~Aurora~

　　The most anticipated day has finally arrived. Few of the wolves have requested Prince Emeric to refuse any media attention. Hence, there was a ban of mechanical recordings as well as any gadgets within the kingdom. All until the duration of the Trials. Well, for one, I didn't expect Prince Emeric to take matters into his own hands and elevate the request to banning cameras in the whole kingdom. That takes some guts to face words from people, doesn't it?

　　Well, it's Prince Emeric anyway. He has the power to do absolutely anything in this world, and people would still support him. Perhaps, that is what we all are looking forward to as well. Power...

　　Three huge gongs were an announcing bell, announcing commencement.

　　"Hear all contestants and audience of the Great Kingdom's Arena! The official commencement of Trials of Heirs has now been marked. To solidify the commencement and give contestants a headstart with luck, our Kingdom's Prince, Prince Emeric shall light the Torch and hence commence the prestigious Trials of Heirs. Prince Emeric and all authorities of this Kingdom wish all seventy-two participants best of luck." The announcer spoke from the podium high up from where we were standing in the arena.

　　It is a huge stadium, with seating capacity of over 100,000 and views from every angle. The audience filled each and every seat, even overcrowding the places that were meant to be for VIPs and commoners. It seems as though werewolves from all over the world have joined the audience for Trials of Heirs.

　　Seventy two heads stared up at the royal dome up and ahead of us. Dressed in navy and gold clothing, representing his Kingdom's royalty, Prince Emeric followed the procedure to light up the Torch.

　　It glowed so bright, it looked like the second sun for us for the morning of the first Trial.

　　My blood was pumping with excitement. Letting go of all negative thoughts, I brought my sole focus upon the first anticipated Trial. Who might this strong entity be that we must fight against?

　　"Here are some rules for this Trial:

　　Number 1, always have your head gear and armor on your bodies. If not, you are disqualified immediately.

　　Number 2, if you wish to form a team, only three werewolves in a team are permitted. If there are more, all in the team will be disqualified and sent back to their packs.

　　Number 3, there are no specific fight forms you can adhere to. After all, all is fair in war.

　　Now, remember contestants, The Gatekeeper is vicious and special rank. Please be mindful and play fair against others. Best of luck!"

　　With that, a huge drum performance began as we all turned our heads to see The Gatekeeper. This Trial is making me feel conscious, however.

　　I have no wolf. I could be a hindrance to the team that shall form on the basis of wit and is spontaneous. I was confident that I could win against this beast myself.

　　But all of my confidence went down the drain when I watched the huge unit of a werewolf walk out of those iron doors. As the gate opened, there lied a huge werewolf, almost thrice as big as an alpha werewolf!

　　'Fear is key for failure, Aurora Fangborn. If you do not have confidence in yourself, better fake it.' Words from the night before rung in my ears. It wasn't just anyone who suggested to me that neat and simple trick. It was the General of Guards, the Kingdom's beloved Guard Captain: Kingston Miller. Mr. Miller had such a good aura around him. He is a pleasant man who wouldn't hesitate in giving out a few tips and tricks to anyone in need.

　　"Scram!" Someone yelled from the group as I furrowed my eyebrows. It sounded like he was the alpha of us contestants.

　　"Gregory Charles from Highnight pack is disqualified!" The announcement came so quickly! Well, that's what they get for trying to act so high and mighty in a battlefield. The rules were just spoken out loud!

　　However, as the Gatekeeper charged towards us, we couldn't help but scatter into different directions. I was looking for a group that would take me in, however, I was being too hopeful and optimistic.

　　The groups have already been formed! I and a few others were the only ones swinging alone in the arena! That was way too quick.

　　The Gatekeeper rushed towards us, in an attempt to injure us and probably bite our heads off. It was a scary scenario. But the headless injury never happened, because the Gatekeeper was actually a conscious wolf.

　　Which mutant was this wolf? I want power and strength like this!

　　As I spectate the challenge...it only seems daunting to me. Five members have been eliminated and three more disqualified. I remembered the rule of forming teams is not a necessity, but I cannot face Gatekeeper by myself as well!

　　As if the level of difficulty was set to increase, the Gatekeeper returned back near his cage.

　　He was shifting...adopting a half werewolf and half man form as I stood there wonderstruck.

　　"Holy mother—" I'm sure all of our jaws have dropped. I looked around me, more than half of them have shifted into their wolf forms, leaving me feeling so conscious about my victory at the moment! I have to rely on my agility and core strength to have my way with success now.

　　And I charged at him, fist thrown tightly into its face! However, my speed and strength didn't seem to faze the monster at all! It caught my fist as if it was nothing! And I swung my body to land a kick at least, on his chest. He caught my leg as well and launched me away with brute force!

　　I landed on the wall adjacent to it, holding my waist and back that took the most impact! Squinting my eyes, looking at the Gatekeeper through the pain, I observed it's increased power.

　　What will I do...?

　　This is only the first trial, and it's proving to be such challenge for me.

　　Mom...dad...please watch over for me. I have to find a way to make it to the next trial with everything I've got!

　　I need to stand up...but my body feels so battered!

　　If only I had a wolf that could heal me within seconds...