As Oasis and Amilia continued talking under the moonlight, the scene around them was serene and enchanting.
The moon cast a gentle, silver glow over the forest, creating intricate patterns of light and shadow on the ground.
The fire between them flickered warmly, casting a golden light on their faces and reflecting in their eyes.
Amilia broke the silence, her voice thoughtful. "You've changed a lot in these past few weeks."
Oasis shrugged, trying to play it cool.
"Just some training," he said, poking the fire with a stick to keep the flames alive.
"What about you? How's the exam treating you so far?"
Amilia chuckled softly, a musical sound that seemed to blend with the crackling of the fire.
"Challenging, as expected. But that's what makes it exciting, right?" She looked around their little clearing, taking in the serene atmosphere.
"This is a good spot you've found."
Oasis nodded, glad for the compliment.
"Yeah, it's peaceful here. Makes it easier to relax."
He took a moment to appreciate the scene the soft glow of the fire illuminating their faces.
The tall trees standing guard around them, and the gentle murmur of the nearby stream.
As they continued to eat, a comfortable silence settled between them.
Oasis found himself stealing glances at Amilia, admiring her poise and the way she seemed at ease even in such a wild environment.
"She's really something," he mused internally, feeling a slight flutter in his chest.
Amilia, noticing his occasional glances, felt a warmth rise in her cheeks but maintained her composure.
"So, what do you plan to do next?" she asked, breaking the silence.
Oasis leaned back, looking up at the canopy of leaves above them.
"I guess I'll keep hunting and gathering points."
"I myself have managed to make some goblins retreat," Amilia spoke with a sense of pride.
"I'm sure you've made the same progress yourself?" she asked Oasis.
"Yeah, barely," Oasis replied calmly as usual.
It was the first time the two were talking to each other, and for Oasis, it felt strange talking to a woman, especially one as strong as Amilia.
"It was easy talking to Mira, but with this one, it feels different," Oasis thought.
The night flew by, and early at dawn before sunrise, Oasis started moving, leaving Amilia sleeping.
"She looks prettier while sleeping," Oasis thought as he looked at Amilia before he started moving.
Days went by, with Oasis hunting and eliminating beasts while other participants did the same.
Occasionally, he met other participants, greeted them, and passed by.
It had been a week and some days since they came into the woods.
"Its already the last day, these woods are awesome. I also managed to find some herbs," Oasis thought as he stood on top of a branch, balancing like a cat.
The dense foliage provided ample cover, and the occasional rustle of leaves added to the tranquility of the forest.
The morning sun filtered through the canopy, creating dappled patterns on the forest floor.
As he moved, he was disturbed by a sudden, intense feeling of bloodlust in the woods some distance away from him.
It was a chilling sensation that sent a shiver down his spine.
"What is this feeling? It's so strong," Oasis thought, his senses on high alert.
"I can also sense the presence of more beings there."
He started moving towards the direction of the bloodlust at full speed, but with caution.
His senses were heightened, every muscle in his body ready for action.
The forest seemed to close in around him, the shadows growing darker and the air heavier as he approached the source of the ominous feeling.
Oasis leaped over a stream and landed on a sturdy branch, peering down into an opening below.
The scene that unfolded before his eyes was chaotic and desperate.
In the clearing, a massive, D-rank mystical beast known as a Thunderclaw Bear was rampaging.
The bear's fur crackled with static electricity, and its eyes glowed with a fierce, malevolent light.
About thirty participants were engaged in a desperate battle against the beast, but it was clear they were severely outmatched.
Their attacks barely scratched the bear's thick hide, and it showed no signs of allowing any of them to retreat.
The participants were in a defensive formation, struggling to hold their ground as the bear's relentless assault continued.
"This is a D-rank beast," Oasis thought, his heart pounding.
"What's going on? This wasn't supposed to be here."
"What are the inspectors doing? The participants are in danger. It might kill someone." Fear and urgency surged through him as he scanned the battlefield.
His eyes quickly found familiar faces among the struggling participants.
"Zane, Mira, Amilia... and that's Mirage," Oasis realized, his stomach knotting with fear as he saw his friends in grave danger.
At that moment, the bear turned its attention to Mira, its massive paw raised, ready to strike.
Without a second thought, Oasis sprang into action.
He leaped from the branch, his body moving with the speed and precision of his wind magic.
"I have to save her," he thought, his mind focused solely on the task at hand.
In an instant, he reached Mira, grabbing her just as the bear's paw came crashing down.
"Wind Magic: Gusting Shield!" Oasis shouted, creating a powerful barrier of wind that deflected the bear's attack.
The force of the impact sent him and Mira flying backward, but Oasis held her tightly, ensuring she wasn't hurt.
As they tumbled through the air, he saw Zane and Mirage dangerously close to the bear's next strike.
"No time to lose," he thought, his eyes narrowing with determination.
"Wind Magic: Gale Blast!" A burst of wind erupted from his outstretched hand, blasting Zane and Mirage several meters away from the immediate danger.
Oasis landed on the ground, gently setting Mira down. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
Mira, still in shock, nodded slowly.
"Oasis... thank you," she managed to say, her eyes wide with gratitude and relief.
Oasis turned his attention back to the Thunderclaw Bear, his expression hardening.
"Everyone, stay back!" he shouted to the remaining participants.
"I'll handle this."
His aura flared with determination and power as he prepared to confront the formidable beast.