Chapter 76

““GRRRRRR!””

An intense standoff ensued as the opposing forces of the two alphas stared each other down. Taking advantage of that situation, the Flame Wolf ran past the Lightning Wolf and joined the fray of wolves. In the next instant, the Flame Wolf jumped into the air and landed directly in front of the Tempest Wolf.

Now standing a few meters away from the Tempest Wolf, the Flame Wolf unleashed a burst of a heatwave, and it expanded away from his body. In response to that, the Tempest Wolf released a raging gust of wind that seemed to be powerful enough to swallow everything in its path.

*SWOOOOSSSHHH!!*

What followed after that was a violent clash of abilities that sent all the wolves near its epicenter flying back. But without paying any heed to their surroundings, the two alphas further increased the intensity of their attack. And every time that one of them would get the upper hand, the other would reply by amplifying the potency of his attack. As a result of this back and forth, a vicious cycle of a ferocious storm was created, and its shockwaves continued to damage the forest.

Well, that escalated quickly… I quipped inside.

To be honest, I would have probably aided the Flame Wolf in his efforts to kill that Tempest Wolf if not for the fact that Lightning Wolf was still watching nearby. Although regardless of that, I really didn’t expect that these two alphas would clash, right here, right now. Like seriously, I never even thought that the enmity between them would be this bad. In fact, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that it had far exceeded my imagination.

Looking at my left, I saw the Gigarillon standing there with his arms crossed on his chest. In his eyes, I could see that there was a glimmer of amusement and curiosity as he watched the two alpha wolves duked it out. And based on his posture, I could tell in a glance that he had not the slightest intention of interfering nor stopping the fight.

Turning my gaze back, I realized that the subordinates of the two alphas had returned. But because of the intensity of the battle, the subordinate wolves didn’t even have the chance to help their respective alphas. In my eyes, I was all but certain that those wolves were too weak to make any notable contribution in that clash.

Probably knowing the reality that they were in; the subordinate wolves had no other choice but watched the battle from afar. And to my surprise, it seemed like they didn’t even have any intentions to fight their opposing party. I didn’t know if this was their way of showing their trust, but it looked like they were going to wait until their alpha emerges as the victor.

*BOOM!! BOOM!! BOOM!!*

It was at that time when the two alphas began a magic shootout. Accompanied by multiple explosions, the two alphas ran around the forest, thus turning their surroundings into a ragged and chaotic battleground. And before I knew it, I found myself surrounded by trees that were either burned or cut, a ground that was riddled with craters and cracks, and an air that was filled with soot and ash.

This is madness… I thought with a sigh.

While the battle between the two alphas was not as destructive as that one between the Cerberus and Anties Queen, it still could be said that this battle was on a league of its own. And though it was clear that the two monsters were both physically capable, it was still an undeniable fact that their devastating firepower was a result of that elemental power that they have. It was, in all sense of the word, both flashy and deadly at the same time.

As the battle of the alphas reached its peak, I saw the Lightning Wolf approaching me in the corner of my eyes. “I have… a request…” When I turned my head to look at him, the Lightning Wolf continued, “Help me… stop them…”

I stared at Lightning Wolf’s face in silence upon hearing that. In my mind, I couldn’t help but wonder why the Lightning Wolf was saying things like that. Are you serious? I finally let out. And with a serious look in his eyes, the Lightning Wolf nodded in response.

… Why? I couldn’t help but ask.

“… I’ll explain… later so… help me… first…” The Lightning Wolf said without batting an eye.

Given what I know about the situation of this forest, it seemed like these wolves were really planning on migrating out. But since there was something powerful guarding the only exit of this area, the safest way to go about doing that was to temporarily band together in case that they were attacked. This way, the wolves would have a higher chance of survival especially since they would have the backing of the three powerful alphas. Unfortunately, it looked like the Flame Wolf wasn’t really fond of such an idea.

You know that stopping them is not so simple, right?

“Yes… I know…”

And yet, you’re still asking me to basically put my life on the line?

The Lightning Wolf nodded without backing down.

Seeing that, I began. First and foremost, I am not your subordinate, so I will not blindly obey your command. Secondly, this problem is yours bear, and not mine. Lastly, my life isn’t so cheap, that I would willing to bet it for free just like that. Now, considering all these facts, then it is safe to say that I have no reason to take such a risk. After a brief pause, I continued as if stating an obvious fact. But since you said that it is a request, then I assume that you have something to offer me in exchange, isn’t that right?

