Progenitor's Burden

Despite slow progress, Sinclair and the two wolves finally came to the next natural opening in the fissure. The opening looked like a section of rock had fallen away on one side and there was just rubble covering the floor over half of it. Large boulders were scattered about. And inside there were… Sinclair fought the urge to retch.

Name: Myrkr spawn

Race: Mutated Horse

Level: 33

Health: 1600

Description: Once noble creatures of grace, these Myrkr Spawn have been grotesquely altered. They stand significantly taller than any natural horse, with their once sleek coats now a mottled and rough texture, akin to bark. Their eyes, once soft and expressive, have turned an unnerving shade of red, glowing ominously. The most striking alteration is in their once-beautiful hooves, which have evolved into wickedly sharp, claw-like appendages, capable of rending stone and flesh alike. Sinewy and muscular, these creatures exude an aura of malevolent strength and agility. Their movements are silent, belying their increased mass and size. On their flanks and shoulders, strange, rune-like markings pulse with a sinister energy, hinting at the dark magic that has corrupted them.

If Sinclair thought the mutated puffins were grotesque, the sight of these once majestic horses was profoundly disturbing. Their hooves had grotesquely evolved into three razor-sharp claws. Slimmer than any horse he had seen prior, they had an emaciated appearance, their bodies stripped of their healthy muscle. The once flowing manes and tails, hallmarks of equine beauty, were now replaced by rigid bone ridges snaking down their necks, culminating in a scorpion-like stinger instead of a tail.

The trio retreated just out of visual range to confer. Utilizing their mental link, they exchanged observations. "I saw three. You?"

Chewy reported hearing the movements of two more on the left side, where the terrain remained relatively flat. Leia sensed the presence of one creature on her side, but her acute hearing suggested another might be lurking, poised in ambush.

"Attacking on these uneven rocks is too risky. We'd be vulnerable to injuries and potential ambushes. Let's use the cave entrance as a tactical hardpoint," Sinclair suggested thoughtfully. He knew the importance of terrain in combat, and this narrow entrance offered a valuable advantage. It would be their best chance to control the fight and prevent being overwhelmed by the enemy's numbers.

Chewy, displaying a blend of bravery and tactical acumen, volunteered for the risky task of luring the enemies. "I'll head out and create a distraction on the left. There's a route I can take that should keep me hidden while drawing their attention," he proposed confidently.

Sinclair nodded in agreement, though his concern for Chewy's safety was evident. "Be cautious, Chewy. Just enough noise to attract a few, not the entire group. Lead them back to this tunnel, and we'll set up an ambush just inside, away from their line of sight."

As Chewy prepared to venture out, Sinclair and Leia took positions deeper in the tunnel, hidden in the shadows. The plan was set, and the tension was palpable as they awaited Chewy's return with the lured enemies. The success of their strategy hinged on precision and timing, and Sinclair knew that every decision now could mean the difference between victory and catastrophe.

Nodding in acknowledgment, Chewy silently maneuvered out of the tunnel, deftly hugging the left wall. His movements were calculated and stealthy, always ensuring that the rocky boulders shielded him from the view of the mutated creatures.

Reaching the last concealing boulder, Chewy cautiously peered around its edge, locking his gaze on the two deformed animals. He began to scratch subtly at the rocks, trying to draw their attention. Initially, his efforts went unnoticed, but intensifying the scratching noise finally piqued their curiosity. The creatures, alerted by the sound, turned towards it, only to catch a glimpse of Chewy's fur as he swiftly retreated around the corner. Intrigued, they pursued the fleeting sight of the wolf, unwittingly walking straight towards their doom.

Inside the tunnel, Sinclair and Leia remained motionless, waiting in the shadows with bated breath. The moment Chewy dashed past them into the safety of the tunnel, Sinclair readied himself for the impending confrontation. The two monstrous animals lumbered around the corner, their massive forms almost completely blocking the tunnel's entrance. This was the moment they had been waiting for, with the enemies perfectly positioned for their ambush. Sinclair and Leia exchanged a brief, silent nod.

