Sir Ahmed floated gracefully into the air above everyone, lifted by his Data Beast, the Esper Serpent, which coiled below him, its ethereal body shimmering as it ascended.
The serpent's psychic energy radiated outward, filling the auditorium with an otherworldly presence.
With a simple gesture, Sir Ahmed raised his hands, and the entire environment of the room began to shift and morph.
Kris, along with the other students, watched in awe as the once-ordinary auditorium transformed into a massive, intricate obstacle course.
The ground rippled as metallic structures, towering walls, and floating platforms emerged from the floor, revealing a maze of traps and challenges.
Gasps of amazement echoed through the hall as the students absorbed the sight.
Kris, however, felt a strange unease.
There was something off about the way the environment was formed.
"Genesis," he whispered,
"what is this obstacle course made of?"
Genesis responded immediately, its calm voice filling Kris's mind.
"The course is constructed using the abilities of Ahmed's Data Beast, the Esper Serpent. It utilizes Illusion Mist and Camouflage to create these structures, making them appear solid when they are not."
"and there's more. Another Data Beast is involved. I have detected Water Manipulation from a separate creature."
"What? Show me the information," Kris demanded, intrigued.
The system panel appeared before Kris, revealing the details.
[Squid Lord] 2nd Evolution Form
Rank: 5
Element: Water / Psychic
Potential: Silver
Abilities:
Water Manipulation: Allows control over vast amounts of water to create structures, traps, or even barriers.
Psychic Drain: Siphons mental energy from enemies, weakening their defenses and restoring some of Squid Lord's stamina.
Aqua Shield: Forms a water barrier around Squid Lord or its allies, absorbing damage from both physical and elemental attacks.
Water Bullet: Fires high-pressure water bullets that deal damage to enemies from a distance.
Additional Notes:
Weaknesses: Electric-type attacks
Strengths: Water-type creatures and most psychic attacks
Evolution: Can evolve into a more powerful form at level 8 with sufficient experience.
Special Evolution: [LOCKED]
Kris stared at the information in awe. "Sir Ahmed is like a god of creation with his Data Beasts," he murmured.
Before Kris could delve deeper into his thoughts, he heard voices calling out his name.
"Kris? Kris!" Necho and Thursday stood beside him, their expressions concerned.
"Huh?" Kris shook his head, snapping out of his trance. "What's up?"
"We've been calling your name for a while," Necho said, a hint of worry in his tone. "You looked like you were lost in a trance. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, mate," Thursday added, his voice filled with concern. "If you're not feeling well, we can ask for help. No shame in that."
Kris smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine, really. I was just impressed by the obstacle course."
Necho grinned, clearly impressed as well. "I agree. Ever since Sir Ahmed started teaching here, he's made incredible things possible. Last year, he created floating islands and flocks of birds flying in the sky for the round one exam. Now it looks like something out of the future, with all these drones and traps."
Thursday, however, seemed more nervous than awed. He glanced at the imposing metallic trap doors in the distance. "I don't know if I can pass this stage, mate. It's giving me chills just thinking about it. With my Data Beast, I don't even know if we stand a chance against all these traps."
He looked down at his insect-type Data Beast, which rested in his hands. It was a small, brown mantis, its body perfectly camouflaged within Thursday's hands. The creature's sharp eyes scanned their environment, alert and ready.
Kris placed a hand on Thursday's shoulder, giving him a reassuring nod. "Don't worry, Thursday. We'll get through this stage together. Trust in your Data Beast. We've got this."
As if responding to Kris's encouragement, Genesis projected information about Thursday's Data Beast into Kris's mind.
[Terra Mantis] Juvenile
Rank: 1
Element: Earth
Potential: Bronze
Abilities:
Ground Shift: Alters the terrain to create obstacles or pathways.
Pebble Assault: Launches small projectiles made of earth.
Earth Camouflage: Enhances the mantis's ability to blend into its surroundings, increasing stealth.
Blade Strike: Uses its sharp forelimbs to deliver swift, cutting attacks.
Additional Notes:
Weakness: Fire-type attacks
Strong Against: Electric-type creatures
Evolution: Can evolve into a more powerful form at level 3 with sufficient experience.
Special Evolution: [LOCKED]
Kris admired the tiny Data Beast's courage, feeling a sense of reassurance wash over him.
