Varia

As Kain took in the scene. Trash cans lined the alley walls, their contents spilling over onto the cracked ground, mingling with the faint scent of smoke from a distant chimney. The concrete felt cold beneath his boots, the distant neon glow from a bar sign casting faint patches of red across the walls, illuminating faint traces of crimson splashed against the graffiti behind him.

When he reached the end of the alley, he caught a glimpse of the female creature—a hunched, scaly form with elongated limbs and a head that twitched as if listening for danger. Her eyes darted around, wary, searching, as if she could feel the shift in the air from where her partner had fallen. Kain stepped into view, letting his presence bleed into the space between them, announcing himself without a word.

The alley around him was cloaked in shadow, the muffled sounds of the city fading into a low, distant hum. Ahead, under the broken glow of a streetlamp, the creature prowled—its shape hunched and menacing, with a wet gleam to its many eyes that rolled and darted, searching the dark. It was a twisted reflection of the male he’d just put down, though leaner, with a wiry strength that spoke of speed and cunning.

Kain froze in the alleyway, his heart pounding as a sickening crunch echoed through the narrow passage, sending a chill that clawed at his spine. The creature stood with its back to him, as his eyesight sharpened his senses shooting through him like a bolt of lightning, his piercing cold eyes taking in the hunched silhouette of the creature, under it the lifeless body of a man his figure sprawled across the ground. Kain’s enhanced senses, once a gift, now felt like a curse as every gruesome detail sharpened in his vision. He could see the man’s boots, the slight twitching of limbs as if life still clung to him—but no, it was the creature’s feeding that gave the body its final, grotesque movements.

An eerie, unsettling feeling welled up inside him, coiling in his gut. He’d seen death before, but nothing like this—this was carnage, a twisted desecration that felt both unnatural and obscene. For a moment, Kain’s mind went blank, caught in a haze of horror as he watched the creature’s jagged movements, its head dipping down with a wet crunch, tearing at flesh with a ravenous intensity.

His shock dissolved, replaced by a fury so fierce it felt like a fire roaring to life in his chest. Every instinct screamed for him to run, to escape the nightmare unfolding before him, but something deeper held him rooted in place, a primal need to stop this thing from taking another breath. Without another thought, he lunged forward, his body acting on pure adrenaline, fists clenched and vision narrowing, as he threw himself at the monster.

Kain let out a shout as he closed the distance, the creature’s head snapping up, yellow eyes widening in surprise as he crashed into it with all the strength he could muster. He struck out, fists colliding with its skull, his fury pouring out with every blow. This was no longer a battle for control—it was a reckoning, and he wasn’t stopping until he’d torn this horror from existence.

As Kain grappled with the creature, the fury in his veins mingling with a creeping unease, a voice slid into his mind, as smooth and insidious as smoke. Doc’s voice, tinted with a dark chuckle, drifted through his thoughts, filling his mind with a sickening clarity.

“She’s the other half, Kain,” Doc murmured, the words curling in his mind like a serpent. “They move in pairs. She’s furious now, feeling the loss of her mate—and then being interrupted mid-snack would make anyone angry…”

Kain’s grip tightened, his breaths ragged as he tried to shake the invasive presence, but Doc’s voice pressed on, relentless and mocking.

“Then again,” Doc continued, his tone dripping with a chilling finality, “the dead can’t be angry. Gut it, Kain.”

The words hit Kain like a jolt of electricity, fueling the simmering rage within him. He locked his gaze on the creature, feeling a new resolve harden in his chest. Doc’s twisted encouragement grated against him, but in that moment, he knew he would see this through. He wasn’t just fighting to avenge that man—he was fighting to silence the darkness that threatened to consume him.

Kain flexed his fingers, feeling the claws extend, sharp and lethal. The tips glinted with a silvery hue, the faintest shimmer of starlight woven through his skin like strands of the Milky Way, crackling with controlled power. He took a breath, feeling the fury ripple through him, he tried to real it back grounding himself in Belmont’s calm guidance. He let the tension coil within, simmering like a storm barely held in check.

Belmont’s voice, steady as ever, flowed through his thoughts. “Stay focused. She’s going to come at you raw, desperate. She’ll try to draw on that rage, to pull you down with her. Don’t give in. Control the pace. Make this fight yours.”