As the two mutated horses failed to detect the ambush, Sinclair seized the opportunity. He executed Focused Charge with precision, rapidly closing the distance between him and the creatures. Gripping his great ax with both hands, he swung it with immense strength. The blade met the neck of the nearest horse, nearly decapitating it in a single, powerful stroke.

The second horse, realising its mistake, attempted to flee, but Sinclair was quick to respond. He slashed at its hamstrings, immobilizing it. Chewy and Leia promptly joined the fray, finishing off the wounded creature with a ferocious attack.

The trio paused momentarily, ears perked and senses heightened, listening for any indication that their skirmish had attracted attention. The quiet reassured them, and Sinclair felt a sense of satisfaction at a job done well.

"OK, that worked remarkably well," Sinclair communicated through their mental link, as he began considering the next move. "The next group is either the three in the middle or the one, possibly two on the right. Any preference?"

Leia was quick to volunteer, displaying a playful rivalry with her brother. "It is my turn. My fool of a brother does not get all the fun," she joked, giving Chewy a mock disdainful sniff before moving towards the cave entrance.

Meanwhile, Sinclair quickly looted then dragged the carcasses of their recent adversaries further back into the tunnel, ensuring they didn't obstruct their path.

As Sinclair braced himself, Leia's warning echoed in his mind: "There are more than three in the center. I counted five when I had to leave the area. All of them are coming."

Tightening his grip on the ax, Sinclair prepared for an onslaught. The narrow confines of the tunnel were both a blessing and a curse; while they restricted the mutated animals' ability to flank him, they also limited his own maneuverability. His strategy hinged on using the longer ax to maintain distance and to keep the creatures' dangerous stingers at bay.

Moments later, the tunnel became congested with the incoming mutated animals—far more than the five Leia had informed him of. Looks like they picked up some more on their way over.

Poised for battle, Sinclair instructed Chewy and Leia to target the monsters from below while he focused on striking their faces and necks. He initiated the fight with a powerful surge of his Cleave, the red glow of the skill briefly causing hesitation among the advancing creatures. This momentary pause was all he needed to close the gap.

Sinclair's attack enveloped the narrow space of the tunnel. The red light, arcing at about four feet off the ground, swiftly decapitated the first two monsters. They staggered forward, only to collapse against the tunnel wall. As he moved onto the next pair, Sinclair activated Rage of the Berserkir, feeling a surge of energy coursing through him. The following monsters met a brutal end, one managing a bite on him, but his armor absorbed most of the impact.

Throughout the melee, Chewy and Leia tirelessly snapped and nipped at any monster that attempted to bypass Sinclair or attack from behind. By the end of the skirmish, the trio emerged on the other side, drenched in the gruesome remnants of their foes. Sinclair, coated in a mix of slime, blood, and other unsavory substances, lamented the state of his attire. Though his gambeson remained spotless, the rest of him was a mess, leaving him to hope that his friends might acquire some water-based magic to aid in their clean-up efforts.

You have leveled up!

As you are an Ulfhednar, you receive the following stat increases automatically:

+ 5 Strength

+ 3 Agility

+ 4 Constitution

+ 3 Intelligence

+ 4 Willpower

+ 5 Endurance

As you are an Ulfhednar, you receive four free points to spend on the stats of your choice.

To level up, please assign your points.

Sinclair felt his stamina topping back off as they commenced their exploration of the cavern ahead. He assigned Chewy and Leia to reconnoiter the sides while he maintained a central path. In the distance, another opening in the wall was visible, leading further downwards.

As they continued their descent, the temperature noticeably increased, hinting at the presence of magma. Given the labyrinthine twists and steep decline of their route, Sinclair estimated they were now very deep underground, as they navigated through the geological remnants of the volcano.

Approaching cautiously, Sinclair observed a booted foot protruding around the next bend. With his weapon at the ready, he swiftly moved forward, only to discover two deceased humans slumped against each other. The absence of visible wounds made the cause of death unclear, compelling Sinclair to consider retrieving their bodies for proper burial later. The corridor beyond was strewn with more bodies, a macabre mix of local wildlife and domestic animals.

Navigating the ghastly hallway with Chewy and Leia, Sinclair was overwhelmed by the pungent stench of decay. The scene fueled a growing fury within him, a deep-seated anger at the invasion of his planet by such malevolent forces.

