Round 1: Defeat King Ankela
As soon as the Game God gave the command, the contenders' arenas began to transform, each taking on a unique landscape. For Lido, a dense forest appeared—trees rose high, their canopies merging to create dark pathways and winding trails.
The forest offered plenty of cover and ambush opportunities, but it also held many dangers due to the limited visibility and complex terrain. Lido understood that his contenders would have to rely on speed and agility to fend off the enemies effectively.
The Game God's contenders found themselves on open plains, stretching for miles in every direction. These plains were ideal for large battles and maneuvering, providing ample space for long-range weapons and magic attacks, but they lacked any place to hide.
Tridot received a half-ruined and abandoned village. Its wooden houses and stone walls, partially destroyed by time and weather, formed narrow streets that could serve as both traps and defensive lines, though they made movement more difficult. This place required tactical skill and the ability to use buildings as cover.
Grizzly was placed in a square with a ruined castle. The castle ruins created numerous cover points and obstacles that could be used for both offense and defense. Massive stone blocks provided advantages for close combat, while elevated spots allowed for field control.
Saini found herself on steep hills—elevated slopes covered in dense grass and small bushes. Such hills provided an excellent vantage point but required careful maneuvering to avoid falling. Her contenders could use the heights for magical attacks and thrown weapons but would have to defend against more mobile opponents in case of an assault.
Pharaoh received regular hills, not as steep as Saini's but high enough to offer a tactical advantage. The gently sloping hills allowed his contenders more freedom of movement, opening opportunities for quick attacks and retreats.
The players' goal was to survive and defeat King Ankela, the wolf king.
The contenders had only a minute to prepare before a massive wolf pack would descend upon them.
Countless pairs of wolf eyes gleamed green, instilling fear in each observer. The wolves looked ravenous, their skeletal forms visible beneath their fur, sharpening their predatory instincts.
The field filled with people seemed like salvation from starvation for the wolves. The sounds of growls and the heavy footfalls of the pack filled the air with tension. A wolf's natural danger was amplified by hunger, making it even more frenzied. The wolves crowded the area, creating an overwhelming sense of impending catastrophe.
Among the ordinary wolves, Alpha wolves stood out—gigantic creatures the size of bulls, with at least two hundred of them among the pack. Their massive bodies and sharp fangs struck fear even in experienced fighters. Alpha wolves always took the best resources from the weaker ones, retaining their strength even in times of scarcity.
But as Lido scanned the pack, he spotted an even greater threat: three massive shadows lurking behind the trees. These were Supreme Alpha wolves, the leaders of the pack who guided their brethren.
And yet, even they paled before King Ankela—the wolf king, whose towering figure resembled an elephant. His scars and fearsome howl spoke of countless battles won. Ankela was the embodiment of strength and wildness, and his presence meant only one thing—an unstoppable menace.
The players realized that the battle with the wolves was only the beginning, and to reach the King, they would have to combine efforts, use all their skills, and strategize to emerge victorious from this battle.
In the final seconds before the attack, frantic activity took place among the contenders. Those who already had weapons or magical skills took up defensive positions.
Archers drew their bows, and mages gathered glowing orbs of energy in their hands. Those without combat experience frantically grabbed makeshift items, desperately trying to find anything to defend themselves.
Lido, like the others at the table, focused his attention on his contenders, watching their every move closely. He cursed his luck for drawing a forest.
– Follow me! Form a circular defense! – one of the leaders shouted, trying to take charge. His voice echoed across the field, and players began to group around him, ready to fight.
– Are you sure this will help? – someone shouted from the crowd, glancing at the approaching shadows.
– Sure or not, we don't have time to think! – Gizard shouted, gripping his sword – Either we fight, or we get eaten!
The air was practically vibrating with anticipation of the coming clash. The tension rose with each passing second. The growls of the wolves drew closer, and the first shadows began flickering through the trees.
Some of the gamers stood, trembling with fear, staring at the approaching wolves, which moved with relentless determination. Their green eyes seemed to pierce the space, scanning every crevice for prey.
