~Aurora~

　　Few days have passed. The third trial is on the way, and I haven't received any training for this. As someone with no awakened wolf which can communicate better like an actual wolf, I am a little intimidated by tomorrow's Leadership Trial.

　　The instructions have been announced a few hours prior in the evening.

　　We contestants shall lead a team of lower ranking wolves through a patch of the dark woods filled with traps. Now, what makes this exciting to everyone else is that the Kingdom opens doors carefully into the outer ring of the dark woods!

　　Yes, the same place where everyone is forbidden strictly from entering at any cost. The dark woods outer ring is filled with mysterious creatures. And the third trial has carefully laid traps and other natural danger such as werebears, rogues, sirens and elves. Just thinking about it makes my skin crawl.

　　I was reading a book while doing inverted push ups under the moonlight. Yes, I am yet again in the dark forest, hanging upside down by a branch.

　　Will I pass this trial?

　　Why do I seem to doubt myself?

　　[THE MORNING OF TRIAL 3: LEADERSHIP TRIAL]

　　Outskirts of inner ring of dark woods, towards the only entrance gate opening to the outer ring.

　　"Contestant number 37!" That's me, at last. I draw the chit which has names of my omegas written. I open it, reading three names which were loudly announced by the speaker in front of me. Looking over my shoulder, I see a blond haired omega male, a black haired female and another chestnut haired male.

　　"Introduce yourself to your leader," the speaker instructed yet again for me, another contestant.

　　"I am Huges, Code name: H."

　　"I am Chelsea, Code name: Sea."

　　"I am Jonas, Code name: J."

　　I curtly nodded at each one of them, remembering their code names quickly. Code names are essential because in the brink of danger and ordering speedy, specific commands, their full name would take a lot of time to even utter.

　　"Please stand to the side," the speaker said as we went to stand in the block assigned for me, my name written on the ground with chalk.

　　We are a four-man team now, and they shall address me as 'Cap', for captain or team leader.

　　I stared at the tall, 30 foot compound wall of the inner ring. How powerful must the creatures be for the wall to be built this high...? I wonder.

　　At last, the time came where the huge gates have opened. A line of Guards, almost quivering in their knees were acting as the last line of security for us before we all were alone.

　　Having the hints in my hand, I waited for the command. The only thing I remember from the books of leadership from great alphas of the past was: keep your subordinates in front of you, the strongest one shall be at the back.

　　That is what I did. And I haven't even realized I was the only one abiding by those rules since the beginning of the Trial!

　　"Now, scram!" The huge gong bell had gone off! Commencement of the third trial was hasty, as each of the groups were scattered haphazardly into the forest. Some contestants even prompted their omega, lower ranking subordinates to shift into their wolf!

　　I couldn't afford their shifting so soon. I am aware that the shifting process takes a lot of energy, which we can save for later.

　　"This way!" Taking the lead, until I've detected any sort of threat, I let H, J and Sea follow me. Oh. It's going to be hard if I don't remember their names and their strengths. As the team leader, I need to be spontaneous and efficient.

　　"Halt!" Having ran deep into the woods, I halted the team abruptly, and upon looking back...my eyes widened.

　　"Is this how the wall looks like from the other side...?" I muttered to myself. This side, everything looked dark and bloody. The spikes were pointy and incredibly big. Each one of them. And they were clustered all over and around the wall this side! Just looking at them makes me feel uncomfortable.

　　"We are close to our first clue," I pointed, opening the map. We've maneuvered our way in the right direction, but the real threats and traps begin from here. We have to move slow, take analysed steps further from this point.

　　"Cap, may I see the map as well?" I thought about it for a second, but extended my hand to hand H the map anyway.

　　"Cap...this is the fastest course but we have more threats around this area." The man pointed out. We stopped for a discussion, which could eat away our time...

　　"Yes, I'm aware, H. We should not waste time. This route has threats and traps, but if we use our skills wisely, we can save time for the final quest. It's simple strategy." I explained to the man. Oh boy...why are they giving looks to each other? I feel self conscious.

　　"Cap, with all due respect, we understand that you do not have a wolf and your drive is to complete this trial as quickly as possible. But please listen to us, we've been participating in these annual trials for years now. It's wise to take the less risky route," My eyebrows furrowed. I didn't know why, but I got defensive.

　　"If you've been participating as subordinates for years, shouldn't you be wise enough to listen to your team leader? I have memorized the map, read many books describing art of war. When I've come up with a strategy that is good and saves time potentially, my team members aren't supporting me enough."

　　Okay, this took an unexpected, ugly turn.

　　"That's wrong analysis, Cap. We are experienced. You are not. We are not holding this against you, but you'd regret your decision later." Said Sea, the woman who was slightly taller than myself. I huffed, taking offense of her words. She's right, however. I am inexperienced in leading a team, thinking from everyone's perspective and all of that.

　　"Fine, we will take the longer route." I half heartedly agreed to them, despite knowing treats will be everywhere and situations could turn tables on us any given time. We walked on the route in silence. I was behind them, holding the dagger in my hand.

　　I couldn't stop thinking about our little rift. Am I really incapable of leading these people? It makes me feel like a failure already. I don't want to lose my only chance of getting a good position at the trials, which will secure my place for the next Trial...

　　Aurora...it's fine. Slight discord is natural between anyone with different mindsets. I have to learn to overcome them, and lead them wisely. This is what leadership is always about.

　　We have five more hours to complete our side quests and reach the final quest. We are now walking towards an abandoned construction in the middle of the dark woods. It might be home to many scary, venomous species. We have to be on our toes for this one.

　　After that, two more side quests to collect our clues and rewards for the final quest. I know I can do this...