had learned something now. Their prey could fight back. So they changed tactics. Two wolves moved forward while Two remained behind. Rowan frowned. "...They’re coordinating."

"Yes," Aurelion replied. "Pack hunters." The next attack came suddenly. Two wolves rushed forward simultaneously. Rowan braced himself. His sword swung once. The blade struck the first wolf across the chest.

The creature stumbled. But the second wolf reached him. Its jaws snapped shut inches from Rowan’s arm. Rowan twisted away, but the beast’s claws caught his sleeve. The fabric tore.

Rowan stumbled backward. "Damn—!" Another wolf lunged. Rowan barely raised his sword in time to block the strike. The impact forced him to one knee. The wolves pressed closer. Rowan’s breathing grew heavier.

Sweat dripped down his forehead. "...Crown Prince," he muttered. "Yes?" He replied.

"...A little help?" Rowan asked. Aurelion didn’t move. "...Not yet." Rowan stared at him in disbelief. "...You’re serious?!" The wolves lunged again. Rowan rolled sideways just in time to avoid the attack. His sword slashed upward as he rose. The blade caught one wolf across the throat. The creature collapsed instantly.

Rowan staggered back to his feet. "...One down." But the remaining three wolves didn’t retreat. Instead, their growls grew deeper. They had lost one of their pack. Now they were truly hunting.

Rowan wiped sweat from his brow. "...This is bad." Sally tilted her head. "...You look tired." Rowan glanced at her. "That’s because I am!"

Another wolf lunged. Rowan blocked the strike, but the impact nearly knocked the sword from his hand. The beast’s strength was immense. Its claws scraped across Rowan’s blade as it pushed forward. Rowan gritted his teeth. "...Back off!"

He kicked the creature in the chest. The wolf stumbled backward slightly. But another one attacked immediately. Rowan barely managed to swing his sword again.

The blade struck the wolf’s shoulder. But his strike lacked power now. The beast barely flinched. Rowan realized something. His arms were shaking.

The earlier fight with the rats had drained more of his stamina than he had realized. The wolves sensed it too. They began pressing forward more aggressively.

Rowan stepped back again. "...This is getting bad." Sally yawned. "...You’re slow." Rowan glared at her. "Then you fight them!" Sally blinked. "...Oh."

She looked toward Aurelion. "Can I?" Aurelion remained silent for a moment. He had been observing the entire fight carefully.

Rowan had done well. Better than expected for a first dungeon expedition. But he had reached his limit. Aurelion nodded once. "Very well." Sally’s eyes lit up immediately.

Rowan didn’t even have time to react before she moved. One moment she was leaning against the wall. The next she was standing beside him. Rowan blinked. "...When did you—" A wolf lunged toward them. Sally casually lifted one hand. She flicked her finger. The wolf flew backward.

The creature slammed into the cavern wall with a thunderous crack. Stone shattered around the impact point. The wolf collapsed instantly. Rowan stared. "...What."

The remaining two wolves froze. Even predators could sense danger. Sally stepped forward slowly. "...My turn." The wolves snarled and lunged together. Sally sighed. "...Too slow."

She suddenly disappeared from sight. For a brief moment Rowan thought she had simply vanished. Then she reappeared in front of the first wolf. Her hand struck the creature’s head. Not even a punch. Just a casual tap.

The wolf’s body slammed into the ground with enough force to crack the stone beneath it. The beast didn’t move again. The final wolf hesitated. For the first time since the fight began, fear appeared in its glowing crimson eyes. It tried to run.

Sally appeared in front of it instantly. "...Where are you going?" The wolf growled weakly. Sally poked its forehead. The creature collapsed. Silence returned to the cavern.

Rowan stood there with his sword still raised. His mouth hung open. "...What." Sally dusted off her hands. "...That was boring." Rowan slowly turned toward her. "You—" He pointed toward the wolves. "You just—" He gestured wildly. "They were—" He stopped. Words had abandoned him.

Aurelion finally walked forward. His expression remained calm, but there was a faint glimmer of interest in his eyes as he looked at Sally. "...Impressive." Sally smiled proudly."The honorable one told you."

Rowan looked between them. "...You knew she could do that?" Aurelion shrugged slightly. "I just guessed." Rowan stared at him. "...Guessed that?!"

He gestured toward the crater in the cavern wall where the first wolf had been launched. "She punched a monster through stone!" Sally crossed her arms proudly. "Of course." Rowan rubbed his face. "...What are you?" Sally smiled mysteriously. "The honorable one is strong."

Rowan looked at Aurelion again. "...You’re not surprised." Aurelion examined the fallen wolves briefly. Rowan groaned. "...Of course you’re not."

Aurelion stood up again. "But this confirms something." Sally tilted her head. "What?" Aurelion looked at her calmly. "You are far stronger than a typical familiar." Sally puffed out her chest. "Obviously."

Rowan sighed. "...This dungeon suddenly feels much less dangerous." Aurelion glanced deeper into the cavern. "Do not become careless." Rowan followed his gaze.

The darkness ahead stretched deeper into the dungeon. And somewhere within those shadows, the true depths of Gloomfang Hollow still waited.

[To be Continued]