– They're getting closer! – cried an archer girl, raising her bow – What do we do?!
– Shoot before they reach us! – a mage shouted, already preparing a fire spell.
Suddenly, a loud howl broke out, and the wolf pack charged with a furious roar. The first wolves reached the defense line and pounced on the contenders, sharp fangs gleaming in the evening sun.
The wolves lunged at the warriors and mages with incredible speed, and not everyone managed to dodge in time. Cries of pain and battle sounds filled the forest. Blood spattered onto the ground, mixing with the dust and turning the battlefield into chaos.
– They're breaking through the line! Hold them off! – shouted William, fending off two wolves at once.
– We can't hold them! – someone replied, fighting with a spear – There are too many of them!
– Just keep fighting! – shouted Fenri, casting an ice spell at the approaching wolves – Don't let them surround us!
The players, confronting a real threat for the first time, began to panic. Some tried to flee but were caught by the wolves. Others, as planned, held the defense, repelling the attackers with arrows and spells.
– This isn't a game; it's a nightmare! – someone shouted, seeing a wolf devouring his comrade.
– Over here, you idiots! Stay together! – Gizard waved, signaling the direction – If we scatter, they'll cut us down!
– More wolves coming! – shouted one of the mages, pointing to a new wave of enemies – They're flanking us!
Everyone started banding together in small groups to survive. Each knew that only teamwork could offer a chance at victory and salvation, though there were also those strong enough to fight off wolf packs alone.
– Use fire; wolves fear it! – yelled a mage, creating a wall of flames.
– Quickly, fire arrows! – the archer girl agreed, handing an arrow to one of the fighters – Set up a barricade!
– Follow me! – shouted a warrior, leading several gamers behind him – We'll flank them and break their formation!
As the battle raged on, contenders began noticing that with each wolf killed, their strength increased. The experience gained with each successful kill quickly accumulated, and the characters' levels rose.
Every level increase boosted their physical and magical abilities, as if hidden memories of skills and spells surfaced in their consciousness.
– I feel myself growing stronger! – shouted a warrior, incinerating a wolf with his flaming sword.
– It's not just an illusion – replied a mage girl, firing ice arrows – We're truly regaining memories of our abilities! It's as if everything we knew before in games is returning to us!
Some contenders also began noticing useful items dropping from the wolves' bodies: recovery potions, stamina elixirs, and various weapons and armor. These findings added chaos to the battle as players fought for their lives, trying to collect valuable items.
– Quick, pick up that potion! – shouted a mage to his comrade, pointing to a green vial near a wolf's corpse.
– Give me that potion! I need it more! – yelled another player, yanking the vial from his fellow's grasp.
While some focused on killing wolves, others seized every opportunity to obtain the best loot. Wolf pelts and claws didn't hold much interest, but rare potions, magical items, and upgraded gear dropping from Alpha wolves sparked fierce disputes.
Gamers instinctively knew that each item found could greatly empower their characters and increase their chances of survival.
William was lucky to find an incredible sword that sparkled in his hands and solid armor that perfectly suited his warrior class.
Gizard, playing as a barbarian, found a massive axe on a fallen Alpha wolf, ideal for his combat style. With this weapon, his strikes became devastating, slicing through wolves with a single swing.
Fenri, fighting at the center of the mage group, stumbled upon an ancient staff glowing with warm red light. The staff not only amplified his spells but also suddenly brought back memories of a Firestorm spell.
Isabelle, who preferred to act alone, found a pair of blades perfect for her character—a rogue assassin. These blades were not only incredibly sharp but also granted her increased agility and speed. With each swipe of her weapons, she moved like a shadow, unseen and lethal, taking down wolves one by one.
Despite the mortal threat, the players kept fighting for valuable loot, knowing that any item could provide a decisive advantage. Since valuable items only dropped from Alpha wolves, of which there were about five hundred, and the contenders numbered over eight hundred, each strove to acquire the best gear to survive and grow stronger.
The competition for rare items was fierce: each player knew that possessing powerful weapons, armor, or a magical artifact could make the difference in their struggle for survival.