Kain smirked, letting the creature see the flash of his teeth. “Come on, then,” he murmured, low and dark, his voice just above a growl. “You wanted to play. I’m right here.”

The creature tensed, its eyes narrowing as it snarled, lips peeling back to reveal jagged teeth glistening with a slick, dark fluid. She seemed stronger than the male—faster, sharper, and visibly on edge, but there was a desperation in her movements, a flicker of fear mixed with anger. She was grieving in her own way, though he doubted she could feel anything beyond the primal urge to rend, tear, and consume.

She lunged, her claws slicing through the air with a hiss. Kain sidestepped, feeling the wind rush past as her swing missed by inches. He twisted, letting his body move with the fluid precision he’d honed, his movements a blend of Belmont’s finesse and the raw, visceral strength he’d drawn from his own training. He pivoted and struck, his claws ripping into her side, a spray of dark ichor splattering the alley floor as she howled, stumbling back with a flash of anger in her many eyes.

“Oh, you didn’t like that?” he taunted, his tone light but edged with a dark thrill. He moved in, quick and deadly, his body humming with power as he struck again, this time raking his claws across her shoulder. She staggered, her snarl turning into a growl, charging up a dark, pulsing energy that made the air crackle with the scent of ozone and decay.

Doc’s voice, slick with approval, murmured, “Keep going, Kain. Feel that surge. You’re made for this. Let her know what real power looks like.”

Kain allowed himself a moment to relish the rush, to let that hunger seep into his veins, sharpening his senses to a razor edge. He could feel every shift in her movements, each desperate lunge as she tried to land a blow. She moved with a speed born of pure anger and instinct, but he was faster, disciplined sidestepping and countering, his claws slicing through her defenses like paper.

But even as he drove her back, he could feel the rage bubbling like a pot that’s almost just right to toss in my tap ramen. Belmont’s steady influence, an anchor the only thing keeping him balanced when he dangled on the brink. “Remember the control, Kain. This isn’t about tearing her apart. This is about making a stand, showing her that you own this fight.”

With a sharp inhale, Kain let the ferocity settle, feeling it solidify within him, merging with a cold, calculating focus. He rolled his shoulders, his muscles coiling, the silver veins running through his skin pulsing with an inner light. He moved in, each step deliberate, closing the distance as he felt the creature’s fear intensify, her form trembling as she realized just how outmatched she was.

In a flash, the beast lashed out again, this time unleashing a blob of dark, viscous energy from its mouth. Kain twisted to the side, narrowly avoiding the blast as it splattered against the wall behind him, sizzling and smoking as it ate through the brick. His lips curled into a smirk as he glanced back at the smoldering remains of the wall.

“That’s some nasty stuff you got there,” he said, cracking his neck.

Almost as if to spite him, the beast lashed out first, this time unleashing a torrent of dark, viscous energy from its mouth. Kain twisted to the side, narrowly avoiding the blast as it splattered against the wall behind him, sizzling and smoking as it ate through the brick. His lips curled into a smirk as he glanced back at the smoldering remains of the wall. “But let me show you what I’ve got.”

He raised his hand, feeling the Thunderheart Physique awaken within him, an electric charge building up until his arm glowed with a faint blue light. With a sharp crack, a bolt of lightning shot from his palm, striking the creature dead in the chest. The beast howled, its body convulsing as electricity arced through it, leaving the smell of burnt flesh hanging in the air.

For a moment, it seemed to falter, its limbs twitching as smoke rose from its charred skin. But then it straightened, eyes burning with fury. It let out a roar, lunging at him with renewed ferocity, its claws aiming straight for his throat.

“Focus, Reyes,” Belmont barked. “Use your breathing. Feel the flow of battle. You’ve got the edge—just use it.”

Kain felt the energy coiling within him, a volatile charge thrumming through his veins, ready to spring. He stared down the creature in the narrow, shadowed alley, his breath steady, eyes locked onto her with a cold, calculating gaze. She was different from her partner—wild and unrestrained, a feral force barely contained within her sinewy frame. Her eyes blazed with a fury that transcended reason, a raw, reckless rage that he could almost feel radiating from her in waves.

