My Werewolf System

When Lupus had volunteered to fight, Kai had immediately felt a cold knot of nervousness tighten in his stomach. He wasn't worried that Lupus would lose; he was worried about how Lupus would fight and what the fallout would be.

Lupus, with his natural aggression and fiercely protective temper, wasn't exactly the type to hold back if he was hurt or felt disrespected. He was older, and yes, a bit more mature than Gary, the one they traveled with, and he understood what needed to be done in particular situations. He usually kept his head when stakes were high.

However, at the same time, because of the isolated, difficult way he had lived his life, Lupus was absolutely not one who liked to be pushed around, cornered, or underestimated.

'If he shows too much strength, it will be bad,' Kai thought, rubbing his chin. 'We'll expose ourselves. But let's see what he does. Maybe he's learned to dial it back.'

A standard wooden training sword was quickly handed to Lupus, and the same was given to the young guard, Harlock. The two of them then stood opposite each other in the center of the makeshift circle, the crowd of onlookers hushed in anticipation.

Both the second traveler, Gary, and Kai were preparing for the worst, ready to jump in at any moment if things went south, especially if Lupus's unique strength came into play.

Then, the test began.

"Let's see how swift their swordsmanship is," Jord commented, leaning in eagerly from the sidelines. "To be able to take out so many high-level beasts like that, they have to be impressive fighters."

But swordsmanship was clearly not Lupus's priority.

Straight away, with no technique, no fancy footwork, and no respect for the wooden weapon in his hand, Lupus kicked off the ground. He moved at an amazing speed, closing the distance in a blur that made several onlookers gasp. He swung the sword right over his head, a wild, wide arc, and then brought it down with all his terrifying might.

Harlock, the guard, was good. He quickly jumped back, recognizing the sheer, raw power coming his way. But he knew, instantly, that he wouldn't be quick enough to completely dodge the blow. So, while scrambling backward, he instinctively raised his own wooden training sword and swung it to the side, hoping to deflect the worst of the blow.

CRACK!

A loud, sharp bang was heard, echoing across the courtyard, showing just how ferocious the impact was. The sound of wood splintering filled the air. Harlock hadn't been hit, thankfully, but as he finished his jump and looked down, his eyes went wide.

Half of a wooden sword lay on the ground.

And it wasn't his.

"What is this?" Lupus roared, glaring down at the broken hilt of wood he was still holding. His adrenaline was spiking, and his temper was starting to fray. "Have you given me a dud? Why did mine break, and his didn't?"

"I think we've seen enough," Jord announced, stepping forward into the circle, his expression now serious, a complex mix of amazement and concern. He looked directly toward Harlock, the guard whose sword remained intact. "These folks are clearly beginners. Anyone can tell that by how they held the sword, or how they didn't hold it. Yet, you still chose to use Qi. Can you explain yourself?"

The reason for Lupus's sword breaking and Harlock's remaining whole was instantly clear to Jord and the gathered knights. Harlock had instinctively channeled his Qi, a form of inner spiritual energy, to strengthen the otherwise flimsy wooden weapon, causing Lupus's sword to shatter upon impact.

Harlock's face was pale. He kept his eyes fixed on the ground, clearly nervous about defying the Gatekeeper.

"The immense amount of power…" Harlock whispered, rubbing his forearm. "Even now, my forearm is feeling numb from it, sir. If I hadn't used Qi, my sword would have broken, and I would have been seriously hurt. It was simply something I had done out of instinct."

It was the same conclusion Jord could see. The sheer speed and strength displayed by the amateur were staggering. This was someone who was extremely talented physically, naturally gifted beyond most normal men. If someone this large and powerful learned to use Qi to focus and enhance that strength, they would become someone to be genuinely reckoned with.

"I doubt that the two of you would be traveling with someone who was lesser than you," Jord added, turning his piercing gaze onto Kai and the other Gary. "But I'm starting to think that if you don't know how to use Qi, then it really wasn't you guys who defeated those high-level beasts."

It was a crucial moment. They had to explain the crystals.

"I know how to use Qi," Gary said quickly, raising his hand to draw attention. He gave a winning, if slightly forced, smile. "We all have our own strengths. Kai has a great mind and great speed, Lupus has his brute strength, and I can use Qi as well. We were traveling with a Guild before, one that taught us Qi, but we don't wish to be with them anymore."

Jord's face broke into a big, knowing smile. The pieces were falling into place for him. A trio of talents, the planner, the powerhouse, and the Qi user. This was exactly the kind of potential he wanted to bring to the Redwing Kingdom.

"Well, with what you're saying, and what has been demonstrated right here," Jord announced, gesturing to the broken sword on the ground, "I certainly think that all of you should be good enough to pass the assessment. If you show true potential and prove your worth there, then you'll even get to meet Gary Bluebird himself."

The three travelers exchanged quiet smiles. They really just needed to get in the city, and they truly didn't care for meeting this other legendary Gary, whoever he was.

"Can all of the soldiers here use Qi?" Kai asked, genuinely curious about this unique power. It wasn't really well known, or perhaps didn't even exist, during his time period.

"Before, the answer was no," Jord said, puffing out his chest with pride. "It was reserved more so for hand-to-hand combat specialists and rare martial arts practitioners. But now, everyone who has the title of Knight can use Qi. The guards out here protecting the wall? All of them are Knights. And it's because of the Knights that we are known as the strongest warriors in the entire kingdom."

He leaned in, his voice dropping slightly but maintaining an authoritative edge.

"So I tell you now: it's best you don't try to get in trouble inside. You might have been considered strong among those in your old guild, but the title of a Knight is far more prestigious and powerful here. Don't underestimate anyone."

"Regardless," Jord concluded, his energy returning, "the three of you, follow me. I'll take you directly to the assessment area. Once you're done and you pass, you'll be given a place to live, and you can spend most of your time freely in the city while completing your daily training to officially become a Knight."

Somehow, miraculously, things had worked out well, thanks mostly to Lupus going all out with his frightening strength. Gary did feel a little bad for Jord, who clearly believed their lie about wanting to become Knights.

The three of them had no intention of staying to train. They didn't have time for that.

However, Kai did think that while he was here, maybe he could learn how to use Qi as well. And Lupus was thinking the exact same thing, having just seen how versatile and powerful it was.

Maybe this is the kind of strength I need to protect my place from the red-eyed attackers when I finally get back, Lupus thought, clenching his fists.

"Open the gate!" Jord roared, snapping back to attention, directing his men to roll back the massive stone entryway.

****

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