[T/N: Sorry guys, I had college exams, so couldn't upload. Regular uploads form now on.]
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"You all are quite fortunate." said General Instructor Zhan Kong.
"You are the first batch of students I've taken on a field training exercise since I took up this post."
Zhan Kong may have appeared kind and easygoing, but the students stood at attention, not daring to utter a word.
Their usual interactions were with teachers—people rich in knowledge, but not as battle-hardened as this guardian mage who carried the aura of someone seasoned from fighting demons. It left the students too intimidated to act out.
Zhan Kong initially smiled and told the students they'd receive some privileges, but soon after, he announced a bounty for capturing a creature. Some students grumbled, doubting they could succeed, but Zhan Kong sweetened the deal by privately sponsoring a defensive magic tool as a reward.
Of course, Zhan Kong didn't expect anyone to actually complete the task. He figured it would be an achievement if the students could manage to cast a basic spell properly in the heat of the field.
Enticed by the magic tool, the five teams of students set out. Zhan Kong mentioned they only had to walk 30 kilometers to their destination, but those 30 kilometers weren't in a straight line. In reality, navigating the forests and mountains took them a full 10 days to reach their destination: Baicao Valley. By the time Mo Fan's team arrived, Mu Bai's group had already reached the location.
When they met up, Mo Fan noticed Mu Bai's smug expression, making him look even more annoying than usual. He had a very punchable face.
"Let's go inside. Light Mages, you finally have some use—light this place up!" Zhao Kunsan being his usual obnoxious self. Though Zhao Kunsan had stopped picking on Mo Fan after witnessing his talent, his arrogance remained. But Mo Fan paid him no mind—his real goal here was to face the Direwolf Beast.
Though the light mages were irritated by Zhao's remarks, they still followed the command, illuminating the dark cave with their magic. They may have been the proverbial "lightbulbs," but they were necessary here. Mu Bai, despite his annoying attitude, efficiently took charge of the team's setup, proving himself to be more capable than the previous team leaders, Zhou Min and Xu Zhaoting.
"Awwooo!!!"
"Awwooo!!!"
Suddenly, two bone-chilling howls echoed from deep within the cave, and a gust of damp wind surged toward them. All at once, they realized the source of the moist, windy gust that had just swept past them.
It was a monster!
A real, live monster!
As magic students, their training had always revolved around learning about monsters. Some of them even fantasized about how they'd bravely unleash their spells when facing one. However, when they saw two pairs of glowing green eyes emerging from the darkness, their minds went blank.
The Light Mages glowing spells illuminated the cave, revealing a massive, green-furred paw stepping out of the shadows. Sharp claws dug into the ground as a hulking creature came into view. It had rows of jagged teeth, and its fearsome fangs dangled from its upper jaw like swords. Drool dripped from its maw, signaling its hunger.
Its body was even more terrifying-bulky and muscular, with tough, rock-like skin covered in spiked blue fur. It was the Direwolf Beast!
Its powerful, muscular body, covered in thick fur, towered over them, with tough, rock-like skin covered in spiked blue fur. It was the Direwolf Beast!
Seeing the fearsome creature, many students screamed and started running in terror.
Mo Fan, though frightened himself, quickly steadied his nerves .He knew that this beast was a summoned creature, and as long as it wasn't provoked, it wouldn't go berserk. But he also understood that future threats would be far more dangerous—ones that wouldn't hesitate to strike first.
With a deep breath, Mo Fan drew seven stars in quick succession.
In just three seconds, Mo Fan had formed a star trail, leaving the other students dumbfounded. They had heard he was a magical prodigy, but none had expected him to be this fast!
"Fire Burst: Burning Bones!" Mo Fan cast his spell.
A blast of fire shot towards the wolf beast, but it barely flinched. Clearly, they were on the same tier, but not the same level of power!
"Awwooo!!!"
Enraged, the Direwolf Beast lunged forward, forcing the students to run in sheer panic. With their path back blocked, they were utterly desperate. But Mo Fan's actions had attracted the creature's attention, giving Mu Bai, Xu Zhao Ting, Zhou Min, and the others a chance to cast their spells.
However, their beginner-level magic barely scratched the beast. It roared again, sending a shockwave of wind and sand that battered the students, leaving many bruised and bloodied.
The Direwolf Beast had taken some damage, but it seemed unfazed compared to the group of students. Meanwhile, Mo Fan knew the situation was dire and he couldn't hold back any longer.
"Fire Burst-Burning Bones!"
This time, Mo Fan unleashed a stronger version of his fire spell. The fireball flew through the air and struck the beast directly on its massive body. For a moment, the flames stayed still, then suddenly erupted like crimson vines, burning from within the wolf beast's body.
The flames were fierce and bright, causing the wolf beast to thrash around in agony. It roared in pain, desperately trying to douse the flames by rolling on the ground before diving into a nearby pool of water.
The sight left the other students in stunned silence. Mo Fan had executed that advanced fire spell with such precision and ease! His mastery of magic was far beyond their expectations.
"Run! It's not dead yet!" Mo Fan shouted as he saw the wolf beast dive into the water.
The others were confused, not understanding how the creature could still be alive after such a powerful spell. But their confusion didn't last long—the Direwolf Beast emerged from the water, its eyes burning with murderous rage. Its killing intent sent a chilling breeze through the cave, all aimed at Mo Fan.
Mo Fan felt his heart skip a beat.
"So this... is the true face of a monster…" Mo Fan thought, fear creeping in.
"Monkey run deeper into the cave!" Mo Fan yelled to Zhang Xiaohou.
Zhang Xiaohou, always quick on his feet, had already prepared a star trail, and leapt forward. He and Mo Fan darted deeper into the cave, the furious Direwolf Beast hot on their heels.
The others watched with a mixture of relief and concern. While they were grateful for the distraction, they also worried about Mo Fan and Zhang Xiaohou. If they didn't make it, no one else stood a chance of surviving either.
(End of Chapter)