Spirit of the Wolf

The Untold Story

Contents:
I Born to Hate.......................................................................................................................................... 1
II Unshaken ............................................................................................................................................. 1
III Slayer of Zrazruhg ............................................................................................................................. 3
IV Heat of a Different Kind .................................................................................................................... 6
V Reason and Focus ................................................................................................................................ 7
VI The Aftermath .................................................................................................................................... 8

1

I Born to Hate
He didnt like this, not one bit. The lonesome mountain was hauntingly beautiful and
the air around it fresh, but given the circumstances which brought him there he couldnt
bring himself to enjoy or appreciate any of it. Not the overlook of the distant valleys, or the
feeling of snow pressing down under his every step. He didnt even take a moment to
acknowledge the flawless shine coming from the frozen mountain peak set against the clear
blue skies. He just marched on, still feeling resentful over the fact that he had to be there...
that he was ordered to be there.
His dark outfit made him stand out amongst the bright snow, and his long black
cape cleared his footprints as he walked through it. Overthinking, as he always did, the
young man dressed in black came to a conclusion that what he was doing was both right
and necessary. Yet, he couldnt help but feel irritated due to the fact that it was him who was
sent to do the task.
Did that anger made him selfish? His other troubles did seem small in comparison to
his current mission, but if he was to admit to it what would that make of his past decisions?
Hes been through this before. Different words for the same dilemma. Pondering over it
again only made him more frustrated. At times he truly felt like the only thing he was born
for was to hate. Still, though, he didnt wish it away. He was dedicated enough to learn how
to control that rage burning inside of him. He could direct it, use it. After all, he was the
Wolf.

II Unshaken
The task was simple. Difficult, but simple... Find the source, eliminate it and
hopefully survive the experience. Last on the list was not vital for missions success.
Wolf had no trouble finding tracks that led to his target. Thats partly the reason he
was chosen for the job. He was a fully trained hunter, only one on the team. Team he chose
to leave behind. The council never did order him to bring along others It was a risky
move. He didnt truly know what exactly waited him up there, yet he preferred doing things
on his own, even if it meant risking his life.
It was getting colder the higher he got, but he didnt mind. That is another reason
they turned to him with this task. Though his resistance to coldness had its boundaries,
those limits were far beyond those of other members. He took slight pride in that. It wasnt
something he worked or trained for, just something he was born with, something that
separated him from others.

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The peak wasnt as threatening as it at first appeared from bellow. In fact, it was
visibly reachable once he was clear of the half-frozen trees. Wolf quickly noticed a cave
entrance near the top. The edges around the opening gave off a crystal blue light. He made
his way towards the entrance but halfway to it a grey wolf approached him from the side,
moving with careful but powerful grace.
If Wolfs mask wasnt covering lower half of his face a smile forming across his lips
wouldve been visible. It wasnt a common sight. Still, he couldnt miss the irony of the
situation. Not a single person he knew couldve sneaked up on him like that.
The animal looked at the man and the man looked at the animal. They werent
measuring, but judging each other. They were looking at the soul... the spirit.
Animal seemed pleased, but when the man started walking again it quickly placed
itself on his path. The movement was so fast it caught the young man by surprise. That
made for another uncommon expression on his face.
He pulled his hood off, letting his hazel eyes reflect back the light of snow, but the
animal didnt care. It growled softly and showed its teeth.
There was a bow neatly compacted under the young mans cape, hidden on his back.
He couldve easily reached for it. He couldve thrown a knife at the animal just as easily, or
draw out his straight-bladed sword, cunningly concealed inside his black staff. But it was
not in his nature, nor in his moral code to kill. Not a creature with a soul.
Therefore he took out his staff. It didnt look more than a black pole, but with a
knowing twist it expanded on one of its ends and doubled in length. He was probably most
dangerous with staff in hands anyway. It was his primary weapon, his first choice. So when
the animal rushed at him he firmly stood his ground, unshaken.
As expected, grey wolf jumped with its fangs going for the neck. The attack young
man easily blocked and the animals jaws tightly gripped his staff. There was nothing he
could do to stop the claws digging at his chest, but his uniform kept them from drawing
blood long enough for him to redirect animals momentum and send it flying in the opposite
direction.
Grey wolf stumbled for a few meters before getting back on its feet. There were six
more wolves at its back. The man looked at the pack without a hint of shock or fear. Its no
secret wolves live in groups. Only a few choose the path of a lone wolf.
Many scenarios were going through his mind. What if they all attack him? How to
reach the nearest tree? Smartest way to use his cape against one of them? But they didnt
attack. They just looked at him as one, then slowly followed their leader back to the forest.
The leader he stood his ground against.

