Chapter 35

Rudolf's POV
“It’s not that easy, Alpha,” it replied in a deep, echoing voice. “You must prove yourself worthy of passing through this forbidden area. Only the strong and brave can continue to the top.”
My heart was pounding. What would I have to do to prove myself? “What are the conditions? I don’t have time to play around!” I said, firm but patient. I wasn’t going to let anything stop me from this mission.
The half-dragon grinned, baring sharp teeth. “Before you continue, you must answer my question,” he said. “If you fail, you will be back to square one.”
One part of me was skeptical, but the other was determined to take on this challenge. “Alright, I’m ready. Ask your question.”
In a pleasant tone, the creature continued, “I am known as the one who brings darkness and enlightenment. If you have courage and faith, the thick fog will lift. Who am I?”
The question swirled around in my head, forcing my brain to work overtime. After a few seconds of contemplation, I realized that the answer implied something profound. “You are… hope. When all seems dark, hope becomes the light,” I said confidently.
The half-dragon was silent for a moment, then his eyes widened. “The answer is correct. Hope is a guide in times of trouble. As an Alpha who loves your family, you have shown yourself to be strong.”
With that, he shifted his body, clearing the way. “You may continue your journey to the top of Ghost Mountain. May your wishes lead you to your family.”
A sense of relief washed over me as I stepped forward. Thanks to the creature, my steps were now more steady. The power of hope returned, and my determination to save Emma grew stronger. Fortunately, there was no need for a fight here.
I stepped forward, full of hope to find the crystal stone soon and bring my daughter back into our arms. I am the alpha, and I will not stop fighting.
In the middle of the mountain, as the atmosphere grew cloudier and the wind blew hard, I was suddenly faced with a strange monster with a large body and greenish scales. His gaze was sharp, as if gauging my strength and intentions.
“Hey, Alpha! If you want to continue your journey, you must face me first!” he shouted, his voice echoing among the cliffs.
Hearing his challenge, my heart trembled, but my spirit did not diminish. “I am not afraid! I will fight for Emma and also for myself!” I replied, determined and brave. For the safety of my daughter, I will give my all.
We prepared to fight. It felt like a sticky energy between us, two forces about to collide. When the monster launched its first attack, I managed to dodge, but was unlucky when it swung its large claws at me.
A small cut caused me a slight cut, but the pain would not deter me. In this critical situation, I remembered Emma and how I had to bring her home. “You will not stop me!” I shouted excitedly, trying to get back on my feet.
The fight was fierce. I relied on the strength of the wolf within me, trying to find the monster’s weak point. Although I was initially a little bit pressured by its rapid attacks, my spirit grew stronger.
I felt an excess moving through my entire body, like the flow of energy from the depths of my soul. Gathering all the courage and skill I had, I launched a deadly counterattack. The attack hit the monster and made it retreat, and for a moment I could see the confusion on its face.
“Are you still going to continue?!” I challenged myself, gaining momentum with renewed courage.
The monster, now visibly grimacing, did not give up. “You are strong, Alpha. But this battle is not over!” as he launched a more aggressive attack.
In the chaos, I was slightly injured again, but I did not care. The pain coursed through me, but the determination to save Emma continued to strengthen my resolve. I would not back down.
The two of us fought relentlessly, engaged in a contest of strength that made me feel the adrenaline flowing through my body. With every strike and collision, I felt closer to my goal—saving my daughter, achieving something more than just victory.
Finally, I went for the final blow, a combination of moves that relied on courage, precision, and the strength of a wolf. As the monster nearly fell, I realized that our strength lies in more than just our physicality, but also in our will.
“I fight for my family!” I shouted, unleashing a final, unified attack with all my heart. The monster fell, allowing me to continue my journey to the top of Ghost Mountain.
My body was now weak, scratched by many wounds and exhaustion creeping into every movement. Every step felt heavy, but my spirit would not be extinguished. I still had to reach the top of Ghost Mountain.
With great difficulty, I searched for something to boost my energy. Finally, I found some leftover food in the bag I bought. I hadn’t eaten anything since before the battle with the monster.
I ate what little provisions I had, feeling the nutrients flowing through my body. Every bite gave me new energy, and I was determined to continue this journey even though it was very difficult.
In the morning, after a night’s rest with a body full of struggle, I was finally able to move my body again. However, as I started to move towards the top, I was stopped again by another creature that suddenly appeared from behind the rocks.
The creature looked bigger and more terrifying than the previous one. Its body was muscular, and its red eyes stared at me like a predator ready to hunt.
I knew that strength and courage would be needed again to face this creature.
“Who are you that dares to cross my path?” the creature hissed, its voice deep and radiating an aura of intimidation.
“I am Rudolf, the Alpha of the wolves. I am rushing towards the peak to save my daughter. I will not let anyone stop me!” I replied, trying to look firm even though fatigue was still approaching.