Chapter 15: The Beast's Shadow

The massive wolf lunged forward with terrifying speed, its fangs bared and eyes glowing ominously. Daisuke's instincts flared, his body already moving in response. The moment the creature came within range, he swung his sword, lightning arcing along the blade, striking the beast's side.

The wolf howled in pain, but it didn't back down. It recoiled slightly, its dark eyes narrowing at Daisuke, before it rushed in again, faster this time. The other wolves circled, their low growls vibrating through the air as they closed in.

"Get back!" Daisuke shouted to Eren and Liora, positioning himself between them and the pack.

Eren readied his spear, his stance steady. "We'll handle the others! You focus on the big one!"

Liora stepped forward, her hands glowing with electric energy. "These things aren't just wild animals, are they?"

"No," Daisuke said, his voice firm. "These wolves are being controlled by something. They're not attacking us randomly—they have a purpose."

Before Daisuke could explain further, the first wolf attacked again, its jaws snapping at him with lightning speed. He dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the bite. As the wolf passed, Daisuke launched himself forward, his sword crackling with fire this time. He thrust it into the wolf's side, the blaze searing through the creature's flesh.

The wolf yelped in pain, but its dark green eyes glowed brighter, almost as if it was being fueled by something dark, something otherworldly.

"There's something strange about their magic," Daisuke muttered to himself, pulling his blade free.

Eren thrust his spear at one of the smaller wolves, the metal tip piercing the beast's side, but the creature merely shook it off, its fur rippling with dark energy. The wolf retaliated by swiping at Eren with claws that seemed to shimmer with poison.

"Watch out!" Liora shouted, her voice sharp.

She fired a bolt of lightning at the attacking wolf, but it was too quick. The bolt missed, hitting a nearby tree instead and splitting it in half. The wolf dodged the lightning with ease, and in the next instant, it was on Eren, forcing him to stumble backward.

Daisuke's heart pounded as he scanned the situation. Eren was skilled with his spear, but he wasn't able to land any decisive hits. Liora was powerful, but the wolves seemed to be able to avoid her attacks as if they knew what was coming.

Then, Daisuke felt it. A surge of energy from deep within the forest, a dark pulse of magic that seemed to be fueling the wolves. It was as if they were drawn to it, controlled by it.

"The source of their power… it's coming from deeper in the forest," Daisuke said, his voice tense. "If we don't stop it, these wolves will keep coming."

Liora narrowed her eyes. "So, we take out the source?"

"Exactly," Daisuke replied. "We'll need to end this before they overwhelm us."

He turned to Eren, who was still fending off one of the wolves. "Eren! We need to move fast! Follow me!"

Eren nodded, determination flashing in his eyes. He lashed out with his spear, driving it into the wolf's throat. The creature fell to the ground with a final howl. "Got it! Let's go!"

Daisuke led the charge, using his elemental powers to clear a path through the dense forest. Fire and wind swirled around him as he pushed forward, the trees parting as his magic cut through them like butter. The wolves followed in hot pursuit, but they were no match for his speed and power.

Liora stayed close, her hands glowing with energy as she hurled bolts of lightning to keep the wolves at bay. Eren was behind them, his spear flashing as he cleared out the remaining beasts.

After what felt like an eternity of running, they arrived at the heart of the forest—a clearing shrouded in mist and surrounded by towering, gnarled trees. In the center of the clearing stood an ancient stone altar, covered in dark runes that pulsed with eerie energy. Atop the altar lay a dark crystal, its surface shifting and writhing as though alive.

"The source," Daisuke whispered, his voice low and filled with dread. The wolves had stopped chasing them, but they stood at the edge of the clearing, watching with glowing eyes. Their leader—larger and darker than the rest—stood at the foot of the altar, growling low.

Daisuke could feel the power radiating from the crystal. It was ancient, corrupted magic—one that resonated with darkness, feeding the wolves and controlling their every move. It was no surprise that the wolves were so relentless. They were mere puppets, their strings pulled by the malevolent force at the altar.

"We have to destroy that crystal," Daisuke said, his voice filled with resolve. "It's the source of their power."

Eren clenched his spear, his eyes focused on the altar. "How do we destroy it? It looks… dangerous."

Liora looked around the clearing. "We need to get closer, but those wolves won't let us near it."

Daisuke's mind raced. He could feel the energy of the crystal pulsing, and it wasn't just the wolves who were drawn to it. Something darker, something more malevolent, was lingering in the air.

"I'll hold them off," Daisuke said, his eyes narrowing as he stepped forward. "You two need to destroy the crystal. We don't have much time."

Without waiting for a response, Daisuke raised his sword, summoning the elements. Wind whirled around him, fire flared at his side, and the ground cracked beneath his feet as he prepared to take on the wolf pack.

Liora and Eren nodded, ready to execute the plan. Together, they dashed toward the altar, with Daisuke taking up the rear, keeping the wolves at bay.

The battle for the crystal was about to begin.