Chapter 34: Countdown to Chaos

Chapter 34: Countdown to Chaos

The Dire Wolves lunged at Kazuki, their jaws snapping, fangs glistening in the moonlight. Kazuki ducked, rolling to the side as one of the massive beasts barreled past him, crashing into a tree with a loud thud.

[Suppression breaking in 8 minutes.]

Kazuki's breath came in ragged gasps as he narrowly dodged another wolf's strike. He swung his sword, the blade barely grazing the creature's flank. These Dire Wolves were faster and stronger than the Alpha he had fought before — and there were at least five of them.

Lady Arwen watched from her perch atop the rocky outcrop, her arms crossed, a smug smirk on her face. "What's the matter, little hero? Feeling overwhelmed?"

Kazuki gritted his teeth, glancing over his shoulder. Elara and Tara were still hidden behind the bushes, watching anxiously. He couldn't let them get involved — not yet.

"Come on, Kazuki," he muttered to himself. "You just need to last a few more minutes."

A wolf lunged at him, its jaws aimed straight for his throat. Kazuki swung his sword upward, catching the wolf in the jaw. The beast yelped, stumbling back, but another wolf was already on him, its massive paws slamming into his chest.

Kazuki hit the ground hard, the air knocked from his lungs. The wolf loomed over him, jaws snapping inches from his face.

[Suppression breaking in 6 minutes.]

Kazuki raised his arm, blocking the wolf's jaws with his forearm guard. Pain shot through his arm as the beast's fangs sank into the leather, narrowly missing flesh.

"Kazuki!" Elara's voice echoed from the bushes, her eyes wide with fear. "Hang on!"

Kazuki clenched his jaw, using every ounce of strength to push the wolf off him. The beast snarled, its hot breath washing over his face. The other wolves circled, waiting for the chance to strike.

"Not yet," Kazuki muttered, his muscles straining. "Not... yet."

Lady Arwen laughed, her voice cold and mocking. "You're pathetic. Thinking you could take on my pets? You don't even understand the power you're dealing with."

Kazuki's gaze snapped to her, his eyes blazing. "And you don't know what I can do!"

With a roar, Kazuki rolled to the side, narrowly escaping the wolf's jaws. He sprang to his feet, sword at the ready. The wolves growled, their eyes glowing a sinister red as they advanced in unison.

[Suppression breaking in 4 minutes.]

Kazuki's vision blurred for a moment, his head spinning. The power of Alpha Command pulsed beneath his skin, fighting to break free. Sweat dripped down his brow, and his grip tightened around the sword hilt.

"Kazuki!" Elara shouted, her hand reaching out. "Behind you!"

Kazuki turned just in time to see another wolf lunging at him, its jaws wide open. He swung his sword, the blade slicing through the air. The wolf howled as the blade connected, blood spraying across the grass.

But there were still four more.

"That's enough!" Lady Arwen snapped, her eyes flashing with fury. "You will submit!"

She raised her hand, and the wolves' eyes glowed even brighter. They charged as one, a wall of fur and fangs bearing down on Kazuki.

[Suppression breaking in 2 minutes.]

Kazuki's knees buckled, his vision darkening at the edges. The Alpha Command skill was clawing at him from within, screaming to be released. But he wasn't ready. Not yet.

Lady Arwen stepped down from the rock, her boots crunching against the grass. She strode toward Kazuki, her smile predatory.

"Now, let's see how strong you really are," she whispered, her eyes gleaming. "Or if you're just another pathetic little boy pretending to be a hero."

[Suppression breaking in 1 minute.]

Kazuki's heart pounded, each beat echoing in his ears. The wolves surrounded him, their breath hot and rancid, their eyes fixed on him with deadly intent.

"Come on," Kazuki muttered through gritted teeth. "Come on..."

[Suppression breaking in 30 seconds.]

Kazuki's eyes glowed a deep crimson, his pupils narrowing to slits. The power surged within him, and a wild, feral grin spread across his face.

"Alright then," he said, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous growl. "Let's play."