For some unknown reason, there were several clashes outside the pack, and in trying to solve them, Victor's mother met an untimely end.
It was said that it was Demons that decapitated her. After her, for some reason unknown to all, many of those strong and powerful that sided with Victor fell one after the other like over ripe pawpaw from a tree.
Curtin took several steps forward. "Tsk tsk tsk, that wound looks quite bad. Moses, I suggest you put medicine on that." Curtin shook his head in obviously pretentious pity.
At this point in the race to becoming Alpha, everyone, including the Elders, was already aware that Curtin most likely had a hand in the cut down of Victor's strength.
However, no one complained about it.
After all, in every generation of likely candidates to ascend to the Position of Alpha, it was so.
Even though it might eat away at the strength of the pack a bit, it was very much allowed.
Firstly, it showed the broad capability of the incoming Alpha to be able to overcome adversity. After all, a leader was expected to be a man of substance and flexibility.
The ability to maneuver in tough situations was necessary. The park was in need of a leader, not a coward.
Secondly, it helped to get rid of the possibility of any Coup d'état that might occur in the future.
After all, the Alpha selection process was not the usual kind.
In fact, it was not unheard of that an Alpha would decide to kill many of his own kin and those that did not support his own ascension as ruler of the pack.
For this reason, it was very vital that the person supported made up Alpha.
If things had gone normally, Victor might have beaten Curtin, but things did not.
After his father's death, Victor was truly in the open.
It was for this reason that he took the offer to become a breeding object and journey to the Iron Back Werewolf Pack.
To ensure the success of this journey, he even took with him his remaining supporters, sworn brothers and sisters of his mother.
They were truly very strong. Any force in the waste lands would have been wary of them. Even Demons passing by would have respected them.
However, the plan to get rid of him had obviously been thoroughly thought out without room for errors.
If his Vessel had not heard the news of the Undead tide and slightly altered their route, by now, he too would have been dead.
Unfortunately, only the three of them made out of the terrible encirclement.
Also, that vial of blood from the Primordial Beast had truly helped save their lives.
After all, it was a known fact that the Primordial beast only gifted the Pack a finite amount of blood every ten years, and that amount significantly reduced since the apocalypse.
This one he had used was given by the elders with tears in their eyes and blades in their hearts.
Curtin suddenly gave a cheeky laugh, "Dear little brother. It would seem that you have all of a sudden lost your followers. Unfortunately, you no longer have one that could support you in these very Trying times."
"He still has me!" Moses raised his head and attempted to stand to his feet, but the pain he felt from his wounds sent him back to the ground.
*Cough* Cough* some black blood leaked from the side of his mouth.
"Hmmm! I can see that; he really does have you. So, what are you, a Warrior or a corpse? you are really looking like the Latter to me!" Curtin chuckled lowly.
Moses Gritted his teeth fiercely, "You fucking Bastard! I know it was you. I know it was you that planned that ambush with the pirates, and killed my brothers and sisters! Even after we leave this city, you won't let us go in peace."
"Huh!?" Curtin carried a surprised expression on his face, "Me!? How dare you, Moses? How dare you say I conspired with vile demons, and pirates to kill members of my OWN pack!n0velusb.c0m
I'll Let you know that, as future Alpha of this Pack, every life is absolutely precious to me. I treasure everyone equally!" Curtin, with his long black hair and smug look, had a heroic expression on his face, as he tightened his fist against his chest.
However, Moses's frown got deeper, "I only said we were attacked by Pirates. I never mentioned DEMONS!"
Instantly, Curtin's brows twitched a bit. However, he was quick to salvage the situation. "Pirates, demons, magi, what's the difference? They are all cut from the same Vile cloth."
Curtain suddenly turned Victor, "my dear little brother, let this big brother of yours give you some personal, loving advice!" Even though Curtin said this, he still looked at Victor like he was looking at Trash.
"This Moses is nowhere strong enough to fight for you, and you are obviously too weak for it. But you see, this big brother does not want you to lose too badly. Why don't you go to outsiders at the gate? I'm sure you will be able to find one of those homeless people to fight for you! After all, you would soon be joining them yourself, HOMELESS."
Curtin burst into loud laughter as he walked away. Elder Zod followed behind him, also cracking a mocking smile at the duo.
Victor Gritted his teeth harshly, but there was nothing he could do but watch Curtin and the Elder walk away.
He helped Moses to his feet, "you need to get some rest and recover from your injuries. I recommend you enter forced Hibernation until you are feeling better."
"Hibernation!? No! I can't do that. You need me now more than ever. If I enter Forced Hibernation to Heal, I will not be able to wake up until my body fully heals. Ade as already entered forced Hibernation to heal his wounds. If I enter Forced Hibernation too, you will be all alone. I can't do that. If I do, I will not be able to face the Soul of my sworn sister in Purgatory."
Moses shook his head and Victor sighed. "Don't worry yourself too much. I have a plan. You see, Mother already thought up a plan for me. I know a particular Hidden master that has been living in seclusion. This Hidden master owes my mother. If I meet him, he is sure to help me!"
"Really?"
Victor nodded, "Don't worry, it's going to be alright!" He helped Moses who was a big man up and both of them left the place.
However, Victor could not help but frown. After all, Moses did not know, but there was no Hidden Master.