Alex has reached beyond Edric's expectations.
In a corner of his mind, Edric expected him to be put against Alex in the assessment. As such, he hurriedly adapted to his new wolf form.
Edric knew that to defeat a swordsman who wasn't just fast but precise with his attacks, he had to be swift in response as well. And to prohibit Alex from using his deadliest attack, that third stance, Edric deemed it necessary to not give Alex much space to launch that attack.
However, Alex performed beyond his expectations and ended up inflicting two visible wounds on Edric in the last confrontation.
Although Alex was gravely injured himself, Edric could feel that the guy was far from the point of accepting defeat.
"Here it comes…" Edric braced himself, his claws sharpening as a fierce glow lit up his eyes. His opponent leaned forward, giving away his intent—Edric knew he'd be using that first technique, the one Edric had barely managed to block before.