The memory of the fight flickered through his mind, sharp and vivid—the moment when he’d torn apart the male, his fury driving every blow. He saw it reflected in her gaze, a maddened grief twisting her expression as she bared her teeth, muscles rippling under her skin as she lunged for him, her claws slicing through the air, aimed for his throat.

Kain dodged, twisting just enough to avoid her deadly swipe, feeling the rush of air as her claws grazed past him. He could see the animalistic hunger in her eyes, fueled by the memory of her mate’s demise, and knew she wouldn’t stop until one of them lay dead. She stumbled, but only for a moment, her body recovering with a fierce, predatory grace. Her shoulders heaved as she fixed him with a look that promised vengeance, pure and unfiltered.

He steadied himself, drawing on the pulsing energy within, letting it wrap around him like armor. Every muscle tensed, ready to strike, as he waited for her next move, the faint crackle of electricity humming in the air around him. His instincts sharpened, pushing aside all thought as he prepared to meet her wrath head-on. In that instant, they both knew there was no turning back; this was a clash of forces, each fueled by a relentless drive—hers by fury, his by a newfound power that seemed to swell with every heartbeat.

A snarl ripping from her throat, her eyes flashing with murderous intent. But this time, Kain was ready. He stepped forward, the energy in his core igniting as he swung his fist, lightning arcing from his knuckles as he aimed straight for her chest, determined to end it once and for all.

As the creature’s rage bore down on him, Kain’s vision wavered, his strength dwindling with every heartbeat. The air around him felt thick, heavy with a darkness that seemed to close in from all sides. Just as his resolve threatened to falter, Belmont’s voice slipped into his mind, steady and unshaken—a calm anchor in the storm.

“Stay sharp, Kain. This is it. She’s not here to strategize—she’s pure, unbridled fury, and she won’t let up. Don’t get drawn into her rhythm; hold your ground.”

The words settled over him like a final warning, cutting through the haze of exhaustion. Kain took a breath, steadying himself, and focused on the fight one last time, clinging to Belmont’s reminder as he prepared to face her fury with everything he had left.

Kain let the energy of Elemental Resonance boom through his body. The Stars, Qi, and Mana his Thunderheart roaring within him, a raw and almost primal energy rolled off him held together only by the sheer power of his will. It was powerful, but the fight’s had already drained him, leaving a lingering ache in his muscles. He could feel his abilities roaring back to life, yet each movement taking just a bit more effort than it had a moment ago. He knew he’d have to use every trick he had to survive this.

The creature let out a piercing scream, lunging forward with claws extended, teeth bared in a snarl that shook the air around them. Kain dodged, rolling to the side, his movements fluid but noticeably slower than before. He retaliated with a quick swipe, his claws raking across her side, but she didn’t even flinch, barely acknowledging the wound as she spun back toward him with a ferocity that took him off guard.

He tried to step back, but she was already on him, clawed hands swinging in a brutal arc. He threw up his arms to block, absorbing the brunt of the blow, feeling the impact reverberate through his bones. She pushed him back, relentless, her eyes gleaming with a savage satisfaction as she drove him toward the alley wall.

Kain let the spark ignite within him, an electric charge building in his core. He focused, drawing on the energy, letting it crackle through his veins, illuminating the silver streaks across his skin as he threw a punch. Lightning arced from his fist, striking the creature square in the chest. She staggered back, the force of the blow searing through her, but even that didn’t slow her for long. She shook it off, eyes narrowed, and came at him again, undeterred.

He moved to counter, channeling the electricity down his limbs, letting it dance across his fingertips. As she swung at him, he sidestepped, bringing his hand up in a sweeping arc, releasing a crackling bolt that struck her in the side, sending her crashing into the alley wall. The force shook the bricks, sending dust and debris showering down, but she rose again, maddened, barely fazed by the assault.

“Damn it,” Kain muttered, breath coming faster, his muscles burning as he felt his energy start to wane. He was wearing down faster than he’d expected, the drain of absorbing the male’s power catching up with him. His claws felt heavy, his movements sluggish, and the creature seized on the weakness, lunging forward with a vicious swipe that raked across his chest, drawing blood.

The pain jolted him, grounding him for a moment. He staggered back, panting, his vision blurring as he fought to stay on his feet. He could feel his abilities slipping, each bolt of electricity weaker than the last, the power flickering as his energy drained.

