The Lost Guild: Beginning

Chapter 2: A Howling Encounter

I jolt awake, clutching my head where a dull ache pulses under my fingers. As I sit up, still gathering my senses, Max's frantic voice pierces the haze: "Adam, wake up—we're under attack!" His words hit me, and I spring to my feet, nearly stumbling as cramps grip my legs from our questionable sleeping arrangements. I scan our small encampment, my eyes locking onto two massive wolves covered in grey and white fur with their piercing red eyes glinting with hunger.
Nearby, I spot a makeshift spear by the campfire and grab it tightly. Max is managing to hold them off with small, marble-sized fireballs from his hands, buying us time, but I see how the wolves are barely singed, closing in with every second. Given our low level, I know Max can't keep this up for long. Determined, I position myself with the spear in a two-handed thrust, ready to charge. The wolves notice my movement, pulling back, and eye me as a potential new meal. Without a second thought, I quickly position my self between Max and the wolves, glancing back at him. "I'll try to hold them off," I shout. "Get ready to blast them with something bigger if you can!"
Max nods, lowering his hands, determination flashing in his eyes. "I've got about half my mana left. I'll try something, just... don't die." I turn back to the wolves as one crouches, muscles coiling in preparation to lunge. Realizing that my meager skills won't cut it, I activate Blood Rush with abandon. Instantly, my heart pounds like a war drum, my grip on the spear tightens with a crack, and the corners of my vision tint a dangerous red.
The first wolf launches itself at my head. I duck instinctively, thrusting the spear where I think it'll land—but misjudge the wolf's momentum. My spear hits only air as the wolf soars over, landing behind me. Before I can react, a crushing weight clamps down on my left leg. Horror floods me as I glance down to see the second wolf, its teeth sinking into my leg, blood staining my pants. Panic grips me, but then I feel a second, heavier pressure on my left arm. Shifting my focus, I see the first wolf locked onto my arm, its jaws clenched with unyielding force.
With my arms and legs immobile, using a spear is basically impossible and so I drop it. Strangely, fear doesn't take hold—only anger, raw and unfiltered, fills my mind. I grab onto that fury, feeling it pulse through me like fire. My vision goes fully red, and heat courses through my body. With a primal scream, I lift my right leg into the air and bring it crashing to the ground, shaking the wolf off my leg. As the dust clears, the wolf on my arm also lets go and dashes back. Consumed by rage, I give it no thought; instead, I clench my fists and start pounding the downed wolf with unrelenting fury.
After a few brutal seconds, the rage begins to fade. Blood and broken teeth cover my hands as I lift them, and I'm finally able to think clearly again. I glance toward the other wolf, but before I can move, my legs give out, sending me to my knees. I try to stand, but my body refuses, a list of notifications flashing in my vision:

"50 Stamina consumed by Blood Rush,"
"10 Stamina consumed by Blood Rush,"
"10 Stamina consumed by Blood Rush,"
"Blood Rush leveled up to 4."

Opening my status page, I check to see my bars:

Stamina: 1/70
Health: 20/70
Mana: 60/60

My stamina is drained, and the aftermath has clearly taken its toll on my body. Blood streams from my wounds where the wolves latched on, the skin torn and muscles shredded, yet they hadn't bitten down to the bone. Odd... A wolf's bite should have broken my bones and I feel very little pain for the damage done. Maybe Blood Rush numbed the pain, sparing me the worst.
My gaze falls on the nearly-dead wolf in front of me, its skull shattered and blood seeping through the fur. Did I do that? But before I can think further, a low growl comes from behind. I turn, only to see the other wolf's fangs inches from my face. I shut my eyes, bracing for the end—but a fierce shout pierces the air.
"Not today, bastard!" Max's voice rings out as intense heat blazes past my head. Opening my eyes, I see the wolf lying lifeless a few feet away, its body charred and smoldering. In disbelief, I turn to find Max collapsed on the ground, unconscious, steam still rising from his hands.
As I start to make sense of what just happened, a notification flashes before my eyes: