The corrupted wolf lunged again, eyes blazing with feral hatred. Its snarling maw snapped inches from Lior's outstretched hand. The young scholar's heart pounded in his chest, every nerve screaming to retreat. But retreat was not an option.
Summoning every ounce of focus, Lior willed the wind to obey. The air thickened around him, swirling faster, growing stronger. Invisible currents coiled like serpents, twisting into a barrier that met the wolf's attack head-on. The beast's jaws clashed against the invisible shield, teeth scraping furiously, sparks of energy crackling at the collision.
Pain lanced through Lior's arm, the strain of wielding power still new and wild. His vision swam, shadows stretching and flickering at the edge of his awareness. The Celestial Code was alive inside him, demanding sacrifice with every move.
Elyra circled, sword gleaming in the weak sunlight, eyes sharp and ready. "Keep it contained, Lior! Don't let it break through!"
Drawing on the fragments locked deep in his soul, Lior pushed harder. The wind roared, sweeping leaves and dust into a violent tempest. With a sudden gust, he shoved the wolf backward, its growl turning into a pained yelp as it slammed into a tree.
But the creature was relentless. It shook off the impact, eyes now burning brighter with corrupted fury. It charged again—faster, more desperate.
Lior's body trembled under the strain. Sweat beaded on his forehead. Just when he thought he could push no further, a surge of calm flooded his mind—a whispered memory of warmth and trust. The wind responded, sharp and precise, weaving around him like a dance.
With a final, graceful sweep, the gale knocked the wolf off its feet. It slumped, retreating into the shadows, defeated—for now.
Breathing heavily, Lior collapsed to one knee. The battle had been won, but the cost was clear: power came with pain. And the war for the fragments was only beginning.