The feeding pack noticed my presence immediately, their predatory instincts shifting from consuming the dead students to recognizing a new threat. Six Transcendent-rank beasts—all apex predators with refined combat capabilities—abandoned their meal and formed a coordinated attack formation.
The alpha, a massive direwolf with silver-gray fur and visible scars marking years of survival, growled a command. Its pack responded with disciplined precision that spoke to genuine intelligence and practiced coordination.
These weren't mindless monsters. They were experienced killers.
The first three charged directly at me while two others circled wide to establish flanking positions. The alpha held back, clearly intending to observe my combat style and exploit whatever weakness its subordinates revealed.
Smart tactics. Wouldn't help them.
