Jadon’s POV

CHAPTER THREE

Jaydon’s POV

You know, as this revelation dawned upon me, I began thinking quite a lot more than I used to back when I was still human.

Until after my transformation, I could barely survive a confrontation from my boss, nor could I deal substantial damage to any who tried to hurt me. I still wonder why I was the one chosen by this so-called prophecy, and whether it chose wrong.

Hmm… I guess it can’t be helped— The days passed by seemed to merge into one continuous thread of training, learning, and adaptation.

Slowly, but surely, my confidence drew closer to that of the Alpha these people needed to lead them against the Maledictus, against the sorcerer. I was determined, and nothing was going to stop me.

---

"Jaydon, focus!" Alex's voice cut through the cool night air, snapping me back to the present.

We were sparring again, under the silver gaze of the moon. I could barely trace his movements. He was as swift and precise as the tales I had heard of a wolf as a kid described.

I managed to dodge his attack due to the subtle sound of the swing of his claws and the bloodlust in his fangs at the last minute. I struggled to match his pace.

In my defense, I still was a newbie werewolf desperately trying to get the hang of it all. My streaming drips of sweat mingled with the dew of the forest, and my muscles burned from exertion.

I decided to go on the offensive for once, drilling my fist through the air, but Alex sidestepped effortlessly and tripped me with a swift kick to further dampen my morale.

I hit the ground hard, and I groaned briefly in pain. Despite how little the strike was, the properties of a werewolf granted him super strength. The wind knocked out of me for some reason, and frustration gradually built up.

Alex's eyes were steady, filled with a mix of sternness and encouragement.

"Your movements are the easiest to follow and predict. At this rate, forget protecting us, would you be able to protect us? You’re improving, yes, but you need to learn how to anticipate better and fight on instinct if you want to stand a chance against the Maledictus." he said, offering a hand to help me up. "The enemy won't simply wait for you to get better, you know?."

"I know. It's just... it's a lot to take in." I replied, brushing off the dirt off my clothes.

Alex's expression softened. "It is. But understand that it isn’t solely your burden to bear alone. We’re here to support you at all times."

His words, though simple, carried the weight of truth. The pack's unity was our greatest strength, and I was beginning to feel that bond deeply.

---

The hours passed by quickly, and the night’s hue darkened deeper. I sat by the fire, catching my breath from the spar. Maya approached me, her presence as gentle as usual. She gave me a cup containing herbal medicine, the steam rising in the cool wind.

"Here, drink." She said softly. "It'll help with the muscle pain."

I took the cup, grateful for her care.

"Thank you really, Maya." I said, taking a sip of the tea.

She took a seat right beside me, longing for a talk wih me. "You're doing well, Jaydon. Don't be too hard on yourself."

I glanced at her, and couldn’t help but notice her eyes reflecting the firelight. "I thank you for your concern, but I have to be hard on myself to actually be something to all of you."

"It's natural to feel that way,” Maya replied. “But as Alex rightfully said, it is not a burden to carry on your own."

Though a repeated conviction, her words pierced through my heart. Coming in like an outsider, I slowly began to find my place here.

---

The days turned into weeks, and my training intensified. Alex pushed me harder, honing my reflexes and instincts. We trained in various terrains, from dense forests to rocky hills, preparing for any scenario. Each session left me exhausted but also stronger, more in tune with my abilities.

Diana continued her teachings, guiding me through the spiritual aspects of our existence. As the sun dipped below the horizon, she spoke of the Maledictus pack once more. Her voice was so heavy, the weight of ancient enmity she had carried showing in her eyes.

"They are a formidable pack," she said, her eyes distant. "Wielding dark magic granted by their lord, they disrupt the natural order and feast on humans to gain power. They are ruthless, and their leader is a sorcerer of great strength and malice.

"Sebastian Elrío… Even if we somehow do figure out a way to get around the pack, defeating him with merely our own abilities will yield a disappointing result. The climax would be equivalent to an elephant tap dancing on an ant. Do you understand, Jaydon, the weight of his strength?”

“If he really is this strong, then how exactly can he be beat?” I presented the most realistic question to ask at the height of her technique.

The thought of such an enemy sent a chill through me. Hmph. Sebastian Elrío…