Reaching the next opening, they were greeted by the eerie glow of reddish lights in the distance. Peering into what appeared to be a pit, Sinclair's eyes locked onto a grotesque figure. It resembled a Minotaur but with unnerving modifications: an additional set of arms, a towering height of nine feet, and glowing red eyes that pierced the gloom. Steeling himself, Sinclair used his Valkyrie's Gaze skill on the creature, bracing for the unwelcome confirmation of its identity.

Name: Myrkr

Race: Mutated Minotaur

Level: 45

Health: 2800

Description: This aberration, a corrupted version of the mythical Minotaur, stands at an imposing height of nine feet. The Myrkr has undergone a grotesque transformation, now boasting an extra pair of muscular arms, each ending in razor-sharp claws. Its once bovine features are now nightmarishly distorted, with a snarling, elongated face and piercing, blood-red eyes that exude a sense of malevolence. The creature's once-noble stature is twisted, its body covered in matted, dark fur, and its horns now curl inwards, resembling barbed spears. The Myrkr emanates an aura of raw, uncontrolled power and a predatory intelligence, making it a formidable foe.

Sinclair watched intently as the grotesque scene before him unfolded. Several mutated puffins, their forms twisted and enlarged, hauled the lifeless bodies of various animals towards the central figure dominating the cavern—the Myrkr. The corrupted Minotaur, standing sentinel within a depression filled with a viscous, murky sludge, methodically submerged each new offering, even ensuring the muck infiltrated the mouths of the dead, saturating them thoroughly. Sinclair surmised this ghastly ritual was the process by which these animals were transformed into monstrous minions. Given the limited number of such creatures present, he guessed the mutation process was time-consuming; otherwise, Iceland would have been overrun by now.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Noticing only a few of the smaller mutated puffins in the vicinity, Sinclair led Chewy and Leia back, distancing themselves until the sinister red glow from the Myrkr's eyes was just a faint speck. Utilizing their efficient pack link for communication, he formulated a swift and decisive plan. "You two handle the smaller puffins quickly while I engage the Myrkr. Once you've dealt with them, regroup with me. I'll draw mine out of the pit and expose its back to you for a hamstring attack."

Leia's gaze remained fixed on the distant tunnel entrance, her unease palpable. "There's something unsettling about that place," she said, unable to shake the feeling of being under surveillance despite the absence of any visible threat.

Sinclair understood her concern. "It's likely a mix of our weariness, the harrowing journey we've endured, and the peril we now face," he suggested. "Such feelings could be our mind's way of signaling the inherent danger of this place. Yet, when I scanned the area, I found no sign of additional threats."

Leia, without further comment, acknowledged Sinclair's assessment with a nod and positioned herself beside him. Her tone was serious as she addressed them, "Are we all prepared? We must be swift and lethal in our actions. But, please, be careful. I don't want to lose either of you."

Chewy and Leia, with a gentle nudge against Sinclair's leg, commenced their stealthy trek back down the corridor. Pausing momentarily before their final advance, they surveyed the expanse one last time. Shrouded in darkness, the ceiling's height remained merely theoretical, the reaching gloom contributing to the cavern's ominous atmosphere. Gracefully and silently, the pair glided across the ground, intent on their prey, the trio of mutated puffins.

Simultaneously, Sinclair executed a bold maneuver towards the pit's edge, amassing energy for a powerful Cleave. With a fluid, overhead swing, he unleashed the attack on the Minotaur, hoping to lure it out of the revolting pit. His strategy, though born of necessity, was calculated; even the marginally less vile terrain outside the pit offered a tactical advantage, or so he hoped.

Reacting precisely as Sinclair had anticipated, the Minotaur staggered under the force of the blow, instinctively shielding its head and neck to avoid fatal injury. Its response, a deep, resounding bellow, was reminiscent of an amplified cow's moo. Pivoting to face Sinclair, it hefted two massive, stone clubs — each nearly matching Sinclair in size. Recognizing the imminent danger, Sinclair wisely retreated, bracing for the next phase of this intense confrontation.

