Chapter 33: Unleashing the Alpha
The wind howled outside the inn, carrying with it the mournful cries of the Dire Wolves. Kazuki stood by the window, staring into the dark forest beyond the village. The uneasy feeling in his gut grew stronger. Something was definitely wrong.
[Skill Alpha Command suppressed. Time remaining: 16 hours, 30 minutes.]
Kazuki clenched his fists, feeling the power of Alpha Command thrumming beneath his skin. The skill was still suppressed, but its presence was undeniable, like a caged beast waiting to be set free.
Behind him, Tara paced back and forth, her brow furrowed. "This doesn't make sense. Alpha-class Dire Wolves don't travel in packs. They're lone hunters."
"Unless someone's controlling them," Elara said, leaning against the wall. Her emerald eyes were dark with worry. "And we know who has the power to do that."
"Lady Arwen," Kazuki said, his jaw clenched.
Tara punched her palm. "Damn it! That witch is definitely up to something. We should've kept a closer eye on her."
"It's not too late," Kazuki said, turning to face them. "If we can find her and figure out what she's planning, we can stop it."
Elara shook her head. "But you're still recovering from the Alpha fight. And your new skill — you can barely control it."
Kazuki gritted his teeth. "I don't have a choice. If Lady Arwen is controlling those Alphas, she could use them to attack the village. People will die."
Tara crossed her arms, her gaze hard. "Alright. Let's go."
The three of them slipped out of the inn, moving swiftly through the darkened streets. The moon cast long shadows, and the air was thick with tension. As they approached the village outskirts, the howls grew louder, more desperate.
They stopped near the forest's edge, crouching behind a cluster of bushes. Ahead, several massive Dire Wolves paced back and forth, their eyes glowing red in the moonlight. They were even bigger than the Alpha Kazuki had fought before — their muscles bulging, their fur bristling.
"There's no way they're acting on their own," Elara whispered.
Kazuki's eyes scanned the area, searching for any sign of Lady Arwen. Then he saw her. Standing atop a rocky outcrop, her silver hair flowing in the wind, Lady Arwen raised her hands, chanting softly. A dark, pulsing aura surrounded her, and the wolves responded, their growls growing louder.
"She's controlling them," Tara said, eyes narrowing. "We need to stop her."
"But how?" Elara asked. "Those wolves are too powerful. And Kazuki's skill is still suppressed."
Kazuki gritted his teeth, his jaw clenching. He could feel the power of Alpha Command, surging beneath the surface, begging to be released.
[Warning: Suppression breaking in 10 minutes.]
Kazuki's eyes widened. Ten minutes. That was all he had to hold on.
"Stay here," Kazuki said, rising to his feet. "I'll distract her."
"Are you crazy?" Elara grabbed his arm. "You can't take her on alone!"
Kazuki's gaze was fierce, determination burning in his eyes. "I have to. It's the only way to get close enough to disrupt her control."
Before they could stop him, Kazuki sprinted forward, his sword drawn. Lady Arwen's eyes snapped open as he approached, her lips curving into a sinister smile.
"Well, well," she said, her voice dripping with malice. "The little hero comes to play."
Kazuki raised his sword, charging straight for her. But before he could close the distance, the Dire Wolves lunged, surrounding him in a ring of snarling fangs and glowing red eyes.
Kazuki's heart pounded. Ten minutes. Just ten minutes. And then, Alpha Command would be unleashed.