The Alpha's Saviour

Chapter 123 - Round One, Speed and Strategy

Viren's POV:

I was surprised to be enjoying myself. Other than training with Coal, and in the past, members of the witch council, I wasn't one to train in groups let alone witness others unless it was part of an assignment.

It wasn't until coming to this pack, that I was able to see the interactions, motivation and support you gain from training with others you trust. From early on I had watched Zander and began to quickly understand the planing that went into training his pack. It was an Alphas job to know each pack members strength and weaknesses, understand how to unlock their unique qualities even when facing a stronger or faser opponent.

Keeping an eye on the pack as they trained, I noticed a selected few who stood out from the crowd, and even those holding themselves back to bring their all when it counted later on. It was evident everyone was here to win, even though many knew they didn't stand a chance against some of Zander's top warriors, they were all determined.

Zander had mentioned a week ago, that the top prize would be anything one desires as long as it was within the Alpha and Luna's capabilities, causes no harm to others, and if it's a item to be bought, doesn't exceed one hundred thousand dollars.

I was happy to see many groups had made their own bets against their friends in a way to motivate eachother. It meant there would end up being more than one winner.

Some had simple arrangements such as the looser buying dinner and drinks, while others chose embarrassing dares for the losers. Friendship groups shared ideas and their rivalry was truly amusing and creative. It certainly made for an entertaining first day.

There was at least twenty of the two hundred challenges that stood out to me, and it was a pleasant surprise to see a mix of wolves, witches and half breed vampires amongst the crowd.

"Okay well done everyone. I know you are all eager for the eliminations to begin however we still have ten minutes, for last minute entries so will use this time to explain the first challenge."

Everyone stood there quietly, every ounce of attention on me as I spoke. I closed my eyes focusing on my magic, it eagerly responded whispering a spell I had long ago memorised.
Bright orbs of red, orange and green danced around me, circling me in a clockwise motion until only gasps could be heard due to the blurs of colours blocking me from view.

A single gold orb appeared before me, hidden from everyone else's view. I willed the shimmering tiny orb to vanish before it could be seen by anyone else.

As my fists opened, all the orbs exploded from around me. They flew into the outer forest that surrounded us. Some even hovered at the feet of contestants while others spun and danced between the swaying tree branches and rustling leaves.

"When Max's timer goes off, you are to gather as many floating orbs as possible. They can be stolen from one another, the only rule here, is no one is to severely injure anyone in order to obtain one. There are five possible point amounts rewarded, and it will be up to you figure them out. Are there any questions?"

"Yes Alpha," One man said stepping forward. He was in his early twenties and looked to be a good warrior according to the bulging muscles on his wide form.

"Why are the red ones hanging low to the ground and why are they larger than the orange and the green ones? Is it something to do with the point system?"

"What's your name young warrior?

"Benson sir."

"Well Benson it takes more than muscle to win this round. I am testing you for two things; speed and your ability to strategise. If I was to answer your questions it would defeat this purpose. By speaking your questions out loud you have now given others an insight to something they may not have noticed as yet, which could have given you an upper hand. You have therefore failed the strategic portion of this test. As consequence you are to have a ten second delay when the timer goes off."