3


III Slayer of Zrazruhg
Once he was closer to the cave Wolf noticed a blue and silver glow coming from
within. Ice that reflected daylight seemed so clear, so pure. How could something like that
come from such evil and corruption?
Wolf popped out steel claws from palm of his left glove and dragged them across his
reflection on the ice. It barely left a mark, the icy wall was thicker than concrete. He turned
around and looked at the skies. Sunset wasnt due for another few hours. Shame, he
couldve enjoyed a nice view from such height. For all he knew, it could be his last. Still, he
decided against waiting. He would rather head in now than spend more time thinking about
it. Besides, if he remained still for too long the coldness would claim him, natural resistance
or not. So he went in.
The light bounced back and forth between crystallized walls of ice, illuminating his
path. The ground was also covered with frost and even though it was quite uneven and
somewhat simple to walk upon, Wolf popped spikes on bottom of his boots. They werent as
long or dangerous as the claw on his left glove, but they served its purpose and kept him
surefooted. Preparation is half the battle. A rule without hed be dead a dozen times over.
He didnt walk for long before the rays of daylight started to fade, yet a new source
of light appeared on the other end. It was constantly shifting, as if mirroring from an
unsteady surface of water. But everything was still, and cold. The light itself was the one
shifting.
Finding himself closer to the end of the tunnel Wolf noticed the crystal walls
gradually expanding. Wider and taller they spread, until finally they formed a shape not
unlike an interior of some great cathedral. Light wasnt just reflecting from the walls, it was
trapped inside them. Trapped and trying to escape. It made him feel like he was in Under
Realm instead of Earth.
Wolf entered the spacious cavern, walking tall and with confident step. There was a
throne placed at the far end of it. A throne with a king on it. What little doubt he carried
about what caused the uncanny climate change, it was gone now, for a demon was sitting
before him.
It was made out of ice, but unlike the vibrant and illuminating walls the creatures
body was blue and grim, with quite a few spikes sticking out menacingly. On his head,
where eyes should be, a dark line spread with black gas subtly radiating from it. The
creature also had something resembling a mouth, and when words came through it the

4

sound was hallow, and crispy. Like a twig of a tree catching on ice on winters coldest day,
then cracking.
A human Air became colder with demons each word. So weak, so fragile
Have you come here to beg for your worlds salvation?
At this point coldness began to grip at Wolfs bones, but when he separated the blade
from the rest of his compacted staff blood rushed through his veins. He pointed the end of
his sword towards the creature and gave it his most serious look under the shadows of his
black hood.
Aahhh, it sounded more like a strong wind than a voice, a brave hero! Edge of
demons mouth turned into a something resembling a mocking smile. Here to kill the
fearsome monster and bring peace to Earth!
It quickly stood up with its face suddenly terrible Foolish boy! I have not awakened
from my slumber to be made fun of! Not even my father could contain my wrath! Even he,
the mighty Zrazruhg, the bringer of ice age, fell before me! What chance does a poor human
have?!
As the creature furiously raged on Wolf examined the area. Considered his options
He found strange relief in the fact that the monster wasnt much taller than him. He also
wondered if the demon truly had a father, or was that simply how demons thought of their
predecessors.
I could end your miserable life faster than you can draw a breath, or better yet, I can
prolong the agony and make you feel each cell in your body freeze! But seeing how I have
time on my hands, Ill offer you a deal Demons love deals. Go back where you came
from and send back an army. Dont bring dozens, bring hundreds! It will make things more
interesting for me. And you? Well, you will have the luxury of false hope.
He could come up with some peculiar or intelligent comeback as a response, such
thing would naturally come to Nemo, but Wolf had always been lazy with words. Instead
he swiftly rushed the demon and jumped with sword pointing at creatures neck.
The attack was blocked of course, but even if it hadnt been it wouldnt make much
difference. Sharp blade of Wolfs chokuto sword could hardly harm the frost creature. Still,
he slashed at it, moving his sword with deadly precision all the while evading demons
counter attacks. Young man was faster and more skilled in combat than the demon, but it
wasnt enough to make him victorious.
Many blows were exchanged between the man and the demon, so many that the
battle seemed much longer than the few minutes it actually lasted. When Wolfs blade

