Chapter 26: The Mysterious Presence
Kazuki's senses were on high alert as they moved deeper into the forest. The air was thick, heavy with the scent of damp earth and the faint rustle of leaves. Every shadow seemed to shift, every branch a potential hiding place for another monster.
"Stay close," Elara said, her eyes scanning the dense foliage. "Something doesn't feel right."
"You feel it too?" Tara asked, twirling her dagger between her fingers. "Feels like we're being watched."
Kazuki swallowed, his grip tightening on his sword. The new Beast Resilience skill coursed through his body, making him feel stronger, more durable. But despite the newfound power, a chill crawled down his spine.
Suddenly, a low, eerie howl echoed through the trees. Kazuki stiffened, his eyes darting around as the sound seemed to come from everywhere at once.
"What was that?" Kazuki asked, his voice low.
Elara frowned, her jaw clenched. "A Dire Wolf. They usually hunt in packs."
"Great," Tara muttered, rolling her shoulders. "Just what we needed."
Before they could react, a pair of glowing, red eyes appeared in the shadows ahead. Then another. And another. The underbrush rustled, and three massive Dire Wolves stepped into the clearing, their fangs bared and fur bristling.
Kazuki's heart pounded, but he forced himself to stand firm, raising his sword. "Three against three. We can do this."
Elara nodded, her blade flashing as she readied her stance. "Kazuki, focus on one at a time. Use your skills wisely."
The largest wolf lunged at Kazuki, its jaws snapping dangerously close to his face. Kazuki swung his sword, but the wolf was fast, too fast. It dodged, circling around him with terrifying speed.
"Watch out!" Tara shouted, throwing a dagger. It grazed the wolf's ear, making it yelp and back off.
Kazuki exhaled, his muscles tensing as he activated Beast Resilience. The wolf lunged again, and this time, Kazuki stood his ground. The wolf's fangs sank into his arm, but the pain was dulled, his skin toughened by the new skill.
"Now!" Elara shouted, rushing in and slashing the wolf's side. Blood splattered across the ground as the wolf howled in pain.
Kazuki gritted his teeth, swinging his sword down onto the wolf's head. The blade connected, and the wolf collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud.
[You have defeated Dire Wolf. Skill Copy activated. New skill acquired: Wolf Agility.]
Kazuki's eyes widened as a rush of energy flowed through him, his muscles feeling lighter, faster. The remaining two wolves growled, their eyes locked onto Kazuki as he straightened, his breath coming in heavy pants.
"Kazuki..." Elara said, her expression tense. "Can you handle another one?"
Kazuki met her gaze, a fierce determination blazing in his eyes. "Yes. Let's finish this."