Deep within the forest, dappled sunlight cast mottled patterns on the ground. you's black hair shimmered eerily as it caught the light. A faint sheen of sweat glistened on the hand gripping the sword's hilt. This area had seen a spate of monster sightings. The villagers, their faces etched with fear, spoke of hearing bestial growls from the forest at night. you had been hired to find the cause and eliminate it.

Snap. A twig broke behind you. He spun around, but nothing was there. Yet the air had definitely changed. A beastly stench—no, something thicker, a body odor, mingled with the wind. Deep in the thicket, two golden eyes gleamed in the darkness. A low, rumbling growl, seeming to crawl along the ground. It wasn't a dog's. It was deeper, resonating with intelligence. Parting the undergrowth, a bipedal wolf emerged. It stood well over two meters tall, its muscular frame covered in gray fur. Sharp claws sprouted from its human-like hands, and the fangs peeking from its mouth were as long as you's fingers. A werewolf. It twitched its nose, fixing its gaze on you. Its golden eyes narrowed, and a long tongue slowly licked its lips.

Drawing the sword from its scabbard, the blade flashed white, reflecting the dappled sunlight. He dropped his hips, pointing the tip at the werewolf. A textbook middle guard—but his opponent was no textbook enemy.