Inner Conflict

Alger stood under the moonlight, surrounded by a dense forest. Everything in the night seemed unusually quiet. Only the occasional howl of a wolf in the distance echoed, as if calling to something deep within him. The sound resonated continuously in his ears, like an invisible temptation that stirred the primal urges inside him.

He took a deep breath, trying to suppress the fear and doubt that gnawed at his heart. Since the awakening of the wolf's nature, this sense of unease had never left him. Every time he felt as though he was about to be consumed by that power, an uncontrollable fear would rise within him. The force was immense and unpredictable, like a beast lurking in the darkness, ready to tear him apart at any moment.

"I can't go on like this," Alger whispered to himself, his voice low and hoarse. His hands trembled slightly as he looked at his increasingly strange skin, feeling the irresistible power surging within him. He knew that if he didn't make a choice, this power would completely take over, turning him into a creature from which there would be no return.

He lowered his head and gazed at his hands. The bones in his fingertips had become harder, and his nails had begun to grow, sharp as blades. Hair was sprouting on his skin, and it seemed as though his entire body was turning into a wolf, becoming stronger, more ferocious. But this power was not what he had longed for.

"This is not me," Alger closed his eyes, trying to calm himself. He could not bear this transformation. Each painful shift felt like the whisper of death itself. The madness that followed each transformation made him feel as if he was about to lose all his humanity. His human reason and emotions were slowly being consumed, and he even began to forget his original goals, becoming lost in the sea of this power.

However, Lyes's words echoed again in his mind: "The wolf nature is not just the power of a beast; it is also an ancient heritage, another side of your soul. You must learn to dance with it, learn to merge with it, in order to truly control yourself."

Alger's heart jolted. Yes, Lyes had told him that the wolf nature was not entirely an enemy. It was a power, an innate gift that could coexist with humanity. If human wisdom could combine with the wolf's strength, perhaps a new existence could be created. But every time he tried to accept this power, fear overwhelmed him. He had never imagined that he would face such a difficult choice.

He thought back to his past life, remembering his days as an ordinary doctor. Back then, his world was simple and peaceful. He could control his life, using his wisdom to change the fates of others. But now, he had been thrust into a world of blood and wildness. Every choice he made could determine life or death, and his control over this power was like a bottomless abyss—impossible to reach, impossible to escape.

"Can I do this?" Alger whispered to himself, closing his eyes. His heart was full of struggle. He could feel the distance between himself and the wolf nature shrinking, as if the primal force was seeping into every nerve of his being, ready to turn him completely into a wolf. The wolf's sense of smell, hearing, sight, and that immense strength almost made him forget his past identity. Yet, he was afraid to fully embrace it, afraid that he would lose himself, unable to return to the peaceful life he once had.

Just then, a rapid sound of footsteps broke the silence. Alger spun around and saw Lyes's figure approaching. His mentor emerged from the darkness, his gaze still deep and mysterious. Lyes's steps were light, but each one seemed to carry endless power.

"Are you hesitating?" Lyes asked, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable authority.

Alger didn't answer immediately but stared at him deeply. The inner conflict had grown stronger. He felt himself standing at a crossroads, with one path leading to continuing to avoid the wolf's nature, preserving his human reason and emotions; and the other leading to accepting the wolf's power, becoming one with the wolf, transcending humanity itself.

"I'm afraid of losing myself, Lyes," Alger finally spoke, his voice low and painful. "Every time I feel this power, I lose my reason. It makes me irritable, uncontrollable, almost like a monster. I fear I will no longer be Alger, but just a beast."

Lyes quietly looked at him, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. He walked over to Alger and gently patted his shoulder. "Everyone has such fears, Alger. Because we are always afraid of the unknown, afraid of losing control. If you continue to avoid it, it will not let you go. And if you want to completely control it, that is not something that will happen overnight. You must learn to coexist with it."

Alger remained silent, knowing Lyes was right. Avoiding it was not the solution. Every time he tried to suppress the wolf nature, it only made him suffer more. The only solution was to learn to accept it, to fight alongside it. Yet, a lingering sense of unease remained within him, for the primal force deep inside him still filled him with fear and dread.

Lyes seemed to sense his struggle and spoke softly, "Remember, the wolf nature is not your enemy; it is a part of you. If you suppress it completely, it will bite back. If you let it run wild, it will consume you. Only by finding balance can you control it."

Alger took a deep breath, and gradually, a decision began to form in his heart. He looked at his reflection in the moonlight and realized that he had to make a choice. He could no longer keep avoiding it. This was not only a challenge to the wolf nature but also a challenge to himself.

"I'm willing to try," Alger finally said, his voice resolute and steady. "I'm willing to accept the wolf nature and learn to dance with it."

Lyes nodded slightly, a hint of approval on his face. "Good, Alger. Now, you've taken the first step."