With a renewed roar, he lunged at the creature, his fists crackling with power. He struck her with a charged punch, sending her flying back, electricity arcing from her body as she hit the ground. She writhed, snarling, her movements erratic as the electricity coursed through her, but even now, she refused to relent, clawing her way back to her feet, eyes burning with a primal rage.

Kain tried to summon his strength, reaching deep, his will stretched to its breaking point. A faint flicker of energy pulsed from within him, fragile and wavering, like a candle flame fighting against a relentless wind. His steps faltered, legs trembling under his weight, each breath ragged and shallow. The wounds that marred his body—once quick to mend—now clung to him, raw and unhealed, draining what little vitality remained.

A heartbeat passed, and in that brief moment of stillness, an oppressive silence crept in, seeping into his mind like poison. The creature’s gaze bore into him, its eyes spinning with a sickly, hypnotic rhythm that set his nerves on edge. It radiated a fury he had never encountered before, a seething anger that seemed to twist and warp the very air around it, suffocating him with its intensity.

Kain felt his own strength waning, his reserves dwindling, and a deep sense of unease rising like oil breaking through the earth, thick and dark. His vision blurred at the edges, and a cold sweat traced down his spine as fatigue clawed at him, relentless. The creature loomed closer, its presence a manifestation of raw, unbridled rage, a force that threatened to consume him whole. He steadied himself, but the doubt gnawed at him, a whisper of dread coiling in his chest, warning him that this was a battle he might not survive.

“Come on, Kain!” Doc’s voice, sharp and urgent, cut through his mind. “Use what you’ve got! Channel that Thunderheart—you’re not here to play defense!”

Belmont’s voice came through, steady and grounding. “You’ve got more than that, Kain. Draw it in. The city around you is alive—use it.”

Kain felt it their words ignited a spark deep within him, an electric charge building in his core, sharp and fierce. A strength that pushed past his bodies pain, pushed past the doubt, the fatigue, the weakness that had stacked up from deep within his bones, and then it stirred—a sensation that felt as if it had always been there, hidden just beneath the surface, waiting for this moment. He wasn’t even thinking; it was as if he could sense the hum of energy around him, enlightened by Belmont’s words drawn to it like a magnet, his instincts guiding him without conscious thought.

Kain took a shaky breath, forcing himself to focus. He could feel the faint hum of power from the nearby streetlights, the electric lines running above him, pulsing with energy. Reaching out, he focused on those currents, pulling them toward him, letting the electricity flow through his body. It surged, recharging him, filling him with a renewed strength as he absorbed the ambient energy, feeling it infuse his cells, revitalizing him.

The streetlights began to flicker overhead, the neon sign buzzing against the damp alley walls, even the trace of energy in an old, abandoned radio tossed among the trash. Then like he was laying in bed with his lover the charge coiled around him, merging with the lingering power in his veins, the lights in the alley shut off the darkness only illuminated by his entire body as it lit up, silver streaks glimmering across his skin like molten veins.

Taking a deep breath, he let the energy flow into him, a fierce surge that revitalized his senses, banishing the weariness that had dragged at him moments before. Anger burned through him, instinct driving his every move, and with a sudden roar, he launched his fist forward. Lightning arced from his hand, a jagged bolt that struck the creature square in the chest. She staggered back, her body convulsing as the electricity rippled through her form, illuminating the alley in a brief, blinding flash.

The creature shook off the blow, her eyes narrowing, a growl rising from deep within her throat as she fixed him with a predatory glare. Unfazed, she lunged forward, the wound already healing as she came at him with renewed fury.

But Kain stood his ground, the newfound power thrumming within him, steadying his stance. He’d tapped into something he hadn’t even known he possessed, a primal instinct that now surged in response to his rage. He drew on the surrounding energy once more, feeling it fuse with his own, his body ready to strike again, charged with a force he was only beginning to understand.

He raised his hand again, feeling the Thunderheart Physique awaken within him, an electric charge building up until his arm glowed with a faint blue light. With a sharp crack, a bolt of lightning shot from his palm, striking the creature dead in the chest. The beast howled, its body convulsing as electricity arced through it, leaving the smell of burnt flesh hanging in the air.

For a moment, it seemed to falter, its limbs twitching as smoke rose from its charred skin. But then it straightened, eyes burning with renewed fury. It let out a roar, lunging at him with renewed ferocity, its claws aiming straight for his throat.

