Chapter 39: Aftermath and New Resolve
The air was heavy with the scent of burnt earth and lingering magic. Kazuki sat on a fallen log, his body still trembling from the aftereffects of Alpha Command. The night was eerily silent, the Dire Wolves having retreated into the forest, their minds freed from Lady Arwen's dark control.
Elara sat beside Kazuki, her emerald eyes filled with concern. "You pushed yourself too far," she said softly, her hand resting on his shoulder. "You could have..."
"I had to," Kazuki said, his jaw clenched. "If I didn't, she would've destroyed us all."
Tara approached, her arms crossed over her chest. "You did what you had to do. But..." She glanced over to where Lady Arwen's lifeless body lay, her expression conflicted. "Killing her like that... Are you okay with it?"
Kazuki's gaze hardened. "I didn't have a choice. She was too dangerous to let live."
Tara sighed, her eyes softening as she knelt before Kazuki. "You're right. But you're not alone in this. Don't shoulder everything by yourself."
Kazuki managed a faint smile. "Thanks."
Elara stood, her brow furrowing. "We should head back. The others will be worried."
Kazuki nodded and rose to his feet, but his legs wobbled beneath him. Elara and Tara quickly moved to his sides, each taking an arm to support him.
"Let us help," Elara said, her voice gentle.
Kazuki felt a warmth spreading through his chest. For a moment, he allowed himself to lean on them, the exhaustion finally catching up to him.
Back at the village, the survivors were gathering around the central bonfire, their faces etched with fear and confusion. When Kazuki and the others emerged from the forest, a murmur rippled through the crowd.
"Did they win?"
"Is Lady Arwen gone?"
A middle-aged man stepped forward, his eyes searching Kazuki's face. "What happened out there?"
Kazuki met his gaze, his expression solemn. "Lady Arwen is dead. The dark magic controlling the Dire Wolves has been broken."
A gasp went through the crowd, and then the villagers began to cheer. Some wept openly, while others dropped to their knees, offering prayers of gratitude.
"You did it!" a young boy shouted, running up to Kazuki. "You saved us!"
Kazuki forced a smile and patted the boy's head. "It wasn't just me. We all fought together."
Elara and Tara exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of pride and concern. They could see the strain in Kazuki's eyes — the battle had taken more from him than he was letting on.
Later that night, Kazuki sat alone at the edge of the village, staring up at the moonlit sky. The weight of his actions pressed down on him, and for the first time since awakening in this world, he felt truly... alone.
[New system update available. Initiating Alpha Command expansion.]
Kazuki's eyes widened as a familiar screen appeared before him.
[Alpha Command expansion includes new skills:
Beast Assimilation: Absorb a beast's abilities upon defeat.
Alpha's Call: Command all nearby beasts within a certain range.
Primal Awakening: Temporarily transform into a beast form to increase power by 300% for 60 seconds.]
Kazuki's heart pounded as he read through the new skills. The power he had just unlocked was immense — but it came with a cost.
[Warning. Excessive use of Alpha Command may result in loss of self-control. Proceed with caution.]
Kazuki clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "I have to get stronger," he muttered, his eyes burning with renewed determination. "There are more threats out there — stronger enemies. And if I don't keep pushing forward..."
He stood, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. "I'll lose everything."
As the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, Kazuki's resolve solidified. The path ahead was clear. He would master the power of Alpha Command, no matter the cost.