Chase and Ava stand tall in the Arena of Challenge, their shields held firmly in their hands. The crowd falls silent, anticipation hanging in the air as the trial is about to commence.
"What's happening?" Chase leans toward Ava, his eyebrows raised. "Everyone suddenly went quiet."
"I don't know, but the look in their eyes indicates that something big is about to happen," Ava replies, her voice filled with a sense of intrigue.
"Bang!"
Suddenly, the gates at the far end of the arena swing open, unleashing a torrent of beasts creatures—goblins, orcs, wolves, snakes, and more—each with its own unique abilities and strengths.
Chase and Ava adopt defensive stances, tightening their grip on their shields, axes, and spears.
"The trial begins. It seems like we have to face waves of beasts," Chase says, his focus laser-sharp as his eyes lock onto the incoming beasts.
"Let's go back to back. We shall protect one another. Our shields will be our bastions of defense," Ava nods, her desire for victory burning bright.
Chase and Ava touched back and nodded to each other.
As the first wave charges toward them, Chase and Ava brace themselves. With precise movements, they use their shields to deflect incoming attacks.
Chase blocks an oncoming wolf with his shield, then throws it toward Ava, who swiftly axes the wolf's neck midair, killing it instantly.
"Huu," Chase grunts, feeling the vibration of the shield in his hand.
As he then uses his shield to hold back an orc, raising his spear over the shield and thrusting it into the orc's head, ending its life in an instant.
"Ah!" Chase lets out his first battle cry, energizing himself for the fight ahead.
He moves forward, using his shield as a weapon, bashing every goblin's head and stomach, rending their bodies in half and spilling their guts everywhere.
Yet, neither Chase nor Ava feels sick from the bloodshed and the smell of death that fills the air.
Chase and Ava back up, their backs touching each other for support.
"Do you really think that Freya was so distracted because of me?" Chase suddenly asks, his voice carrying a mix of uncertainty and curiosity.
"Huh, I don't know," Ava replies, caught off guard by the question. "And why are you asking now, of all places?"
Chase and Ava quickly spin around, each killing an orc that had sneaked up on them.
"You made it seem like I needed to apologize," Chase says. "Maybe it wasn't my fault."
Ava realizes that Chase's point may hold some truth.
"Fine, I understand what you mean, and I'm sorry," Ava apologizes. "But there is still a possibility that it is you."
"So what do you think had her so distracted?" Chase says, thrusting his spear into a goblin's head and throwing it to the side.
Ava is momentarily lost in thought, her mind distracted from the battle.
"Watch out, Ava! A fire snake approaching from the left!" Chase quickly shifts his stance to an offensive one, protecting Ava.
A flaming fire snake slides toward Chase and Ava with incredible speed.
Ava quickly snaps out of her thoughts.
"I've got it, Chase! I'll divert the fire snake's breath while you strike!" Ava reacts swiftly to Chase's warning.
With synchronized teamwork, Ava positions her shield to redirect the fire snake's breath, creating an opening for Chase to strike with his spear. They maneuver with agility, their shields becoming an impenetrable barrier against the onslaught of beasts.
Chase and Ava continue to parry strikes and protect themselves from harm.
As the waves progress, the beasts grow stronger and more relentless, testing Chase and Ava's endurance and determination.
"These beasts grow stronger with each wave. But we will not yield!" Ava says through gritted teeth, her body exhausted.
"Yeah, but we will stand firm, unwavering in the face of overwhelming odds!" Chase says, sweat dripping from his brow, his determination unwavering.
They continue to fend off the beasts, their shields becoming an extension of their bodies, their movements fluid and precise.
"We're holding our ground, Ava! But we must remain vigilant. It looks like the final wave approaches!" Chase says, breathing heavily but determined.
"We shall not fail. We have to keep our record of 3-0, Chase! We will face the ultimate challenge together and emerge victorious!" Ava shouts with unwavering resolve.
As the final wave crashes upon them, consisting of only orcs and wolves, Chase and Ava summon their remaining strength and channel their unwavering determination. They stand tall, their shields raised high, meeting the beasts head-on.
"Yeah!"
"Kill!"
"Kill!"
The crowd erupts into cheers, their voices blending with the clash of weapons, celebrating the valor and resilience of Chase and Ava.