Chapter 27: Rising Tension
Kazuki's heart raced as he faced the remaining two Dire Wolves. Their red eyes glared at him, muscles tensed and ready to pounce. The new Wolf Agility skill buzzed through his veins, sharpening his senses and making him feel lighter on his feet.
"Kazuki! Watch out!" Elara shouted as one of the wolves lunged forward, jaws snapping.
Kazuki sidestepped with newfound speed, narrowly avoiding the wolf's fangs. He swung his sword, the blade grazing the wolf's side. It yelped, spinning around to attack again.
Tara threw a dagger, striking the second wolf in the hind leg. "One down. Kazuki, finish it!"
Kazuki gritted his teeth, charging forward. His speed had increased, and he could feel himself moving faster, more fluidly. He ducked under the wolf's swiping claws, then drove his sword into its chest. The wolf collapsed, blood pooling beneath it.
[You have defeated Dire Wolf. Skill Copy activated. New skill acquired: Wolf Pack Coordination.]
Kazuki gasped as the skill surged through him. It wasn't just strength or speed — it was a sense of awareness, a feeling of being connected to his surroundings. He could sense the remaining wolf behind him before it even moved.
"Kazuki, behind you!" Elara shouted, but Kazuki was already reacting, spinning around and blocking the wolf's attack with his sword. The beast growled, its fangs gnashing as it pushed against Kazuki's blade.
"Not today!" Kazuki roared, shoving the wolf back. He swung his sword in a wide arc, the blade slashing through the wolf's neck. The creature fell, its body twitching before going still.
[You have defeated Dire Wolf. No new skill acquired.]
Kazuki's chest heaved, sweat dripping down his brow as he stood amidst the fallen wolves. Tara whistled, wiping blood off her dagger. "Well, look at you, Kazuki. Not bad at all."
Elara approached, her eyes shining with relief. "Are you hurt?"
Kazuki shook his head, his breath still coming in heavy pants. "I'm fine. Just... adjusting to the new skills."
Elara placed a hand on his arm, her touch gentle. "You did well."
Kazuki met her gaze, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. But before he could say anything, a loud howl echoed through the forest, sending chills down their spines.
Tara's eyes narrowed, scanning the trees. "There's more of them."
Elara's grip tightened on her sword. "And they sound bigger."
Kazuki swallowed, his newfound senses tingling with warning. The fight wasn't over yet.