Chapter 5
845 Words
Ray slowly rose from the rubble, his lips still curled into a wide grin despite the blood dripping from his nose and mouth.
He looked up at Vanak, who now stood in his hybrid werewolf form, surrounded by a green aura.
Vanak narrowed his eyes as he took in the state Ray was in.
He had used considerable power behind that punch, yet aside from a few drops of blood trickling from his mouth, Ray looked perfectly fine.
And that smile on his face... Vanak didn't like it one bit.
"Show me just how strong the so-called Alpha Werewolf is."
Ray's presence began to shift as a thick, blue aura surrounded him. His strength started increasing rapidly as he activated his techniques.
[Heavenly Shadow Step: Movement Technique Activated]
[Your movement speed will increase by 30%.]
[Heavenly Tyrant's Body: Body Strengthening Technique Activated]
[Your physical strength and defense will increase by 30%.]
Ray's Qi reserves flowed freely, coating his body like a thick layer of armor.
His physical strength and movement speed surged as a result.
In an instant, Ray vanished from sight, leaving behind multiple mirages as he dashed forward.
He reappeared before Vanak, using his momentum to deliver a punch straight to Vanak's gut.
But to Ray's surprise, his attack had no noticeable effect.
Before he could retreat, two massive fists came crashing down toward him from above.
Reacting quickly, Ray crossed his arms into an X-shape above his head to block the attack.
The impact was like a hammer striking a tree stump, sending powerful shockwaves outward.
Gritting his teeth, Ray felt the sheer force of Vanak's attack press down on him.
"What's wrong? Can't handle my power?" Vanak grinned wider as he saw Ray struggling to withstand his blow.
Ray didn't respond.
Instead, he used all his strength to push against the giant fists, trying to break free.
But no matter how hard he tried, Vanak's grip was unyielding.
"Struggling to break free? Here, let me help you."
The werewolf grinned before raising his thick, fur-covered leg and delivering a devastating kick.
The force sent Ray tumbling across the ground like a ragdoll, crashing violently into the far wall.
Mere seconds after Ray hit the wall, Vanak appeared again, moving with incredible speed.
He grabbed Ray by the neck with one massive, clawed hand and effortlessly lifted him off the ground.
Then, using his free hand, he slammed another powerful punch into Ray's gut, sending him flying across the battlefield once more.
Before Ray could even hit the ground, another figure flashed into view and delivered a swift kick, launching him in the opposite direction.
Ray slammed into another wall with a thunderous crash, leaving behind a trail of destruction before collapsing onto the ground.
"He's really strong..."
"He's ranked second in the Power Rankings for a reason."
"That 'Divine Ascendant' guy is probably going to lose this match."
The spectators murmured among themselves, already predicting the outcome.
However, Gina paid no attention to their chatter.
To her, the battle wasn't over yet.
In her eyes, Ray had already accomplished more than anyone ever had in the history of the First Tower Realm's Power Rankings.
Just witnessing his strength made her feel proud of the contract she had formed with him.
Ray was undoubtedly strong, and there was no question about it.
And despite the overwhelming odds, Gina still believed he could win.
She didn't know where this confidence came from, but she felt it deep in her core.
Gritting his teeth, Ray forced himself to rise from the rubble.
His body was in a devastating state: countless bones shattered, one arm twisted unnaturally, blood streaming from every orifice, and deep claw marks covering his skin.
"I thought you were strong, but it looks like you can't even take a few more hits from me." Vanak snorted, a cocky grin stretching across his face.
"I'll admit, you have extreme stamina and a bit of strength to back it up... but in the end, you're nothing special, are you?" His grin widened as he watched Ray slowly raise his head, blood dripping from his mouth.
Yet, despite his injuries, that same unnerving smile remained on Ray's face.
"Have you gone mad from being beaten so badly?" Vanak tilted his head, an idea forming in his mind. "Or has the thought of losing so miserably driven you insane?"
After a brief pause, Vanak chuckled.
"You know... you're not completely worthless. You're strong, stronger than most. So why don't you submit to me? Become my subordinate... Become a Beta of my pack."
If an Alpha Werewolf bites a human, they turn into a Beta Werewolf, forever bound to the Alpha who turned them.
They are unable to defy their master's influence, making them little more than slaves.
Of course, there were undeniable advantages to being a Beta Werewolf: increased strength, stamina, reflexes, rapid healing, extreme longevity, slow aging, night vision, werewolf transformation, and attunement to a rare energy known as [Lunar Essence].
But the price?
Losing one's freedom?
It's not something Ray would even consider.
- Writer