5

finally shattered against the wintry enemy he took a few quick steps back. The demon was
left with fewer spikes on its body, but that didnt seem to matter much.
Exhausted yet, the demon teased with delight. It got a flying piece of the sword as
a response.
Hilt and what remained of the blade didnt do any damage but the demon couldnt
help but mock Wolf for the attempt.
No! How can I possible see now, it exclaimed while pressing disfigured hands
upon its face. Then it released a terrible laugh.
This little theatrical show worked in Wolfs advantage. His sword throw was never
meant to cause damage, it was just a distraction. Something to make sure there was enough
time for him to pull out his bow and prepare an arrow.
It was at times like these that Wolf was glad he carried the leg quiver all the time.
Sure it was extra weight and made certain things more difficult, but if it meant a chance for a
winning shot it more than balanced out such flaws. He made a quick tap at surface of the
quiver and rapidly picked up an arrow that emerged from its top.
Before the demon had a chance to look back up Wolf fired an arrow in its throat. The
creature looked at him with genuine amazement as the arrowhead burst and released fiery
acid. The liquid started to burn at demons throat, slowly working its way through thick ice
the creature had for a skin.
Wolf sent another trick arrow flying, but it froze in mid-air, hit the ground and
shattered. Demon pulled out the first arrow from its throat and the acid slowly stopped
burning before turning to ice as well.
This was bad. Wolf was hoping the chemical would last at least five more seconds.
He needed a new plan. He was fast at improvising, really fast. But right then, he wasnt fast
enough.
With a terrifying expression on its face, demon released a blast of cold air at Wolf. He
tried to run away from it but the demon easily commanded the wind to follow him. He
wanted to shoot out a grappling line at the ceiling and hopefully surprise his enemy from
above, but the grappling mechanism on his right glove stopped working. It was frozen. Just
like his quiver. Just like the edges of his cape, bottom of his boots Soon ice covered his
entire body. He was frozen, trapped. Just like the light in the walls.
He couldnt breathe, couldnt move. Everything was dark and all he felt was a sharp
pain of coldness.


6

IV Heat of a Different Kind
His consciousness remained, but he wouldnt have it for much longer. He would
either suffocate or freeze to death. Knowing there wasnt much time left Wolf didnt waste it
on panicking, though he couldnt help but waste it on hate.
He wasnt even supposed to be here. It was never part of his plan, it wasnt even his
decision. He had no choice in the matter. It was just something thrown upon him regardless
of his own situation. They ruined everything. Those around him always ruined everything.
Anger quickly turned into rage and his wrath made him forget about the coldness he
felt in his bones, felt around his insides. It wasnt enough though. He was going to die there.
Good thing he programmed his uniform to monitor his brainwaves. Once he really is gone, a
signal will travel back to Krus, and from his underground lair in the city another message
will be sent, one for Nemo and the Elite, notifying them where the demon is.
He was close to stopping the creature and he was just one member of the Order. The
Elite they will make short work of it. Probably wont even break a sweat. So in the long
run, the mission will be a success and world spared of a new ice age. Preparation is half the
battle, an important rule. And still, he could find no peace in it, he was still furious at
everything. The High Council, the Order... the world.
Now he will never finish what he started. Never see another sunset. Never again
stand atop his favourite rooftop in Krus. The one overlooking a certain window
Memories filled his thoughts. Important memories, dear memories... He had only a
few. I didnt even say goodbye
At that thought a heat of a different kind emerged within him. Anger and this new
wave of energy gave him strength. He wasnt going to surrender. Not now, not yet. He still
had unfinished business. I didnt even say goodbye! And hed be damned if some layer of ice
was about to stop him!
He directed all his remaining energy into one action, not for a moment letting go of
the memories which sustained him. Ice around his right hand began to crack as his fingers
moved and not a full second later surface on his upper body started to warm up. From sign
of the Order on his chest heat spread and soon ice around him began to melt. Then crack.
Then shatter.


