NOVEL NEXT Corrupted Aura
Chapter 60 Corrupted Aura
"The reason is simple. My pack and I see an opportunity to increase our innate power. If you empower us with your dark and corrupted aura, our nature will be able to cleanse the corruption within the aura and use it like energy to strengthen ourselves. It would undoubtedly improve our proficiency and understanding of our power," explained the wolf leader.
Lucia found a part of the wolf's explanation puzzling but then recalled the strange aura she had seen around herself, realizing that that was what the wolf was referring to. She now understood why the wolf wanted to become her subordinate. However, Lucia did not believe she needed anyone other than Aleshia to accompany her. Then, a simple thought struck her: 'If these wolves become mine, then I could ride them to find a village even faster.' With that idea in mind, she was on the verge of announcing her acceptance but had a change of heart. Instead, she uttered something that sparked greater interest.
"I want to assess your abilities before I accept you and your pack as my subordinates. Would you mind demonstrating your strength through mock combat?" Upon receiving the request, the wolf leader consented to the terms and let out a resounding, commanding howl to call forth the other four groups of wolves, strategically concealing themselves within the thick underbrush. The howl prompted the wolves to emerge from hiding. They moved with vigilance and caution as they approached their leader.
Lucia was surprised by the sudden emergence of fifteen more wolves. She put her guard up, intending to fight. However, when the wolves sat neatly before the wolf leader, she lessened her guard slightly. The wolf leader noticed the discomfort and began speaking. "Alright, listen here, all of you. We are to demonstrate our abilities to the witch hat beside me. If we capture its interest, the witch hat will allow us to become its subordinates, and in doing so, it will let us become stronger than we have ever been before."
Some of the wolves in the audience attempted to question why they needed to gain the interest of the witch's hat, but they failed to do so because the excited howls of the other wolves masked their voices. The other wolves were eager for some excitement after the period of mourning. Once things had settled, the gathering dispersed, and the wolves established a training ground to showcase their powers in practice. After being set up, four human-shaped dummies made of dirt and grass stood. Another area was enclosed with compacted soil to create a small barrier wall for the wolves' arena.