Chapter 5: Alpha’s Triumph and New Horizons

The north was blanketed in snow, and only two contestants remained: Mike and me. Down to the wire.

The tension was electric. The chat was a nonstop stream of predictions, memes, and encouragement.

Now, the whole world was watching us. No pressure.

I felt the pressure, but also the pride. I’d come farther than anyone expected.

Marcus, the Fish King, couldn’t catch fish after the river froze, and a bear stole his stash. He quit on day 40 due to lack of food. Ouch.

I explained what happened, showing clips of the bear raid. The chat was sympathetic—nature didn’t play favorites.

Beckett, the Squirrel King, got food poisoning from half-raw squirrel and dropped out on day 30. Brutal.

I reminded viewers about food safety, showing how to check for parasites. The chat was divided—some called it bad luck, others poor planning.

Nina, a strong all-rounder, had bad luck—her house caught fire while she slept. After putting it out, she tried to rebuild, but frostbite and exhaustion forced her out at the producers’ insistence. Tough break.

I sent her a message of support, praising her resilience. The chat sent virtual hugs and well wishes.

Now it was just Mike and me. Most people thought I’d win. Not a bad feeling.

The chat was full of encouragement, but I didn’t let it go to my head. Anything could happen out here.

Mike was starting to crack—low on food, holed up in his cabin, talking to himself and fantasizing about winning.

I checked in on his stream, worried for his safety. The producers kept a close eye, ready to intervene if needed.

Meanwhile, I was eating well, had a trained falcon, and my stone house now had ice doors and windows. I lounged in warmth, played with the falcon, kept my clothes neat, and even had time for pottery. Not a bad life.

I showed off my latest project—a clay mug, glazed with river sand. The chat wanted to buy my crafts.

I’d just finished making a musk ox hide coat—sometimes I’d go out with the falcon and hunt for fun. I’d even set my sights on a beautiful red fox, planning to tame it as a pet. Why not aim high?

I explained my process, showing how to gain an animal’s trust. The chat debated whether I’d succeed.

I was about to catch the fox when the producers arrived and told me I’d won. Wait—what?

I blinked in surprise, the fox darting away. I laughed, shaking my head—victory had snuck up on me.

No way—I hadn’t even enjoyed all my goodies yet! Not fair!

I pouted for the camera, joking about unfinished business. The chat teased me, promising to tune in next season.

But after nearly half a year in the north, my parents came with the crew to pick me up. Finally.

I ran to them, hugging them tight. My mom cried, my dad tried to look stern but failed. The crew filmed the reunion, the chat full of heart emojis.

I treated everyone to a feast—fried beef, pan-seared salmon, roast chicken, spicy rabbit, and a roast beef leg. With the leftover berries and veggies, I made a soup. You know I had to show off.

I cooked up a storm, sharing recipes and stories. The crew couldn’t stop eating, the chat begged for a cookbook.

I won a massive $30 million prize. I didn’t keep it all—I paid my parents back the $500,000 they spent on me. Priorities.

I handed them the check with a flourish. My mom nearly fainted, my dad just shook his head and laughed.

Half the rest I donated to the Alaskan conservation association. Gotta give back.

I explained my reasons—giving back to the land that kept me alive. The chat applauded, sending virtual donations.

The other half, I used to buy the island and return it to nature—I’d come back every year. No place like home.

I signed the papers on camera, promising to protect the land. The chat cheered, calling me a true Alpha.

Some tried to buy the island from me for a tourist resort, using my fame, but I refused. Not a chance.

I explained my decision, standing firm. The land belonged to the wild, not to profit.

But I did accept another invitation: to join Season 4 of Wilderness Survival. Couldn’t resist.

I held up the letter for the camera, grinning. The chat exploded with excitement.

The letter said they’d bring back all previous finalists and champions, and select hunters worldwide to compete for the Alpha title in the tropical rainforest. Game on.

I promised to train harder, learn new skills, and give the world a show they’d never forget. The hunt was just beginning.