Alex woke up before dawn, feeling both anxious and excited about the training ahead. Although he had shown unique abilities in the recent fight, he still had much to learn, especially now that this mysterious blue energy had manifested. He didn't fully understand his power, but he knew it had a connection to his lineage, like a dormant inheritance that had just awakened.
He headed to the clearing where Rainer was waiting. The Alpha stood watching the horizon with a serious expression, arms crossed. When Rainer noticed his arrival, he gestured for him to come closer.
"Today, I want you to use that power you showed in the last fight," Rainer said, getting straight to the point.
Alex nodded, though he felt a slight shiver. He remembered the blue energy and how it emerged without warning during his fight. He wasn't sure if he could control it again, but he knew he had to learn how to handle it.
"How do I activate it?" asked Alex, rubbing his neck nervously.
"The key is in your focus and the connection you have with that energy," Rainer explained. "Don't force it, but don't let it control you either. Find the balance."
Alex closed his eyes and tried to remember the feeling of power he had felt when the ability manifested. At first, nothing happened, but slowly, he felt a warmth in his chest. When he opened his eyes, he noticed a faint blue glow in his hands.
Before he could progress, a sharp noise broke the forest's calm. Alex looked up, and Rainer took a defensive stance. Suddenly, figures began emerging at the edge of the clearing. Four hunters advanced, moving silently and precisely. Alex exchanged a quick glance with one of them, and the coldness in their eyes made it clear they weren't there to talk.
Rainer shot Alex a look. "Today you'll test your ability in combat. Don't hold back, but maintain control."
The first hunter attacked, throwing a chain covered in symbols at Alex. He moved to the side, feeling the energy in his chest growing stronger. The chain grazed his arm, and a sharp pain made him growl. He had no time to think about that now.
He raised his hand, and almost instinctively, channeled the energy he felt inside. A blue flash shot from his fingers, hitting the hunter in the chest and making him step back. However, the hunter only paused for a moment before raising the chain again, showing no trace of fear.
"Focus!" shouted Rainer, dodging another hunter's attack and throwing a punch that split a rock in two.
Alex barely had time to process what was happening around him before another hunter lunged at him with a long knife. He tried to dodge, but the hunter was fast and caught him with a cut to the shoulder. The pain made him growl, and he felt the wolf inside him fighting to take control. The blue energy intensified, pulsing uncontrollably.
Remembering Rainer's words, Alex took a deep breath and tried to stabilize himself. The energy began to flow more evenly. With new focus, he turned toward the nearest hunter and launched another direct hit with the blue light, pushing him back forcefully.
However, the hunters didn't retreat. They moved in coordination, attacking from different angles. One of them managed to wrap a chain around his leg, pulling him to the ground.
"Damn it!" growled Alex, struggling to break free. He felt the wolf wanting to take over, but he knew losing control would be a mistake. Instead of giving in, he channeled all the energy he had into his free hand and, with a shout, released a burst of blue light that broke the chain.
Rainer took advantage to attack, covering him while he got up. The Alpha fought with impressive skill, his attacks calculated and lethal. Alex stood up, his body shaking from exhaustion. Only two hunters remained standing, their eyes fixed on him. Focusing, he used his energy to increase his strength, and with a quick move, disarmed the nearest hunter.
The last hunter hesitated, and Alex took the chance to launch a wave that pushed him toward the trees. The clearing fell silent. Alex was panting, covered in sweat. The blue light around his body began to fade.
Rainer watched him, his gaze full of surprise. "What did you just do?" he asked, between confusion and amazement. "That was my attack, the one I used in the fight. You copied my ability."
Alex looked at him, confused. He didn't remember doing it on purpose. He had felt the energy flow differently, stronger and more precise. But now that he mentioned it, he realized it was the same attack he had seen Rainer use.
"Does that mean I can copy abilities?" muttered Alex, amazed by the discovery.