Chapter 33:A Desperate Gamble

The air grew heavy as the monstrous figure stepped into the moonlight. Its fur was a patchwork of matted, dark gray and black, with streaks of crimson running along its hulking body. Eyes like molten gold bore into Li Wei and the others, filled with primal rage. This wasn't just any beast, it was something far worse.

"An Apex Predator," Serathis breathed, her voice laced with dread.

Rina tightened her grip on her weapon, her knuckles turning white. "We're out of our league here."

Diana growled under her breath. "Then we level up."

Li Wei felt a faint pulse in his chest as his system sprang to life, scanning the creature before them.

> New Threat Detected: Apex Predator—Corrupted Direwolf Alpha

Strength: Overwhelming

Strategy: Coordinate. Avoid direct confrontation alone.

"Coordinate, huh?" Li Wei muttered, his hands trembling. "Easier said than done."

The Apex Predator let out a deafening roar, the sound reverberating through the clearing and sending chills down everyone's spines. The Alpha Beast beside Li Wei responded in kind, its roar defiant and full of power. The two locked eyes, the tension between them crackling like a storm about to break.

"Li Wei, we need to focus on weakening it!" Diana shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos.

"Right!" he replied, his system pinging with options.

> Activate Beast Resonance: Strengthen Bond with Alpha Beast.

Cost: 50% Stamina

Li Wei hesitated, glancing at the Alpha Beast. The creature met his gaze, as if silently urging him to trust it.

"Alright," he said, steeling himself. "Let's do this."

With a surge of energy, the bond between him and the Alpha deepened. Golden light rippled through the beast's form, its muscles bulging as it grew larger, more fearsome. Li Wei felt the connection keenly, their thoughts and instincts aligning as one.

The Apex Predator charged, its massive paws tearing up the ground as it barreled toward them. The Alpha Beast met its advance head-on, the impact of their clash shaking the earth.

"Spread out!" Serathis ordered, leaping to the side and flanking the Predator. Diana followed suit, her movements fluid as she darted in and out of the fray, striking at its legs with precision.

Li Wei hung back momentarily, his system analyzing weak points.

> Weakness Detected: Hind Legs—Strike to destabilize.

"Got it," he muttered, summoning the courage to act.

Rina moved to cover him, her weapon clashing against the Predator's claws as it swiped at her. "Whatever you're planning, do it fast!"

Li Wei darted forward, aiming for the hind legs. His blade found its mark, slicing deep into the joint. The Predator howled in rage, stumbling slightly, but it wasn't enough to stop its rampage.

The Apex Predator spun, its massive tail lashing out and striking Li Wei with brutal force. He flew backward, hitting the ground hard and gasping for air.

"Li Wei!" Diana cried, rushing to his side.

"I'm… fine," he groaned, forcing himself to stand. His system buzzed urgently.

> Critical Condition: Use Emergency Recovery.

Cost: 30% Energy.

He activated it, feeling warmth flood his body as his injuries began to mend.

Meanwhile, the Alpha Beast fought valiantly, its claws raking across the Predator's face and drawing blood. But the Apex was relentless, snapping its jaws and forcing the Alpha to retreat momentarily.

"We're barely scratching it," Rina said through gritted teeth. "This thing's built like a fortress."

"Then we need to hit it harder," Li Wei said, determination flaring in his eyes.

Li Wei's system offered another option.

> Fusion Overdrive: Temporarily combine energy with Alpha Beast for maximum power.

Cost: High Risk—Severe Physical Strain

"You're insane if you're even considering that!" Rina snapped.

"I don't see any other choice," Li Wei replied, his voice steady.

The Alpha Beast growled in agreement, stepping closer to him.

"You really trust me that much?" Li Wei asked softly. The Alpha roared, its eyes blazing with resolve.

"Alright, let's end this."

With a deep breath, Li Wei activated the Overdrive. A surge of golden energy engulfed him and the Alpha Beast, their forms merging into a single, towering entity. His senses expanded, the world around him sharper and clearer than ever before.

The fused entity moved with blinding speed, closing the gap between itself and the Apex Predator in seconds. Claws slashed, and golden energy seared through the Predator's defenses. It roared in pain, its movements growing sluggish as the battle wore on.

"Keep it distracted!" Diana shouted, landing a critical blow to the Predator's side.

Li Wei, now fully in sync with the Alpha, leapt onto the Predator's back. With a mighty roar, he drove his claws deep into its neck, golden light pouring into the wound. The Predator thrashed wildly, but it was too late.

With one final, earth-shaking roar, the Apex Predator collapsed, its massive body hitting the ground with a resounding thud.

The fusion dissipated, and Li Wei stumbled, barely able to stay on his feet. The Alpha Beast nuzzled him gently, its golden eyes filled with pride.

"You did it," Diana said, catching him before he could fall.

"We all did," he replied weakly, a small smile on his face.

The villagers emerged from their hiding places, their cheers echoing through the night. For the first time in a long while, hope shone brightly in their eyes.

But as Li Wei's system pinged again, a chilling message appeared.

> Quest Complete: Defeat Apex Predator

New Quest Unlocked: Investigate the Source of Corruption

"Of course," Li Wei muttered, shaking his head. "This isn't over, is it?"

Serathis stepped forward, her expression grim. "No, it's not. But tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we prepare for what's coming."

Li Wei glanced at the dark forest beyond the village, a sense of foreboding settling in his chest.