Sinclair formulated a strategy to outmaneuver the Minotaur, banking on its apparent lack of cunning and thus assumedly a reliance on brute force. His plan was to flank the creature swiftly, aiming to divert its attention and exploit its slower reactions. He dashed past the Minotaur, landing quick, agile strikes on its legs and abdomen, then swiftly repositioned himself to avoid its lumbering counterattacks. Each pass revealed that while his strikes were precise, they lacked the depth required to inflict significant damage. It was clear to him that a more forceful approach was necessary.

Recalling the technique he employed when first mastering Focused Charge, Sinclair decided to experiment with a similar concept but with an escalated intensity. He channeled mana into his limbs, feeling the energy accumulate with increasing fervor. As he activated Focused Charge, directing the mana surge into his legs, he simultaneously concentrated additional mana into his arms. The energy built to a crescendo, and with a burst of heightened strength, he executed his strike. The ax, imbued with this amplified force, descended towards the Minotaur with unprecedented power.

Sinclair, battered but undeterred, observed as one of the Minotaur's arms was severed, flying through the air. His maneuver, however, had drained a significant portion of his mana, and his system notifications were pinging incessantly, demanding his attention. He had no time to spare for them.

The Minotaur, enraged and wounded, spun around, swinging its remaining club with deadly precision. The weapon connected with Sinclair's shoulder, the force of the blow sending him spinning to the ground. His ears rang with the Minotaur's furious roars. He struggled to his feet, pain searing through his body, and saw the beast now on its knees, wildly swatting at the air around it.

Chewy and Leia had executed the plan flawlessly. They moved with fluid grace, each wolf darting in and out, biting, clawing, distracting the Minotaur in a relentless dance of attack and retreat.

Gritting his teeth against the pain, Sinclair forced himself to stand upright, squaring his shoulders as he refocused on the Minotaur. Determination fueled him as he began to channel mana once more into his ax, legs, and arms, preparing to let rip with a synchronized assault.

Eyes narrowed and lips curled into a snarl, Sinclair prepared for a final assault on the Minotaur. He initiated his Focused Charge, rapidly closing the distance between himself and the formidable foe.

Unleashing the power stored in his arms, Sinclair simultaneously executed a Cleave, the effort resonating in his fierce battle cry. The red light sliced through the air, carving a clean path through the beast. As Sinclair landed on the opposite side, the Minotaur's growls and screams faded into silence, its massive form collapsed to the ground, defeated.

Turning around, Sinclair's heart soared at the sight before him. His companions, Chewy and Leia, were safe, the monstrous adversary lay vanquished, and the path forward in their quest remained open.

However, the moment of triumph was short-lived. From the shadows of the cave, meters above and previously unseen, another Myrkr descended. Its trajectory was unmistakably targeted towards Leia, leaving scant time for reaction.

Sinclair's heart thundered in his chest, a drumbeat of determination and fury. The pain and heat radiating from his chest transformed into an inferno of raw, primal rage. Leia, his companion, was more than just a team member to him; she was a beacon of kindness and compassion, a gentle, caring spirit who already felt like family. The looming threat of the Myrkr, a predator poised to claim her, ignited a fierce protectiveness in Sinclair. She was part of his pack, his family, and he would defend her with every fiber of his being.

In a desperate bid to intercept the attack, Sinclair executed Focused Charge, positioning himself as a shield between Leia and the looming danger. A rapid mental command urged Leia to flee, and she responded instantly, her form blurring into motion.

His intervention was just in time to deflect the assault away from her.

However, the cost of his bravery was a direct hit to himself. The Myrkr's scythe-like blade, sharp and merciless, pierced his chest, pinning him to the unforgiving ground. Agony and shock coursed through his body, but his spirit remained unbroken. He writhed and roared in defiance, refusing to succumb to the overpowering force. Blood gushed from the grievous wound, yet Sinclair fought back with every ounce of his strength, struggling against the monstrous appendage, determined to break free from its lethal grasp.

A guttural, mocking laugh escaped the Myrkr as it loomed over Sinclair, its voice a grating symphony of malice.

"Pitiful," it sneered, its tone dripping with disdain. "Is this the best the so-called Wolf Lord can muster? Flailing like an insect caught in a web?"

Sinclair growled through gritted teeth, his rage boiling beneath the surface.

