The two Thunder Wolves stored in my [Item Box] are the final pieces of the puzzle. I extract their genomes immediately. One extraction fails, but the other succeeds. With that, I now possess the ten genome strains required to forge my first custom monster.
[Combine the following genomes – Y/N?]
[Goblin Genome – Purity 25% ×1]
[Goblin Genome – Purity 10% ×3]
[Wolf Genome – Purity 10% ×4]
[Thunder Wolf Genome – Purity 10% ×2]
I mentally confirm the combination, and a few seconds later, the system responds with a new message.
[Monster creation successful – Forged: Stormhowl Goblin – Rank C – Level 6]
A C-rank monster? That's above the usual D and E ranks I've seen from wolves and goblins so far. And its level matches mine, level 6. Could that mean it levels up alongside me?
[Stormhowl Goblin – A C-rank hybrid monster forged from goblin, wolf, and thunder wolf genomes. It combines the cunning and agility of goblins, the enhanced sensory perception of wolves, and the elemental ferocity of thunder wolves. Possessing night vision, advanced tracking instincts, and the ability to emit lightning-charged shockwaves, the Stormhowl Goblin is a swift, deadly predator built for combat and command.]
I turn to Hinata, already grinning.
"Ready to meet the creature I just created? One of those thunder wolves gave me the final gene I needed."
She nods. "Absolutely. Let's see your Frankenstein's moster in action."
"[Kennel: Summon]"
A ripple of light expands from my palm, and the Stormhowl Goblin materializes before us in a flash of electric-blue energy.
The Stormhowl Goblin has a lean, muscular build, standing slightly taller than an average goblin, with a hunched posture and elongated limbs suited for agile, beast-like movement. Its body is covered in coarse gray-green fur, accented by streaks of shimmering silver on its forearms, lower legs, and atop its head, giving it a striking, feral look.
Sharp, wolf-like claws and fangs protrude from its limbs and mouth, while its glowing yellow eyes and crackling fur hint at the latent lightning energy coursing through its body. A jagged mane of silver fur crowns its head, crackling faintly with static, giving it an aura of raw, untamed power. (picture)
I glance at Hinata. She looks both impressed and slightly cautious.
"It's more expressive than my golems," I note, "but I can feel that it's completely obedient, more like a tamer's companion than a summoned construct."
I read out the description given by my awakened interface.
"It definitely looks like a fusion, part goblin, part wolf, and a touch of thunder. It being C-rank confirms it. So, mixing genomes doesn't just average the traits; it stacks and enhances them. This guy's got multiple abilities."
"And I'm eager to test them out. The system says it can track, might help us locate the gate boss."
With a mental command, I direct the Stormhowl Goblin to search. Without hesitation, it drops to all fours and sniffs the air and ground, tail flicking slightly like a scent hound. Its silver-tipped ears twitch as it locks onto a trail. It turns its head, then raises a clawed hand, pointing in the direction it wants us to go.
"Seems like it found something," I remark. "Though with the goblin genes, I hoped it might be able to talk."
Hinata shakes her head. "Most tamed monsters lose the ability to speak, even intelligent ones. It's probably a similar limitation here."
We follow the creature's lead. After a few minutes of quiet trekking across the cracked, open terrain, a low growl echoes ahead. A pack of four wolves emerges, circling us cautiously.
Perfect. Time to test my new creation.
"End them!"
The Stormhowl Goblin, sensing the impending fight, crouches low, lightning crackling faintly across the silver fur crowning its head and lining its forearms. Its piercing yellow eyes fixed on the movement in front. Four wolves, ordinary, lean-furred scavengers of the wasteland, creep closer, their growls low, their noses twitching at the unfamiliar scent of this mutant intruder.
One wolf darts in first, jaws wide, aiming for the goblin's leg. With a blur of motion, the Stormhowl twists its body sideways, the faint hum of electricity vibrating through the air. Its clawed hand crackles with lightning and strikes the wolf's side mid-pounce. The beast yelps and crumples, skidding across the ground, dead before it hits the dirt.
[Slain – Wolf (Level 5) – +25 EXP]
The second and third wolves come at once, one from the front and the other from the side. But the goblin is faster. Its muscles surge with power as it leaps toward the side wolf, landing effortlessly atop it. With a flash, the goblin's claws spark like wires touching a battery. A downward slash snuffs out the wolf's life. In the same fluid motion, it spins and hurls a bolt of raw electricity at the wolf in front.
The bolt strikes with surgical precision. The wolf seizes, legs jerking, then collapses into a stunned heap. The stormhowl goblin dashes over and slices its throat with its claws.
[Slain – Wolf (Level 5) – +25 EXP]
[Slain – Wolf (Level 5) – +25 EXP]
Only one remains.
It hesitates, ears flattened, growl wavering, but instinct and hunger push it forward. The Stormhowl stands tall now, chest faintly glowing with residual charge. As the final wolf lunges, the goblin meets it head-on. A clawed foot slams into the wolf's chest mid-air with such force that it bounces off a nearby rock and rolls, lifeless, to a stop.
[Slain – Wolf (Level 5) – +25 EXP]
The goblin stands alone, its fur undisturbed, its breathing calm. Around it, four defeated predators lie unmoving, their bodies twitching faintly from residual energy.
Hinata claps, eyes wide. "That was awesome! And you got experience from that?"
"Yeah. Looks like I gain EXP from its kills too. My golems are like foot soldiers, but this? This is an elite."
"Are you going to give it a name? You can't keep calling it Stormhowl Goblin forever."
I pause, looking at the creature, still crackling faintly with energy.
"Yeah. I'll call him… Bolt."
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Bonus chapter goals !!!
25 Power stones - 1 bonus chapter
50 Power stones - 3 bonus chapters
100 Power stones - 5 bonus chapters