Chapter 92 - 86

EX Story: The Four Alphas and The Tempest Wolf’s Dilemma

There exists a time when the Lightning Wolf, Tempest Wolf, Flame Wolf, and Frost Wolf had worked hand in hand to guide their species to survive. At that time the entire wolf species as a whole was just starting anew so their overall population wasn’t as big as the other species in the area, but because the wolves were inherently stronger and more resilient compared to the native monsters of the forest, their species survived and even thrived despite being outnumbered by the others.

Although it took quite some time, the four alphas managed to lead their species out of this era of dawn, and as the situation of their species began to stabilize, the population of their species also grew at the same time. Adding the fact that their survival rate was also at an all-time high, it didn’t take too long before the wolves asserted their dominance and became the ruler of that area.

Before long, their population had become too large that it began to threaten the existence of the native monsters of the area, and since the wolves were carnivorous by nature, the fact the native monsters were on brink of extinction also meant that they were on the risk losing their only food resource. To combat this, the four alphas decided to let the hunting groups venture out of the area, but as time went on, it only became clear that what they were doing was only a temporary solution, because as their population continued to grow, their food consumption also spiraled out of control.

When the alphas noticed this fact, they began to conjure a plan. In essence, the plan was actually simple— First, the four alphas would break apart their pack, then they would separate it into four and lead each one on their own. But after that was the cruelest part of it all, because, in order to control their ever-growing population, the four alphas would have to pretend that they had a falling out, and then send their subordinates to fight for this fake cause. In short, the four alphas would pretend as if they were mortal enemies and let their subordinates kill one another for the sake of population control. It was, for the lack of better words, brutal but necessary for their survival and preservation, nevertheless.

Though their logic seemed backward for their goal, this plan still proved to be effective, nonetheless. This was mostly because the wolves were built to live in such a harsh environment in the first place. In other words, the wolves had just gone back to what they were supposed to be, and since the wolves had been keeping each other in check without even realizing it, the balance of the forest had returned once more. Well, that was until they faced an unexpected problem.

“So, how was it?” The Frost Wolf asked.

Hearing that, the newly arrived Flame Wolf sat before he opened his mouth and sighed. “It’s bad. I found multiple traces of scouts.”

Following that, the Tempest Wolf turned to the other wolf who also just arrived. “How about the other side?”

Taking a seat right next to the Flame Wolf, the Lightning Wolf replied, “Same…”

“I see. It’s that bad, huh?” The Frost wolf then gazed outside.

A look of utter exhaustion flashed on the Flame Wolf’s face as he looked up. “Just right when things are starting to stabilize and now this happened. It’s like death is chasing us or something”

A heavy silence descended on that place after the Flame Wolf whispered that. And though the Tempest Wolf wanted to rebuke such unwarranted behavior, he could only swallow his words because there was a part of him that somehow felt the same. That was why instead of starting an argument with the Flame Wolf, the Tempest Wolf instead decided to focus on their next course of action. After all, even though the alphas were supposed to be enemies on the surface, they still would gather in secret like this from time to time whenever there was an urgent problem that involves the entirety of their species.

“So, what are we gonna do? Leave this place?” The Tempest Wolf asked.

For a while, no one answered this question. Because while the wolves could just leave the forest area, finding a new place to settle in wouldn’t be such an easy task. On top of that, they also had to worry about food supplies all the while traveling with no clear destination in mind. It would be ideal if they could just hunt for food on their way, but doing so wasn’t as simple as it sounds.

The Tempest Wolf, Lightning Wolf, and Flame Wolf all turned to him in surprise. Though of course, it wasn’t as if the three alphas had no say on this matter entirely. But now that one of them had made their stance clear and didn’t seem to have any intention of backing down for that matter, the four alphas had only two options left—one was to go along with the Frost Wolf’s plan or fight to it out until one side submitted to the other one. Well, that was at least how the worst-case scenario would play out.

Among the three, the Flame Wolf was the first one to speak his mind. “Well, I kinda get yer’ sentiment. But what’s yer’s plan?”

“It’s simple. We're gonna gather everyone and defend this place if ever they attack. If need be, the four of us could also band together and try to kill their Queen.” The Frost Wolf explained.

Upon hearing that, the Lightning Wolf frowned. “That’s… reckless…”

The Tempest Wolf nodded. “Agreed. And not only that, it’s basically suicide.”

In contrast to the Lightning Wolf and Tempest Wolf’s reactions, the Flame Wolf smiled. “Nah. I like the idea. It’s plain and straight to the point.”

Completely ignoring the Flame Wolf’s comment, the Tempest Wolf turned towards the Frost Wolf and look him in the eye. “Are you serious about this? You know that those insects greatly outnumbered us, right? Furthermore, attacking that Queen isn’t an option either because we will be overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of those insects before we even reached her. And even if we somehow succeed, we also had to deal with the Queen’s authority in our already exhausted state.”

Without batting an eye, the Frost Wolf looked back. “That’s why we will instead stay in our domains and use our authority to fight off the insects.”

“So, you're saying that we should gamble in this do-or-die situation? In that case, isn’t leaving this place a much better option? Yes, I’m sure there will be sacrifices on the way, but at least we wouldn’t risk losing everything we have worked so far.”

“But what if we lose? If we follow your plan, then we would not only risk losing our home and some of our kin but everything we have including ours and everyone’s lives.”

At that, a look of understanding flashed upon the Frost Wolf’s face. “I see. Then why not take your pack and leave?”

The Tempest Wolf’s face warped in rage the moment that question came out from the Frost Wolf’s mouth. “Is that what you think of me? Am I really so cheap in your eyes that you think I would make such a selfish decision? Self-preservation, really?”

“If so, then take a stand with me.”

“Because what you want is madness. Like you’ve said, we had already sacrificed so much. But that is the very reason why I can’t afford to further drag our kind along to the grave with us. And for that same reason, I wouldn’t abandon them either.” The Tempest Wolf declared, his tone burning with conviction.

“I see. Then I guess we had no other choice but to settle this ourselves.” The Frost Wolf said all the while looking at the two other alphas.

Recognizing what that meant, both the Flame Wolf and Lightning Wolf nodded in concession. For now, the two of them would only be a witness and neutral third party. As for the other Tempest Wolf and Frost Wolf, they would have to make the other party submit by force. In the worst-case scenario, one would even have to finish off the other party in case he continued to refuse after he lost.

And so, the battle between the Frost Wolf and Tempest Wolf began. But because the four alphas were equal not only in raw power but also combat prowess, the battle between these two alphas always ends in a draw. In fact, no matter how many times they repeat it the result remains the same. As a result, time passed by, and the invasion of ants neared but the wolves made no progress in their decision. That was why at some point, the Tempest Wolf began to think that their situation might be what the Frost Wolf was aiming for. After all, the basic premise of his goal was to stay in the forest and wait for the attack. So, in essence, all he had to do was buy some time.

Once the Tempest Wolf noticed this, he felt as if had no other choice but to step up. For days, he wracked his brain to find a better solution in counter to the Frost Wolf’s scheme. But no matter how long he pondered, he could only reach a single answer, and the worst part was, it required some blood and life as a sacrifice. Unfortunately, among other things, it was the only way that he could succeed. Perhaps, the Frost Wolf was also aware of this, and it might be his way of questioning the Tempest Wolf's resolve. Regardless, once the Tempest Wolf stepped on this path, there was no turning back, and whoever emerged victorious in this fight would have to carry this burden until the end of the line.

'I see.' The Tempest Wolf sighed. 'Then, I guess I have to do it.' And with that newfound resolve, he decided to walk on that thorny path.