Kain felt the energy coiling within him, ready to spring as he stared down the creature in the narrow, shadowed alley. She was different from her partner, wild and unrestrained, her eyes ablaze with rage, the kind that burned through reason and settled into pure, reckless fury. The fresh memory of losing her bond only fueled her frenzy, her whole body tense, muscles twitching with the need to tear him apart.

Belmont’s voice slipped into Kain’s mind, steady and calm, cutting through the creature’s rage. “Stay alert, Kain. She’s not here to strategize—she’s all fury, and she won’t let up. Don’t let her set the pace.”

Kain gritted his teeth, the familiar words stirring an old frustration. “You’ve said that a thousand times already,” he muttered, irritation creeping into his tone.

“Because it bears repeating,” Belmont replied, unshaken, his voice like steel. “The fight is constant, Kain. It’s never truly over.”

The creature lashed out again, claws sweeping toward him in a last, desperate attempt. Kain caught her wrist mid-swing, twisting it with a satisfying crack, forcing her to the ground. He knelt beside her, leaning in close as he spoke, his voice a low, lethal whisper. “You took your last victim tonight. This ends here.”

“Careful, kid being confident is one thing…. but” Doc’s voice warned. “Some of these creatures pack a punch you wouldn’t believe.”

“Noted,” Kain replied, keeping his eyes locked on the creature. “I’m not exactly a lightweight myself.” said with a smug grin one that in Doc’s opinion was just asking for it

In a flash, the beast lashed out again, sending him flying across the alley his back slamming against a dumpster the beast began to channel a powerful energy in its mouth unleashing a storm of dark, viscous blobs from its mouth. Kain twisted, diving and weaving playing the most dangerous gave of Dodgeblob as he swerved to the side, narrowly avoiding the rainnof blobs, it splattered against the wall behind him, sizzling and smoking as it ate through the brick. His lips curled into a smirk as he glanced back at the smoldering remains of the wall.

“That’s some nasty stuff you got there,” he said, cracking his neck small trails of smoke rising from his body where some drops had splashed, his skin bubbling, decaying, then repairing. “But let me show you what I’ve got.”

He raised his hand, feeling the Thunderheart Physique awaken within him, this time their was no faltering an electric charge building up until his arm glowed with a faint blue light. With a sharp crack, a bolt of lightning shot from his palm, striking the creature dead in the chest. The beast howled, its body convulsing as electricity arced through it, leaving the smell of burnt flesh hanging in the air.

For a moment, it seemed to falter, its limbs twitching as smoke rose from its charred skin. But then it straightened, eyes burning with renewed fury. It let out a roar, lunging at him with renewed ferocity, its claws aiming straight for his throat.

“Focus, Reyes,” Belmont barked. “Use your breathing. You’ve got the edge—just use it.”

Kain felt the energy coiling within him, ready to spring as he stared down the creature in the narrow, shadowed alley. She was different from her partner, wild and unrestrained, her eyes ablaze with rage, the kind that burned through reason and settled into pure, reckless fury. The fresh memory of him ripping apart the male only fueled her frenzy, her whole body tense, muscles twitching with the need to tear him apart.

Kain felt a power within him, an electric charge building in his core. He focused, drawing on the energy, letting it crackle through his veins, illuminating the silver streaks across his skin as he threw a punch. Lightning arced from his fist, striking the creature square in the chest. She staggered back, the force of the blow searing through her, but even that didn’t slow her for long. She shook it off, eyes narrowed, and came at him again, undeterred.

He moved to counter, channeling the electricity down his limbs, letting it dance across his fingertips. As she swung at him, he sidestepped, bringing his hand up in a sweeping arc, releasing a crackling bolt that struck her in the side, sending her crashing into the alley wall. The force shook the bricks, sending dust and debris showering down, but she rose again, maddened, barely fazed by the assault.

“Damn it,” Kain muttered, breath coming faster, his muscles burning as he felt his energy start to wane. He was wearing down faster than he’d expected, the drain of absorbing the male’s power catching up with him. His claws felt heavy, his movements sluggish, and the creature seized on the weakness, lunging forward with a vicious swipe that raked across his chest, drawing blood.

