The first light of dawn crept into the den, casting a soft glow over my sleeping siblings. I carefully extricated myself from the warm pile of fur and made my way to the den's entrance. Today was the start of my training with the King, and I was both excited and nervous.

As I stepped outside, the crisp morning air filled my lungs. The forest was waking up, with birds chirping and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. My heart raced with anticipation as I spotted the King waiting for me near a large oak tree.

"Good morning, Orphelin," he greeted me with a nod, his deep voice resonating with authority.

"Good morning, Father," I replied, feeling a sense of pride as I used the title he had allowed me to call him.

"Today, we begin your training. You have much potential, but there is much to learn," he said, his golden eyes piercing into mine. "We will start with the basics of hunting and combat. Follow me."

I followed Dad through the forest, trying to match his graceful yet powerful stride. We reached a small clearing, where he stopped and turned to face me.

"To survive in this forest, you must learn to hunt efficiently. It's not just about strength; it's about strategy and understanding your prey," he explained. "Watch closely."

With that, the King crouched low, his eyes fixed on a rabbit with fur green like grass and small antlers on his head, nibbling on some grass a few meters away. He moved silently, each step calculated. In a flash, he pounced, catching up to the unsuspected animal in a few strides and capturing the rabbit with a swift bite to the neck.

"We'll start with one of the easiest preys. Now, it's your turn," he said, dropping the rabbit at my feet.

I swallowed nervously and nodded. I scanned another clearing close by, spotting another rabbit foraging for roots. I tried to mimic the King's movements, lowering myself to the ground and creeping forward. My heart pounded in my chest as I got closer. I lunged when I was within striking distance, but the rabbit was too quick. It darted into a small hole in the ground.

The King chuckled softly.

"Not bad for a first attempt. Remember, patience and precision are key. Try again and this time, make sure the rabbit won't smell you. The wind should blow your way, not behind you. And you're small, use it to your advantage. Get even closer."

I tried several more times, each attempt slightly better than the last. Finally, I managed to catch a small squirrel, feeling a surge of pride as I held it in my jaws.

"Well done, Orphelin," the King praised. "You are learning quickly. Now, let's use these as gifts for your siblings, shall we? It will be your first time providing for the family"

Father was right. It was an amazing feeling when I placed the squirrel in front of my little siblings. They were so happy to eat the food that their big bro brought them... It made me super proud of my achievement.

After feeding, we returned to the forest and spent the rest of the morning practising hunting techniques and basic combat moves. By the time we returned to the den, I was exhausted but satisfied with my progress.

Back at the den, my siblings greeted me enthusiastically, peppering me with questions about my training.

"Catch moue food?" Lorelin asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"Yes, I caught a bird," I replied, smiling at her excitement and placing the bird at their feet.

"Wow, buo amayng!" Orsus exclaimed, his tail wagging furiously.

Aww, he called me amazing! How cute!

Lorish Alba watched us with a proud smile.

"You did well, my little baby," she said, nuzzling me affectionately.

As the days passed, my training continued. Each morning, the King would teach me new skills, pushing me to improve and become stronger. In the afternoons, I spent time with my family, playing with my siblings.

One afternoon, while we were resting by the stream, I asked Lorish about the ceremony.

"Mom, why weren't all the creatures of the forest at the ceremony? Like... you know... foxes..." I inquired, curiosity getting the better of me.

Lorish sighed softly.

"Not all creatures follow the ways of the Moon and Nature, Orphelin. Only the oldest races, packs, and clans adhere to these ancient traditions. Many beings prefer to act more primal and brutal against the will and laws of the world."

"Does that mean they don't respect us?" I asked, frowning.

"Not necessarily," she replied. "Some simply choose a different path. Respect in the forest is earned through actions, not just adherence to tradition. You have already shown great courage and wisdom, and that is what matters most."

"But there are also those who don't, right? I mean... that fox back then... I'm sure they knew whose child they're taking..." I whispered.

Mom looked sad for a while. "Yes and no... Some youngsters or those angry with the system try to show this way something... to prove something to the forest or us... But there are also situations when we just hunt... We respect each other but it doesn't mean we'll stop eating meat. We must hunt. And weak or sick were always the first to be targeted."

