One morning.
The village was alive with cheers. A ring of goblins, kobolds, and even a few human villagers crowded the training grounds, murmuring with awe. At the center stood Grokk, taller than before, his black fur glistening like polished iron under the morning sun. The gnoll's muscles rippled, his presence oppressive and commanding. Bone-like ridges had formed along his arms and back, jutting out like armored spines. He had evolved. No longer a Ravager, he was now a Gnoll Bonehowler, radiating the quiet power of a Quasi-Knight.
The guards chanted his name with pride. "Grokk! Grokk! Sentinel of the walls! Bonehowler of the tribe!"
Even Uncle Drake gave an impressed nod. Orrin whistled. Jen clapped excitedly, while Celine cradled little Evelyn, smiling.
From the hollow of his tree, Shade peeked out, his many eyes glinting as he watched another warrior rise, reborn.