The pain jolted him, grounding him for a moment. He staggered back, panting, his vision blurring as he fought to stay on his feet. He could feel his abilities slipping, each bolt of electricity weaker than the last, the power flickering as his vitality drained.

Kain staggered, his body battered, his strength slipping away like sand through his fingers. The relentless onslaught of the creature’s fury had torn into him, deep gashes lining his arms and chest, raw and barely healing. He could feel his skin blistering, melting away in places where her claws had struck, and a creeping chill settled into his bones—a cold, sinking reminder that death was close, a shadow that loomed over him with each weakening breath.

Just as the darkness began to pull him under, Belmont’s voice cut through, steady and grounding. “Snap out of it, Kain. Use everything you have! The city around you—use it.”

The words stoked a fading spark within him, and he forced himself to stay upright, looking around the alley with a sharp, desperate gaze. He could sense the faint hum of electricity in the distance, a flickering streetlamp down the narrow lane. But it was too far; he’d never make it before she tore him apart. He needed more, something closer, something powerful enough to restore him.

His eyes fell on the fallen man’s body, still warm, energy lingering within. Kain’s gut twisted at the thought, but he could feel his own life ebbing, his body trembling under the weight of his injuries. He clenched his fists, his breath ragged, knowing he had no other choice.

Steeling himself, Kain knelt beside the man, reaching out with the last of his strength, feeling the remnants of life force ripple through his fingertips. He drew it in, absorbing the fading energy, feeling it course through his veins, knitting together his torn flesh, healing the wounds that had left him teetering on the brink. It wasn’t like the electricity that restored his energy—it was something darker, rawer, and it clawed at his insides as it merged with his own.

The creature snarled, sensing his renewed strength, and lunged forward with a feral rage. But Kain rose to meet her, revitalized, the flicker of life he’d taken giving him just enough to press on. He could feel the city around him, humming with latent energy, ready to fuel him once more. He backed toward the streetlamp, each step drawing him closer, each heartbeat anchoring him to Belmont’s words, reminding him to stay sharp, to keep fighting, to hold on just a little longer.

As he felt his vitality surge, his body healing reviving as it mingled with the nutrients of the life he stole, he clenched his fists, lightning sparking along his skin. The creature paused, her furious gaze narrowing as she took in the renewed strength in his stance. With a final, defiant breath, Kain steadied himself and prepared to face her one last time, knowing he’d crossed a line, but unwilling to let death claim him just yet.

Kain took a shaky breath, forcing himself to focus. He could feel the faint hum of power from the nearby streetlight, the electric lines running above him, pulsing with energy. Reaching out, he focused on those currents, pulling them toward him, letting the electricity flow through his body. It surged, recharging him, filling him with a renewed strength as he absorbed the ambient energy, feeling it infuse his cells, revitalizing him.

With a renewed roar, he lunged at the creature, his fists crackling with power. He struck her with a charged punch, sending her flying back, electricity arcing from her body as she hit the ground. She writhed, snarling, her movements erratic as the electricity coursed through her, but even now, she refused to relent, clawing her way back to her feet, eyes burning with a primal rage.

Kain braced himself, feeling the drain even as he drew in more power. He reached out, this time tapping into the fragments of basic magic Doc had shown him. He whispered an incantation, feeling the words resonate through him as he summoned a small barrier, just enough to hold her back for a split second, giving him the opening he needed.

“Not bad,” Doc mused, sounding almost impressed. “Now, let’s finish it off.”

Kain nodded, stepping back as he raised both hands, focusing on the Mana flowing within him. A thin layer of frost began to spread across his arms, the air around him growing colder as he gathered his energy. With a swift motion, he thrust his hands forward, sending a blast of ice at the creature, freezing it in place. The beast thrashed, struggling against its icy prison, but it was already too late.

Without hesitation, Kain moved in, his body shifting once more as he called on the Biomass Technique. Tendrils shot from his arms, wrapping around the creature, piercing its flesh as they began to draw in its essence. The hunger surged, flooding his senses as he felt the creature’s life force flowing into him, merging with his own. It was raw, primal, and it took every ounce of his will to keep it under control.

He moved in, channeling the last of the Thunderheart’s charge through his hands, his fists lighting up as he unleashed a series of brutal blows, each one fueled by the crackling energy surging through him. He struck her chest, then her jaw, and finally drove his claws deep into her side, releasing a shockwave that sent her sprawling.

