The Wolf Queen’s Secret

Lin Shenyue entered the cave, only to find a world of its own within. Though it appeared unassuming from the outside, its vast interior created a peculiar sense of disparity.

The cave was brightly lit, with unusual crystals radiating a soft glow that permeated every corner.

Frangondo, observing the scene, remarked with a hint of surprise: “These are Light Energy Demon Crystals, the very items our Divine Realm residents use for daily illumination.”

“How could there be so many here? And since when did wolf packs learn to utilize such things?”

Lin Shenyue had only just learned the name ‘Light Energy Demon Crystals.’ Though intrigued by the wolves’ apparent use of human technology, she knew this was not the time for such contemplation.

She immediately urged, “Let’s pick up the pace. The sooner we uncover the cause, the better. We can leave the matter of the Light Energy Demon Crystals for the City Lord to worry about once our mission is complete.”

Frangondo slapped his forehead. “You’re right,” he conceded. “Let’s move quickly.”

Lin Shenyue walked behind Frangondo, silently observing her surroundings. Though quite large, the cave did not appear to be very deep.

Soon, they spotted a massive cavern resembling a grand hall. Piles of clean, comfortable kindling were spread across the floor, upon which a wolf lay. Something seemed to be hidden behind it.

Frangondo glanced at it. “This wolf appears to be protecting something. I have a strong feeling this is the very reason for the pack’s dispersion.”

Lin Shenyue looked from afar but could discern nothing. The cavern was bright, and there were no obstacles, making a stealthy approach impossible. Their only option was to charge in.

Calculating all possibilities, Lin Shenyue suddenly considered a new one. She saw Frangondo about to rush out and quickly pulled him back, hiding behind a rock.

Frangondo looked at her, puzzled. Lin Shenyue explained, “I believe there’s a strong possibility that the female wolf has given birth, prompting the Alpha to order strict vigilance and expand the search area.”

“We’ve only seen one wolf, which is likely the mother. We need to determine the male wolf’s location to ensure we have ample time to deal with the female.”

Frangondo pondered her words, agreeing that Lin Shenyue’s reasoning was sound. Even if her deduction proved wrong, it would only cost them a little time.

For them, safely completing the mission was paramount, requiring cautious action.

Lin Shenyue and Frangondo waited patiently. Indeed, it wasn’t long before the male wolf returned. It entered the cave, confirmed everything was safe, circled a few times, licked the female wolf, and then departed.

Lin Shenyue signaled Frangondo to act. They didn’t need to calculate how long the male wolf would be gone.

Even if they knew, it wouldn’t be enough time if they couldn’t defeat the female wolf within that period. If they could defeat her, they simply needed to move quickly.

Upon seeing Lin Shenyue’s signal, Frangondo immediately activated Charge and rushed towards the female wolf.

Simultaneously, Lin Shenyue checked the female wolf’s attributes. Being within a special dungeon allowed her to view monster stats as if in the新手村 (Newbie Village), so she smoothly obtained the female wolf’s current status.

Wolf Queen (Gold-tier BOSS) Level: 15. HP: 15000/70000. Physical Attack: 350-390. (The Wolf Queen is currently in a weakened state, with significantly reduced HP and defense, and half her normal attack power.)

Lin Shenyue’s mouth twitched upon seeing this. This was a BOSS in a weakened state; if it were at full strength, they likely wouldn’t stand a chance.

At this moment, Frangondo had already engaged the Wolf Queen. Due to her weakened state and significantly reduced attack power, there was no need to worry about losing health with Lin Shenyue’s healing.

Upon seeing Frangondo appear, the Wolf Queen straightened, emitting threatening growls. Yet, even as she fought Frangondo, she refused to leave her spot.

Lin Shenyue’s gaze fell behind the Wolf Queen, where two newborn wolf pups were faintly visible. ‘So, she’s protecting her recently born pups, which is why she’s in a weakened state?’ Lin Shenyue murmured.

