Team training (2)

The largest wolf lingered in the back while two smaller ones flanked its sides. As soon as they launched their attack, the alpha let out a deafening howl. A sharp, piercing sound that sent a shudder through Kyren's body. His legs felt like stone—he couldn't move.

The two smaller wolves were closing in at extreme speeds. Without thinking, Kyren activated Flash Step, vanishing from his spot and reappearing in front of Lydel. He barely had time to raise his dagger before the first wolf's snapping jaws clamped down on it, the force of impact sending them both crashing to the ground.

The second wolf adjusted its course, now barreling toward them.

"Move your goddamn legs before you die!" Kyren snapped. His voice came out harsher than he intended, but there was no time for apologies.

Lydel's eyes widened. He shook his head and scrambled to his feet just as Kyren Flash Stepped again, intercepting the oncoming wolf. He drove his dagger into its side, knocking it off course. He could have used Momentum Slash, but he already felt his mana pool draining fast. He had maybe five Flash Steps left—three if he planned on using his stronger attacks. He didn't even know if Lydel could handle himself.

Before he could worry, a sharp yelp cut through the air. Kyren glanced back to see the other wolf staggering, blood dripping from its side. Guess he's got it, he thought before focusing forward again.

Kyren feinted left, then swiftly cut right, his dagger slashing across the wolf's chest and front legs. The beast let out a whimper before surging forward, jaws snapping. He barely stepped back in time, the wolf's teeth grazing his forearm. Pivoting on instinct, he brought his dagger down in a brutal arc, slicing deep into the wolf's neck. Blood poured from the wound, slowing the beast's movements—but not stopping them.

The wolf lunged again.

Kyren kicked it hard, using the force to propel himself backward toward Lydel. He twisted in midair, Flash Stepping toward the wolf attacking his friend. His dagger struck true, stabbing into the creature's ribs. He ripped the blade downward as he pulled away, carving through flesh. The wolf howled, its hind legs quivering as it staggered.

That howl must have been a signal.

The alpha wolf flashed forward, appearing in front of Kyren in an instant. A blur of muscle and fur, its massive head swung toward him. He barely leaped back in time—its teeth snapped shut just inches from his face.

Lydel wasn't so lucky. He didn't react fast enough to dodge, so instead, he lunged forward, driving his short sword into the alpha's thick neck. The sheer force of the wolf's swing sent him flying, his body slamming into a tree before crumpling to the ground.

For the first time that night, Kyren was alone.

Not the first time. And it won't be the last.

He steadied himself, scanning his surroundings. They were in a clearing—not as wide as their usual training grounds, but big enough to give him room to maneuver. He'd have to use that to his advantage.

The wolf charged.

Kyren raised his dagger just in time to take the brunt of the impact, but it still sent him skidding backward, feet digging trenches into the dirt. The moment he steadied himself, the wolf was on him again.

You're not the only one with speed, Kyren thought.

He activated Flash Step, and the world seemed to slow. Moving like a shadow, he darted low, weaving between the wolf's legs, slashing at its limbs as he passed. He reappeared behind it, a deep gash carved into the beast's front leg. It wasn't enough to slow the wolf's speed, but blood poured freely from the wound.

Kyren prepared to strike again—

A movement in the corner of his eye.

The wounded wolf from earlier was dragging itself toward Lydel.

Kyren gritted his teeth and pushed his body past its limits, Flash Stepping in an instant. His blade found its mark, slicing clean through the beast's neck. The head hit the ground before the body even realized it was dead.

The alpha exploited the opening.

A massive paw slammed into Kyren's chest, sending him flying. He barely had time to register the pain before he hit the ground, gasping for air. His vision blurred. He blinked.

The wolf was already charging.

Kyren forced himself up, but the beast was faster—its massive jaws snapped down at him. He barely managed to twist away, rolling to the side before activating Stalwart Shield.

Mana flooded his body. A protective barrier surged to life around him, absorbing the worst of the next impact. His instincts screamed at him to move.

Kyren activated Flash Step, again.

He dashed sideways, pivoted mid-step, and lunged low. His dagger slashed through the wolf's hind leg. The beast let out a strangled growl, its body trembling as it almost collapsed—but it caught itself just in time.

Kyren didn't let it recover.

With one last Flash Step, he dashed forward, keeping low. He activated Momentum Slash, his blade carving deep across the wolf's underbelly. From tail to head, the steel bit through flesh.

He reappeared on the other side just as the wolf collapsed.

Ding.

The system notification rang in his ears, but Kyren ignored it.

He sprinted to Lydel's side.

Lydel was in bad shape—his head slumped forward, blood dribbling from his mouth. His breathing was ragged. Too shallow.

Kyren didn't hesitate. He summoned a health potion and a mana potion. Chugging the mana potion first, fighting off the mana exhaustion. Then, he broke open the health potion's glass flask, bringing it to Lydel's lips.

For a moment, nothing happened.

Then Lydel's breathing evened out. His visible wounds began to close, color returning to his face.

Kyren exhaled sharply, slumping against the tree beside him. His body ached, his mana reserves were dangerously low, and the scent of blood was thick in the air.

"Damn… you really scared me, buddy," he muttered. He let his head rest against the bark, closing his eyes for a second before opening them again. His hand tightened into a fist. "We've got to train harder than I thought."

With a deep breath, he opened the system.