The creature let out a final, pained roar, her form shuddering, flickering as the last of her strength gave way. She collapsed, her body twitching as Kain knelt beside her, breathing hard, his body trembling with exhaustion. He placed a hand on her, feeling the remnants of her energy seep into him, merging with his own in a sickeningly familiar rush.

He absorbed the power, letting it flow into him, the raw, primal energy mingling with his own. It was intoxicating, a dark thrill that sent a shiver through him, but he reined it in, grounding himself as he stood, feeling the combined strength of both creatures settle within him.

Belmont’s voice, calm and approving, echoed in his mind. “You’re taking what’s yours, Kain. Now remember—this power’s as much a responsibility as it is a gift. Use it wisely.”

Doc chimed in, his tone filled with a dark satisfaction. “Well done. You didn’t just survive—you thrived. That’s what makes you different. Don’t forget it.”

Kain took a deep, steadying breath, feeling the energy course through him, grounding himself in the here and now. He was stronger, more capable, and he could feel the shadows of both creatures within him, their power fused with his. He’d won, but he knew this was just the beginning. The hunt was far from over.

As he stood over the crumpled, lifeless form of the female creature, he felt the familiar strength—an unsettling blend of power and memory—surging into him. They were Wendigos twisted and corrupted not from here…Images flickered through his mind, disjointed, like shattered glass catching fleeting glimmers of light. They weren’t his memories, but they pulsed through his consciousness with a haunting clarity.

He was on a desolate battlefield, stepping into a realm where shadows sprawled across a barren landscape, littered with ancient bones and forgotten weapons. The scene was surreal, distant, yet painfully vivid. In the haze, Kain saw himself—or rather, he saw through the creature’s eyes—as it emerged from a swirling portal alongside its companion. The portal writhed with dark, violent colors, like a wound torn in the fabric of reality.

The male Wendigo moved protectively beside her, a towering, emaciated figure with twisted features and hollow, haunting eyes. Kain could feel the creature’s mind pulsing with purpose, as if bound by a mission that gnawed at its very soul. And then he felt it—a looming, sinister presence watching them, distant yet oppressive. Turning, Kain caught a glimpse of a towering silhouette bathed in a faint golden glow. This figure radiated a sense of command and authority, its outline barely visible, yet it seemed to dominate the entire desolate expanse.

A voice, or perhaps a sensation, rumbled through the memory like distant thunder, its meaning elusive but unmistakably powerful. They had been sent here, summoned by this mysterious figure, their fates bound by a dark promise. Kain felt the female creature’s twisted longing to fulfill this command, the memory tinged with a sorrow that felt almost human. A single, driving purpose echoed in fragments within her—capture, deliver, and return.

The fragments slipped away, dissolving like smoke as Kain’s mind came back to the present, leaving him disoriented and filled with a gnawing sense of foreboding. He could still feel the weight of the female’s memories lingering, as if they were pieces of a puzzle he could not yet comprehend, whispers of a purpose that stretched far beyond this world and into realms where power and darkness entwined. He didn’t yet know who—or what—had commanded these creatures, but he could feel its eyes on him now, like a shadow reaching across worlds, watching, waiting.

Kain inhaled sharply, centering himself as he slipped into the Lupus Breathing technique. His movements became sharper, more fluid, his body moving in sync with the rhythm of his breath. Channeling that cold sensation of mana into his mind he opened his eyes

As the last of the beast’s energy faded, Kain let out a sigh, stepping back he looked at the ground, a dark black stain the only traces left of the creature. He took a deep breath, feeling the rush of new power, the thrill of the hunt still pounding in his veins.

“You did good, kid,” Belmont said, his tone almost approving. “But this is just the beginning. There are worse things out there. Things that’ll make this one look like a kitten.”

Kain wiped his hands on his jeans, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. ‘May that man rest in peace’ that thought surfaced to his mind along with a final prayer for him and his loved ones that wouldn’t be able to see him again remorse hit the back of his throat like a strong cheap liquor “Good. I was starting to worry I’d have to go looking for a challenge.” He laughed sarcastically forcing his mind to other topics

Doc chuckled, a dark, sinister sound. “Oh, you’ll get your challenge, Reyes. Just you wait.”