Being a Summoner on our Evolved Earth

Arrogance (29)

Shortly after sunrise when the rain ended, Lucia's group was about to start out to the wolf den when the old wolf suddenly felt a strange sensation and froze. Lucia observed as the mana from nature suddenly started to rush into the wolf's body until it seemed to reach max capacity. 

"What just happened?" The old wolf asked with confusion.

"I believe mana entered your body just now. You now should have enough mana to evolve to tier one, you just need to awaken to an element. I've not actually witnessed the evolution of a normal creature to a magic one. I'm not sure what effects it will have on everything around you." Lucia explained her thoughts.

"I see, I should at least check in with the pack so they don't worry." The old wolf thought. "I also need to bring back food for the pups." 

"I can share the meat from the deer to see if the meat from a tier one creature has any effect after I skin the hide off it." Lucia offered.

"That... I won't be polite then." The old wolf knew the pups really needed food soon so he didn't bother declining. So they silently continued traveling deeper into the forest.

Lucia got to watch first hand the arrogance of the herbivores. Rabbits didn't bother to run as they walked past,  Squirrels jumped on the wolf, and even mice scurried around their feet. Of course they left Lucia and Aegis alone. Aegis cold chill that held a feeling of death caused all creatures to avoid him; and Lucia who was guarded closely by him was also avoided. An undead in the forest was a new creature that the herbivores felt was dangerous and didn't want to risk getting close to since it's aura was unnerving. Almost all of them recognized Lucia as a human and knew that humans would hunt both herbivores and carnivores, but that they can also be very kind and offer food for free. As time went on, more creatures gathered to gawk at the unusual group traveling peacefully through the forest. 

"Where are the light and life deer? Normally they would have taught this group a lesson by now right?" One of the sparrows chirped from a tree.

"I haven't seen them since yesterday. They went to investigate a weird sound." Replied a squirrel. 

"What's that white fur creature?" A rabbit asked.

"Why is the human not passing out food yet?" Asked another squirrel.

"Maybe the scary guy won't let her pass out food." Suggested a small deer.

"Where are they going?" Asked a weasel. 

"I think they are going to the wolf den." Answered a robin. "They are following that old wolf from the looks of it."

"Are they going to eat the wolves?" Asked the rabbit.

"Surely they're not going to help the wolves right?" The small deer started to shake in fear.

"Hey white fur, what are you guys doing here?" A squirrel who was courageous hopped on the wolf's back and asked.

Aegis pointed a finger at the squirrel and a sharp ice needle slowly manifested, floating above his hand. The squirrel was scared for a moment but remembered something and threatened, "If you kill me then the bosses of the forest will come and kill you!"

Lucia glanced at the arrogant squirrel, "You'd still be dead, and they'd realize that we aren't enemies they are capable of fighting." 

Aegis shot the ice needle at an angle that wouldn't hurt the wolf and soon the squirrel fell down to the ground completely frozen. That scene spooked the other animals as they all fled in a panic. It wasn't much longer till they reached the wolf den which was a few small dens dug under some large oak trees. The wolves were happy to see the elder wolf return, but sad that he didn't have food. Then they were scared when Lucia and Aegis appeared behind him.

"Elder, why did you bring these threats here?" The strongest looking wolf of the pack stepped forward and asked.

"They have the ability to control similar power as the herbivore leaders and have offered to help us learn to wield the same power." The elder explained as calmly as he could, but couldn't help a hint of excitement. The dozen wolves in the den started talking amongst themselves in disbelief.

"Before that, I believe we need to give food and treatment to your pups, they are in bad shape." Lucia said as she brought out the life deer's body and her hand made skinning knife to start skinning. The wolves recognized the scent on the body and gasped in shock and joy.

"You killed the life deer? What about the light deer, it will come here for revenge!" The strong wolf looked panicked.

"I killed it too. Both deer are dead." Lucia responded while cutting the hide. There was a moment of silence before howls and cheering erupted. 

"The bullies are dead! We can have a moment of peace!"

"Does this mean we can learn magic from them?"

"Does eating them give us their power?" 

"How did you hunt them?"

"I do not currently know how to awaken the ability to use mana in you guys, so we'll be running some tests. I have started a test on the elder wolf and he has mana in him, but no element to use it with. The next way to test is to have you eat the meat of a creature who could use mana." Lucia explained.

"Why are  you helping us?" The strong wolf questioned suspiciously.

"I want the forest to be in balance. If all carnivores are being suppressed by the herbivores, then they won't have a reason to get stronger and you will likely die out or get close to extinction. Which means the humans who have an advantage in hunting and will not have to worry about threats and grow out of control again. I don't wish for humanity to grow to be the only dominant species again. I also don't wish for insects to become a dominant species. Therefore I need you carnivores to become strong so that you are able to push the cycle of life back on track." Lucia explained patiently.

"Aren't you human?" The strong wolf asked.

"Yes, but I have no strong ties to being human. Human's have gotten too complicated and arrogant. They teach the young in a way that would make them easy to control and manipulate by those who have reputation and influence. The leaders in the past were weak physically, but good with words and led many people to death or near death. Laws in some places caused us to be punished for protecting ourselves in our own homes when bad people break in. They expect us to be lambs waiting for slaughter. It's stupid! They're selfish and mean and narrow minded!" Lucia started ranting as she stabbed into the meat of the corpse in frustration while talking. "So what if technology was great? All it was used for was controlling us and making us into a tireless workforce where a majority could barely afford to live let alone enjoy those great technological advancements!" 

Lucia threw a chunk of meat in front of the strong wolf as she tried to calm herself down with deep breaths. "Give that to the pups. Then when they are fed bring all the wolves together so I can heal your injuries and diseases."

"You..." The strong wolf was in disbelief. "Are you really capable of healing injuries and diseases for all of us?"

"If you don't believe me then just wait till everyone's gathered together and you'll see for yourself. I am currently the strongest free healer on the planet until proven otherwise." Lucia said and continued removing the hide off the deer. 

Aegis stood behind Lucia protectively and said, "Our master is a very generous person to those who don't cross her. As long as you do not betray her, you will only benefit."