Chapter 4: The True Test
The deep hum of magic in the Verdant Labyrinth was unrelenting. Each step Talon took seemed to echo, not just through the forest but in his chest, as if the Rift itself recognized him as a challenger. With two shards secured, his focus sharpened. He adjusted his breathing, keeping it steady as his muscles burned with effort. The Nemean Lion's power hummed faintly beneath his skin, a constant reminder of his potential.
The air shifted as he moved forward, the trees thinning slightly to reveal a wide clearing bathed in a strange, golden light. In the center stood a massive creature: a C+ rank venomous basilisk, its scaled body coiled, head raised as if daring him to approach. Its fangs glistened with venom, and its yellow, slit-pupiled eyes tracked him with eerie precision. Unlike the foes before, this one exuded calculated malice.
Talon froze, calculating his next move. The shard he needed shimmered faintly around the basilisk's neck, embedded in a collar-like structure.
"A real challenge," he muttered, tightening his fists.
---
The basilisk struck first, uncoiling with unnatural speed. Its tail lashed out, smashing into the ground where Talon had stood a moment before. He darted to the side, claws partially extended, and closed the distance between them in a blur. His golden fur glinted in the light as he raked his claws across its flank, but the beast's scales held firm.
It hissed, rearing back and spitting a glob of venom that splattered against a nearby tree, the bark sizzling and melting instantly. Talon ducked behind a boulder, his mind racing.
"Alright," he thought, "straight-on attacks aren't going to work. Let's see how fast it can really move."
He darted out from cover, baiting the basilisk with quick feints and sudden movements. It lunged repeatedly, its massive body twisting and thrashing as it tried to pin him down. Each miss left the creature slightly more exposed, and Talon exploited every opening, landing precise strikes against weaker points in its scales: the joints near its jaw and the softer underbelly.
The basilisk roared, shaking the clearing with its fury, but Talon didn't relent. With a final burst of speed, he launched himself onto its back, digging his claws into the ridges of its spine. The monster bucked violently, twisting and writhing to throw him off. Talon held on, his muscles screaming in protest, until he saw his chance.
The shard glimmered just below him. Summoning all his strength, he drove his claws into the collar, shattering the structure. The shard fell free, glowing brightly as the basilisk let out one last defiant cry before collapsing in a heap. Talon leapt clear, clutching the shard tightly in his hand.
---
The clearing grew still, save for Talon's labored breathing. As he stood, triumphant, the glow of the shard began to dim, and a soft chime echoed through the forest.
"Congratulations, Talon Leonhardt," a disembodied voice intoned. "You have completed the Placement Exam."
A portal materialized nearby, its edges crackling with blue energy. Talon stepped toward it, glancing back at the fallen basilisk.
"Thanks for the warm-up," he muttered before stepping through.
---
The world shifted again, and he found himself back in the academy's main plaza, where a crowd of students gathered to await their results. Some looked battered and weary, others visibly frustrated. A few shared triumphant smiles, holding their heads high.
Edrik caught sight of Talon and jogged over. "Hey, you made it out! How'd it go?" he asked, his voice a mix of relief and curiosity.
"Not bad," Talon replied with a grin. "Picked up a few scratches, but nothing serious."
Before Edrik could press further, a loud voice interrupted.
"Gather around, everyone!" Instructor Velas stood on the steps, holding a tablet that projected a holographic leaderboard.
Names began to appear, each accompanied by a rank. Students leaned forward, craning their necks to see where they stood. Murmurs rippled through the crowd as results flashed across the screen.
"And now, for the top performers of this trial," Velas announced. The crowd hushed.
Names scrolled by, pausing at the highest ranks:
- 1 place: Talon Leonhardt: B
- 8 place: Lira Venith: C+
- 12 place: Brant Kaelor: C
Gasps spread as Talon's name appeared. Edrik's jaw dropped.
"B-rank? Already? That's… insane," Edrik stammered.
Velas's sharp eyes found Talon in the crowd, narrowing slightly.
"Mr. Leonhardt," Velas called, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "A remarkable performance. But rankings are earned, not given. Prove you deserve it."
Talon met Velas's gaze, his expression steady. "I will," he said confidently.
---
As the crowd dispersed, Talon felt a mix of pride and anticipation. The placement exam was only the beginning. Challenges lay ahead, and he welcomed them with open arms. Somewhere in the academy, whispers of his performance had already begun.
The lion in him stirred, eager for the hunt.