Her words comforted me in some way and made me realise a lot. I nodded thoughtfully.

"I understand, Mom. I'll do my best to make you proud."

"You already have, my little baby," she said, licking my forehead. "You are a precious gift to us all."

The next day, the King took me to a different part of the forest. The terrain was rougher, with steep hills and dense underbrush.

"Today, we will test your endurance and agility," he explained. "Follow me closely."

We navigated through the challenging terrain, leaping over fallen logs and ducking under low branches. I struggled to keep up, but I pushed myself, determined not to disappoint the King. We finally reached a rocky outcrop overlooking a valley.

"Look down there," the King said, gesturing with his paw.

I peered over the edge and saw a herd of deer grazing in the valley below. My stomach growled at the sight of potential prey.

"These deer are swift and alert. Hunting them will require all the skills you've learned," the King said. "Are you ready?"

I nodded, my heart pounding with anticipation. They were at least three times my size but I Dad believed in me... and I wanted to provide food for my family.

We descended into the valley, moving as quietly as possible. The King signalled for me to circle around and position myself on the opposite side of the herd.

I crept through the underbrush, keeping low and silent. When I was in position, the King let out a low growl, startling the deer. They bolted, and I sprang into action, targeting a young doe. I chased her through the forest, my legs burning with the effort. Just as she was about to escape, I leapt and brought her down with a well-placed bite on her neck. I quickly strengthened my bite to make sure she wouldn't suffer.

Panting, I looked up to see the King approaching. He nodded approvingly.

"Well done, Orphelin. You are becoming a skilled hunter." I smiled proudly. I just hunted an animal twice my size. Even if the does was young, she was still bigger.

We returned to the den with our catch, and the pack celebrated my successful hunt. As my siblings and I feasted, I felt a sense of belonging and pride. It was amazing... I was able to feed those little furbals! Even some other kids in the pack came to feed with us and were amazed by my catch.

"They are very fast! How did you do that?!" They were asking in wonder.

That night, as I lay in the den, I heard a familiar voice in my mind.

[Level Up]

I blinked in surprise. PIA? Is that you?

[Confirming. The user levelled up. User's efforts and progress have been recognized.]

What does that mean? I asked, curious.

[You have gained experience through your training and hunts. Your physical abilities have improved, and you have unlocked new potential. Keep pushing yourself, and you will continue to grow.]

I felt a surge of excitement and determination. Thank you, PIA. I won't let you down.

It's not like she can answer me... but well... maybe one day we can talk. I smiled.

The memories of my old life were now a mist as I was loving this forest life more and more.

The days turned into weeks, and my training continued. The King taught me some combat techniques, and we practised sparring regularly. I learned to anticipate my opponent's moves, using my agility and intelligence to outmanoeuvre them. I was still small but gaining muscles.

One day, the King took me to a secluded part of the forest where we practised using the terrain to our advantage. He showed me how to blend in with my surroundings, using stealth and strategy to overcome stronger foes.

"Remember, Orphelin, it's not just about brute force. Use your environment and your mind," he advised as we stalked a large boar through the underbrush.

I nodded, focusing on the task at hand. We worked together, driving the boar into a trap we had set. The King pounced first. The boar was big and looked a bit demonic. But I wasn't afraid. Father was jumping around the boar and waiting for the opportunity to catch it into his strong jaws. I followed soon, jumping on its back, my claws pushing into the rough skin, and my fangs breaking the skin on the back of its neck. It was a challenging hunt, but we succeeded through teamwork and strategy.

As we returned to the den, the King spoke to me in a more serious tone.

"Orphelin, there will be times when you must face challenges alone. Not all creatures in this forest follow our ways, and some may seek to harm you or those you love. Be vigilant and trust your instincts."

"I understand, Father," I replied, my resolve strengthening. "I will do my best to protect our family and the forest."

He nodded a proud glint in his eyes. "I know you will, my son."

Suddenly he nuzzled my cheek with his nose, like Mom often did. I felt so loved...

