Wind Wolves

The caravan traveled along a dusty road. Lin Qin rode on horseback, staying mostly silent as his wary gaze swept over the woods and hills on either side. Hake seemed more relaxed, occasionally chatting with the caravan guards.

The first day passed without incident.

On the afternoon of the second day, the caravan entered a relatively remote mountain road. The trees on either side grew denser, and the light dimmed.

Suddenly, the horses pulling the wagons whinnied uneasily and began stamping their hooves.

"Stay alert!" Hake, the experienced one, was the first to react. He swiftly drew his curved saber and fixed a sharp gaze on the woods to the right.

The three caravan guards immediately took up their weapons and surrounded the wagons. Old John's face had gone pale as he clutched the wagon's shaft.

Lin Qin had already gripped the hilt of the greatsword on his back. He had sensed the faint rustling in the woods and caught the faint, fishy scent even before Hake.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—"

Seven or eight gray shapes darted out of the woods at astonishing speed! They were Wind Wolves, common low-level magical beasts about the size of calves, with sharp fangs. They were known for their speed and teamwork.

"Wind Wolves! Watch out!" Hake shouted, swinging his saber at the one charging in front.

The caravan guards also roared as they engaged the Wind Wolves. The scene descended into chaos.

One Wind Wolf circled around the front and lunged straight at a wagon loaded with goods, trying to wreck it. A Second Rank Warrior among the guards hurried to intercept it, but the nimble wolf dodged him. Its claws were about to tear into the furs on the wagon.

Thud!

A heavy earthen wall suddenly rose beside the wagon, blocking the Wind Wolf's attack at just the right moment. The beast slammed into it and let out a pained howl.

It was Lin Qin. He had dismounted at some point and held his left hand in a casting pose. The earthen wall looked sturdier and thicker than an ordinary Earth Wall Technique.

Almost as soon as the wall rose, Lin Qin moved. He pushed off the ground and shot forward like an arrow, charging at the Wind Wolf, which had been blocked by the wall and was still dazed.

His greatsword came free, tracing a weighty arc of light.

The blade swept precisely across the Wind Wolf's relatively vulnerable neck.

Slash!

Blood sprayed. The Wind Wolf whined and fell, twitching.

Lin Qin didn't even look at the result. He shifted his footing and used the back of his greatsword to knock aside the claws of another Wind Wolf attacking from the side. The tremendous force sent the beast staggering. Lin Qin flicked his wrist, and the tip of his sword shot out like a venomous snake, piercing the Wind Wolf's eye and driving straight into its brain.

Clean and efficient. Two strikes, two Wind Wolves dead.

Elsewhere, Hake showed the skill of a Level 4 Warrior. His saber work was vicious; he had already taken down one Wind Wolf and was locked in combat with another. The three guards were barely holding off the remaining wolves together.

Lin Qin joined the fray. His fighting style was terrifyingly efficient. Every movement was perfectly timed, and every strike aimed for a vital spot. He didn't seek to kill with a single blow; instead, he used the least effort to inflict deadly wounds or create openings for his companions.

Soon, with Hake and Lin Qin fighting together, the remaining Wind Wolves were quickly dealt with. Eight or nine wolf corpses lay on the ground.

The fight was over. Hake panted as he looked at Lin Qin, his opinion of him completely changed. The kid wasn't just a Level 4 Warrior—he was also a mage who could cast the Earth Wall Technique instantly! Even more terrifying was his calm, almost cold-blooded fighting style. He hardly seemed like a beginner.

"Is everyone all right?" Lin Qin asked, looking at Old John and the three guards. One guard had a cut on his arm, but it wasn't serious.

"N-no... We're fine! We owe you both!" Old John, still shaken, thanked them repeatedly. The three guards looked at Lin Qin with awe.

Lin Qin nodded and went over to the Wind Wolf corpses. With practiced ease, he used a short knife to remove the most valuable parts: the Magic Crystal Cores and the wolf pelts. It was a mercenary's rule: the spoils belonged to the one who claimed them.

Hake also came over to collect his spoils. He couldn't help asking, "Brother Lin Qin, are you from the Ernst Institute?"

"Mm." Lin Qin didn't hide it.

"That explains it..." Hake understood, then sighed. "Are all the geniuses at the institute... as impressive as you?" He couldn't think of a better word.

Lin Qin kept working. "I just work harder than most."

Hake watched his calm, expressionless face and his eyes, focused on processing the materials without a trace of pride or lingering fear. He was at a loss for words. Hard work? That alone couldn't explain this.

After they finished clearing the battlefield, the caravan set off again. The atmosphere in the group had clearly changed after the encounter. Everyone now looked at the quiet young mercenary with new respect.

Lin Qin put away the Magic Crystal Cores and wolf pelts, then mounted his horse again.