My Werewolf System

Chapter 1670  The Last Duel

The results so far had been unexpected, to say the least. What everyone had anticipated to be a one-sided display of dominance had instead turned into something far more complicated, far more unsettling. The three Omegas, outsiders who were never meant to be at the center of this conflict, had managed to stand against Jack’s chosen fighters and, more importantly, against the expectations of both packs.

It wasn’t that Jack’s participants were weak. No one standing there truly believed that. Even now, after seeing the outcomes with their own eyes, many still felt that Jack’s pack could have won under different circumstances. But the truth remained the same, results were results, and the three Omegas had held their ground.

Gary had fought through sheer determination alone, pushing his wounded body forward through nothing but willpower. Kai had relied on technique and control, using methods that some whispered were underhanded, though none could deny their effectiveness. And Lupus… Lupus had performed as well as any Werewolf could have against Bluebird himself. That alone spoke volumes. The only reason his loss was accepted so calmly was because of who he had been facing.

A heavy silence lingered over the clearing as Jack stepped forward.

“The match is out of four?” Jack said slowly, his voice carrying across both groups. “If we want to make this simple, why don’t we just say that whoever wins between the two of us decides everything. There’s no need to drag this out into five.”

Steve stepped forward as well, placing himself opposite Jack, the space between them charged with tension.

“I was thinking the same thing,” Steve replied. “After all, if the two of us fight, then everything would be settled, wouldn’t it? But I have to ask you something first.” His voice softened, though the weight behind it remained. “Does it really have to be a fight to the death? Can you not hear me out, even now?”

Jack reached behind him and pulled the large greatsword from his back. The blade sank into the ground with a dull, echoing thud that seemed to reverberate through the clearing.

“I’m afraid I’ve already made my decision, Steve,” Jack said. “You can say whatever you want, but I have to do this. For the sake of all of Bronzeland.”

Steve turned slightly, motioning to those behind him. From within the camp, several Werewolves emerged, carrying a large shield between them. It was old, battered, and worn, yet unmistakably sturdy. When it was placed into Steve’s hand, he lifted it with ease.

“Do you remember this, Jack?” Steve asked quietly. “This is the very shield you gave me. We once fought side by side with it, together, to free our people. And now here we are, standing against each other. Don’t you think this is foolish?”

Jack’s jaw tightened. He bit down on his lower lip as doubt crept into his thoughts. His heart wavered, if only for a moment. Was he being too rash? Was this really the only way forward? There was still no proof that clashing with Steve would fix anything. No certainty that this would end the suffering.

But before Jack could speak, voices erupted from behind him.

“I’ve seen them!” someone shouted. “Steve’s pack has been stalking Red Wing for weeks!”

“There have been missing cases!” another voice added. “People disappearing! And it stinks of another dirty mutt’s fur!”

Jack’s eyes widened slightly. It was the first time he had heard accusations like this. The shouting continued, voices overlapping, anger building with every word.

“That’s a lie!” someone from Steve’s pack yelled back. “We’ve done nothing of the sort!”

“It’s our pack that’s been attacked again and again!” another shouted. “As if someone knew exactly where we would be!”

“We look like any other humans!” a third voice cried out. “The only ones who could tell we’re Werewolves are those just like us!”

The shouting grew louder, fiercer. Accusations were thrown from both sides, anger feeding anger. The tension in the air thickened until it felt suffocating.

Steve clenched his fists. He couldn’t tell whether his pack was acting out of fear, loyalty, or something more sinister. Part of him suspected an outside influence, something twisting emotions, pushing both sides toward hatred, but he had no proof.

And without proof, how could he accuse his own people?

Come on… have they found nothing? Steve thought as he glanced toward the edge of the camp.

One of his Werewolves shook their head subtly.

Steve had been sure of it. If someone wanted the two Alphas to clash, if someone wanted this war to ignite, they would be nearby. Watching. Waiting. That was why he had sent a separate group to investigate the surrounding area.

Yet there was nothing.

“No signs,” the Werewolf mouthed.

Jack took a step forward, his voice rising above the chaos.

“Enough wasting time!” Jack shouted. “It’s time to finish this! That shield was a gift, and I will break it! I will save Bronzeland, no matter what it takes!”

Steve slammed his arm against the shield, the impact sending vibrations rippling outward. Both Alphas began to transform, their bodies swelling with power, bones shifting, fur erupting as their Werewolf forms emerged.

At the same moment, they charged.

Gary, Kai, and Lupus watched in silence, unease settling in their chests. Doubt crept into their minds, Should we have stepped in? Would things be different if we had chosen Jack’s side instead?

But before either Alpha could strike,

A beam of golden light erupted between them.

It descended from above, slamming into the ground with overwhelming force, forming a radiant ring that spread outward. The energy stopped both Jack and Steve mid-charge, freezing them in place as the light pulsed violently between them.

***