Chapter 403 Chapter401-Another Challenger Approaches
Despite the Specter Forest Wolf's deep-seated hatred for Ethan, it found itself utterly powerless against him.
The gulf in strength between the wolf and Ethan was simply too vast.
Even with its intense loathing, the wolf was incapable of posing any real threat to Ethan.
At this moment, the Specter Forest Wolf glared at Ethan with burning fury, yet it was engulfed in a sense of helplessness.
The rage within seemed to be consuming it from the inside.
Ethan, fully aware of the wolf's deep animosity and its inability to act on it, couldn't help but let out a chuckle.
"You thought you could have me for breakfast? It seems more like I could have you instead. I won't be taking you lightly this time," he said, though unsure whether the wolf could comprehend his words.
However, Ethan was certain that the wolf understood the mockery in his tone.
The Specter Forest Wolf, now visibly seething with uncontrollable anger, lunged at Ethan once more.
This time, it was evident that the wolf's previous collisions had taken a toll on it.
Its attack lacked the ferocity and sharpness of its earlier assaults.
The diminished vigor in this strike alone was enough for Ethan to realize that the Specter Forest Wolf had sustained serious injuries.
Previously, even at its full strength, the wolf was no match for Ethan.
Now, bearing such grievous wounds, it posed even less of a threat.
As the wolf charged towards him, Ethan barely paid it any heed, only casually lifting his hand as the wolf approached.
With an effortless gesture, he struck the Specter Forest Wolf, sending it tumbling to the ground.
However, the wolf, driven by its relentless spirit, quickly scrambled to its feet and launched another attack at Ethan.
This time, Ethan was caught off guard.
He had assumed that after being struck down by his blow, the Specter Forest Wolf would be incapacitated for a while, especially given the extent of its injuries.
The idea that the wolf could rise so quickly after another powerful hit seemed highly unlikely to him, so he was unprepared for such a possibility.
But in this instance, Ethan miscalculated, underestimating the terrifying potential unleashed by the wolf's rage.
When the Specter Forest Wolf suddenly sprang up and launched another attack, Ethan was completely unready.
Fortunately, his reflexes were quick, and he managed to turn and evade the wolf's assault in the nick of time.
Although Ethan dodged the attack, the close call served as a stark reminder of the dangers of complacency in battle.
It underscored the crucial lesson that one should never let their guard down, no matter how weak the opponent might seem in comparison.
The old adage "better safe than sorry" resonated deeply with Ethan in that moment.
This encounter, which initially appeared to be a gross mismatch in terms of strength, had almost turned perilous due to his carelessness.
It was a wakeup call for Ethan, a reminder to remain vigilant in future battles, regardless of the perceived strength of his opponents.
After its failed attack, the Specter Forest Wolf once again whirled around and pounced towards Ethan.
This time, Ethan furrowed his brow, a lethal intent towards the Specter Forest Wolf forming in his mind.
Initially, Ethan had harbored a somewhat playful attitude towards the Specter Forest Wolf, lacking any real intent to kill.
He understood that as a carnivorous wild animal, hunting was an instinct and nature for the wolf.
Even though the wolf had come with the intention of making a meal out of Ethan, he didn't take it personally, recognizing it as a normal behavior in the wild.
Previously, Ethan's maneuvers against the wolf were non-lethal, more teasing than deadly.
However, this time, his patience had worn thin.
Seeing the wolf's relentless attacks, all aimed at taking his life, Ethan decided it was time to end this.
When the Specter Forest Wolf launched another attack, Ethan responded with a powerful kick.
This kick was delivered with full force, a stark contrast to his earlier controlled attacks.
The impact was immense; as Ethan's foot connected with the wolf, it coughed up blood and fell to the ground, motionless.
It was a fatal blow.
Ethan looked at the lifeless body of the Specter Forest Wolf, then turned his attention away, only to hear a rustle from a nearby location.
Could it be another Specter Forest Wolf approaching?
He recalled that earlier, he had sensed two entities moving towards him.
It seemed that the second creature had now arrived.
This time, however, Ethan was uncertain about the nature of the approaching creature.
Previously, he had considered the possibility of two Specter Forest Wolves converging on his location, but he had since dismissed that thought.
At first, the creature was too distant for Ethan to discern its size; he could only sense its approach.
But now, as the entity drew nearer, Ethan could feel that it was something significantly larger than the Specter Forest Wolf.
The size of the approaching being was impressive enough to put Ethan on high alert.
Not knowing the identity of the creature, yet aware of its formidable size, Ethan couldn't help but exercise caution.
Moreover, his recent encounter with the Specter Forest Wolf had reinforced the importance of not underestimating any situation.
So, Ethan approached this new encounter with heightened vigilance.
Soon, the creature revealed itself, and Ethan was taken aback.
It was an animal he had seen before, one he was quite familiar with – the very same unnamed creature he had previously encountered and let go.
Ethan hadn't expected this creature to appear at this moment.
He wondered if it had sensed his presence and come to prey on him. But upon reflection, Ethan thought it unlikely.
If this creature could sense his presence, it surely must have been aware of the Specter Forest Wolf as well, knowing that another predator was on the hunt.
In the Shadow Forest, the Specter Forest Wolf was a top-tier predator, and it was highly unlikely that any creature would dare challenge it for prey unless it had a death wish.
So, why would this creature come here? Ethan couldn't fathom the reason.
At that moment, Ethan noticed the unnamed creature glancing at the lifeless body of the Specter Forest Wolf on the ground.
Then, to his surprise, it lowered its head and approached him, its actions reminiscent of a puppy seeking its owner's affection.
It seemed devoid of any malice, which greatly astonished Ethan.
He extended his hand and gently stroked the creature's head.
The animal responded by nuzzling into Ethan's hand, its demeanor endearing and utterly charming.
This unexpected display of affection and intelligence from the massive creature Ethan had once saved intrigued and delighted him, fostering a newfound fondness for the beast.
It was only then that Ethan pieced together why the creature had returned to this spot.
Upon arriving, its first action was to inspect the corpse of the Specter Forest Wolf.
Realizing that the wolf was dead, it then approached Ethan.
Clearly, the animal had been aware of the Specter Forest Wolf's presence and had also sensed Ethan nearby.
Animals often possess a sensitivity far surpassing that of humans, so it was evident that the creature knew its life-saver was in the vicinity.
It must have also detected the approach of the Specter Forest Wolf and, understanding the danger Ethan faced, hurried to his aid.
The realization of this touched Ethan deeply.
He knew that the Specter Forest Wolf's strength was almost unmatched in the Shadow Forest.
Though large, this creature was likely no match for the wolf.
Yet, upon sensing that Ethan was in peril from the wolf, it had unhesitatingly come to his rescue.
This selfless act of bravery and loyalty from the creature moved Ethan profoundly.
In the brutal world of wild beasts, confrontations are often a matter of life and death.
The creature's willingness to rescue Ethan from the clutches of the Specter Forest Wolf meant it had recklessly disregarded its own safety, a rare and remarkable act of selflessness.
After ensuring Ethan was unharmed and spending a brief moment of affectionate interaction with him, the creature eventually departed.
Ethan, too, resumed his journey.
He hadn't walked much farther when he noticed the gradual disappearance of the trees around him, the solid ground beneath his feet giving way to increasingly muddy terrain.
Ethan realized that he had now entered a swamp area.
The journey ahead promised to be fraught with danger; swamps were treacherous, and a slip could lead to grave consequences.
Thus, Ethan proceeded with utmost caution, fully aware of the perils that lay ahead.
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