Chapter 35: Unleashing the Beast
[Suppression breaking in 10 seconds.]
Kazuki's breaths came in ragged gasps. The Dire Wolves circled him, their eyes glowing crimson in the dark night. Lady Arwen stood a few paces away, her arms crossed, her smile cold and taunting.
"You're finished, boy," she said, her voice dripping with smug satisfaction. "Submit now, and I might let you live."
Kazuki's eyes narrowed, his gaze locking onto hers. Every muscle in his body tensed as he felt the power building within him, coiling like a spring, ready to snap.
[5... 4... 3...]
The largest of the Dire Wolves lunged at him, its jaws wide open, saliva dripping from its fangs. Kazuki stood his ground, his sword hanging at his side. His eyes flashed.
[2... 1... Suppression lifted. Alpha Command activated.]
A deafening roar echoed through the night. Kazuki's body surged with power, his senses sharpening, his strength multiplying. The air crackled with energy as a red aura erupted around him, swirling like a storm.
"What the—?" Lady Arwen's eyes widened as the Dire Wolf froze mid-lunge, its massive body hanging in the air as if suspended by an invisible force.
Kazuki raised his hand, and the wolf dropped to the ground, whimpering. Its eyes, once glowing red, now gleamed a dull gold. It lowered its head submissively, licking Kazuki's boots.
"No..." Lady Arwen hissed, stepping back. "That power... It can't be..."
Kazuki's gaze snapped to the remaining wolves. His eyes glowed a fierce crimson. "Kneel."
The Dire Wolves whimpered and fell to the ground, their heads bowed low. Kazuki's heart pounded, the adrenaline coursing through his veins like fire. The power was intoxicating, overwhelming — and he wanted more.
"You... you filthy commoner!" Lady Arwen's face twisted with fury. "You dare defy me?!"
Kazuki stepped forward, each step radiating power. The ground trembled beneath his feet. "You tried to control them. Tried to control me. But now..."
He raised his hand, and the largest wolf rose to its feet, its body towering over Lady Arwen. Kazuki's grin was feral, his teeth flashing. "Now you're the one who's helpless."
Lady Arwen's hands shook as she took a step back, her eyes darting around for an escape. "You don't understand what you're doing! That power — it's forbidden!"
Kazuki's eyes darkened, the red glow intensifying. "And you should have thought of that before you messed with me."
Without warning, the giant wolf lunged at Lady Arwen, its massive paws slamming into the ground where she had been standing. But she was quick, her form blurring as she darted to the side.
"You think you can take me down with your stolen power?!" Lady Arwen snarled, her silver hair whipping around her like a storm. "You're nothing but a weakling playing with forces beyond your understanding!"
Kazuki's jaw clenched. The power surged within him, begging to be unleashed further. But even as he felt himself losing control, a soft, familiar voice echoed in his mind.
"Kazuki!" Elara's voice cut through the chaos. "Don't lose yourself!"
Kazuki's eyes flickered, the crimson glow dimming for a brief moment. His breath came in sharp, heavy pants. Lady Arwen took the opportunity, her hands glowing with dark energy.
"Now die!" she screamed, launching a blast of dark magic straight at Kazuki.
But before the spell could reach him, the giant wolf leaped in front of him, taking the hit full force. The wolf howled, the dark energy consuming it, and Kazuki's heart lurched.
"No!" Kazuki shouted, his eyes flaring crimson once more. The power within him roared to life, surging through his veins. The ground trembled, and the remaining wolves howled, their voices echoing through the night.
Lady Arwen's eyes widened, true fear flashing across her face as Kazuki took a step forward, his entire body engulfed in a crimson aura.
"Now," Kazuki said, his voice echoing with the power of Alpha Command. "It's my turn."