With each fallen Alpha wolf, disputes and skirmishes flared up on the battlefield as players vied for the dropped items. Those who managed to grab the loot first became immediate targets for others eager to obtain the powerful equipment. Not everyone was willing to share, and some players, despite the danger, chose to fight for the items rather than simply fend off the wolves.
The situation quickly turned chaotic as players fought not only against the wolves but also with each other to secure the spoils.
– That shield is mine! – shouted a warrior, diving to the ground to grab it.
– I saw it first! – yelled another, grabbing the warrior by the shoulder and trying to shove him aside.
Panic mixed with greed, and despite the mortal threat, many couldn't resist the allure of upgrading their gear. Some managed to equip stronger weapons right in the heat of battle, making their attacks even more destructive.
As the number of Alpha wolves dwindled, the battle became even more intense. The remaining Alpha wolves charged with ferocious fury, trying to save their kin from death.
Warriors and mages joined forces to crush these giants, whose bodies were like fortresses. Despite many contenders now wielding upgraded gear and spells, the Alpha wolves remained a serious threat.
When almost all the Alpha wolves were defeated, three massive figures appeared from the dark depths of the forest. The Supreme Alpha wolves, accompanied by a new wave of regular and Alpha wolves, slowly stepped forward.
Their gleaming eyes sparkled in the setting sun, and their powerful fangs glistened as though heralding imminent destruction. Each step they took was accompanied by a deep, low growl that seemed to shake the air and ground beneath their feet.
The players, who had barely recovered from fighting the Alpha wolves, felt an icy fear return. The Supreme Alpha wolves were not only much larger but also possessed unique abilities, making them truly deadly foes.
– Watch out! These aren't ordinary Alpha wolves! – shouted one of the mages, backing up while trying to cast a defensive spell – They're much stronger!
The first Supreme Alpha wolf, closest to the players, exhaled an icy breath, instantly coating the ground and nearby players in a thick layer of ice. Frozen limbs cracked under pressure, and some players couldn't break free in time, becoming easy prey for other wolves.
The second wolf stomped with powerful paws, creating destructive shockwaves that scattered contenders, knocking them down and breaking bones.
The third wolf moved with such speed that its movements were like flashes of lightning; it effortlessly dodged attacks and, with blinding speed, tore players apart.
With each movement of these giants, the battlefield descended into chaos. The players, who had just gained confidence after fighting the Alpha wolves, found themselves helpless again, barely managing to fend off the onslaught. Many retreated, trying to regroup and gather strength for another attack.
– Damn it! They're even stronger than we thought! – shouted one gamer as the icy breath froze his legs. He tried to use a recovery potion but couldn't in time.
– Stick together! Attack one by one! – commanded Gizard, pointing to the swiftest Supreme Alpha wolf – Hit it before it dodges again!
The players began gathering into groups, using their newly acquired abilities and spells to take down the giants. Some mages launched fireballs and lightning at the wolves, trying to strip them of their advantage, while warriors held the line, protecting the mages and archers.
Gradually, they started finding weaknesses in these beasts: the icy wolf was weakened with fire magic, while the swift Alpha wolf was lured into a trap by creating a magical barrier that restricted its movements.
The first Supreme Alpha wolf was taken down by a team led by William. Their coordinated actions and skillful use of spells and weapons allowed them to exploit the beast's vulnerabilities.
The mages weakened the wolf with fire magic, while the warriors, armed with sturdy shields and powerful swords, closed in and delivered the decisive blows. William personally finished the fallen monster with his new sword, which radiated magical energy. Their success inspired the other players, proving that even the most terrifying enemies could be defeated.
From the first fallen Supreme Alpha wolf, William received a rare cloak of evasion, creating a disruptive effect for enemies trying to attack him and significantly increasing his agility. He distributed the remaining spoils among his team, recognizing each member's contribution to the victory, strengthening their trust and unity.
The second Supreme Alpha wolf was soon taken down by Gizard's team, the barbarian with the huge axe, supported by several smaller teams and Fenri's group.
