Chapter 5- The first battle

OLIVIA

The referee's whistle echoed through the university's enormous training arena, signaling the start of the first day of the Annual Regional Werewolf Competition.

I stood among the other participants, watching as the first two warriors entered the fighting arena.

The atmosphere was completely different from what I had experienced during the opening ceremony. Everyone seemed excited, especially the spectators who had gathered around the arena. Some cheered for their pack representatives, while others were already placing bets on who would emerge victorious.

I glanced at the large scoreboard displayed above the stage. The participants' names were arranged by their assigned fighting numbers.

Mine was number five.

I had four fights to watch before my turn.

"Are you nervous?"

I turned to Grace, who stood beside me.

She had been allowed to stay near the participants' waiting area because she was helping the Crescent Moon Pack's delegation. However, I knew she was more interested in watching over me than doing her assigned duties.

"A little," I admitted.

She gave me a worried look.

"That's understandable. Look at them, Olivia. They're all experienced warriors. Some of them have been training since childhood."

"I know."

"Are you sure you're ready?"

I smiled faintly.

"Grace, you've asked me that question at least five times already."

"Because I'm worried about you!" she whispered. "I know you can fight, but this isn't just some ordinary training session. Your opponents won't hold back simply because you're a girl."

Being my best friend, she knew how my Mom trained me over the years. I didn't keep a secret from her besides my wolf.

"I won't expect them to."

I looked toward the arena.

"Don't worry. I'll be careful."

Grace sighed, clearly unconvinced.

I understood her concern. Unlike the other participants, I didn't have a wolf that could enhance my physical abilities or help me recover quickly from injuries. At least, that's what everyone believed, and she was no different.

I wasn't planning to summon mine unless absolutely necessary.

Mother had repeatedly reminded me that revealing my true abilities could put me in danger. I didn't know exactly why she feared people discovering our bloodline, but I trusted her judgment.

For now, I would rely on my own strength.

"Let's watch the first fight," I told Grace.

She nodded, although her worried expression didn't disappear.

The first two participants were from the Silver Fang Pack and the Red Moon Pack.

Both were muscular men who looked to be in their early twenties. They wore sleeveless training shirts, and their arms were covered with visible battle scars.

When the referee announced the beginning of their match, the warrior from the Red Moon Pack immediately charged forward.

His opponent dodged, but the attack was followed by a powerful punch that sent him stumbling backward.

The crowd erupted into cheers.

"That's a strong opening!" Grace commented.

I nodded while observing their movements.

The Red Moon warrior was relying heavily on his strength. His attacks were powerful, but his movements were somewhat predictable.

His opponent seemed to notice.

After dodging another punch, the Silver Fang warrior grabbed his arm and twisted his body, forcing him to lose his balance. He followed it with a kick to the abdomen.

The Red Moon warrior staggered.

Before he could recover, his opponent swept his legs, sending him crashing onto the ground.

The referee immediately stepped forward and raised his hand.

"The winner of the first match is the representative of the Silver Fang Pack!"

The crowd applauded as the victorious warrior raised his fist.

I watched him leave the arena.

That was the kind of opponent I needed to watch. Raw strength wasn't everything. Timing, balance, and the ability to read an opponent's movements mattered just as much.

The second fight began shortly afterward.

This time, the two participants were both women.

One came from the Golden Crest Pack, while the other represented the Blood Moon Pack.

Unlike the previous match, their fighting styles were considerably faster. They traded punches and kicks, with neither willing to give the other a chance to gain the upper hand.

The Golden Crest warrior tried to grab her opponent's arm, but the Blood Moon warrior quickly twisted away and drove a sharp elbow into her shoulder.

The impact forced her opponent to retreat.

A few seconds later, the Blood Moon warrior pinned her opponent against the edge of the fighting platform. She delivered a final kick that sent the Golden Crest warrior stumbling out of the designated fighting area.

The referee declared her the winner.

I found myself smiling slightly.

I liked watching different fighting styles. There was always something to learn from observing how other warriors moved.

The third match was considerably shorter.

One participant underestimated his opponent and rushed forward without properly guarding his body. His opponent took advantage of the opening, struck him twice in the ribs, and knocked him down.

The referee stopped the fight after determining that he could no longer continue.

By the time the fourth match was announced, I could feel my heartbeat gradually increasing.

My turn was getting closer.

"Olivia..."

Grace suddenly held my hand.

I looked at her.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I just want you to remember that you don't have to prove anything to those people."

Her voice was unusually gentle.

"If things become dangerous, surrender. Your safety is more important than winning."

I squeezed her hand.

"I know. But I didn't come all the way here just to surrender."

She gave me a helpless smile.

"You're really stubborn."

I laughed quietly.

"Maybe."

The fourth match began, and I turned my attention toward the arena.

The two warriors traded several attacks before one finally secured a victory through a combination of quick movements and well-timed strikes.

When the referee announced the result, I looked toward the scoreboard.

My name was next.

FIGHT NUMBER FIVE: OLIVIA NORWOOD — CRESCENT MOON PACK.

I took a deep breath.

It was time.

"Participants for the fifth match, please enter the arena!"

The announcement echoed through the speakers.

I let go of Grace's hand and stepped forward.

"Good luck, Olivia."

I looked back at her.

"Thank you."

"Please be careful."

"I will."

I walked toward the entrance of the fighting arena, feeling the eyes of hundreds of spectators following me.

As soon as I stepped onto the platform, whispers spread through the crowd.

"Is that the Crescent Moon Pack's participant?"

"That's Olivia Norwood, isn't it?"

"The Gamma's daughter?"

"Wait, isn't she the one who can't shift?"

I kept my head lowered as I walked toward my assigned position.

I was already used to hearing those comments. There was no reason to let them affect me now.

I wasn't here to convince anyone that I deserved to stand on that platform.

I was here to fight.

The referee approached the center of the arena.

"On the left side, representing the Crescent Moon Pack, we have Olivia Norwood!"

A few scattered claps came from the audience, followed by several mocking laughs.

"On the right side, representing the Ironclaw Pack, we have Brandon Hayes!"

The moment the other participant entered, the crowd became noticeably louder.

He was tall and muscular, with broad shoulders and a well-built physique. His arms were considerably larger than mine, and his confident expression suggested that he had no intention of losing.

I looked at him briefly.

He was probably around twenty-two or twenty-three years old.

His eyes moved over me before he let out a short laugh.

"You're my opponent?"

I didn't answer.

He looked toward the referee.

"Are you sure this is the correct match? I thought I was supposed to fight a warrior."

Some spectators laughed.

I simply adjusted my stance.

The man turned his attention back to me.

"What's your name again?"

"Olivia Norwood."

"Right. The girl who can't shift."

He grinned.

"Well, I hope you don't cry when I knock you down."

I met his gaze.

"I'll try not to disappoint you."

His smile faded slightly.

Before he could respond, the referee raised his hand.