The Werewolf, still clutching the wine bottle after the heavy blow, stared at Steel Fang with no trace of fear in his eyes.
"Give me the wine!" Steel Fang bellowed.
"No!" the Werewolf answered.
SLAP!
Steel Fang slapped the Werewolf's face again. "Give me the wine!"
"No!"
SLAP!
"Give it to me!"
"No!"
Steel Fang kept hitting the Werewolf, his sharp claws leaving trails of blood on the Werewolf's cheeks.
The beaten Werewolf endured Steel Fang's attacks, protecting the wine bottle with his hands and body. Anyone not in his position and predicament would have found it hard to understand such persistence.
He constantly glared at Steel Fang, baring his fangs and growling low.
The pack also grew agitated at this moment.
Steel Fang's assault on the Werewolf continued.
Then, at a certain moment, the accumulated resentment finally caused the long-suffering Werewolf to snap.
He violently pushed Steel Fang away, rolled the wine bottle into a clump of grass, then flung himself at Steel Fang with all his might, knocking him to the ground.
The counterattack represented a declaration of war against Steel Fang and a challenge to his status; naturally, the fighting involved more than just slaps.
The two Werewolves used their sharp fangs and claws, fighting like beasts with every means at their disposal. They tumbled on the ground, fur flying and red blood splattering as they fought.
The battle made the pack even more agitated, and they howled around the fighting Werewolves.
Their expressions were frenzied with excitement.
But the Great Werewolf was, after all, a tier above the other Werewolf. Going hungry for a day and a night had not diminished Steel Fang's strength by much.
After an initial burst of fury, the Werewolf was soon suppressed by Steel Fang. His shoulder was a bloody, mangled mess from a bite, and his body was covered in shocking wounds.
Yet, Steel Fang showed no sign of stopping his attack.
The Werewolf's unexpected defiance had taken him by surprise, making him finally realize the changes within the pack.
He had to reestablish his authority quickly and kill the Werewolf who opposed him. Otherwise... otherwise...
Steel Fang punched the Werewolf to the ground and then looked outside the prison at Yan Xing.
He finally understood the purpose behind everything the human Lord had done. If he did not quickly suppress the restless pack, he would be torn to shreds by them.
Steel Fang, covered in blood, bared his teeth at Yan Xing in a threatening display, as if to say, "Your cunning plan has failed."
Steel Fang turned back, walked over to the fallen Werewolf, seized his head, and then howled at the pack.
Just as Steel Fang was about to break the Werewolf's neck, two other Werewolves suddenly charged at him.
Steel Fang was knocked down by the two Werewolves, and an even fiercer battle erupted inside the prison.
The Werewolf who had nearly been killed, drenched in blood, staggered to his feet. His face bore three claw marks so deep the bone was visible, one of which had torn his right eye apart.
The pain, and his hatred for Steel Fang, made him throw back his head and howl at the sky.
As if in response, a flail fell from the sky, landing right at his feet.
The enraged Werewolf didn't hesitate. He picked up the flail and joined the fight against Steel Fang.
Powerful as the Great Werewolf was, he could not face three Werewolves alone, especially since these three were the strongest in the pack, and one of them was now armed.
The trio's assault overwhelmed Steel Fang. His flesh was torn, and his bones were crushed by the iron striking-head of the flail.
The prison filled with Steel Fang's agonized howls, while the other Werewolves, in that instant, all fell silent.
They stood around the site of the battle, watching silently as Steel Fang drew his last breath.
Steel Fang died just like that, collapsing into a crumpled heap, his blood staining a large patch of ground red.
Yan Xing, who was waiting outside the prison gate, waved his hand and ordered, "Open the gate."
The prison gate opened. The three Werewolves who had killed Steel Fang walked out and knelt before Yan Xing.
The one-eyed Werewolf presented the flail with both hands. It was Yan Xing's God-given Weapon—the Werewolf Flail.
Yan Xing took the Werewolf Flail from the one-eyed Werewolf's hands and called out to the other Werewolves still hesitating inside the prison, "The gate is open! What are you waiting for?"
The remaining Werewolves immediately walked out of the prison and, following the three leaders, knelt before Yan Xing.
[Nine Werewolves greatly admire you and wish to join your army. Do you agree?]
Finally, they've submitted!
Yan Xing decisively chose to agree.
With the addition of nine Werewolves at this time, the combat strength of the entire territory would definitely be raised a notch. At the very least, he now had a squad capable of leaving the protection of the defensive walls for small-scale counterattacks.
[You have gained the loyalty of nine Werewolves.]
[You have gained 900 Experience.]
[You have gained 90 Reputation.]
[One of your Werewolves has advanced to a Second Order Elite Unit—the Howler.]
Yan Xing opened his Lord System to check the strength of his new Werewolf troop.
Werewolf (First Order unit of the Swamp Tribe; a basic unit of the Werewolf kin from the Swamp Faction. Can be upgraded to the Great Werewolf, a Second Order combat unit, or to the Howler, a Second Order Elite Unit.)
Attack: 3
Defense: 5
Damage: 3
Health: 6
Talent: Endurance
Howler (Second Order Elite Unit of the Swamp Tribe)
Attack: 4
Defense: 6
Damage: 3
Health: 6
Talent: Endurance, Bloodthirsty War Howl (briefly enhances the Werewolves' combat strength.)
Comparing the strength of Werewolves with other races' units of the same order, it wasn't yet clear where they stood. But judging by their attributes alone, they were quite formidable warriors.
They were significantly stronger than human First Order Peasants, at the very least.
Never mind that Yan Xing currently had dozens of Peasants; in a fight, they would be no match for these nine Werewolves.
Not to mention, among them was a newly advanced Second Order Elite Howler.
The Howler was the one-eyed Werewolf who had first challenged Steel Fang and ultimately killed him with the help of his comrades.
According to the description of the Howler, Werewolves were not originally a Swamp Tribe race; they had separated from an Orc Tribe and later joined the Swamp Tribe.
Although Werewolves had now assimilated into the swamp environment, due to their bloodline, some could still awaken the Orc Race's howling battle techniques.
Such Werewolves became the Second Order Elite Howlers.
Upon advancing to a Howler, the one-eyed Werewolf had undergone significant changes. His physique grew more robust, his torso taking on an inverted triangular shape, granting him greatly enhanced upper-limb strength.
His appearance finally began to resemble the werewolves depicted in movies and television shows.
"What is your name?" Yan Xing asked. He stood before the one-eyed Werewolf and realized that even kneeling on one knee, the Howler was scarcely shorter than him.
"Reporting to my Lord, in the Werewolf Tribe, only advanced warriors are entitled to a name," the one-eyed Werewolf replied, his head bowed to avoid looking directly at Yan Xing, a clear sign of his submission.
Yan Xing said, "You are now a Second Order Howler, so you are entitled to a resonant name. From this day forward, your name shall be Olaf."
Olaf, deeply moved at being bestowed a name, kowtowed in gratitude. "Thank you, My Lord, for granting me this name! I shall cherish it as my highest honor and defend it with my life!"
"I will remember your vow, and I too consider you a warrior who holds honor above all else. This weapon is not suitable for me; it needs a master like you..." Yan Xing placed the Werewolf Flail back into Olaf's hands. "I hereby appoint you supreme commander of my Werewolf troop. This flail represents the authority I grant you."