NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Alpha’s Wrath
Chapter 4: Alpha's Wrath
Jin Seol took a deep breath, eyes locked onto the Alpha Shadow Wolf. The beast was at least twice the size of the ones he had faced before. Its dark gray fur bristled, and its crimson eyes glowed with raw aggression.
The female rogue beside him was still holding her daggers tightly, her breathing heavy. She was wounded, but she didn't look like someone who would back down easily.
> "Objective: Survive the Trial."
"Time Remaining: 10 hours 43 minutes."
Survive. That was the only rule. But if Jin wanted to get stronger, merely surviving wasn't enough.
He had to dominate.
---
The Alpha Strikes
The Alpha Shadow Wolf snarled before launching itself forward, moving with terrifying speed.
Jin barely had time to react. He activated Phantom Stride, his body flickering as he teleported a few feet away.
The rogue wasn't as lucky. The wolf's massive paw swung out—
CLANG!
She barely managed to block it with her dagger, but the force sent her flying into a tree. She grunted in pain, struggling to get back up.
She won't last long.
Jin exhaled. If he wanted to take this thing down, he had to act now.
He focused his mind, activating his Glitched System.
> [Skill Copy: Alpha Shadow Wolf – Predatory Aura.]
A surge of power washed over him.
> [Predatory Aura – Passive]
Suppresses weaker enemies. Increases physical strength by 20% when facing stronger foes.
Jin's eyes flickered with excitement. A suppression skill? This will make fighting easier.
The Alpha lunged at him again. This time, Jin didn't dodge. Instead, he met the beast head-on, swinging his fist with all his strength.
BAM!
A shockwave erupted as Jin's enhanced punch collided with the wolf's skull. The beast staggered, caught off guard by his sudden strength.
I can match its power now.
---
A Desperate Gamble
Jin turned to the rogue. "You good?"
She wiped blood from her lip, nodding. "I'll manage. Got a plan?"
"Yeah. You bait it—I'll finish it."
She smirked. "Dangerous. I like it."
She dashed forward, feinting left before striking the Alpha's flank. The wolf growled in pain, momentarily distracted.
Jin seized the opening. He activated Phantom Stride, teleporting behind the beast.
> [Skill Copy: Alpha Shadow Wolf – Night Fang.]
His fist glowed with dark energy, mimicking the wolf's deadly bite attack.
This is it.
With all his strength, Jin drove his empowered fist into the Alpha's skull—
CRACK!
The beast howled one final time before collapsing.
> "You have defeated Alpha Shadow Wolf!"
"Exp gained: 300."
"Skill Evolution Activated: Predatory Aura → King's Presence."
Jin's breath came out in ragged gasps. That was close.
---
An Uneasy Alliance
The rogue let out a low whistle. "That was impressive."
Jin wiped sweat from his forehead. "Not bad yourself."
She hesitated for a moment before offering her hand. "Aerin. Rogue."
Jin shook her hand. "Jin. Celestial Player."
She raised an eyebrow. "Celestial Player? Never heard of that class."
Because it doesn't exist. But Jin simply shrugged.
Aerin studied him for a moment. "I owe you one for that fight. But don't think I'll let you order me around."
Jin smirked. "Wouldn't dream of it."
Aerin clicked her tongue before turning away. "Let's move. We still have 10 hours left in this trial."
Jin exhaled, following after her.
One thing was clear—this Trial of Survival was far from over.
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End of Chapter 4