Necho, listening to the nervous Thursday, leaned towards him with a playful smirk.
"You know, you can always give up, but that's not an option now that you're here. You'll just have to see me and my Data Beast on the other side of the obstacle course!"
He chuckled as he gave his Bolt Ape a friendly pat on the shoulder.
Thursday, hearing Necho's jab, felt a fire ignite in his eyes. He strike his chest confidently. "You think you can go through that obstacle course? Just wait until me and my boy Mantis get through there first!"
Kris watched the playful banter between the two, a grin spreading across his face.
In his mind, he couldn't help but think that Necho seemed to know Thursday better than anyone else, always ready with a quip to spur him on.
When Necho and Thursday caught Kris laughing, they were bewildered.
It was the first time they had seen Kris truly laugh; he chuckled here and there, but this was different.
His laughter was contagious, and soon enough, it echoed through the air, causing both Necho and Thursday to join in, their spirits lifted by the shared joy.
The atmosphere grew jolly as the three friends laughed together, the tension of the impending challenge fading away, if only for a moment.
Watching from a distance, Belle had been observing Kris for a while.
When she saw him laugh, she nearly reached for her phone to capture the moment.
That was the most majestic laugh she had ever heard.
Selina, standing next to Belle, rolled her eyes and pointed. "Look at those morons laughing. It's the second stage, and they're here causing a ruckus!"
Belle shrugged, her fiery and cold personality on display. "I don't care about them, especially that shameless Kris."
Selina shook her head, trying to suppress a grin as she watched the three of them. "Let's just hope their laughter doesn't get them into trouble."
Sir Ahmed's voice reverberated in the auditorium, commanding attention with a reserved but authoritative tone.
"We are now in the second stage. You and your Data Beast need to pass through the obstacle course to advance," he stated, his expression serious as he gestured toward the imposing structure that loomed before them, its metallic frames glinting under the bright lights.
He continued, "If you can't pass the obstacle course, don't worry, you can still participate in the next stage."
Some of the students sighed with relief, exchanging glances that conveyed a mix of hope and apprehension.
"But," Sir Ahmed added, his eyes narrowing,
"you will be graded low. I don't recommend any of you taking this easy." His gaze swept over the students, landing on those who had just sighed, delivering a clear warning.
As the students gathered around, a series of slides illuminated the display behind Sir Ahmed, showcasing the upcoming challenges.
"Let's break down the course," he explained, maintaining his strict demeanor.
"First up, you'll need to time your jumps properly. Work together with your Data Beast to leap across distances, assisting each other in navigating the gaps in the course. Coordination is key."
He emphasized this point, his eyes scanning the students as if assessing their readiness.
Kris stood at the front, arms crossed, his calm confidence evident in his posture. He leaned slightly toward Thursday and whispered,
"You can use one of Terra Mantis' abilities there. Try Pebble Assault when you jump, let it strike the back of your feet to elevate you more."
Thursday nodded, determination sparking in his eyes.
"Thanks, Mate! I will try using that!"
Sir Ahmed's voice rose above the chatter, steady and firm.
"Next, you'll face a section where drones will be hurled at you. Use your Data Beast's abilities to dodge and knock down switches to deactivate them. Stay alert, this requires quick thinking."
Ignoring a few murmurs of concern among the students, Sir Ahmed continued,
"In the middle of the course, you will command your Data Beast to navigate a series of changing paths. Keep an eye on the monitor, as your Data Beast must hit the button at the end of the path to allow both of you to progress."
"The final obstacle is about trust," Sir Ahmed stated, his voice unwavering.
"You'll enter a dark maze where you must rely on your Data Beast's heightened senses or abilities to guide you through safely. Your bond with your Data Beast is crucial here."
As Sir Ahmed demonstrated the obstacle course, excitement filled the air, and the students leaned forward, eager to begin. The slides showcased various stages, illustrating the challenges that awaited them.
"Let the stage begin!" he announced, his voice echoing through the auditorium, igniting a wave of enthusiasm among the participants.
Kris took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Alright, Pyro, let's show them what we're made of!" he declared, ready to tackle the obstacle course.
With a flicker of fire in its eyes, Pyro Cub seemed to respond to Kris's energy, radiating confidence as they prepared to face the challenges ahead.