BLOOD & SIGILS

Chapter 29: The Hunter's Trial

The dense canopy of the Western Veyrin Woods loomed overhead, casting jagged shadows across the forest floor. Kael exhaled slowly, adjusting his grip on the hilt of his sword. His heartbeat thrummed with anticipation.

This was his first solo test.

No Elira. No instructors. Just him, his magic, and the prey waiting somewhere in the darkness.

[Quest: The Hunter's Trial]

Target: Crimson Fang Wolf (Rank: Low Knight)

Objective: Defeat the beast to prove control over your magic.

Rewards: Rune Evolution Unlocked, Arcane Sigil Level Up, ???

The forest was unnervingly silent. No chirping birds. No rustling leaves.

A predator's domain.

Kael crouched low, his Crimson Sigil faintly flickering in his palm. Unlike before, when his runes burned wildly, this time he had control—the sigil pulsed steady, restrained.

He inhaled, steadying himself, and reached out with his senses.

There.

A faint growl—low, guttural, and filled with menace.

Kael's red eyes snapped to the source. A dark blur slinked between the trees, fangs glinting under the dim light. The Crimson Fang Wolf was larger than he expected—easily twice his size, its fur crackling with faint embers.

It was already aware of him. Hunting him.

Kael tightened his stance.

Then, the beast lunged.

A Test of Control

The wolf moved like a flash of fire, claws tearing through the dirt.

Kael reacted instantly—his Crimson Sigil flared, and a defensive rune ignited just as the wolf's claws raked forward.

A burst of force sent the beast skidding back.

But the wolf was relentless. It recovered instantly, circling, eyes gleaming with raw hunger.

Kael didn't wait. He moved.

His fingers traced a second rune mid-dash—his Arcane Sigil flared as a binding glyph formed beneath the wolf's feet.

The beast staggered.

Kael saw his chance. His blade flashed—

But before he could land the finishing blow, the wolf snapped its fangs forward, red mana igniting its maw.

Crimson Fang Strike.

Kael barely had time to react as the fire-coated fangs lunged for his throat.

Breakthrough

Time slowed.

In that moment of danger, something shifted within him.

A pulse from his Arcane Sigil.

A new sensation—a memory of the last rune he cast.

A voice echoed in his mind:

[New Ability Unlocked: Rune Echo.]

Kael's eyes widened. He instinctively activated it.

The binding glyph reappeared instantly—without him needing to redraw it.

The wolf's legs locked in place once more, its attack cut short.

Kael didn't waste the opportunity.

With a sharp breath, he channeled his mana, carving a Crimson Sigil into the air. His control held firm as the rune ignited—lancing forward like a burning spear.

The strike pierced the beast's chest.

A final, shuddering growl—then silence.

System Notification

[You have slain the Crimson Fang Wolf.]

[Arcane Sigil progression detected.]

[New Ability Unlocked: Rune Echo.]

[Basic Stats Increased.]

Strength +1

Agility +1

Mana Control +2

Arcane Sigil Level Up

Kael stood there, panting, his heart pounding in his chest.

He clenched his fists, feeling the new surge of power coursing through him.

For the first time, he felt like he was truly advancing.

A smirk tugged at his lips.

This was only the beginning.