~Aurora~

　　My chances of passing this trial… is at stake! I'll have to do something to secure my position in the list of passed contestants at least. Or else, all of this is for nothing. My training and endurance until now was exceptional, but when a real circumstance like this has dawned on me, I realised I'm not yet capable like the others.

　　I only was recovering, yet weak as hell from the injuries that I've got from the impact. The Gatekeeper seems merciless and ruthless. However, as far as I know, a herb that looked exactly like wolfsbane was right beside my face, growing like a weed in the crevices of cement arena walls and sand.

　　Wait...this is WOLFSBANE!

　　My body suddenly jolted up and plucked the leaves from the rim of the arena. I hope this is what is called what it is. It's functionality depends on how strong the werewolf is. I studied about this herb in my research at the library. It's one of the deadliest herbs for wolves if prepared with right precision for a concoction. Otherwise, it only affects the wolf in raw form!

　　Well, it's primary function is to denature the werewolf powers itself! Since I have no wolf in me, I'm not affected by this herb at all!

　　I think I just found an ace in my arsenal.

　　But...how do I even administer this herb, a numbing wolf drug to the werewolf known as The Gatekeeper!?

　　It's a problem I have to solve for myself.

　　I breathed out deeply, my body was not listening to me anymore. With every ounce of energy flowing to my muscles, trying my absolute best in not letting my injuries hold me down, I begin walking towards the Gatekeeper.

　　In the same way he threw me towards the walls, others faced the same fate. Some contestants even sustained head injuries! But, since they had a wolf that could heal them in an instant, they stood back up within seconds as if nothing had happened!

　　Ugh! I never wanted to blame myself more than now. The unawkened wolf within me...why couldn't you just appear out of nowhere and give me the strength and support I deserve!

　　No...Aurora. That is not how I should think right now. The opportunities are right in front of me. I cannot waste time nor my past efforts worrying about what I lack. Everything happens for a reason, right?

　　Slowly, as my back allowed me to, I began striding, then sprinting towards my target! Dodging a contestant who was thrown in my direction in an aim to injure me once again, I kept charging forwards!

　　"Argh!" With force exerted on my legs, I launch myself on top of the werewolf as I covered it's whole face with my body!

　　I know this isn't considered foul, because if you think of it, these weren't written in the rules!

　　I was playing fair and square.

　　"What is happening!? Is she smothering the Gatekeeper!? Contestant Aurora Fangborn...she is defeating the Gatekeeper in her own way!" The commenter yelled in the mic, but i didn't lose focus and ensured the Gatekeeper would certainly fall to his knees, hence ensuring my victory!

　　To my surprise, the other contestants only saw me smothering the werewolf giant with wolfsbane and did nothing. They simply... spectated.

　　There was a deafening drum roll in the arena, all was numb to my ears.

　　"And hereby…trial one is complete! Confratulations to all contestants who have made through!"

　　Never have I ever heard my name being yelled that loud into a microphone. If I wasn't haucinating a few things, I saw Prince Emeric spring up with his hands up in the air to celebrate my victory. His reaction was seen by only a few, but I've seen him. Despite my pain and agony as well.

　　The pain...it's too much.

　　I know I've won this trial, but it feels as though few of my ribs have broken from the back. Will I lose mobility if I don't heal my back? Perhaps...The symptoms of spine injury will appear later? I need to go to the healers right away. But they are celebrating...for me.

　　The triumph, the sounds of my victory and my fellow contestants congratulating me...I silently responded to all of them. They tried to throw me in the air,but i awkwardly refused their advances just for the sake of keeping myself a little away from more pain.

　　I held back tears, respectfully.

　　"Prince Emeric is now coming down to meet the contestants. Stand at ease!" Somehow, I could still comprehend the instructions as I quickly fell into my position. I subtly gazed around and backwards. I think more than twenty five participants have been eliminated and disqualified as a whole. That's a great chunk who have passed, if I may say so myself.

　　"This year, it is a surprise that more than half of the contestants have secured the position to head into the next Trial. Well done, everyone." The Prince spoke from behind us. We yelled in a union of a voice, "Thank you, your majesty!"

　　Looking over my shoulder in the most subtle head turn, I watched Prince Emeric slowly walk towards me after greeting everyone behind me. I took a deep breath in, his scent entering my nose despite blood flown down from my nostrils a while ago.

　　He came to stand in front of me. And his hand was out for a formal handshake.

　　The silence around me was defeating. It was awkward, because I couldn't comprehend what to do anymore.

　　'Shake his hand, idiot!' The voice in my head spoke. And I tried my best to raise my hand as well to the best of my abilities, without letting out winces or sounds of writhe.

　　However...I felt diabolically lightheaded.

　　My throat was parched, my whole body went cold.

　　And I, at once, lost balance and leaned towards the next tall thing by instinct. And the next tall thing I could only lean onto...was Prince Emeric in front of me, who had caught me by instinct as well.

　　All in all...I was proud of myself. That I've at least passed the first Trial!