Alger's heart was filled with conflict and turmoil as he stood in the wind, gazing at the sky with thoughtful eyes. Marlene's proposal had given him a choice—one that could allow him to fully harness the wolf instincts within him, freeing himself from the darkness he had always feared. But he knew that this choice would mean forsaking his former self, drifting further from his humanity, and becoming a hunter from whom there was no return.
The temptation of the wolf instinct was right before him—a primal power closer than ever. Every time Alger thought about the strength coursing through his body, an irrepressible desire surged in his heart. The wolf instinct made him stronger, faster, capable of defeating enemies who once seemed insurmountable. But it also brought endless pain. Each awakening pushed him deeper into the abyss of darkness, even causing him to lose his reason.
"What should I do?" Alger murmured, feeling an unprecedented loneliness and confusion. The battle between his wolf instinct and his humanity was like two worlds colliding violently within him. The shadowy voice echoed in his mind, tempting him to believe that fully embracing the wolf instinct would grant him boundless power—even the ability to change his destiny.
Yet, Alger understood that if he abandoned his humanity and surrendered completely to the wolf instinct, he would no longer be a being of emotion and reason. He would become a cold, heartless monster—a solitary wanderer forever cloaked in darkness. He dared not imagine the cost of such a transformation.
"If I choose the wolf instinct, will I truly gain power? If I refuse, can I still move forward?" Alger's mind swirled with countless questions. He acknowledged that Marlene's suggestion wasn't without merit, but he also realized that the risks and sacrifices behind it weren't something to bear lightly.
Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, trying to calm his thoughts. Memories from his past began to surface—his father's sacrifice, the fate of the wolf clan, and the countless trials he had endured along the way. These memories reminded him that he was more than an individual; he bore the legacy of his forebears. Whatever choice he made, he couldn't forget his roots and responsibilities.
At that moment, Marlene's image appeared before him once again. She maintained her calm and composed demeanor, as if she had anticipated Alger's inner struggle all along.
"You know, Alger," Marlene's voice resonated once more, "the wolf instinct isn't as simple as you think. It's not just the strength of a beast; it's an ancient power embedded in your bloodline. It holds the potential to change your destiny. If you can master it, it will grant you unparalleled strength."
"But at what cost?" Alger finally spoke, his tone heavy and resolute. "I can't sacrifice everything just for power. I refuse to become a monster devoid of humanity."
A flicker of complex emotion crossed Marlene's eyes as she sighed and stepped closer to Alger. "I understand your concerns. Forsaking humanity and embracing the wolf instinct may seem like a betrayal of oneself. But you must realize this isn't about turning into a monster—it's about becoming something greater. Human emotions and reason are the foundation of your survival, but they're also the shackles that often limit your strength. You can't dwell in the burdens of the past forever; you can't let your humanity hold you back."
Alger listened quietly, his heart still clouded with doubt. Marlene's words shook him, but he couldn't make a decision lightly. The wolf instinct—this ancient, formidable power—how was he to wield it? Should he strive to control it, or fight against it?
"Who are you, really?" Alger's voice suddenly dropped, a hint of wariness in his gaze. "Why do you understand me so well? Are you also pulling the strings behind all this?"
Marlene's expression grew colder, her gaze steady. "I'm merely helping you see your inner self. I'm not your enemy. I want you to understand that you're facing more than just the wolf instinct—you're confronting a choice about your destiny. Whether to embrace this power or oppose it is entirely up to you."
A chill ran through Alger's heart as Marlene's words carried a profound, unfathomable weight. She hadn't forced him; she'd left him with complete freedom. Yet this freedom came with a pressure greater than any constraint. He realized he was no longer just a simple youth; he was now faced with a decision more complex than anything he had ever encountered.
Time seemed to freeze at that moment. Alger's inner turmoil raged on, as if he were surrounded by countless paths. Each one led to a different future, and each choice demanded a sacrifice.
Suddenly, his father's face appeared in his mind—a memory he would never forget. His father's eyes had been filled with resolve and responsibility. In that instant, Alger seemed to understand something.
Taking a deep breath, he finally spoke, "I choose to coexist with the wolf instinct. I will no longer run from it, nor will I let it control me. I will master it—not become its slave."
A glimmer of approval flashed in Marlene's eyes, as if she had anticipated Alger's choice all along. "You've made a wise decision, Alger. The wolf instinct isn't evil. It's the source of your strength. As long as you can control it, it will become your greatest ally."
Alger stood taller, feeling the wolf instinct within him gradually settle. That primal force still coursed through him, but now it felt less oppressive and more like a latent power—something that could be guided and mastered.
He finally understood that true power didn't come from simply relying on one's abilities but from balancing them, from ensuring that they served his will rather than enslaving him.