Emery quickly realized that something extremely bad was likely about to happen.
Not due to the fact that the final round of the Royal Hunt would not involve killing high-tier creatures as previously thought, but for the fact that even Jason Corvin who was standing nearby had his face completely pale, a look of shock filling it.
It was apparent that what was unfolding right now was something so unexpected that even the Corvin – the most influential faction that supposedly knew it all – seemed to have no idea about it.
While the hundreds of thousands of people in the Silvermane Arena were still befuddled by the shocking announcement, the master of the ceremony proceeded to explain the rules of the final hunt, this time however with a hint of hesitation in his voice.
"The Alpha King has spoken, the three criminals will be the final hunt. There are only two rules for this hunt. Rule one, special rewards will be awarded to those who manage to land the kill on the criminals."
The special reward mentioned was no other than the [Ancient wolf potion], among other things that were desired by all participants.
There was a pause before the man spoke again, explaining the next rule.
"Rule two, ONE criminal who stands until the end will be granted pardon for all his crimes by the King."
This second rule was one that brought shock to all.
Although there was an announcement that these people will be executed, no one seems to think that it will be the main event of the Hunt. Not in such a manner and with such rules.
At first glance, those were two simple rules. However, there was actually a terrifying intent hidden within them. One that was enough to make those who understood turn pale.
Of course, Emery who understood the implication quickly notified his pack through their [One Mind] connection. "The Alpha King is trying to pit the factions and the rebels against each other."
On the other hand, while people were still grasping the situation, the Alpha King brought his staff high into the air as he loudly said, "Let the Hunt begin!"
Right away, the cages on the three platforms opened and the chains that bound the three captives broke.
The white-haired woman, Vivian Locarious, laughed out loud as the chains that bound her body fell to the ground with a clang. She turned her head and directed her gaze towards the Alpha King as she shouted, "You are one despicable King!!"
With a maniacal grin on her face, the woman used her transformation, turning into a three meters tall beast with white fur all over her body. Elongated curved claws took over the place of her nails, as she fiercely glared at the hunters.
The other criminal, the dark-skinned man, look upon the sky, there was a certain excitement before he said "Finally freedom!"
followed the Locarios female, turning into a half-man half-wolf with dark skin that gave off a metallic sheen. An indescribable pressure emerged from his figure as he carefully surveyed his surroundings.
The two of them were both Full Moon magus, just like Tidus the Chain Breaker. The Rebel leader however appears to stay silent and didn't do anything.
As expected, with the two rules given, it didn't take long before the dynamic of this year's Royal Hunt's final hunt changed. It was no longer between the hunters and the prey but between the three different powers that were currently present within the arena.
The two Karst packs, [Wolf of Kart] and [Knight of Karst], both quickly moved to give respect to their elder Ridick Karst. The same situation also occurred with [Locarios Maechanicus] and [Locarios Angels] who went to the platform where Vivian was.
As for Tidus, the people that came to his side was only one, the pack led by Jester and his four magus rebels.
"Choose your side!!" The white female wolf beast snapped, intimidating the remaining 15 packs who were still standing without a decision.
Right at this moment, Jason Corvin in his attempt to be patriotic stepped forward and said, "We should focus on killing the real criminal first!" while pointing towards the small group surrounding the known rebel leader.
What he suggested might seem like a wise idea, but it would not the core of the problem as the Alpha King only willing to give mercy to one criminal, which meant the only way for this to end was for either one of the two – Vivian Locarios or Riddick Karst – die so the other could survive.
Nevertheless, it was indeed a direction that people could easily follow.
As if to give credibility to his idea, Jason led the other three groups of Corvin faction and made his way towards the platform where the rebel leader was. A moment later, four packs belonging to other factions followed his actions.
However, the Talbots Warhounds still didn't move. It looked like they still hadn't made a decision, which inevitably made Jason hesitate a little. After all, he knew from firsthand experience how dangerous the infamous Chain Breaker was.
He then glanced at the direction where Emery and his pack were, wondering what Twilight Fang's decision would be.
Unbeknownst to him, Emery had already made a decision. No matter how much he empathized with the man, he knew that there were other things at play here, and so he decided to not attract unnecessary attention.
"Stay vigilant. Watch out for any surprises," Emery told the others through their [One Mind] connection. Standing beside his group, Freaki and his flock of Bone Coyotes seemed to be of the same mind about this situation.
"I really don't like any of this at all!!"
In contrast, Jason, now being theatrical, brandished his sword towards the rebel leader as he said, "Tidus, the Chain Breaker, today you shall be punished for your crime!"
"Attack!!"
As the young Corvin's shout reverberated in the air, the four packs of the Corvin all shot forwards, brandishing their weapons and chanting various spells. The other factions' packs followed right behind.
A fight quickly broke out in the corner of the arena where Tidus' platform was, a total of 40 magus fighting Tidus and a group of 5 magus led by Jester. Even though they were clearly outnumbered, the latter all had resolute expressions on their faces, ready to die for their cause.
On the other hand, it seems a commotion also started at the balcony where the King and all the faction leaders were.
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