"You struggle, yet you achieve nothing," the Myrkr continued, twisting its bladelike appendage slightly to elicit another grunt of pain from its pinned opponent. "Does it hurt, little lord? Does it burn, knowing your strength means nothing?"

Sinclair's eyes burned with fury, his growl deepening. The taunts only fueled the fire inside him, pushing his pain into the background as his focus sharpened.

The creature leaned in closer, its grotesque features inches from Sinclair's face. "You should have stayed in the shadows, wolf cub. Your bravery is wasted here. This world will fall, just as you are falling now."

Sinclair spat a glob of blood and saliva at the Myrkr's face, earning a hiss of irritation. "Keep talking," Sinclair snarled, his voice a hoarse growl. "I've heard worse from bigger monsters than you."

The Myrkr chuckled darkly. "Bigger? Perhaps. But stronger? No. You will see. Your pathetic companions will fall next, and I—"

Sinclair's frustration mounted as the Myrkr detached its bladelike appendage with a sickening squelch, leaving him gasping for air. The creature began a slow, menacing advance toward Chewy and Leia, its predatory movements deliberate and confident.

"Look at them," the Myrkr taunted, gesturing toward the wolves with a clawed hand. "They've grown, yes. But against me? They are nothing more than pups."

Sinclair watched helplessly as his companions, despite their recent leaps in strength and skill, cautiously retreated, carefully guarding each other's flanks. They growled, their hackles raised, ready to defend their friend with everything they had.

"Run, little pets," the Myrkr jeered. "Or stay and die alongside your master. It makes no difference to me."

Sinclair's body trembled with rage and pain, his mind racing as he fought against the darkness threatening to overtake him. His hand clenched around the hilt of his ax, the metallic taste of blood on his tongue as he drew in a ragged breath. He wasn't done yet. Not by a long shot.

In the brief moments of his struggle to free himself, Sinclair's analytical mind raced. He scrutinized the Myrkr, searching for any weakness, any chink in its armor that could be exploited. His eyes darted over the creature, assessing its movements and form, desperate to find a way to turn the tide of this dire confrontation.

Name: Mutated Human Captain

Race: Myrkr

Level: Unavailable

Health: 3200

Description: The Myrkr Captain, once a human, now stands as a grotesque testament to the horrific transformations inflicted by the Myrkr influence. Towering and imposing, this entity exudes an aura of malevolence and authority. Its once human features are twisted, with newly elongated limbs now ending in lethal scythe-like appendages. The skin is a pallid, sickly grey and stretches taut over an unnaturally muscular frame. Eyes, now a piercing, unnatural red, glow with a malevolent intelligence, reflecting a mind that has not only retained its human cunning but has been sharpened into something far more sinister. The Myrkr Captain's presence is an unsettling blend of the familiar and the monstrous, a reminder of the human it once was, and the terrifying creature it has become.

As Sinclair's resolve crystallized, he unleashed a primal roar that reverberated through the cavernous space. In a swift, agonizing transformation, his form underwent a dramatic metamorphosis. His facial features contorted, extending into a wolf-like snout bristling with razor-sharp fangs. Muscles rippled and swelled beneath his skin, enhancing his strength and speed exponentially. His human eyes gave way to a pair of piercing yellow orbs, glowing with an untamed ferocity.

The transformation was a spectacle of raw power, his body now a fusion of man and wolf, demonstrating the predatory grace and formidable presence of a fearsome beast. This was the Visage of the Wolf, showing his unwavering determination and unyielding spirit.

The Myrkr Captain, for the first time, experienced a sense of trepidation. Its eyes, once filled with malevolent confidence, now widened in alarm at the sight of Sinclair's transformation. It could sense the shift in the air, the tangible aura of a predator who refused to be preyed upon. It knew these creatures on an instinctual level, despite never having faced the original Wolf Lords. In its bones, it knew.

Sinclair's howl, a deep and guttural cry, filled the cavern, echoing off the walls as he declared his defiance. With the power of the wolf coursing through his veins, he charged at the Myrkr Captain. Each movement was a blur of speed and power, closing the gap between them with astonishing swiftness.

