It took three days for my regeneration to get me back in top shape. Most of that time was spent resting. But to say that I was unproductive would have been a lie. A lot of time was dedicated to planning with my party. Another pleasant surprise came from how subdued Tjorval was. It was definitely a welcome change. The time for resting and recuperation had come to an end. The remaining wargs fell over the course of the day, not in a single clash but in a series of brutal, grinding engagements. Each fight left them slower, bloodier, and more cautious. By the time the second lycan made itself known, the party was exhausted.

  But more than that, they had been forged in the crucible of conflict. They welcomed the lycans' challenge to their newfound resolve. This fight would not turn out like the last. No, this time I was not alone. Lieber opened the assault with an arrow targeting the lycan's belly. At the same time, Bjorn and I took on the beast in a frontal assault. A hammer descended from above, with such force that the wind resistance was pushed aside. From below came my nodachi, the blade aimed directly for its side. The lycan was caught between a rock and a hard place, forcing it to jump back, right into the waiting edge of Tjorval’s battle axe. The lycan did not get the chance to turn around and retaliate as Magnus and Mordial stuck out at the beast's legs.

  This was the strategy I devised during my recuperation. Sensory overload. It all essentially boiled down to attacking from multiple angles before disengaging. Constantly keeping the lycan on its toes while I delivered the damaging moves. Lightning coiled on my fingertips as a lightning bolt struck the arrow in its stomach, acting as a lightning rod. Hair and flesh singed when the bolt struck, causing the lycan to falter. Bjorn was already at the ready, his hammer striking the arrow, ramming it deeper into the lycan's body. The force of his blow caused him to stumble a bit. The lycan was enraged as a familiar red cloud began leaving its body.

  The beast struck out with its sharp claws aimed at Bjorn’s head. A quick blink brought me in between the two with my nodachi raised. The impact of the attack pushed me back slightly. Giving just enough time for Bjorn to retreat. I took in a deep breath as I centered myself. Memories of my last encounter flash in my vision. I pushed them down, focusing on my current prey. My blood boiled as adrenaline heightened my senses. Mordial’s bo staff struck the small of the lycan’s back, throwing it off balance. The edge of my blade was already primed to strike. Lightning crackled on my blade. I was using it as a focus for my skill. Infusing the wrath of the heavens into my strike.

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  For the first time since the battle started. The beast's hide was pierced, leaving a deep wound. Only a few drops of blood dropped on me before the electricity cauterized the wound. A deep, primal hunger radiated from my blood. Even that was not enough to temper my resolve. The lycan jumped back before throwing its head back in an earth-shattering roar. My hair stood on end when I heard another louder roar come from the east. Shit! I have to finish this quickly before the other lycan joins.

  With my mind made up, I blinked behind the lycan. Lightning crackled on the blade once more. This time, the blade was aimed at the neck with so much power and prana coursing through my veins. That a blood vessel burst from the exertion. My heart almost stopped when my blade met resistance once reaching the bone. It was quickly alleviated when the blade passed through. The decapitated head of the lycan fell to Bjorn’s feet. Before they could even register what happened, I screamed at them. “Run!” At this point, we worked together like a proper squad. They did not even stop to doubt my decision. Already running for their lives. We were far too exhausted to deal with another lycan at the moment.

  So we ran like the wind. My heart almost sank even further when I heard the snapping of branches and the thud of an impact against the trees behind us. The last lycan was on the hunt. And from the sound of it, he was the largest by far. The beat of my heart grew faster and faster as we continued running for our lives. We ran for what felt like an eternity before something changed. I heard something fall behind me, accompanied by a pained groan. Turning around only confirmed my worst fears. Tjorval was sprawled on the ground, clutching his broken ankle. Damnit! Why now, of all times? I stopped as indecision gnawed at me. Yet that was the duty of a leader, to make the hard decisions no one else wanted to. My eyes grew cold when I steeled my resolve.

  Bjorn and Mordial were already busy trying to help him up. “Leave him.” Confusion appeared on their faces as they heard my command.

  Anger flashed on Bjorn’s face, but right as he was about to say something, Tjorval himself spoke up. “No, he’s right. Just leave me. At least then only one of us dies.” He spoke with tears streaming down his face as he looked into my eyes. “Promise me that you’ll get that bastard.” He tried to smile, but it was hollow.

  “I promise,” my voice cracked halfway through. The thud of footsteps reminded us that the lycan was hot on our heels. I saw a hulking figure approaching in the distance. “Let's go, we can’t dally here.” With a heavy heart, I led the remainder of my squad further ahead. I heard as Tjorval released his final battle cry before the sound of flesh being ripped apart. Screams of pain reverberated through the forest. Every sound was like a dagger being driven into my heart.