The Wolf Queen attacked Frangondo with frantic urgency. As she refused to abandon her position, Frangondo found it easy to strike her. In just five short minutes, her health was critically low.

Just as the Wolf Queen was about to fall, she let out a mournful howl, a loud cry that instantly echoed out of the cave.

Lin Shenyue’s expression shifted. “Finish this quickly! Do you have a way to return to the city?”

Frangondo sped up his attacks, tossing a scroll to Lin Shenyue. “This is a City Return Scroll, but it requires five uninterrupted seconds to successfully return.”

Lin Shenyue caught the scroll, then cast another healing spell on Frangondo. Finally, the Wolf Queen collapsed under Frangondo’s assault.

Frangondo scooped up the two small pups and placed them in Lin Shenyue’s arms. “Miss Yue’er, please return to the city first. Help me deliver these two pups to the City Lord; he will know what to do.”

Lin Shenyue paused slightly. “What about you?”

Frangondo chuckled. “There’s only one City Return Scroll, and I need to buy you time.” Hearing the howls already coming from outside the cave, he urged, “Please hurry, or neither of us will escape.”

Lin Shenyue gritted her teeth, then fiercely tore the City Return Scroll. If she died, the mission would end immediately, leaving her no choice but to return alone.

Frangondo smiled with relief, his sword in hand as he walked towards the cave entrance.

Lin Shenyue’s eyes were red rimmed as she watched Frangondo take a blow from the Wolf King that cost him nearly 800 health, yet he did not retreat. After holding out for three seconds, Frangondo fell. He glanced at Lin Shenyue, saw she was on the verge of teleportation, smiled in relief, and closed his eyes.

As Lin Shenyue watched Frangondo collapse and the Wolf King charge in, furiously pouncing towards her, she completed her return to the city, leaving the Wolf King to mourn sorrowfully in the empty cave.

Upon her return, Lin Shenyue surveyed her surroundings, finding herself back in the familiar temple. The Vermilion Bird watched her silently.

“You could have saved him, couldn’t you?” Lin Shenyue demanded angrily, a faint note of accusation in her tone.

The priest, hearing Lin Shenyue’s words, involuntarily trembled. He had never witnessed anyone dare to question their Lord Vermilion Bird.

The Vermilion Bird shook their head. “I cannot interfere with anything within that place. It is a special secret realm set by the Creator God. I could only send you in; I cannot influence your actions.”

“Is that so?” Lin Shenyue asked, her voice laced with disappointment.

The Vermilion Bird sighed, seeing Lin Shenyue’s dejected expression. “Yue’er, you needn’t grieve. He fulfilled his mission. Even in death, he bore no resentment.”

Lin Shenyue forced a smile. Even though it was a game, her days spent immersed within it, disconnected from the outside world, and with NPCs who felt truly alive and emotional, had led her to regard them as real people. She had never expected to witness an NPC fall before her.

The Vermilion Bird looked at Lin Shenyue, sighing, understanding that Lin Shenyue needed time to process this herself. They then concluded, “Trial participant Yue’er, trial time: 43 minutes. Trial rating: S. Trial passed. Reward: Angel’s Heart professional set. Due to an S rating and highest difficulty, the reward set includes three Gold-tier items and two Silver-tier items.” Having spoken, they waved a hand, and Lin Shenyue received a system notification.

The Vermilion Bird smiled faintly, observing Lin Shenyue’s gradually recovering spirits. “I must depart. I wish to tell you this: the Four Divine Beasts’ bloodline is not as simple as it seems. If you develop it, it will yield terrifying effects.”

Lin Shenyue pursed her red lips, softly humming in acknowledgment. “When can I see you again?”

The Vermilion Bird thought for a moment. “The path ahead is yours to walk alone. We shall meet again when you have ascended to the very pinnacle of this world.”

Lin Shenyue, a hint of disappointment in her voice, finally bade farewell to the Vermilion Bird. “Thank you for your guidance. I hope we can meet again soon.”

The Vermilion Bird nodded, then vanished from the hall.