Reborn in the Survival Adventure Game-Chapter 69: Giant Hounds Pact

The wind carried a low howl across the village.

Caelen stood by the well, filling a jug of water, when he felt it—a deep, cold sound that vibrated in his chest. It wasn't just a regular wolf howl. This one had weight, a strange echo. A warning.

He looked toward the forest.

Garin came jogging from the fields. "You heard that too?"

"Yeah," Caelen said. "Get the others."

Minutes later, everyone gathered near the gate—Zira, Elira, the dwarves, and a few of the goblin scouts. Tikka watched from behind the school window, worried.

"I counted at least fifteen fast shadows moving through the trees," Elira said, eyes sharp. "More behind them."

"They're circling," Zira muttered, drawing her sword.

Golems stood tall and ready beside the gate. Caelen clenched his fists, then raised his voice.

"Everyone stay calm. We don't know what they want yet."

A moment later, they appeared.

Hounds. Dozens. Some as big as bears, others fast and lean. Their eyes glowed faintly, but not with rage—more like... fear?

Then the biggest one stepped forward. It was massive, covered in black fur with a gray streak down its back. Scars wrapped around its legs and one ear was torn. The alpha.

Caelen stepped out of the gate, alone.

"Wait, what are you doing?" Zira whispered.

He raised a hand. "They haven't attacked yet."

The alpha growled low. Not a threat. More like... communication?

Caelen took a deep breath. "Golem, protect mode only. Don't attack."

He slowly walked closer, raising both hands.

"I'm Caelen," he said. "This is our home."

The alpha tilted its head, watching him.

Then it barked once. Short. Deep. The other hounds sat.

Silence fell over the whole forest.

Caelen's heart raced. "You're not here to fight... are you?"

The alpha stepped closer and lowered its head. One paw stomped the ground. Then it stared at Caelen. Almost... respectful.

Suddenly, a system message popped up.

[Beast Leader "Silverfang" recognizes your strength.]

[Battle avoided. A pact is possible.]

Caelen blinked. "You... you want to team up?"

Zira and the others stepped forward, confused.

"They're not enemies?" Garin asked.

Caelen turned to them. "They sensed our power. And they don't want war." ƒrēenovelkiss.com

The alpha barked again and nudged something forward. It was a small hound pup, injured but alive. Caelen crouched and touched it gently.

"...They need help."

Zira's eyes softened. "So this whole thing... wasn't an attack."

Elira exhaled. "They wanted to test us. See if we were worth trusting."

Caelen looked at the big hound. "You have a name?"

Another system message appeared.

[You have been granted permission to name the beast clan.]

[Enter name: ________]

He thought for a moment.

"...The Moonfang."

[Beast Clan "Moonfang" has joined your territory.]

[Relationship: Neutral to Friendly]

[New Quest: Beast Alliance - Train, feed, and build trust with your new allies.]

Everyone stared at Caelen.

"You're serious?" Dorgrim said, eyes wide. "The beasts are joining us?"

Caelen smiled a little. "Yeah. Looks like our family just got a bit wilder."

Later that night, the hounds rested outside the walls. The injured pup was healing in the barn with Zira watching over it.

Caelen sat on the roof of the school, staring at the stars.

He didn't expect this. Not today. Not ever.

Garin sat beside him with a bottle of juice.

"So now you've got elves, dwarves, goblins... and giant hounds."

Caelen chuckled. "Don't forget the golems."

Garin laughed. "Right. What's next?"

Caelen looked at the moon. "A thousand people... in three months."

Garin blinked. "Huh?"

Caelen looked at him. "Nothing. Just thinking."

But inside, he remembered what Jeff had said.

Three months. A thousand souls.

He didn't know how yet.

But this? A new ally? A new team?

It was a start.