That evening, as we shared our meal with the pack, Lorish told us stories of the forest's ancient past. She spoke of great battles, legendary creatures, and the unbreakable bond between the pack and the forest.

"Remember, my children, we are all connected by the Moon and Nature. Our strength lies in our unity and our respect for the land," she said, her voice filled with wisdom.

I listened intently, absorbing her words. The forest was not just a place; it was a living entity that we were all a part of. It was our duty to protect and preserve it.

As the night wore on, I found myself reflecting on my journey so far. From a helpless hatchling to a Prince of the Forest, I had come a long way. But I knew there was still much to learn and many challenges ahead.

The next morning, the King announced that we would be going on a special mission.

"There have been reports of strange activity near the northern border of the forest. We need to investigate and ensure our territory is safe," he explained.

I felt a surge of excitement and determination. This was my chance to prove myself further. As we prepared to leave, Lorish gave me a reassuring nuzzle.

"Be careful, my brave dragon baby," she said softly and my siblings nibbled at my ears and tail.

"I will, Mom," I promised, feeling a sense of responsibility.

We travelled north, the terrain becoming more rugged and wild. I was already able to keep up with Dad more or less. The air grew colder, and the forest seemed more foreboding. As we approached the border, the King signalled for me to stay low and silent.

We moved cautiously, scanning the area for any signs of danger. Suddenly, we heard a rustling in the bushes. The King motioned for me to stay back as he investigated.

A group of unfamiliar creatures emerged from the underbrush. They were a mix of different species, their eyes filled with hostility. Some were bear-like, some looked reptilian, and some like bird hybrids.

"Who are you, and what are you doing in our territory?" the King demanded, his voice firm and commanding.

One of the creatures, a large feline with dark fur, stepped forward.

"We do not recognize your authority. This land is no longer yours."

The tension was palpable, and I felt a surge of anger. How dare they challenge the King?

"We will not allow you to disrupt the peace of this forest. You're hunting more than you eat, killing when you don't have to," the King declared. "Leave now, or face the consequences."

The creatures growled, preparing to attack. I knew we had to act quickly. With a nod from the King, I leapt forward, my claws extended. They didn't expect a small kid like me to attack.

The battle was fierce and chaotic. I fought with everything I had, using the skills and strategies the King had taught me. The creatures were strong, but we were determined to protect our home.

As I grappled with the large feline, I felt a sharp pain in my side. Ignoring it, I focused on my training, using my agility to outmanoeuvre my big opponent. With a swift bite to its leg, I brought the feline down, panting heavily. I used this short moment, when its neck was next to me and rushed forward to bite hard and suffocate the beast. It was trying to punch me with its paws, but I strengthened my bite.

[Level Up]

The King was fighting off two attackers, his movements a blur of power and precision. Together, we managed to kill some of the intruders and drive the others back, their retreat marked by angry snarls.

"Well done, Orphelin," the King praised, his breathing unfazed as if he didn't even get tired. "You fought bravely."

"Thank you, Father," I replied, wincing as the pain in my side intensified.

"Let's return to the den and tend to your wounds," he said licking my head and guiding me back through the forest.

As we arrived, Lorish rushed to my side, her eyes filled with concern.

"What happened?"

"We encountered some intruders near the northern border," the King explained. "Orphelin fought bravely, but he is injured."

The look Mom gave Dad... oh boy... I think he took a step back.

"You know I love you my King but don't risk my baby's life anymore" there was a dangerous note in her tone. Father whimpered a bit and tried to appease her with some sweet words but she ignored him and went with me to our den.

Yikes... poor Dad.

Lorish tended to my wounds, her touch gentle and soothing.

"You are so brave, my little baby," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

"I had to protect our home, and fighting alongside my King was amazing" I replied, feeling a sense of pride and duty. Mom only smiled.

That night, as I lay in the den when I remembered that I heard PIA's voice once again earlier that day.

Did I level up? What level am I?

[Positive. User's current level: 3]

I smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. I was growing stronger.

As I drifted off to sleep, surrounded by my family, I knew that I was on the right path. The forest was my home, and I would do everything in my power to protect it. With the guidance of the King and the love of my family, I was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.