Gizard, leading the charge, broke through the ranks of regular wolves, forcing his way to the giant. Meanwhile, mages and archers unleashed a barrage of spells and arrows on the wolf, slowing it down and weakening its attacks.
Fenri's team took advantage of the moment, surrounding the beast and casting a series of spells that confused and immobilized it. Gizard delivered the final blow with his axe, slicing the Supreme Alpha wolf in half.
For this kill, Gizard received boots of swiftness, granting him the ability to dash forward, covering ten meters in an instant and delivering powerful strikes.
The dashes recharged over time, allowing him to use this ability frequently but not continuously. The other items obtained from the kill were shared with his team and other groups, showing his appreciation for their efforts and willingness to share the rewards to maintain loyalty and motivate his allies.
Seeing William and Gizard acquire numerous valuable items, the remaining contenders immediately targeted the last Supreme Alpha wolf. It sensed that it was no longer the hunter but had become the hunted.
As their levels increased, the players began to remember their old skills, making them even more dangerous.
– One more left! Focus on the last one! – shouted William, swinging his sword, which seemed to glow in sync with his words.
Soon, the final Supreme Alpha wolf fell, and the forest was suddenly engulfed in a terrifying silence, as if nature itself had paused in anticipation. Yet this calm was merely the prelude to an even greater threat.
Suddenly, an ear-splitting roar shattered the air, and the ground trembled beneath their feet, as if signaling an impending flood. From deep within the forest, a new horde of wolves surged forward, accompanied by a terrifying howl.
Fenri's gaze darted back and forth, his body gripped by fear. In the rear of the pack, he spotted a massive figure resembling a living mountain—a wolf the size of a small hill.
Ankela!
The wolf king, towering over all, slowly emerged, his dark figure standing out with massive blue scales covering his entire body and golden tufts of fur on his tail and paws. The fur on his head was bristled, forming a crown-like appearance, emphasizing his majestic and menacing aura. His eyes burned with rage and fury, reflecting the full chaos of nature.
Ankela stood motionless, like a statue surrounded by new Supreme Alpha wolves and Alpha wolves, who howled in reverence, displaying their loyalty. The giant figure, covered in scars from countless battles, radiated incredible power, and each step he took made the ground tremble.
– It's him... Ankela! – an awed voice echoed from one of the players as they realized they were facing not just a beast but a true king of wolves, the embodiment of wildness and chaos.
The players froze for a moment, understanding that the battle with the King would be their most serious test. They knew Ankela was not just another opponent, and defeating him would demand every ounce of their strength and skill.
– This is our chance! Let's take him down! – William shouted, leading his team forward, cutting through the rows of wolves to reach the King.
– Forward, let's crush him! – Gizard supported, his team slicing through the wolf pack.
– All power on him! Use everything you've got! – added Fenri, leading his group to support William and Gizard. The three of them led their teams toward Ankela, knowing that victory in this battle would bring them glory, experience, and countless treasures.
The waves of wolves blocked their path, but their combined efforts transformed the battle into a deadly dance. With William, Gizard, and other elite players as the vanguard, they formed a strong, coordinated attacking force.
Now, they looked at the world and each other with new eyes. The initial fear was replaced with battle fervor and a readiness to go all the way. The wolves, which had recently seemed like an insurmountable threat, were now perceived as stepping stones to the goal, a test to overcome to grow stronger.
Each player understood: either they would kill or be killed. There was no room for weakness or hesitation here. Death in this world was real, and they had seen the battles claim the lives of those who couldn't dodge in time or withstand close combat. Therefore, every step, every decision mattered.
Waves of the wolf pack crashed upon them with fury, but the coordinated actions of the gamers resembled an unstoppable warship slicing through waves. They systematically moved forward, sweeping everything in their path as they neared the King.
The closer they got to Ankela, the more palpable the pressure emanating from the wolf horde became. It was as if the very space around the King thickened, slowing their progress.
Ankela, noticing the players' approach, paused and let out a powerful howl that made the air tremble and the wolves hesitate for a moment. Then his voice thundered across the battlefield, low and harsh:
– If you want my head, try to take it!