The Lightning Wolf Chronicles (Evelyn and Nadia) novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38: So What’s Our Strategy?

Evelyn’s POV

I glanced at the sky. ‘Let’s head back. Should be dinner time soon.”

Everyone climbed out, water dripping off their bodies. We changed and walked back at an easy pace.

Lunch was quiet. Maybe this morning’s conversation was still hanging over us, or we were just tired from doing nothing all day.

After we ate, I grabbed a tactical analysis book and settled into the backyard hammock. The others sprawled on the grass nearby, talking

in low voices.

This kind of peaceful afternoon felt precious. No training, no fighting, no pressure. Just sunshine, breeze, and friends.

Before I knew it, the sun was setting.

I woke up earlier than usual the next morning. My body automatically shifted into battle mode – the selection was starting again today.

After a quick shower and change into training gear, I found everyone already waiting. The relaxed vibe from yesterday was completely

gone.

“Let’s go, Magnus said.

We walked to the training field together. The morning air was crisp with dew.

The field was already filling up with advancing participants. I spotted several familiar faces – all strong fighters who’d kicked ass in yesterday’s combat rounds.

“Way fewer people,” Nadia whispered.

She was right. At least two-thirds of the original crowd was gone. Only the elite remained.

We started our usual warm-up jog. While running, I noticed everyone sizing each other up. Yesterday’s challenges showed that teamwork

mattered as much as individual skill.

A horn blast cut through our thoughts.

We stopped and looked toward the platform. Sentinel Conrad stood there, his expression more serious than before.

“Morning, everyone. His magically amplified voice carried across the field. First off, congrats on making it to day three. Everyone here has already proven themselves.”

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Chapter 38: So What’s Our Strategy?

He paused, scanning the crowd. Today’s challenge is team-based combat.”

Murmurs rippled through the participants.

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Conrad saw our confusion. ‘We’re running a simulated resource battle in the arena. Simple rules each team gets a set number of Items. Your job is to grab as many as possible from other teams while protecting your own.”

He let that sink in. “Form your own teams. Five people each. You’ve got ten minutes.”

Five people? I immediately looked at Nadia, who was already looking at me.

“Hey Evelyn, wanna join forces?”

I turned to find Mark, one of yesterday’s fighters. His smile was friendly.

“I think we’d work well together,” he added.

Mark was solid yesterday’s fight proved his strength and technique.

“Sure,” I nodded, then gestured to Nadia. ‘She’s with us.”

“Course, no problem,” Mark agreed.

Two other participants joined us quickly. Sophia, yesterday’s speed demon with excellent recon skills. And Raven, a defensive specialist who could tank damage like nobody’s business.

Looks like we’re well-balanced,” Sophia said. “We’ve got leadership, attack, defense, speed, and…” She looked at Nadia. “What’s your

thing?”

“Range attacks and trap setting, Nadia answered.

‘Perfect, Raven nodded. ‘Good mix.”

Ten minutes flew by. Conrad spoke again. “Time’s up. Team captains, come get your starting supplies.”

As the elected leader, I walked to the platform. Conrad handed me a cloth bag. Twenty marker balls inside, each with your team’s color. Protect them while trying to grab others. One hour time limit final score combines what you keep and what you capture.”

I brought the bag back and opened it. Twenty deep blue balls, each marked with our team number.

‘Rules seem simple, I analyzed, “but execution’s gonna be complex. We need to attack and defend while avoiding getting ganged up on.”

So what’s our strategy? Mark asked.

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Sat,

Chapter 38: So What’s Our Strategy?

I scanned the other teams. One caught my attention five massive warriors, obviously going for pure strength.

–

“See that red team?” I pointed them out. “All muscle. They’ll definitely go for a head-on assault.”

“Should we avoid them?” Sophia asked.

“Nope,” I shook my head. “We’re gonna use them.”

“Prep time’s over!” Conrad announced. “Challenge starts now!”

The arena exploded into action. Teams immediately scattered – some defending, others attacking. Just like I predicted, the red muscle

team launched a brutal assault on the nearest green team.

“Execute the plan,” I ordered quietly. “Sophia, scout everyone’s positions. Raven, you and Mark hold here, look defensive. Nadia, start

setting traps around us, but keep them hidden.”

“What about you?” Mark asked.

“I’m gonna go ‘negotiate,” I smiled mysteriously.

Using the chaos as cover, I slipped over to a weaker-looking team – the yellow guys. They were nervously forming a circle.

“Hey, don’t panic,” I raised my hands to show I wasn’t hostile. “I’ve got a proposition.”

Their captain eyed me suspiciously. “What kind of proposition?”

“That red team’s attacking everyone,” I pointed to the distant battle. “They’ll come for you eventually. Instead of waiting to get

steamrolled, how about we work together?”

“How?”

“Simple. You guys ‘accidentally’ show a weakness to lure them in. We provide backup and help you fight them off. In return, we split

whatever balls they drop.”

The yellow captain thought it over. “What if you screw us over?”

“That wouldn’t help us. Red team’s a threat to everyone. Weakening them helps us all.”

After we reached an agreement, I hurried back. Sophia had intel ready. “Red team grabbed eight balls from green but lost three themselves. Other teams are either watching or having small fights.”

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“Good,” I said. ‘Get ready. Yellow team’s gonna bait red team over here.”

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