While the knights easily killed the adult dire wolves, Vaerik's group had already quickly infiltrated the wolf pack's den.
"Light the torches," Vaerik said quietly.
Several hunters immediately took out torches and gently lit them.
Warm orange light illuminated the interior of the cave, with rough rock walls and air permeated by the distinctive smell of wild animals.
Everyone scanned the surroundings, and soon found their target deep in the cave.
About twenty dire wolf cubs were huddled together, shivering.
They weren't very large, with thick fur, snow-white like frost, their eyes full of fear toward humans.
"So many cubs!" a hunter exclaimed softly in delight.
Aiger licked his cracked lips, his gaze intense: "These little ones will definitely become top-tier hunters when they grow up..."
A few cubs directed small, fierce growls at the group, trying to warn the intruders.
When you're weak, even your anger appears cute in others' eyes.
"The little one has quite a temper," Aiger smiled.
"Come, little ones, have something to eat."
A hunter gently placed meat chunks in front of the cubs hiding in rock crevices, deliberately stepping back to appear less threatening.
These meat pieces had been specially coated with a calming agent brewed from herbs.
It could effectively soothe the cubs' emotions, making them relax without realizing it.
Several bolder, hungry cubs sniffed the meaty aroma in the air and, after a moment's hesitation, finally couldn't resist cautiously approaching to nibble.
Seeing that nothing happened to their companions who ate the meat, soon more cubs began fighting for food, even pushing their companions away with small paws, afraid of missing out.
However, in less than two minutes, the calming herb's effects gradually took hold.
The originally alert cubs became dazed after eating the meat, some even struggling to stand, their small bodies swaying slightly.
"We can proceed now," Aiger said quietly.
"Be gentle; these are all future war wolves," Vaerik reminded them.
"Understood."
The hunters gently wrapped each cub in animal hides to prevent them from struggling due to discomfort.
Although several cubs remained alert, unwilling to comply obediently, desperately twisting their small bodies to resist the hunters.
But their strength was too limited, and they were soon firmly placed in leather bags.
Thus, all twenty-some cubs lost their ability to resist and were placed one by one into specially made leather bags, ensuring they wouldn't be injured during transport.
Mission accomplished.
Vaerik looked at the cubs now packed in leather bags and smiled: "Let's go."
The hunters immediately shouldered the bags, left the cave to join the knights, and hurried back toward the territory.
...
After the cubs were brought back to the Crimson Tide Domain, Vaerik ordered them to be settled in a wooden enclosure that had been prepared in advance.
The enclosure was very spacious, with thick dry grass covering the ground. In the corners, several soft nests made of animal hides had been built, simulating the wolf pack's living environment to reduce their anxiety.
Despite this, these cubs remained highly alert after experiencing such sudden changes.
They huddled together, raising their fluffy ears, revealing small but sharp teeth, ready to defend against external threats at any moment.
Vaerik stood before the fence, his gaze falling on the most special cub in the center.
It was a cub noticeably more robust than its companions, with slender limbs and a somewhat defiant look.
Even while other cubs huddled together, emitting low whimpers,
It still stood straight, its sharp gaze sweeping past the humans outside the fence, showing none of the panic typical of young animals.
And this bearing, emanating from its very core, made its difference from other cubs immediately apparent.
"This one," Aiger noticed it too and marveled, "is wolf king material."
"Wolf king material?" Vaerik suddenly thought of something, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly. "Then I'll call you Cold Edge."
The cub's ears quivered slightly, as if sensing the humans were discussing it.
However, it showed no sign of retreat, watching them vigilantly.
"Aiger, how do you think we should tame them?" Vaerik withdrew his gaze and turned to look at the hunter Aiger beside him.
Aiger felt a chill in his heart.
This question seemed casual but subtly conveyed a test.
He knew the lord was assessing his abilities.
Aiger dared not show any negligence, quickly organizing his thoughts and respectfully answering:
"First, we need to establish dependency. Cubs need safety and food; we must ensure they see humans every time they're fed, so they'll regard humans as their providers.
But that's not enough. Wolf cubs are fierce by nature; taming them with food alone isn't realistic. They'll guard their food and even actively attack people. We must use more direct methods to teach them obedience."
"Specifically?"
"If a wolf guards its food, it must be disciplined immediately. If it resists, pin it to the ground until it gives up resistance. In the wolf pack's world, strength makes the rules."
Vaerik nodded with satisfaction: "Continue."
Aiger immediately perked up, his nervousness easing somewhat, and he continued: "The second step is establishing order."
He pointed to Cold Edge: "Wolf packs have a clear hierarchy, and this strongest cub—its size, demeanor, eyes—all prove it's born to be the wolf king.
If we tame it, the other cubs will naturally follow."
Hearing this, Vaerik thoughtfully extended his hand and lightly knocked on the fence.
Cold Edge instinctively looked up, staring at him with a somewhat wary look, but didn't immediately retreat.
"So, what is your suggestion?" Vaerik continued to ask.
Aiger mustered his courage and said: "That you personally tame Cold Edge! Only by making Cold Edge recognize you as master will they become absolutely loyal to you."
As soon as these words were spoken, the surrounding hunters couldn't help but look at Aiger in surprise.
Asking the lord to personally tame a wolf? That was quite bold.
But Vaerik displayed a meaningful smile.
The Daily Intelligence System had once reminded him that Aiger was a beast taming master.
Now it seemed true indeed; this old man had substance.
Vaerik slowly stood up and patted Aiger's shoulder: "Very good. From today on, you'll be in charge of all beast taming matters in the Crimson Tide Domain."
Aiger was stunned for a moment, then felt an uncontrollable excitement explode within him, and he suddenly knelt on one knee: "I will not disappoint you!"
A few months ago, he was just a poor wanderer in the Northern Province, barely surviving by hunting.
If not for Vaerik's team passing by, he would probably have frozen to death in the snow.
Now he had not only earned the lord's appreciation but was also entrusted with important responsibilities!
And given this lord's character, if he performed well, he would certainly be rewarded.
Seeing this, the watching hunters cast envious glances.
"Aiger, that guy got lucky..."
"Indeed, his status will probably be different from now on."