Tyler and the others charged at Ryan and Ayla with hollow eyes and crimson-lit pupils, howling as they moved. Their speed was several times faster than during the earlier brawl. Dark energy had fully awakened their werewolf instincts—faint claw-like projections appeared at their fingertips, cutting through the air with sharp force.
Ayla instinctively prepared to transform and counterattack, but Ryan reached out and stopped her.
"They're being controlled by dark energy—it's not their intention!" Ryan spoke rapidly. "If we fight back forcefully, we'll hurt them and violate the Council's requirement for a peaceful resolution!"
As he spoke, Ryan swiftly pulled the Leaf of the World Tree from his inner pocket. The moment the leaf was exposed to the surging dark energy, it erupted with dazzling pale-green light. A gentle yet resolute wave of natural energy spread outward like a tide, enveloping all five teenagers as they lunged forward.
The instant they were wrapped in natural energy, Tyler and the others visibly slowed. Their roars weakened, and traces of struggle flickered in their empty eyes. Seizing the moment, Ryan focused his mind, channeling the remaining magic within him into the leaf while softly chanting in Spirit Speech:
"Wake up. You are not puppets of dark energy. Don't let it control you."
The soothing syllables of Spirit Speech, combined with the leaf's pure power, were like spring rain soaking into parched earth. The silver bracelet on Tyler's wrist crackled faintly, its red glow gradually dimming as the attached dark energy was stripped away and dispersed bit by bit by the natural force.
A few minutes later, all five teenagers went limp and collapsed to the ground. Their eyes regained clarity, faces pale with exhaustion and lingering fear.
"I… what just happened?" Tyler rubbed his aching forehead, staring at the wrecked ground around him and his trembling fingers in confusion. The other four slowly sat up as well, memories of their loss of control flooding back, each of them visibly shaken.
"It was the bracelet on your wrist," Ryan said seriously as he walked over and pointed at it."That bracelet carries dark energy. It doesn't just corrode your body—it invades your mind, making you violent and unstable. Your earlier fight was largely influenced by its effects."
Tyler hurriedly tore off the bracelet and threw it to the ground as if it were red-hot. The moment it hit the pavement, it made a faint clink and completely lost its glow, turning into an ordinary silver chain. The other four quickly checked themselves and discovered that two of them wore similar crude bracelets. They immediately removed and discarded them as well.
Ayla stepped beside Ryan, picked up one of the bracelets, and frowned."The dark energy signatures match those from Dr. Karen's experiments and the suburban magic array. That mysterious figure is deliberately targeting the younger generation of supernatural clans. He's likely trying to build a group controlled by dark energy."
Ryan nodded and turned back to Tyler and the others.
"Now you understand why I advised against solving things with violence," he said calmly."You were already resentful because of unfair resource distribution, which made you easy targets for dark influence. That man didn't give you those bracelets to help you grow stronger—he was turning you into his pawns."
Tyler and the others went pale. They exchanged looks, relief and fear written clearly on their faces. If Ryan hadn't intervened in time, they might have completely lost themselves and done something irreversible.
"Thank you, Detective Ryan," Tyler said as he stood up and bowed deeply."If not for you, we would've been doomed."
"No need to thank me," Ryan replied with a small smile."You were able to wake up because there's still reason in your hearts—and because you didn't truly want to hurt anyone."
His tone softened.
"Now, we can properly talk about the resource allocation issues between you and your clan. Earlier, you said most resources are controlled by the elders' inner circle. Can you explain in more detail?"
At the mention of the topic, Tyler grew emotional again—but this time with restraint.
"Our werewolf clan receives a batch of magical resources from the Balance Council every year," he said."They're meant to strengthen clan members and improve living conditions. But in recent years, nearly all of it has gone to a few families closely tied to the elders. Young people from ordinary families can't even get basic training manuals, let alone participate in major clan decisions."
"Exactly," a short-haired teen added bitterly."The hunting grounds and training chambers are monopolized too. When we try to hunt or gather resources ourselves, they block us, saying we're not strong enough and would disgrace the clan."
Ryan listened carefully, nodding from time to time and committing each grievance to memory. Once everyone had spoken, he began organizing the key points in his mind:
Unfair resource distribution.Blocked advancement paths.Lack of representation and voice.
These three issues lay at the heart of the conflict. The elders' long-term neglect had fueled resentment, leading to runaways, gang formation, and escalating unrest.
"I understand what you really want now," Ryan said after a brief pause."You're not trying to overthrow clan traditions. What you want is fair access to resources, equal opportunities to grow, and recognition from the clan. Is that right?"
Tyler and the others nodded repeatedly, recognition shining in their eyes. Ryan had put their feelings into words perfectly.
"Then we can solve this from those three angles," Ryan continued, laying out his plan."First, during tomorrow's negotiations, I'll propose forming a Youth Representative Group, made up of you and other young members from ordinary families, to participate in resource allocation decisions—ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability."
"Second, the clan should open access to hunting grounds and training chambers based on strength and contribution, not family background."
"Third, the elders should establish a structured training system for the younger generation, assigning experienced clan members to guide you and help you grow stronger."
The proposal addressed the core demands of the youth without directly undermining elder authority, making it highly practical.
Tyler's eyes lit up."This is perfect!" he said excitedly."If this can really happen, we're absolutely willing to return to the clan!"