The moonlight shone on the werewolf, making his silver-white fur even more dazzling.
The werewolf possessed a massive physique and sharp claws, exuding a majestic aura by merely standing there.
Coupled with his crimson eyes, it created an inexplicable tension for Hoster on the opposite side.
Involuntarily, Hoster took a few steps back, feeling a warning from his own body, urging him to distance himself from the other.
However, this action drew the attention of Cain, who was still acclimating to his enhanced powers.
He watched Hoster diminish in size and then looked up at the bright moonlight.
Whether it was an illusion or not, Cain felt that Hoster's aura had weakened considerably.
No!
He had advanced. Cain raised his powerful clawed hand, and with a few swings, a rush of breaking wind followed.
Satisfied, Cain nodded. He was now sure that he had ascended to the high position of the second tier amid these drastic changes.
Brilliant platinum-colored source energy gathered on Cain's claws.
Immediately, three waves of platinum energy surged toward Hoster.
Reacting swiftly, Hoster first enveloped himself in a source energy armor.
Subsequently, he released three sword energies, colliding with Cain's golden waves of energy.
"Boom."
The platinum waves successfully dispersed the sword energies, shattering Hoster's source energy armor on his left side.
Unable to evade, Hoster received a large wound, staining the left side of his attire with blood.
Quickly retreating, Hoster used the source energy to repair the outer layer of his armor.
Although now at a disadvantage, Hoster still feigned composure, saying, "Well done, quite impressive. Is this the true strength of beast transformation? No wonder you led me outside."
Stepping forward, Cain spoke with a deep voice, "Hoster, not only did you attempt to kill the territory lord, but you also aspired to seize the baron title. You deserve to die."
Hoster, hearing this, unabashedly retorted, "In terms of ability and talent, where am I inferior to your mediocre father? It's just because I'm the second son, with no inheritance rights, only able to gain a lowly title like a knight by being loyal to other nobles."
"I hate it, I hate that I wasn't born earlier. I hate this damn inheritance law. I hate your mediocre father. If I were in his position, I would have advanced to the second tier long ago. I hate that biased old man for throwing me to Count Mandeville, not caring about me anymore."
"For so many years, I endured it. Finally, I saw the only glimmer of hope. It's unfortunate that Rachel, after years of campaigning, would ultimately die at the hands of a bear goblin."
"But thanks to him, the baron title fell into your hands. My dear nephew Cain, as long as I eliminate you, I'll be the sole heir to the territory. Just a little bit more... just a little bit more, and I could have claimed the title."
"Why did you become this variable? This damn beast transformation."
As he spoke, Hoster angrily charged at Cain.
With his sword emitting a silver glow, Hoster thrust it towards Cain's abdomen.
Without the source energy armor like Hoster, Cain had to raise his clawed hand to block the attack.
As if going mad, Hoster, fully aware of the futility of his efforts, relentlessly attacked Cain.
"Clang, clang, clang."
"Kill you, kill you. As long as I kill you, the title will be mine."
Cain pushed Hoster away, looking at his frenzied face, and said, "In consideration of our past relationship, I will leave your corpse intact."
In an instant, Hoster snapped back to his senses, shocked, "What? You..."
Before he could finish, Cain, at an unseen speed, appeared beside him.
Taking the sword from his hand, Cain thrust it into Hoster's heart.
Hoster, in disbelief, looked at the sword embedded in his chest. Then, losing balance, he fell.
Cain looked at Hoster's lifeless body with mixed emotions. When he was a child, his father often neglected him due to managing the territory. It was this uncle who frequently visited him, accompanying him through his childhood.
Including the extraordinary knowledge and knightly heritage that Cain later learned, it was Hoster who replaced his father in teaching him.
As for his father Rachel, he might have already sunk into grief over the loss of his mother.
Cain's mother, Omerl Gerard, was a young lady from a baron family. Her marriage to Rachel Gerard was a purely political union, but surprisingly, Rachel and Omerl got along well, quickly giving birth to Cain.
The Baron was initially satisfied with the quick arrival of the heir, and Omerl's position within Eagle Castle rose rapidly.
This envy-inducing marriage should have continued smoothly. However, a significant event occurred a few years after Cain was born.
Omerl suffered complications during childbirth, and the midwife warned the Baron to be mentally prepared as Omerl might be in life-threatening danger.
As expected, on that fateful night, Omerl died from postpartum hemorrhage. The life within her womb also couldn't survive.
From then on, the Baron was devastated, showing no care for his son. He invested all his energy into the development of the territory.
In the following years, the elderly Statt had suggested to his son multiple times to remarry, but Rachel rejected the idea each time.
A shout interrupted Cain's reminiscence.
"Revenge for the lord!!"
It turned out to be Hoster's squad members, likely responding to the sound of their fight. Impressive soldiers trained by Hoster, they were loyal to the end.
Of course, these were ordinary soldiers who couldn't harm Cain in any way. Despite wearing enchanted armor and forming a military formation to confront Cain, they were effortlessly eliminated by a few waves of energy, loyal to Hoster even in death.
With Hoster's rebellion coming to a close, including the man himself, Cain had dealt with everything.
The moon in the dark night seemed to have completed its mission, hiding back among the clouds. The moonlight withdrew from Cain.
As if losing something, Cain's body began to shrink.
The heartbeat returned to its original speed.
The sharp claws retracted, and the white fur gradually disappeared from his body.
The aura of advancement due to the werewolf transformation was descending.
In just a few minutes, Cain reverted to his human form.
He casually picked up a piece of cloth to cover himself and walked back into the dining room.
Loyal servants had already arrived in the dining room and took Marcus to the medical room.
Catherine stood alert in front of the table, preventing Hoster from returning.
When she saw Cain approaching, she breathed a sigh of relief.
The steward Jess had also appeared at some point, waiting for Cain's recovery.
Now, everyone in the castle was awaiting Cain's further instructions.