But even that had its downside. Primarily, he would be out cold and defenseless. That's why he needed to have someone trustworthy by his side to protect his body.
Although Soo-Ah and Min-Joon had aligned themselves with him, it was a temporary alliance. The minute he deals with Lycaon, they will turn on him and, in that state, they will betray him.
Unfortunately, YuWon didn't get to think of a plan as Lycaon raised its hand towards him. At first, YuWon was confused, wondering what was going on inside the werewolf's head.
But a moment later, the flaming aura around Lycaon disappeared. No, it got concentrated in his palm. The beam of light shot towards YuWon, who tried to dodge, but the beam kept following him.
Inevitably, he was hit by it. But strangely, he couldn't feel any pain. Yet, Lycaon was smiling as if he had won the fight.
"No more running," he smirked, gesturing for YuWon to come at him.
"As if—what the hell?"
YuWon was startled as he stepped toward Lycaon, but he wasn't moving because he wanted to. Lycaon's aura around him was controlling his actions.
For a moment, YuWon was in awe of Lycaon's ability. To control others through his aura was something YuWon wouldn't even dream of doing. It showed how far ahead Lycaon was compared to him.
But the realization only widened the gap between him and the werewolf. Their abilities were wide apart and YuWon didn't think he could defeat him.
Thankfully, he solved a problem for me.
***
Humans were busy fighting a battle on two fronts. They thought since the werewolves were attacking the centaurs, they would focus on the wolves. But that wasn't the case.
Instead, the centaurs doubled down and continued attacking the awakeners. They were confused, but the centaurs, who knew the true strength of the awakeners, didn't even bother fighting them.
YuWon activated [Tectonic Slam] and stomped the ground with all his strength. The earth beneath him cracked, sending shockwaves through the ground.
The sudden tremor caught Lycaon off guard, breaking his concentration for a split second. That was all YuWon needed.
As the tail around his neck loosened, YuWon lunged at Lycaon, ready to use [Soul Grapple]. But Lycaon was faster. He swung his arm as soon as he saw YuWon lunging.
Once again, YuWon was backhanded, but this time, Lycaon grabbed his feet and slammed him to the ground. Blood trickled down his head. It would take a while for Hydra's healing to kick in.
But Lycaon wouldn't give him a second of respite. Before YuWon knew it, Lycaon's claws dug through his chest. Even then, he tried to stand back up, but Lycaon slammed his foot on his chest, breaking several ribs.
Just like that, YuWon was pinned to the ground, unable to move. All he could see was the towering figure standing above him.
"The fire in those eyes..." Lycaon snarled, leaning in. "I can't wait to turn that defiance into loyalty. With you at my feet, no one would dare rise against me."
Time for another respawn I guess...
YuWon mumbled, thinking Lycaon's bite would kill him. But that won't be the case. If turned, YuWon would keep all his abilities and classes and won't die. In other words, he would be doomed.
Just when everything seemed lost, a hand grabbed Lycaon's hair from behind and yanked him back. Lycaon could only yelp in surprise as he got flung away.
From the blood loss, YuWon's eyes were blurry, but through his hazy eyes, he saw someone standing over him. Long hair felt out of place on her, probably because YuWon had always seen her with short hair.
Yet, he couldn't make out who the familiar figure was. Not until a gentle hand caressed his cheek. He immediately recognized the familiar smell. But couldn't say anything as blood trickled from his head and chest.
Yeji...?
"Close your eyes and rest," Yeji smiled, guiding YuWon's blood back into his body. "This time, I'll protect you..."