The pursuit continued, my legs burning with every step as the thief darted through the crowded streets.
He was fast, his movements smooth and almost practiced, weaving effortlessly through obstacles.
But I wasn't alone anymore.
Ori had joined the chase, though not in his usual wolf form.
Instead, he had taken on the shape of a black mist, an amorphous cloud that flowed through the air like liquid shadow.
He moved faster than I could, slipping through narrow gaps and over barriers effortlessly.
I pushed myself to keep up, my breath coming in sharp gasps.
The thief had no idea Ori was closing in on him, his focus solely on outpacing me.
Ori surged ahead, a blur of darkness that melted into the shadows of the alley.
I could barely keep track of him, but I trusted he'd handle things.
The thief, oblivious, continued his mad dash until the mist reached him.
Suddenly, Ori wrapped himself around the thief like a living shroud.
The black mist swirled tightly, snaking around his limbs and torso.
The thief faltered, his pace slowing as confusion clouded his features.
He stumbled, swatting at the mist as though it were smoke, but his hands passed through harmlessly.
"What the-?!" he gasped, his voice breaking as panic began to set in.
Then, Ori made his move.
The mist flowed into the thief's head, disappearing entirely.
The man froze mid-step, his eyes widening in sheer terror.
For a moment, he stood there, trembling. Then the screaming began.
The thief collapsed to the ground, clutching his head.
His cries echoed through the empty street, raw and filled with a fear I could almost feel myself.
He flailed, pleading incoherently, his words blending into a desperate babble.
I stopped a few feet away, catching my breath, and stared at him.
His wide, glassy eyes darted around as though he were seeing something I couldn't.
What did Ori do to him?
I wondered, both shocked and fascinated.
I took a cautious step closer, my gaze fixed on the thief's face.
His screams turned into choked sobs, and his body convulsed as though he were fighting something invisible.
My curiosity got the better of me.
"Ori," I said, my voice steady but curious, "show me."
The world around me dimmed in an instant, shadows swallowing the street.
Suddenly, I wasn't in the alley anymore.
Instead, I stood in a dark, endless void. In front of me was the thief, but he was no longer whole.
Black wolves with glowing eyes tore into him, their teeth sinking into his flesh.
His body was riddled with wounds, chunks of him missing, but he remained conscious, screaming in agony.
I stepped forward, my movements slow, deliberate.
The thief's wide eyes locked onto mine, and he whimpered.
"Please," he begged, his voice cracked and desperate. "I'll do anything! Just make it stop!"
I didn't respond immediately, keeping my face blank.
Damn, Ori power was effective, too effective.
"Return what you stole," I said finally, my voice cold.
"I swear!" he cried, tears streaming down his face. "I'll give it back! Just stop this!"
I raised my hand and snapped my fingers.
The darkness evaporated, replaced by the familiar sights and sounds of the street.
The thief lay on the ground, panting and clutching his chest.
For a moment, he seemed lost, his gaze darting around as though trying to piece together reality.
"Where… Where am I?" he muttered, his voice trembling.
He scrambled to his feet and bolted, his steps unsteady and his mind clearly shaken.
I watched him go, my mind still reeling.
Ori reappeared beside me, back in his wolf form, his glowing blue eyes watching me expectantly.
"Was that you?" I asked, my voice quieter now. "Did you… erase his memory?"
Ori tilted his head slightly, then nodded once, slow and deliberate.
I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck.
"You're terrifying, you know that?"
Ori's tail wagged faintly before he disappeared into the spatial inventory, leaving me alone in the street.
By the time I made it back to the military base, the adrenaline had worn off, and exhaustion was setting in.
As I approached the gates, I saw the woman from earlier waiting nearby.
She spotted me immediately, her eyes lighting up with recognition.
"You're the one who pursued the thief, right!" she said, stepping forward.
I blinked, surprised.
"How did you know it was me?"
She gestured toward my uniform with a small smile.
"It wasn't hard to figure out."
I handed her the bag, feeling awkward.
"Here. I think everything's still in there."
"Thank you," she said earnestly. "I don't know what I would've done without it."
I nodded, watching as she turned and left.
I couldn't help but reflect on what had just happened.
Ori's power was badass and menacing.
I doubt that's it only power.
It was frightening, yes.
But It is going to be very useful.
And in a world like this, I am going to need every advantage I can get to survive in this world.