In the midst of the raging battle in the background, the Lightning Wolf attentively listened to my rant. And upon hearing my question at the very end, he finally showed his hand. “If you… assist me… until we… get out… I will… help you… set a… deathmatch against… the Tempest…” The Lightning Wolf uttered to my surprise.

Hearing that, I couldn’t help but feel shocked and wary at the same time. After all, what the Lightning Wolf said just now, was a truth that I only kept deep in my heart. In fact, it wouldn’t even be a stretch to say that I should have been the only one in this world that know about this plan. And as far I could tell, I haven’t really shown any suspicious actions that would blow my cover-up.

Deep inside my mind, I kept asking myself when and where I made such an obvious mistake. But no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t find a clear answer to these questions of mine. More than that, I also started to worry if the Lightning Wolf had secretly informed the other alphas about this fact.

Despite all my turmoil inside, I somehow managed to reign it in and feign my ignorance. What made you think that I would want that? I asked whilst acting confused.

The Lightning Wolf took the lead in our conversation after that. “I don’t… know… I just… thought that… maybe you… would be… interested…” Looking back to the ongoing battle, he continued, “So… are you… in… or not?”

Based on the Lightning Wolf’s behavior, I could tell that he really knew something but was deliberately keeping it to himself. I had no idea why, but at least it was a hint that he hadn’t shared this fact with the other alphas. Furthermore, just the fact that he knew that I want the Lightning Wolf dead didn’t mean that he knew the full extent of my secret. In other words, he might still be in the process of trying to find out why.

So, you're telling me that you can do that? I asked after calming down.

“Yes…” The Lightning Wolf answered with certainty.

I see… With that, I decided to accept his offer. You better stay true to your words.

“Of course…” The Lighting Wolf replied in assurance.

***

Intermission: The Unleashed

After days of continued chaos and combat, the battle between the Cerberus and the Anties Queen was finally reaching its climax. And as a testament to the fierce battle between the two gigantic monsters, that barren land was now littered with lots of huge craters, as well as deep and wide cracks. Furthermore, that damage wasn’t only limited to the ground, because both in the walls and the ceiling, the same battle scars could be found.

At the very center of that disastrous scene, the Cerberus and the Anties Queen clashed. Around them, huge debris could be seen flying away, every time they collide. At first glance, it looked as if the two monsters were fighting on equal footing. But upon closer inspection, it was easy to tell that the Cerberus was pushing the Anties Queen back. And even though both monsters were littered with wounds, it was clear to see that the Cerberus has the upper hand.

Since most of the minions of the Anties Queen were gone, the poor monster wasn’t able to use her skill to recover from her wounds. And because her wings were also in taters, the Anties Queen had no other choice but to fight an uphill battle on the ground.

With his opponent unable to fly, the Cerberus unleashed his pitch-black spikes, thus pinning the Anties Queen on her spot. Following that, the three-headed monster shot a powerful long-range attack that opened a hole in the Anties Queen's stomach. Then, whilst the Queen was about to fall down, the Cerberus showered her with a barrage of a long-range attack.

Once everything died down, the Cerberus approached his opponent that had fallen to the ground. But for better or for worse, the Anties Queen was still alive and still has a defiant look in her eyes. Looking at her from above, the Cerberus smiled. And in the next instant, several pitch-black spikes jutted from the ground.

“KREEEEEEEEEEEEE!!”

Each and every one of those spikes pierced the Anties Queen causing her to let out such pitiful screech. And as her blood scattered all around, her subjects watched in horror as the Cerberus slaughter their sovereign in front of their eyes. But as if that scene wasn’t nearly enough, the Cerberus also began to devour the Anties Queen alive.

“KKKREEEEEEEEEEEE!!”

A terrifying screech of death and despair echoed in that area. During all that time, the remaining ants could only stand there in a daze, as their worst nightmare come to life. And as the horrific screech of their Queen died down, they all looked up only to see the bloodied Cerberus standing above the mangled corpse of a gigantic ant.

It was then when a dark and sinister aura flowed up from deep underground. At the same time, the raging madness within the Cerberus six eyes flashed with a blinding light. Then, along with a sudden burst of horrific aura, the Cerberus unleashed a deafening howl.