A white flag emblazoned with a black wolf fluttered in the wind.

The Wolf King’s party marched across grasslands streaked with frost and wild grass, snow-capped mountains rising in the distance.

“I hear you killed ten werewolves once?” Will asked, riding a glossy black-maned horse, his gaze fixed on V, who sat in a cage cart.

“I…” V hesitated, words sticking in his throat.

Will saw his fear and smiled. “Relax. Whether I kill you depends on my mood, not how many wolves you’ve killed.”

“Y-yes…” V still refused to admit it.

How boring. Will sighed softly. Wolf is dull enough as it is—if you keep acting like this, this trip will be hell. I might as well self-detonate.

“Battle honors are a warrior’s pride. A true warrior should never shy away from his achievements.” Will began to coax V. “Let’s make a deal. I’ll tell you one of my old battle stories, then you tell me one of yours. How does that sound?”

“O-okay…”

“When I was young, I crossed the Thousand-Cliff Barrier into the heart of the human kingdom three times. Once, I snuck into the royal capital with three wolf companions—Wolf was one of them—to carry out an assassination.”

Hearing his name, Wolf turned back. “Master, there are figures moving ahead. I’ll go scout.”

“Go.”

With Will’s approval, Wolf drew his wolf blade—thin, triangular, double-edged, and razor-sharp, the signature weapon of werewolves—and mounted his horse, galloping into the distance.

The Wolf King continued. “Our target was the royal capital’s Grand Alchemist. But unfortunately, we failed. The old fox had a double. We killed the wrong man, blew our cover, and drew the royal guard’s pursuit. It was only through my tricks and Wolf’s ferocity that we fought our way out of the capital.”

“After escaping, we fled north. After twenty days of running like wolves, we were sure we’d shaken off the guards, so we slowed down and found a village to rest.”

“My plan was to slaughter all the villagers once we recovered, then return to the Outer Wastes. After all, we couldn’t go back empty-handed after failing the assassination.”

“Just as we were about to strike, a Seer arrived in the village. He carried himself with such authority that he intimidated all four of us. We had to call off the slaughter.”

“That night, the four wolves discussed our next move. Wolf suggested we leave immediately before our identities were exposed, and head back to the Outer Wastes.”

Will paused, glancing at Wolf in the distance. He’d reined in his horse on a grassy slope, surrounded by seven riders.

“Master…” Wolf Guard Ali approached, but before he could speak, Will cut him off. “No need to help. Wolf can handle it.”

“Yes, Master.”

After Ali retreated, Will asked V, “Do you know what I decided?”

V thought for a moment. “You said this was one of your battle honors… so you didn’t run away.”

Will laughed. “Exactly. I’d been scared off by a Seer’s title before, but that was when I was alone. This time, we had four wolves and only one Seer. If I’d run then, I’d have had no place in the wolf clan.”

“So I rejected the retreat plan and decided to face the Seer head-on. I devised a strategy: the next day, all four of us would bluff as Seers. That way, there’d be five Seers arguing and accusing each other, throwing the villagers into chaos. They’d never seen so many Seers facing off. Even the real Seer broke down—he didn’t think four wolves were bluffing; he thought good humans were causing trouble.”

“In the end, we incited the villagers to lynch the real Seer during the day. Once he was banished, we had no more scruples. That night, we slaughtered every villager in the village.”

Will lifted his head proudly. It had been years since that “four wolves bluffing as Seers” battle, but every time he remembered it, he couldn’t help but feel proud of his wit and resolve. When it comes to brute strength, I’m no match for Wolf. But when it comes to strategy, he’s not even a tenth as good as me.

Will noticed Wolf galloping back, followed by seven riders. He kept his expression calm and continued to V, “What do you think of that battle?”

“The Wolf King is brave and cunning, bold in his decisions—truly a leader of the wolf clan! I’m in awe!”

Will laughed loudly. He knew the flattery wasn’t sincere, but it still sounded good.

Soon, Wolf reached them, followed by seven White Wolves. Each rode a white horse, wore silver armor, and had snow-white fur. Watt’s White Wolf Cavalry.

A White Wolf Cavalryman with three claw marks engraved on his chest plate rode forward. “I am Shentu, Captain of the White Wolf Cavalry. I’ve been sent by the White Wolf King to serve you, Lord Will.”

“It’s *Wolf King*.” Wolf said sharply. “And you should dismount and kneel.”

The seven White Wolf Cavalrymen ignored him, their faces expressionless.

The fact that they didn’t surround us with the entire cavalry is already a courtesy. Will waved a paw to signal Wolf to step back, then said, “I come as Black Wolf King and Lord of Wolfhold to meet the White Wolf King. Lead the way.”

“The White Wolf King and his warriors are camped by the Warm River in Winter Snow Valley. It’s my honor to escort you.” Shentu raised a paw, and the six other cavalrymen moved aside, flanking Will and his guards.

I’m not afraid of fighting White Wolves—I’m afraid of them self-detonating. Will glanced at V with a bitter smile. I’m a prisoner now too.

A gurgling stream appeared on the grasslands, and the party followed it. The frost faded, and the grass grew greener.

“What do you think of the White Wolf Clan?” Will asked V.

“The White Wolves?” V glanced at the cavalrymen flanking them, his voice cautious. “Their fur is beautiful… and they’re fierce in battle…”

“Beautiful fur? That’s a fair point.” Will laughed loudly, speaking deliberately loud enough for the escorting cavalrymen to hear. “But how do you know they’re fierce in battle?”

“The White Wolves… their self-detonation ability is terrifying…” V whispered.

Will was slightly surprised. That’s true. We Black Wolves can self-detonate too, but the White Wolves’ explosion is ten times more powerful. I didn’t think this kid knew that.

“You’re familiar with the White Wolf Clan? Have you fought them?”

V hung his head and fell silent again.

What is wrong with this guy? He always stops halfway! Will snapped, “Answer me! Or I’ll kill you right now!”