Aamir and his team ventured deeper into the jungle. The dense canopy overhead allowed only streaks of sunlight to filter through, casting eerie shadows on the forest floor. The sounds of rustling leaves and distant animal cries grew louder, blending into a symphony of the wilderness. Their senses were on high alert, each step carefully placed as they navigated through the dense undergrowth.
Three hours remained until the trials were over. So far, the group had managed to kill around 25 Feral-class beasts and one Predator-class beast. Despite this accomplishment, the mood was far from celebratory.
"Only one Predator-class beast? It's not even worth celebrating," grumbled Rajiv, wiping the dried blood from his sword with a cloth. His tone was laced with frustration as he examined the blade for any nicks or dull edges.
Aamir, walking slightly ahead, turned to glance at him. "Then concentrate," he said firmly. "Complaining will not help you achieve your goals." His voice carried a sense of authority that made Rajiv purse his lips and fall silent.
"No, I will leave," Riya said abruptly, crossing her arms and stopping in her tracks. The group turned to look at her, puzzled by her sudden declaration.
Her instincts were screaming at her. Though the jungle seemed strangely calm, she felt it was the deceptive silence before a great danger. Shaking off her unease, she followed the group further into the jungle, her grip tightening on her weapon.
The quiet was suddenly shattered by a piercing cry—a girl's scream that echoed through the trees.
"Did you hear that?" Rajiv asked, his hand tightening on his sword's hilt. He turned to Kiran, who was already scanning the area.
"Yes," Kiran replied. "It sounds like a group is in trouble."
Without hesitation, they ran in the direction of the noise. The underbrush slowed their progress, but the urgency of the situation pushed them forward.
When they arrived, they were met with a tense scene. A group of five young girls was surrounded by five snarling beasts. The creatures resembled oversized dogs, their black fur matted with dirt and their long tongues hanging out menacingly. Their blood-red eyes glowed with hunger, and their razor-sharp claws tore at the ground as if preparing to strike.
Rajiv raised his hand in a gesture of peace and called out to the girls, "Do you need help?"
The leader of the group, a tall girl with sharp eyes and a dagger clenched tightly in her hand, turned to face them. "We don't need the help of boys!" she declared, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her fear.
Aamir stepped forward, unslinging his bow and arrows. "If you don't want help, then deal with the beasts yourself," he said calmly, his tone devoid of malice but firm enough to make his point.
As if on cue, one of the beasts let out a deafening roar that shook the surrounding trees. The girls clung to each other, their fear palpable. One of the beasts lunged at a girl, its claws extended for a fatal strike.
The girl shut her eyes tightly, bracing for the inevitable pain. When nothing happened, she opened her eyes to see Aamir standing in front of her. His sword was locked against the beast's claws, holding them at bay. Despite the beast's immense strength, Aamir's grip held steady. The effort left a gash on his arm, but he didn't flinch. His eyes glowed crimson, reflecting the beast's blood-red gaze.
Rajiv chuckled, glancing at the girls. "Don't you always say you don't need help?"
The leader clenched her fists, her face flushing with anger, but she remained silent this time.
Aamir's voice was calm yet commanding as he addressed them. "Watch and learn," he said. "Or pick up a weapon and fight."
The beasts, sensing a challenge, charged together. Claws and fangs rained down on the group in a frenzied assault. Aamir shifted his stance, narrowly avoiding a swipe from the nearest beast. His sword arced through the air in a fluid motion, embedding itself deep into the beast's chest. It let out a pained howl, writhing as Aamir's blade pierced its heart.
Rajiv found himself facing two beasts at once. Flames danced along the edge of his sword as he swung it in wide arcs to keep them at bay. "A little help here?" he shouted as one beast darted behind him, ready to pounce.
Rahul was quick to respond. Fire erupted from his hands as he hurled a fireball at the creature. The flames engulfed the beast, and it collapsed, screeching in agony.
"Stop being so dramatic," Riya snapped, conjuring her own magic knives. Her blades gleamed as she threw them with precision, pinning another beast to the ground. Rajiv capitalized on the opening, severing the beast's front leg with a powerful swing of his sword.
"Thanks," Rajiv said, flashing her a grin as he wiped blood from his face.
"Save your gratitude," Riya replied sharply, though a faint smile played on her lips.
"Focus!" Aamir's shout cut through the chaos, drawing everyone's attention. His gaze was locked on the largest beast—the alpha of the pack. It stood apart from the others, its posture exuding a predatory intelligence. Its blood-red eyes met Aamir's, and for a moment, the two seemed to size each other up.
"It's different," Aamir murmured, sensing the beast's cunning.
Without warning, the alpha charged. Its speed was astonishing, and its attack forced Aamir to step back. The beast's claws swiped at him, but Aamir's adrenaline-fueled reflexes allowed him to dodge just in time.
"Need more help?" Rajiv called out, stepping forward.
"Stay back!" Aamir snapped, his voice firm.
The alpha lunged again, its jaws snapping inches from Aamir's face. Gritting his teeth, Aamir countered with a powerful strike, his sword slicing into the beast's chest. The creature let out a final, guttural growl before collapsing, its lifeless body hitting the ground with a thud.
The battlefield fell silent, save for the group's heavy breathing.
The leader of the girls stepped forward hesitantly, her pride visibly shaken. She looked at Aamir with a mixture of gratitude and embarrassment. "Thank you," she said softly. "We couldn't have done it without you."
Aamir wiped his sword clean and sheathed it. His gaze met hers, unwavering. "Next time," he said, his voice steady, "don't let your pride endanger your lives."