7

V Reason and Focus
Demon stood there in sheer bafflement. By all his knowledge of human kind the man
standing before him shouldnt be able break free like that. He should be dead.
Wolf fell on his knees and placed his hands to the ground. He took deep breaths and
forced his inner energy to circle around vital organs before spreading it to the rest of his
body. The mask helped in a way that it warmed the air he took to his lungs. It also kept his
breathing regular. When he gathered his strength he lifted his head and gave the demon a
sharp look of pure defiance.
Working out of instinct, and maybe fear, the demon sent another blast of coldness. It
was different this time though, it was more like a ray than a wind, and Wolf stretched his
right arm to stop it from hitting him in the face.
Ice formed around Wolfs fist and forearm. He didnt even flinch. The frost demon
stopped only to once again observe the man, keenly this time, as if trying to see something
hidden beneath his skin. Recognising the time to strike, Wolf released a grunt that filtered
through his mask and came out as a subtle roar. He rushed the creature from his crouching
position. Anger provided him endurance, his thoughts reason and focus. Both gave him
strength.
Wolf smacked the demon using his hand layered with ice and to his surprise the
demon fell down. A crack formed on the side of its disfigured face. Of courseA plan
quickly formed in his mind.
He swiftly manipulated his inner energy and prepared to perform an open palm
strike with his free hand. He always favoured that move. It was powerful, direct and
perfected only by few. So, when the demon got back on its feet it was immediately pushed
far back, into a crystallised wall.
Not giving the monster a chance to recover Wolf pressed on it with his left arm and
unleashed a flurry of punches with his right. The room started to shake and deadly icicles
started to fall from above. The more he bashed the demon the more the room shook. Lethal
pieces of icy stalagmites were falling down all around them.
One could argue that it was luck that kept the falling spikes from killing the man.
One could say that the man was so outraged that he didnt even notice them falling. But as
likely as that seemed so, it wasnt true. If he chose any other place at which to pin down the
demon, he wouldve been dead by now. No, Wolf knew exactly what he was doing. It was
all part of the plan.
After dozens of hits the ice around his right arm finally shattered. He paused for a
moment to glance behind him. Perfect. The demon waved his fractured head not unlike a

8

drunken person would, standing on its feet only because Wolfs arm pressed its body hard
against the wall.
Wolf couldnt feel his right hand anymore, but he could move it. He gripped the
creature by its thick shoulder spikes and spun them both around. He popped out his claw
just to ensure his grip remains firm, then used all of his remaining strength to raise the
demon over his head and impale it on a large stalactite that fell from above. Sharp point of
the ice structure pierced through the demons chest and the creature released its last terrible
shout. The shaking stopped.
There was no blood coming from the lifeless sack of frost, just dark smokes that
slowly fell to the ground, dispersed in all directions and vanished. Wolf looked at what
remained of the creature. It didnt seem more than a peculiar formation of ice and snow.
Demons head was bashed with good part of its jaw missing, its chest was cracked all
around the large icicle and its eyes were emptied of blackness. It was just ice now. Nothing
more.
When Wolf felt air around his forehead getting warmer he decided to leave. Soon all
of this will melt down and the throne room will cave in. The job was done. The threat was
over.
By the time he got outside an hour still remained before the sunset. He shook snow
and ice off his cape and decided to wait for it. Soon the white layer of snow around him
became slushy and water was running down the mountain. After all, it was a middle of
summer. Once the sun met the distant lands enough snow dissolved to reveal a large stone
near him. He sat atop of it and enjoyed the view.
Guess Nemo isnt the only demon slayer on the team anymore, he couldnt suppress the
thought, yet he was aware that it held no value. He will not speak of it, not unless asked.
And he knew very well that no one in their right mind would come up with such a bizarre
question.
As far as he was concerned, events of this day will remain unsaid and no one would
speak of his heroic deeds. Of how a man singlehandedly defeated an ancient demon, using
nothing but strength of his spirit. No one will ever know. This will just become one of his
many untold tales.
He didnt mind. Not one bit.
VI The Aftermath
Wolf had to cross a long way back, and the battle didnt leave him unharmed.
Bruises and cuts didnt trouble him much, he was used to them. Minor frostbites were

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something new he could add to the list of acquired injuries. Still, he managed to force
himself to ignore it.
It was the high fever that was troubling him the most. It took him three full days to
find the proper forest roots and return steady temperature to his body. Until then, he had
illusions during the day and nightmares during the night. However, not even his darkest
dreams couldve possibly prepared him for what awaited him back home.