Chapter 1699: The Alpha’s Call The knights stationed along the outer walls were struggling significantly as the battle progressed. It wasn’t just the initial wave of werewolves they had to contend with; more and more of the beasts were scaling the stone heights, their claws finding purchase in the smallest cracks of the masonry. This was proving to be far more troublesome than any of the demonic beasts the knights had gone against in the past. Usually, when facing monsters, the knights relied on the beasts’ predictable, animalistic movements. However, due to the werewolves’ human-like anatomy, they were far more nimble and coordinated than standard monsters. Their humanoid frames allowed them to dodge, weave, and counter in ways that made the knights’ traditional weapons less effective as a whole. While humanoid demonic beasts did exist in their world, they were exceptionally rare. Most of the knights didn’t have much experience going up against something that moved with the agility of a man but possessed the raw, crushing power of a beast. It wasn’t like fighting humans, where a well-placed strike to a vital organ would end the fight, and it wasn’t like fighting wild animals, where superior tactics could easily win the day. This nightmare wasn’t contained to just one section of the city. The assault was taking place on all sides of the walls simultaneously. Reports and shouts were echoing from the North, South, and East, werewolves were appearing out of the darkness and attacking different areas with uncanny timing. This widespread pressure was the reason the men on the walls couldn’t support each other as well as they usually did. Each squad was pinned down in its own desperate struggle for survival. “Why do they keep coming here? Is something attracting them to this specific spot!?” one of the knights shouted through gritted teeth. He drove his Qi into his feet to anchor himself, then lunged forward with a desperate grunt, stabbing his spear ahead with all his might. The werewolf he targeted was incredibly fast. It reached out and grabbed onto the spear’s point with its bare hand, the metal digging into its palm, but it managed to stop the tip from piercing its stomach. Four other knights saw the opening and rushed forward, their swords flashing as they struck the arms of the werewolf at the same time. They were able to make several heavy, deep cuts, and bright red blood quickly soaked into the creature’s thick fur. Yet, despite the wounds that would have incapacitated a human, the werewolf was still alive and still fighting. They were proving to be some of the most resilient and terrifying creatures the knights had ever known. As they fought, the knights started to remember the various quests and missions they had gone on alongside werewolves in the past. They recalled the times when the kingdom’s army was put into motion for border disputes. The werewolves in the middle of those wars would charge in fearlessly, taking several hits that would kill anyone else, and yet they would continue to exert massive amounts of power. During those times, the knights were just happy that the werewolves were on their side rather than the other way around. But now, the tables had turned, and that legendary resilience was being used to tear them apart. There was a specific reason why so many were heading toward the Red Wing Kingdom. Although Gary and the others had told Bluebird the facts of what was going to happen during the full moon, they had only shared the knowledge they possessed at the time. The circumstances of turning during their specific time period versus the turning occurring now were quite different. For one, even before Lupus had become an Alpha, his pack had always been extremely cautious. They had chained themselves up and stayed deep within Ruin City, making sure not to cause trouble for the outside world. They had been forced to do this out of fear of the Vampires, who would surely try to get rid of them if they ever stood out or caused too much harm. The chains and the specific ruins they used were designed by themselves to hold werewolves even when they were fully transformed and at their peak strength. Because of that history of containment, Gary and Lupus didn’t really know what would occur if an entire pack was under the curse of the full moon while being completely free and split apart across the land. The members of Steve’s pack who were out on distant quests were now proving the danger of that unknown. When they turned, it was almost as if they possessed a biological need to hunt as a synchronized pack. They were naturally heading in the direction of where their Alpha was located to begin their hunt. Since Steve and the core of the pack were in the city, the city had become a beacon. That was why more werewolves were coming over than the kingdom had even expected, and the situation was starting to reach a boiling point. What was driving the knights to stay and fight despite their growing fear was the immense responsibility they held. They knew that if they didn’t stop, or at least hold, the werewolves back on the walls, then it would be an absolute massacre for the citizens enjoying the festival in the city below. The werewolf squad had been fighting and had been hit back, still dripping with blood from a dozen wounds. It let out a piercing howl, and two other werewolves moved to its side. The three of them looked at the knights, who had formed themselves into a defensive arrow formation. The werewolves then ran at the same time, a blur of fur and claws. The knights had to reassure themselves that they would be okay, even though their Qi was running low and they were completely exhausted. Just as the two lines were about to clash, an individual landed right in front of the knights. His cape flared out behind him as he touched down. In a single, fluid motion, he swung his sword in a wide arc. The blade, reinforced with immense power, sliced right through the tough hide and the bones of the charging werewolves, severing their limbs. With another decisive step forward, the sword went right through the lead werewolf’s head, killing it on the spot. The other two werewolves had been injured enough by the initial strike that it allowed the other knights to regain their courage, acting quickly to defeat the remaining beasts. The knights were deeply thankful for their savior, and when they finally had a moment to breathe, they realized exactly who had come to their rescue. “Master Bluebird!” the knights said in unison. They were happy and relieved that he had saved them, but they also felt a deep sense of shame that their leader had been forced to come out and bail them out of the fight. “We have to get to the other walls and stop this as soon as possible,” Bluebird said, his voice cold and determined. He didn’t look at his men; instead, he looked at a few of the already killed knights lying on the stone. “I know that they are not in their right minds right now, and I know it’s not their fault... but I won’t have my people dying just to save them.” He tightened his grip on his sword, the weight of his decision visible in his eyes. “Sometimes, these are the hard decisions we have to make.” Bluebird looked down toward the lights of the festival itself, imagining what was happening in the cavern below. He just hoped that Jack would eventually understand his actions. He knew that if the roles were reversed, Jack might have to make the same choice to protect the many over the few. **** **** For updates on MWS and future works, follow me on my social media below. Instagram: jksmanga P.a.t.r.e.o.n: jksmanga When news drops about My Vampire System, My Werewolf System, or any other series, you’ll hear it there first. Feel free to reach out, if I’m not too busy, I tend to reply.