Chapter 40: Job Effect? Jackpot!
These days, he rarely spotted any wolves. After seeing them early on, the only monster he'd encountered in large numbers was minotaurs. Wolves truly lived up to their pack reputation—ten of them burst from the forest.
But... something was off about these ones. A pack this size should have charged to attack, yet they looked utterly terrified. Especially when their eyes met his.
"What the...? Why are they reacting like that just from eye contact?"
He was just a level 35 noob lord. Were they seriously scared of him? Sure, if he put his mind to it, he could take them all on. Why? Because he had his invincible lighter.
"They kinda look like Siberian Huskies, don't they?"
Mention Siberian Huskies, and some folks might think "wolf dogs." He wasn't sure where the term came from, but their wolfish looks made sense. Funny thing: genetically, the Jindo dog was supposedly closest to wolves, yet no one saw them that way. This was probably the image people had in mind.
The wolves had poked just out of the forest edge and frozen. Among them stood one with the darkest fur, its demeanor screaming "pack leader." But on closer inspection, it looked weirdly off.
Name: Island Gray Wolf Leader (Level 20, Serious Injury)
Leader of the gray wolves living on the island. Unlike other island wolves, it lives in a pack and leads it. Currently suffers a severe injury from a minotaur.
"No way?"
His territory was littered with dead minotaurs. Minotaur blood was splattered everywhere. And this leader wolf had taken a serious hit from one.
Chased out by minotaurs, they emerge to find the air thick with the scent of those terrifying beasts' blood? Canines weren't dumb. They'd weighed their options: the minotaur chasing them from behind, or this blood-soaked territory?
"Caught between a rock and a hard place."
Like fleeing a predator into a pit lined with spikes. That had to be their vibe right now.
He approached cautiously. Hoya didn't stop him, so no real danger. The leader was level 20, but the rest matched gray orcs—high for wolves, but not elite.
Kiiing, kiiing.
As he drew near, they whimpered. He spoke calmly.
"Sit!"
Animals would get it, thanks to his Animal Affinity. And they did—plopping down right there. Impressive they understood "sit," but whatever.
"Karak."
Krak?
"Fetch Uwing."
Uwing was their sole healer. She could probably fix the leader. Plus, he'd never seen her intermediate Heal in action—curiosity piqued.
While Karak went for Uwing, he neared the leader wolf. It panted, approaching to lick his outstretched hand. Bad breath aside, this submission felt great.
"Let's see... From now on, you're Mungchi. Sound good?"
Woof woof! A yes.
He could understand it.
Will you tame the Gray Wolf Leader Mungchi?
The system agreed. "Tame."
Mungchi has been temporarily tamed.
Invest time and effort to fully tame.
The message felt slightly different, but same idea—no biggie. He stroked Mungchi's head; it leaned in blissfully.
Legend had it modern dogs started from tamed wolves—wild ones giving up freedom. They looked and sized different, but still. Today, he bought into it. These were his dogs now.
Korok korok! Uwing arrived.
"Heal this one."
Korok! No arguments—she got right to it. Mana gathered on her, softly enveloping the wounds. It stanched bleeding, sprouted new flesh. Mesmerizing to watch.
He stared, entranced. Then—
Heal (Active) Level 3 skill realized.
Not "learned," but "realized." Different vibe, starting at level 3. Probably from observing Uwing's intermediate heal. Or his high Intelligence and Spirit let him track mana flow precisely at level 35.
At level 35, with spare points and natural gains, he'd aimed for round tens on Strength, Agility, Stamina—but couldn't boost Str/Agi, so Stamina hit 80. Rest to Intelligence (120) and Spirit.
That sparked this. And maybe his combat job Seeker of Truth. Its message: "Acts of seeking truth register as skills more easily." Seemed underwhelming then—jackpot now.
"Uwing, tend the others now."
Korok! She moved on; he decided to heal Mungchi himself.
"Heal!"
Shouting the name felt lame, but alone—cool pose. Except Hoya.
Nyaah. Nope.
No more shouting. Didn't matter. Heal flowed from his fingertips. Mana drained, regenerating Mungchi's tissues—visible. No pain; Mungchi relaxed into it.
"Jackpot!"
Real magic, unlike iffy Fire Control.
"Look, I do swordplay, archery, magic, Heal—impressed?"
Finished, he boasted to Hoya. Response? Pfft! Paw over mouth, laughing.
What'd he miss? Sword, bow, magic, heal, crafting—he did it all.
Game term? "Jack-of-all-trades!" Or "trash build."
He plopped down. But... reconsidering, not bad.
"Hey, this rocks?"
Solo attacker, healer, crafter. Perfect for his one-man island. Weak spots? Skill mastery would fix. Just raise 'em right.
"Heh! Jealous, Hoya? Say it."
Hoya pouted, snack in mouth, trotting over. He took it, snapped off a piece, fed her.
Nyaung nyaung nyaung. Blissful munching. Adorable.
Cats' snack faces were killer—explains the tribute.
"Got it! No matter what, I'm just your snack butler!"
Pfft. Hoya nailed it—highlighting his role. But he was fine. Voluntary butler life suited him.
Mungchi drooled watching. He gave it a piece—gone in licks. Dogs loved these too, just had options.
Mungchi licked its healed wound post-snack. Looked bad, but animals did it for reason. Already fixed anyway.
"Handsome fella."
Stroking Mungchi, Kar-dok shuffled up, eyeing others. To Karak: "Assign warriors first, then the rest as they fit."
Krak! Karak gleefully led them to orcs. Power perks. As orc manager, Karak earned this.
Kraaak! Petting Mungchi, distant Baekya—belly-up lazy—charged, smacking its head. No claws, so let it ride. Hierarchy stuff.
Then Kkamangi headbutted—no horns used. Mungchi submitted quick, tail wagging low. Peace restored. Pecking order set.
Baekya expected; Kkamangi surprising.
"Hoya, forest again tomorrow morning. Gotta map my limits?"
Nyaang!
Plenty left: levels, family talks. Glancing back, orc warriors joyfully paired with wolves.
"Gotta craft saddles or something."
Gate life—endless tasks. But the territory growing? Felt damn good. And forest held more secrets. Find 'em, level up.