Chapter 47 Kaela Howler
Unlike other races, beastmen drew their power from totems—a mystical, ancestral force unique to each tribe. This Totem Power was a deep connection to their tribe's ancestral spirit animal or individual totem, like a wolf, bear, or eagle, allowing each beastman to draw strength, instincts, and abilities from this bond. The stronger a beastman's connection with their ancestral spirit, the more power they could extract, which in turn enhanced their physical abilities to formidable levels.
The beastmen hierarchy of strength was unique to their people, ranking from Novice to Legend:
Novice->Adept->Veteran->Elite->Master->Champion->Guardian->Warlord->Legend
In terms of raw physical strength, Kaela surpassed any of the knights present here. If Arthur were to fight her now, he was confident he'd win—not due to raw power but because of his technique. Despite her strength, Kaela had little formal training in battling human foes or countering swordsmanship and magic. Her mother had sent her to the Arcane Academy to learn these skills, to study the techniques of other races, and to properly harness her strength.
Arthur was still considering this when Kaela herself began walking toward him. Her posture was tense, her expression serious, and she was still smeared with blood from the boar. Lyra, standing by Arthur, immediately went on high alert, drawing her dagger and moving in front of him defensively.
Arthur laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder, giving her a calm smile. "Don't worry; she's not hostile."
Kaela stopped a few feet away and extended her hand, her expression blunt. "Give me money."
Arthur raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Pardon?"
"I want payment," Kaela replied flatly. "I saved you from that beast. So pay up."
Arthur blinked, then chuckled. "Is this… a shakedown?" Your next journey awaits at empire
Kaela's face remained serious as she answered, "No. It's only fair. I just saved you from that giant boar, so I deserve compensation."
Arthur shook his head with a faint smile. "We didn't ask for your help. Take a look around—do you really think I couldn't handle that boar? You just interrupted an interesting fight."
Kaela took in the scene around her: the dead bandits scattered across the ground, several capable knights standing nearby, and even Lyra, clearly strong. Arthur himself radiated an aura of power. Realizing they hadn't needed her help at all, her expression fell. She lowered her head, muttering, "I... I'm sorry," and turned to leave, shoulders drooped.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
"Wait," Arthur called out.
She stopped and turned, her face a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. "What?"
Arthur stepped forward, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a handful of gold coins, which he placed in her outstretched hand. Her stunned expression made him smile as he explained, "Even if we didn't need your help, you did jump in to handle some trouble. And... well, it looks like you could use the money."
Kaela's face lit up with gratitude. She gave a slight bow and said, "Thank you. Truly, thank you!"
Arthur tilted his head with a slight smile. "Since you got what you wanted, how about introducing yourself?"
"Oh! My apologies for the rudeness." Kaela cleared her throat, standing a bit straighter. "I am Kaela Howler, daughter of Morrika Howler, and heir to the Wolf Tribe."
Arthur nodded calmly, already aware of her identity, but the knights around him were visibly shocked. Morrika Howler was a warrior of legendary strength—meeting her daughter here was unexpected.
Arthur raised an eyebrow, amusement glinting in his eyes. "So, the daughter of a legendary warrior has been reduced to asking strangers for money? Has the Wolf Tribe fallen on such hard times that the heir has to offer… unsolicited services just to get by?"
Kaela stiffened, embarrassed. "It's not like that. I had money. I was on my way to the Arcane Academy, but a merchant conned me out of my travel funds. If I go on foot, I'll miss the entrance exam. That's why I was… trying to earn my travel fare." She clenched her fists, and a flash of frustration crossed her face. "It's my first time in human territory… I didn't think humans would try to cheat me."
Arthur chuckled, slightly embarrassed, exchanging knowing looks with the others. He knew all too well how treacherous a human could be for someone as inexperienced as her. "You're not wrong. Humans can be… well, geedy. But I promise, not all of us are like that."
"Still, humans are… devious," Kaela muttered, eyeing him doubtfully.
"Well," Arthur said, shrugging with a smile. "How about I make it up to you by giving you a lift?"
Kaela's eyes lit up. "Really?"
Arthur nodded. "We're headed to the Academy too. I'll be joining Arcane Academy myself, so we might even end up as classmates. How about you travel with us?"
Her face brightened, then fell as he pointed to her blood-streaked clothes.
"Not like that," he smirked.
Kaela glanced down, frowning in realization. "I… I don't have any other clothes."
Lily, who had joined them, asked, "You came without a change of clothes?"
Kaela scratched her neck, looking away awkwardly. "I... I heard the Academy provides uniforms, so..."
Arthur chuckled, snapping his fingers as he cast a quick "Clean" spell over her. Instantly, her clothes and skin were spotless.
Kaela's eyes widened in amazement. "Was that... magic? That's incredible!"
"Yes," Arthur replied, still amused. "You'll learn it soon enough at the Academy."
With Kaela now clean, Arthur turned back to his group. "Alright, let's get moving. We're already running late."
By then, the knights had gathered the bodies of the bandits and buried them.
Once everything was ready, the group climbed into the car, with Kaela joining them. She sat close to Arthur, her earlier embarrassment quickly fading as she excitedly chattered about her anticipation for the Academy. And with that, they set off on the next leg of their journey.
Just as Arthur settled in, Sol—who had been notably absent during the journey—chimed in with a new, rather perverted mission. But who was he to complain?
[Ding! New Mission]
[Mission: Tame the Wild Beauty]
[Reward: 40,000 EP; 20,000 FP; A new magic Aspect: Lava Magic; An unknown beast egg]
'Why are the rewards so... excessive?' Arthur asked Sol, confused by the unusually generous offerings.
[Well, it's simple!] Sol replied cheerily. [Until now, you've only been... well, shall we say, entertaining yourself with side characters. But Kaela? She's one of the main characters in this world. Naturally, the rewards for 'winning her over' are much higher!]