The atmosphere in the trial grounds was as heavy as an abyss. The distant roars of the Lord-class beast grew closer, each reverberation striking the students' hearts like a hammer.
The examiner's voice boomed across the field. "Everyone, retreat to the central area! Adjust your formation! Contract beasts, full defense!"
Rein stood at the rear of the group, his gaze fixed on the distant shadows. He knew the Cult of the Nether Pact's scheme was far from over—the fleeing examiner was merely the tip of the iceberg.
"Shadow Wolf," Rein whispered through their soul link, "what can you sense?"
The Shadow Wolf raised its head, its blue eyes glinting coldly. "The creature's aura… it has already tainted this land. Foolish humans. Do you truly believe you can control such power?"
Rein had no time to argue with the Shadow Wolf. He turned to Ava, Rayke, and the others, quickly issuing commands. "Ava, use your Wind Fox to scout for movement around us. Rayke, take your strength-based contract beast and guard the northern entrance. Everyone else, hold the formation."
Ava frowned, her dissatisfaction with Rein's attitude evident. "Did you forget? This isn't just your battle."
"Now's not the time to argue," Rein replied firmly. "If you don't want more people to die, do as I say."
Rein scanned the area and divided the field into key positions, using the students and their contract beasts to form a defensive strategy. With a branch, he sketched a simple battle plan on the ground:
Central Defense: Use Rayke's Armored Giant Beast as the core to withstand frontal assaults.
Flank Support: Assign agile contract beasts for quick responses to prevent flank breaches.
Ranged Support: Ava's Wind Fox will use wind-based disruption skills to delay enemy advances.
Shadow Wolf's Role: Rein directed the Shadow Wolf to remain outside the formation, ready to launch ambushes.
Rayke couldn't help but sneer. "You really think you're the commander now? These plans better work."
Rein replied icily, "If you think it won't work, feel free to forfeit the trial and leave."
Rayke was left speechless. He turned and led his contract beast to the northern line. Though he didn't like Rein's attitude, he couldn't deny the soundness of the plan.
The Shadow Wolf didn't act immediately, instead lounging lazily on the ground, its tail sweeping the dust. "Do you really think these dull arrangements can stop them? The power of a Lord-class beast is far beyond what you 'humans' can handle."
Rein glanced at it, his tone indifferent. "I never expect your obedience. But if you want to prove you're better than us, then act."
The Shadow Wolf chuckled softly and didn't argue further, though its gaze gleamed with a hint of danger.
As the students prepared to defend, a deep rumble came from the depths of the trial grounds. A black-red light burst from the earth, painting the sky crimson.
"What is that?" Ava's voice trembled slightly.
Rein's expression grew darker than ever. He whispered, "It's the Cult of the Nether Pact's sorcery. They're summoning… something."
Before he could finish, a massive figure emerged from the red light. It was a giant beast clad in black scales, its body surrounded by dark red energy. Its blood-red eyes radiated suffocating pressure.
"A Lord-class beast!" the examiner's voice carried a hint of terror. "Everyone, hold formation! Prepare to engage!"
Rein moved to the center of the group and shouted, "This isn't an ordinary Lord-class beast! It's been strengthened by the Cult's sorcery. If we can't work together, none of us will leave here alive!"
He turned to the Shadow Wolf, his gaze filled with a mix of emotions. "Shadow Wolf, I need your strength. This isn't just for me—it's for you, too."
The Shadow Wolf didn't reply, but its form instantly became a streak of black lightning, hurtling toward the giant beast.
Rein took a deep breath and tightened his grip on his short blade. "Everyone, follow my lead! This is our last chance!"
As the battle erupted, chaos engulfed the trial grounds. Rein used the Shadow Wolf's diversion to lead the students in a counterattack, but the beast's power exceeded all expectations.
Amid the fray, Rein glimpsed members of the Cult at the other end of the trial grounds, chanting softly as if activating an even more dangerous spell.
The Shadow Wolf's voice echoed through their soul link. "It's coming… This is only the beginning."
Rein's heart sank. He knew there was a far greater conspiracy lurking behind this battle.