Chapter 24: The Werewolf
The forest echoed with the sounds of battle, the alliance forces fighting desperately against Garuda's beasts. The clash of steel and the roars of the beasts created a cacophony that seemed to drown out everything else. But suddenly, a loud, piercing howl cut through the noise, sending a chill down the spines of everyone present.
Vikram and his team barely had time to react before a massive black wolf, its fur as dark as the night, leaped into their midst. With terrifying speed, it attacked one of Vikram's soldiers, tearing into him with savage ferocity. The man's screams filled the air as the wolf tore him apart, blood splattering across the clearing.
The other beasts, sensing the presence of their of the wolf, halted their attacks and took a step back. The wolf, having finished its grisly meal, began to transform. Before the shocked and horrified eyes of Vikram's team, the beast's form shifted and contorted, slowly turning into a tall, muscular man with piercing yellow eyes and a cruel smile.
The team stood frozen in a mix of fear and anger, unable to comprehend what they were witnessing. They didn't need any further proof to know that they were facing the true fourth leader.
As the man completed his transformation, he strode confidently towards Vikram. One of Vikram's soldiers, trembling with a mix of fury and fear, shout what they were all thinking. "How can he control beasts and transform into one at once? No one can have two abilities."
The man laughed, a deep, chilling sound that sent shivers down their spines. But before he could respond, Elandor stepped forward. "He's not someone with multiple abilities," Elandor said, his voice grave. "He's a werewolf, a race from my world. Werewolves were thought to be extinct, because they gain power from consuming any living thing. They were hunted to extinction because of their threat, but it seem somehow, a small pack survived."
The werewolf, Fenrir now fully human in appearance, smiled, showing his sharp teeth. "It's true. We survived and thrived in the shadows of all of you, we all hunted until the last and all this because of you. But Now, it's time to reclaim our power."
Vikram stepped forward, his sword at the ready. "What do you want, Fenrir?"
fenrir grinned. "A duel with you. If you win, you may leave but If you lose, Then I will consume you as I did your soldier."
Vikram thinks for a while but then he agrees for duel.
Vikram's team tried to protest, but he raised his hand to stop them. "Let me fight," he said, his voice calm but resolute. "We will have to fight this just like we fought against Kiran. Trust me."
Understanding his intent, the team reluctantly stepped back, moving to the opposite side of the clearing, away from the beasts. Fenrir's eyes gleamed with anticipation as he squared off against Vikram.
The duel began with a burst of energy. Vikram's sword clashed against Fenrir's claws, the sound ringing through the forest. The two fighters were evenly matched at first, trading blows with incredible speed and precision. Vikram channeled his energy manipulation, summoning fire and lightning to strike at Fenrir. The werewolf countered with savage swipes of his claws and bursts.
Vikram rolled to the side, summoning a wall of ice to block fenrir's next attack. The werewolf shattered the ice with a single powerful blow, lunging at Vikram with bared fangs. Vikram met him head-on, their clash sending shockwaves through the forest.
fenrir's strength was overwhelming. He moved with the grace and power of a predator, each movement fluid and deadly. Vikram countered with precision, using his ability to keep Lycros at bay. He conjured a whirlwind of fire, forcing fenrir to retreat momentarily.
"Impressive," Fenrir growled, his eyes gleaming. "But not enough."
With a roar, Fenrir charged again, his speed blinding. Vikram barely had time to react, raising his sword just in time to deflect a vicious strike. The force of the blow sent him skidding back, his feet digging into the earth.
Vikram focused, summoning the power of lightning. He directed a bolt at fenrir, who dodged it effortlessly, closing the distance between them in an instant. fenrir's claws raked across Vikram's armor, leaving deep gouges. Vikram gritted his teeth, ignoring the pain, and retaliated with a blast of ice that froze Lycros' arm.
The duel raged on, both fighters pushing themselves to their limits. Vikram's movements began to slow, his energy reserves dwindling. Fenrir sensed his weakness, pressing the attack with renewed ferocity. He struck with lightning speed, his claws grazing Vikram's side and drawing blood.
The duel wore on, but it became clear that Fenrir's stamina and power were starting to overwhelm Vikram.
Sensing that Vikram was beginning to falter, Arjun gave the signal to his team – it was time to act.
All at once, Vikram's team launched a coordinated attack. Arjun used his Code Manipulation to disrupt Fenrir's movements, while Raj and Rathore struck with their weapons. Maya's healing spells kept the fighters in the battle, her magic a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.
Fenrir was knocked back by the sudden assault, a look of surprise flashing across his face. The beasts around them roared in response, ready to join the fray, but Fenrir raised his hand, stopping them. He laughed, a sound filled with dark amusement.
Fenrir laugh "You broke the rules of the duel," Fenrir said, his voice mocking. "But I'm not one to complain. If you wish to face me all at once, so be it."
Fenrir's form began to shift once more, growing larger and more monstrous. His muscles bulged, and his body expanded until he stood as a massive direwolf, towering over them like a beast from a nightmare.
The transformation complete, Fenrir's direwolf form casting a terrifying shadow over the clearing. The alliance forces stand in shock, knowing that the battle for their survival has only just begun.