Chapitre 29: The Predator's Call
The first light of dawn painted the sky in soft hues of purple and orange, casting long shadows over the Academy's training fields. The grounds were quiet, save for the faint rustle of leaves stirred by a cool morning breeze. Most of Hachi Academy's students were still in their beds, but Orin stood alone at the center of the field, his breath visible in the chill air.
He flexed his claws, watching as the faint glow beneath his skin pulsed in rhythm with his heartbeat. The events of the previous day swirled in his mind—Wake's advice, the team's encouragement, and his first real taste of control. The beast within him was calm, almost dormant, and for the first time, he felt like he could breathe.
Closing his eyes, Orin let the world fade away. He focused inward, feeling the energy coiled within him. The Monari power stirred faintly, waiting for his command. He inhaled deeply, pulling the energy into his core, then exhaled, channeling it toward his hands.
With a swift motion, Orin lashed out at a row of training dummies. His claws slashed through the air, releasing a burst of controlled energy that cut cleanly through two dummies before dissipating. When he opened his eyes, the faint glow of his veins was already fading, leaving behind a flicker of satisfaction.
"Not bad," came a deep, gravelly voice from the shadows.
Orin froze, his claws extending instinctively as his senses snapped into high alert. Slowly, he turned, scanning the edge of the training field. A massive figure emerged from the treeline, its movement fluid and deliberate.
It was Khan-Ra.
The tiger Monari strode forward, its black fur gleaming faintly in the morning light. Its piercing yellow eyes locked onto Orin with an intensity that made the air feel heavier. Every step it took radiated power, and its presence filled the space like a storm rolling in.
"You," Orin said, his voice steady despite the tension tightening in his chest. "What are you doing here?"
Khan-Ra tilted its head, a low rumble of amusement escaping its throat. "The better question, cub, is what you're doing here. Up before the sun, clawing at dummies like a restless pup. Why?"
Orin's claws flexed as he straightened. "I'm training."
"Training for what?" Khan-Ra's tone was mocking, its sharp teeth glinting as it smirked. "To fight another Valkas? To master a power you barely understand?"
Orin's jaw tightened. "I don't have a choice. I have to learn how to control it."
Khan-Ra began circling him slowly, its massive frame moving with predatory grace. "Control," it echoed, its voice dripping with disdain. "Control is a lie, cub. Power is not something you control—it is something you wield. And right now…" It stopped, its glowing eyes narrowing. "You're being consumed by yours."
Orin glared at the Monari, his claws glinting faintly. "Then teach me how to wield it."
The tiger paused, its head tilting slightly as it studied him. "Teach you?" it rumbled, amusement flickering in its gaze. "Why should I? What makes you think you're worthy of my guidance?"
"Because I'm still standing," Orin shot back, his voice firm. "I've survived everything so far—Monari, rogue hunters, my own mistakes. If you're here to test me, then stop wasting time. Do it."
Khan-Ra's growl deepened, the sound vibrating through the air like distant thunder. "Bold words for a cub who barely understands his place in the world."
Without warning, Khan-Ra lunged. Its massive form closed the distance in an instant, claws slashing through the air with terrifying speed. Orin barely dodged, the force of the attack sending a gust of wind past his face.
The Monari struck again, this time aiming for his side. Orin countered instinctively, his claws meeting Khan-Ra's with a clash of sparks. The impact sent him skidding back, his feet digging into the dirt to keep his balance.
"You're slow," Khan-Ra taunted, circling him once more. "Clumsy. You fight like a human."
Orin growled, his claws glowing as he lunged forward, aiming for Khan-Ra's flank. The tiger sidestepped effortlessly, its tail flicking as it avoided the strike.
"Predictable," Khan-Ra said, its tone cold. "You rely on instinct, but your instincts are weak."
Orin's frustration boiled over, and he swung again, his movements faster, sharper. This time, his claws grazed Khan-Ra's side, leaving a thin line of blood. The tiger growled, a flicker of approval flashing in its eyes.
"Better," it admitted, crouching low. "But not good enough."
Khan-Ra lunged again, its movements a blur. Orin ducked under its swipe, countering with a precise strike to its shoulder. The blow forced the Monari back a step, but its balance remained unshaken.
"You're learning," Khan-Ra said, shaking itself. "But you still cling to human limitations. Let them go."
The tiger's body coiled like a spring, and then it moved—not directly at Orin, but around him. Its speed was dizzying, its form a blur as it circled him. Orin spun in place, his senses straining to keep up.
"You cannot fight me with human eyes," Khan-Ra growled, its voice coming from everywhere at once. "You cannot defeat me with human fear."
Orin clenched his fists, closing his eyes as he blocked out the chaos around him. He focused inward, feeling the beast stir within him. Slowly, the world sharpened. Every sound, every scent, every shift in the air became clear.
He moved before he could think, slashing through the air—and his claws connected. Khan-Ra growled as Orin's strike caught its side, forcing the tiger to retreat.
"Good," the Monari said, its growl tinged with approval. "You're beginning to understand."
Orin pressed the attack, his movements fluid and relentless. The energy within him surged, guiding his strikes with precision. Khan-Ra fought back fiercely, but Orin held his ground, forcing the tiger onto the defensive.
Finally, Khan-Ra leapt back, landing gracefully on the edge of the field. "Enough," it said, its voice commanding. "You've proven yourself—for now."
Orin stopped, his chest heaving as the glow of his claws faded. "What now?"
Khan-Ra's piercing eyes locked onto his. "Now, you listen. Power is not your enemy, cub. Fear is. You fear what you've become, what you might lose. But fear is a chain. Break it."
Orin frowned, his claws retracting as he considered the words. "How?"
The tiger smirked, its sharp teeth glinting. "That is for you to discover. But remember this: the beast inside you is not your foe. It is your strength. Embrace it, and you will find power. Deny it, and you will remain weak."
With that, Khan-Ra turned and melted into the shadows, leaving Orin alone in the growing light of dawn. The chill morning air felt warmer now, the faint hum of the beast within a quiet, steady rhythm.
Embrace the beast.
The words echoed in his mind as he stared at his hands, the faint glow beneath his skin flickering in the sunlight. For the first time, Orin felt a glimmer of understanding. The beast wasn't just a curse—it was a part of him. And maybe, just maybe, it was the key to something greater.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone