Bessen frantically shook the latch, screaming, "I can't die here!"
Someone suddenly shouted at that moment, "The wolves have climbed onto the stands!"
Upon hearing this, the crowd became even more confused. Some tried to climb the ten-meter-high outer wall, but to no avail; others knelt on the ground, praying to various gods for the coming of a savior.
Todd settled Deirdre in a secluded corner at the end of the corridor. Listening to the howling of wolves in the distance, he quietly took the short sword and round shield off his back.
Without any further instructions or sentimental words, just a simple "Wait for me," Todd stood up and strode towards the entrance of the corridor.
As Todd walked, he shouted loudly to the crowd behind him, "'Cunning Fox' Bessen! I know you can hear me. If you don't want to die, get over here and help me guard the intersection!"
Todd's shouts drew everyone's attention. As people watched the gladiator resolutely walk towards the wolf pack, they stopped crying and yelling, their eyes filled with respect and gratitude.
After closing his eyes quietly for a few seconds, Todd opened them again with his left shield raised in front of his chest and his right short sword concealed at his side. At the same time, he glanced back at the passageway behind him.
This passageway, three meters high, two meters wide, and approximately eleven meters long, is the only access to the stands' exit. Guarding this area ensures the safety of the people in the plaza in front.
Soon, the first mutated giant wolf appeared in Todd's field of vision.
The swift-moving monster with sharp teeth and claws leaped from the edge of the stands and pounced on the gladiators at the entrance of the passageway below.
Scenes from past training sessions flashed through Todd's mind. He used his shield to firmly block the giant wolf's claws, his body sliding backward fifty centimeters due to the immense inertia. Then, he swung his shield violently, slamming it heavily onto the giant wolf's jaw. Taking advantage of the wolf's momentary daze, he plunged the blade of his short sword into the enemy's throat.
Then, the second and third giant wolves arrived at lightning speed and launched an attack simultaneously.
Todd took a small step back, and while the two giant wolves were still in the air, he thrust his short sword into the chest of one of them.
A wild beast's mournful howl echoed down the corridor. Some of the bolder spectators, with trembling, unsteady steps, made their way to the end of the corridor, craning their necks to see what had happened.
Upon seeing Todd fighting the wolves and the two wolf carcasses on the ground, the spectators shouted excitedly, "My God! It's the 'Red Champion'! He's taking on an entire pack of war beasts all by himself!"
Meanwhile, on the high viewing platform, Queen Maeve, watching the fierce battle unfolding at the aisle, clutched her chest and exclaimed sincerely, "I have never seen such a man... He is a true warrior!"
Concherber stared intently at the figure fighting bravely among the wolves, gritting his teeth as he said, "He won't last long!"
As the number of giant wolves appearing at the entrance to the passage increases, Todd is forced to retreat, using the terrain to his advantage to reduce the number of enemies he is fighting at the same time.
First, the shield slashed downwards, shattering the skull of a giant wolf; then, the short sword thrust out, piercing the eye socket of another enemy. A giant wolf crawling on the ground seized the opportunity, extending its claws from a gap beneath the shield and leaving three deep wounds on Todd's calf.
The injured Todd lost his balance and fell to the ground, but unexpectedly a giant wolf took the opportunity to leap over his head and run into the passageway, about to pounce on the innocent people.
A throwing knife struck the giant wolf squarely in the chest, while a dagger pierced the heart of the escaped wolf.
The one who threw the knife was "Cunning Fox" Bessen, while the one who used the dagger was Deirdre.
The two came up behind Todd and began to help him deal with the giant wolves as backup.
Seeing this scene, some passionate citizens could no longer remain indifferent. They dismantled the chairs from the stands, picked up stones from the ground, and joined the fight against the war beasts.
A fierce battle concerning the lives of thousands took place in this narrow passageway. People entrusted their lives to a gladiator's sword and shield, and witnessed the birth of a legendary hero.
Twenty minutes later, the passageway was filled with the corpses of mutated giant wolves, the stone walls on both sides were stained red with blood, and the stone slabs underfoot were covered with blood that was deep enough to reach above the insteps.
Amidst the deafening cheers and praises of the crowd, Todd, now covered in blood, calmly walked through the corridor to the tightly closed door at the exit.
People looked at this gladiator who used his life and honor to protect the weak, and cast admiring glances at him from the bottom of their hearts, offering their sincerest blessings without reservation.
Todd tossed his sword and shield to the ground and touched the exit door.
Under everyone's puzzled gaze, Todd first took a few steps back, then pushed off the ground with both feet, his body slamming into the door like a cannonball.
Seeing this scene, "Cunning Fox" Bessen was dumbfounded: "He's not trying to smash through with his body... This is insane!"
Even those who witnessed Todd taking on the wolves one-on-one believed the attempt was completely futile.
Of everyone, only Deirdre said with a firm look in her eyes, "No! He can do it!"
With each backward step, run-up, and impact, Todd's speed increased, his power grew, and the sound of the impact became louder.
In the end, each of his battering ram strikes caused the ground to shake and the walls to tremble.
People went from initial doubt to boundless fervor.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com