Thora's POV: I endured the pain and activated my telekinesis ability with my fingertips. The next second, the gun hidden at his waist flew into my hand out of thin air. Taking advantage of his momentary shock, I kicked backward hard with my rear leg while using my other hand to brace against his arm. Using the counterforce, I broke free from his hold, spun around, and aimed the gun at his head. There wasn't a trace of anger on his face. Instead, excitement flashed in his eyes as he said, "So you're also an ability user." I held the gun steady, scanning his attire quickly. His military boots were new but covered in dirt. Besides the empty holster at his waist, there were hidden compartments. His movements carried the tension of someone who'd spent years handling firearms. Military? No, his temperament didn't match. "You want to kill me?" he asked with amusement in his tone. "No," I answered honestly, my finger still resting by the trigger. "I just wanted to test you. But for safety's sake, this gun should probably stay with me." This custom-made handgun was engraved with anti-wolf power corrosion patterns. I could faintly see the glint of silver bullets in the magazine. It was clearly designed specifically to deal with werewolves. He raised an eyebrow in interest. "You really do act like a soldier. But I'm sure they wouldn't send someone like you who hasn't even awakened their wolf spirit to deal with me alone, would they?" I didn't know who "they" were or why they'd want to deal with him. I just watched his movements warily. He glanced down at his watch. His cold, alluring eyes darkened. "Hey, kid, I don't have time to play with you anymore." As soon as the words left his mouth, the gun in my hand suddenly felt as heavy as lead. The moment the gun left my grip, a black shadow flashed past. The next second, his hand had already caught the gun securely, and he was pressed against my back. One arm circled my waist while his other hand pressed the gun to my temple. His warm breath brushed my ear. The position was intimate but only radiated danger. Every cell in my body went taut. Even my fingertips were gathering power. The moment he made a move, I'd immediately counterattack with my fire manipulation ability. "I'm in a hurry today. See you around, interesting stranger." With that, he lowered the gun, turned, and disappeared into the far end of the corridor. I stared at the direction where he vanished, slowly relaxing my tense muscles. As expected, this world also had ability users. And that man's ability just now likely belonged to the natural element category. I'd never intended to fight him to the death, nor did I have any reason to kill him. I just wanted to confirm that powerful ability users also exist in this timeline, and that was enough. But facing him, the suppressive force of his combined wolf power and abilities still made my heart sink. It seemed I had to strengthen myself as quickly as possible and awaken Amie soon. Only with both wolf power and abilities fully awakened could I truly have the confidence to face someone at that level. I flexed my wrist. My palm still retained the burning sensation from our earlier clash. Strangely, when fighting him just now, not only was my ability stronger than usual, but even my muscle power had increased. This definitely wasn't an effect achievable through short-term training. It was more like this body itself was awakening some kind of power. It seemed I'd need to thoroughly examine my body again sometime. With my test complete, I prepared to return to the fighting arena to watch Harvey's match. However, after just two steps, an image suddenly flashed through my mind. The man and woman following that man earlier were the same couple I'd encountered at the burger joint a few days ago when buying burgers for Felix.I narrowed my eyes and looked back toward where the man had disappeared. He wore military boots and carried firearms, his veteran reconnaissance skills making him a lawless man steeped in bloodshed. They were mercenaries. ... Lance's POV: I toyed with the gun in my hand as I rejoined my subordinates. My mind involuntarily flashed back to that youth who'd silently lifted my gun. Though he hadn't awakened a wolf spirit, he was the first ability user I'd encountered. And his movements were far too skilled for someone so young. Every strike during close combat was ruthless, clearly from someone who'd crawled through life-and-death situations. He could even remain calm facing death threats. I liked that."Boss, the guys are all ready," Sharkie said as he strode forward, his rough voice breaking through my thoughts. "Boss, what were you doing just now?" Alissa asked as she followed behind. I didn't turn around. I walked straight toward the car's trunk and replied, "Nothing much. Just ran into a fierce little kitten." The trunk was packed with heavy weapons, from modified rifles to high-explosive grenades, fully equipped. I bent down to check everything, and after confirming the ammunition was sufficient, I smiled with satisfaction. This mission was to destroy the Astralis Empire's future lifeline—the students at Astralis College who would soon support the Astralis Empire. I pressed the trunk release button. The metal lid slowly closed, concealing the murderous intent inside.My bloodthirsty instincts had been surging through my veins for a while now. I smiled and raised my hand. "Let's prepare for one hell of a party!"