Chapter 21: Chapter 21: The Transformation
The minute Luke finished his transformation, he let out an earthshaking roar throughout the Nanling Mountains. The valley trembled violently, and his wolves-both one-eyed and bone spurred-dropped to the ground, their front feet covering their heads in submission. The bloodline suppression radiating from Luke was awakening; the power was one hundredfold greater than that of the Skywing Wolf.
Rumbling from Luke's metamorphosic change was far and wide across his valley. Countless demon clans across the Nanling Mountains shivered in fear, while the powerful overlords, the male and female Wolf Kings among other monarch-level demons, felt an inscrutable terror seeping into their hearts.
These powerful beings mumbled restlessly in their caves and thrones. Some said that a new emperor-level creature was born; while others guessed the legendary Wolf Emperor must have raised a successor.
Whatever the truth, one thing was sure: the creature that let the cry was not to be provoked by anyone.
Luke walked over to the edge of a clear lake near the totem stone tablets and stared into the lake's surface to scrutinize his new form.
"Black-red fur, four wings, and the white flame collar-this is a Lone Star Wolf." His eyes were on flame. "But this feature wasn't there on the murals. Is it unique to me, perhaps?"
Pleased, he turned his mind inwards. "System, show my stats."
[Ding! Displaying host panel]
[Host: Luke
Race: Lone Star Wolf (unique race)
Realm: Medium Commander
Attributes: Wind, Fire, Dimensional Space, Dark Curse
Spiritual Realm: Level 2 Spiritual Power
[Status: Growth Period]
[Skills]
Flame Roar (Basic Demon Spell)
Flame Vortex (Intermediate Demon Spell)
Annihilation Gang Wind (Advanced Hexology)
Cursed Pupil (Unique Curse Magic)
Cursed Pool (Unique Curse Magic)
[Bloodline Activation: 10%.]
Luke spread his wings and beat them in full strength. The twin storms of destruction hit the lake with enough ferocity to spray water into the air, ripping thin trees from their roots and hurling them skywards.
Sensing danger to his territory, Luke halted his attack. "Annihilation Gang Wind is akin to another great commander's magic. Not bad."
Now onto the curse magic, Luke would mentally note to see how they do in battle. Cursed Pupil and Cursed Pool were of relevance: they belonged to the Lone Star Wolf bloodline with spooky novelty.
"I'm so sorry, Tanya," Zoe announced, directing a suitably apologetic glance. As she walked out of the cave, she clutched Tanya Reed's arm gently with guilt-laden expression. "It's all my fault because of the pregnancy. I wish to alleviate some of your burden."
With a heavy sigh, Tanya leaned on Zoe, who, for the first time in days, stepped into sunlight, warm as a long-lost balm. Tanya turned her gaze to the sky to enjoy its light and warmth.
"Don't blame yourself, Zoe," Tanya replied with a weak smile. "You're not responsible for any of this, really. And besides, Luke-somehow seems to sense whether there's a life inside us. Based on his current enthusiasm, it seems I may have news myself."
She touched her tummy instinctively. A soft look of maternal affection crossed her eyes as Zoe caught on immediately.
"Oh my gosh, you too!" Zoe exclaimed, flying both hands to Tanya's stomach in disbelief. "Congratulations, Tanya! But really, after what we went through, it's a miracle!"
Tanya chuckled lightly but didn't deny it. "It wasn't easy. But for now, let's walk. The air was better outside than in the cave."
The two women moved, slow but sure were now their steps. While Tanya felt almost at the end of her strength, she was recovering as a middle-level mage, though every muscle in her legs felt entirely decrepit.
"I will help you, Tanya. Lean on me," Zoe declared firmly. Together, emptying themselves slowly from the almost complete dimness in that place.
Tanya glanced behind Zach towards whatever he was focusing on and saw a huge thing standing in the ruins of what had once seemed the normal training grounds.
"What… what is that?" Zoe's voice caught in her throat.
At the bottom of the valley stood a colossal thing, dwarfing any other wolves surrounding it. The black and red fur glittered in the sunlight. Four enormous wings scratched the ground. Above the neck, a halo of fire glowed whitely and seemed to hang on for survival and death.
Tanya cried out, "That's a trespasser! That thing is so huge! Where's Luke? He's got to get away! He can't fight something like that!"