The Myrkr Captain, taken aback by this sudden display of ferocity, began to retreat. It realized, perhaps too late, that it had underestimated the ferocity of its adversary. Sinclair, now operating in a harmonious blend of human intelligence and wolf-like savagery, pursued the creature like a relentless, unstoppable force.

Sinclair, closed in on the Myrkr Captain with unrelenting determination. His movements were fluid and brutal. The Myrkr, now a broken shadow of its former menace, desperately sought a way out, its attempts to negotiate for its life falling on deaf ears. Sinclair's eyes glowed with an intense golden hue; waves of heat radiated from his fiercely beating heart, creating a visible distortion in the air around him.

The Myrkr Captain, broken arm hanging uselessly at its side, attempted to create distance between itself and the terrifying opponent it now faced. However, Chewy and Leia, fully recovered, tactically flanked the creature, limiting its movements and sealing off any potential escape routes.

In a flash of speed, Sinclair lunged forward, seizing the moment as the Myrkr Captain glanced backward in a futile search for an exit. The Myrkr's desperate attempts to escape only served to fuel Sinclair's bloodlust, as he closed in for the final confrontation. The Myrkr, cornered and outmatched, faced its inevitable fate.

Sinclair seized the arms of the Myrkr Captain and wrenched the creature's limbs apart, causing both arms to pop and strain under the intense pressure until they lost all functionality. He intensified his assault, reaching forward to grasp the monster's grotesque face. His snarls and screams echoed in the cavern as he stretched the creature's jaws beyond their limits, muscles and joints tearing and popping under the strain.

In a final act of wild ferocity, Sinclair tore the bottom jaw of the Myrkr Captain free. With a scream, he used the dislodged jaw as a weapon, thrusting it through the creature's eye sockets, ending its existence.

Releasing his grip, Sinclair stood tall, roaring a bestial cry of victory into the cavernous void, his two boon companions at his side, standing united.

Sinclair methodically began the task of disposing of the bodies, determined to ensure the creatures were laid to rest. He gathered together the bodies, whether intact or in pieces,and hurled every last vestige of the monsters into the nearby magma. Muscle, bone, and skin were incinerated, turning to ash in the searing temperatures.

For over two hours, Sinclair tirelessly worked to purge the area, his actions meticulous. In a practical move, he carved a channel in the rock, directing the flow of magma towards the conversion pool.

After looting the last of the creatures in the room and burning their corpses, Sinclair turned his attention towards the cave's entrance. His mind was preoccupied with the numerous notifications awaiting his review. Additionally, he bore the somber responsibility of retrieving the bodies of the two humans, intending to bring them back to the surface for a proper return to their families.

Sinclair discovered that his storage space could accommodate the bodies, saving him the physical burden of carrying them out. Opting for a more efficient exit, he accelerated his pace, maintaining a speed that didn't excessively drain his stamina. As he moved swiftly through the caverns, his thoughts drifted, a welcome distraction from the grim reality of the pit and the tragic fate of the two individuals he was returning to the surface.

The journey back to the entrance, instead of taking several hours, was completed in just over one. Emerging from the depths, Sinclair was greeted by the first rays of the sun cresting the horizon. The sight felt almost surreal after the extended period of darkness underground. He had been in the cavern for what seemed like an eternity, yet, upon checking his interface, only 16 hours had passed since his arrival.

Logging onto the Universal Market, he purchased a cheap, basic sledgehammer. Using it, he swung at several of the largest visible boulders. He felled as much stone into the entrance as he could, making sure no one could wiggle in, entombing the horrors of below away from humanity once again.. Exhausted, he stored the tool and headed back up the ramp.

Sinclair made his way towards the road, his steps leading him around to the previously occupied parking area. The early morning tranquility enveloped him; no signs of life stirred, and the road remained devoid of any vehicles. In the quietude of dawn, he respectfully accessed his inventory, gently laying out the two bodies on the grass near the entrance. He arranged them with care, striving to provide them some semblance of dignity in their final rest.

With a heavy heart and a wish that he could have done more, Sinclair turned to his quest log. He selected the option to Finish Quest, and in an instant, he and his companions were enveloped in a soft, shimmering light. The teleportation whisked them away, returning them to the comfort of home.