For a moment, the trial grounds fell silent before erupting in the cheers of the surviving students. Yet, beneath this facade of victory, Rein's heart was a storm of complex emotions.
Kneeling before the Shadow Wolf, Rein looked into its deep blue eyes, his voice tired yet resolute. "We won."
The Shadow Wolf didn't respond. It simply stood there, the silver contract mark faintly glowing. Lowering its head, it licked its forepaw, seemingly indifferent to Rein's words.
The examiner leaned weakly against a broken stone pillar, his voice hoarse yet filled with relief. "It was your leadership that saved everyone… Your trial score will exceed everyone's expectations."
Rein nodded slightly, but his gaze never left the Shadow Wolf. He knew this battle was only the beginning.
As the students began to leave the trial grounds, Rein slowly rose to his feet. He walked toward the Shadow Wolf, placing his hand gently on its forehead.
"You've proven yourself," Rein said softly. "But if we keep resisting each other, we'll never truly become strong."
The Shadow Wolf paused mid-lick, raising its head slightly. Its eyes flickered with complex emotions, and through their soul link, Rein sensed a reluctant acceptance.
"You want my power," the Shadow Wolf finally spoke, its voice cold and deep. "But don't forget, I am the Shadow Wolf, not your slave."
Rein smiled faintly. Though the Shadow Wolf's words were laced with indifference, he caught a subtle shift. It was a faint acknowledgment, perhaps temporary, but enough to lay the groundwork for the future.
As the Shadow Wolf made its initial concession, Rein's gaze swept across the ruins of the trial grounds. He approached the examiner and asked quietly, "Examiner, I need an answer—these mechanisms in the trial grounds… Who sabotaged them?"
The examiner's expression shifted slightly before he gave a bitter smile. "I'm investigating that myself, but some clues do point to external forces… Perhaps the Cult of the Nether Pact."
Rein didn't press further. His gaze fell upon a shattered stone tablet, inscribed with ancient text. Among the words, the phrase "Ultimate Beast" stood out, stirring memories of his past life—the force that had once defeated him.
"The traces of the Ultimate Beast… may have never left," Rein thought to himself.
As the students regrouped, ready to hear the results of the trial, the Shadow Wolf suddenly stood behind Rein, letting out a low growl.
Rein turned to look at it and said softly, "Is that a warning for the others, or for me?"
The Shadow Wolf didn't reply. Instead, it stepped forward, standing beside Rein. The examiner announced Rein's trial results—first place. Yet Rein knew the true challenge was far from over.
"The scent of the Ultimate Beast is approaching," the Shadow Wolf murmured through their soul link. "Our cooperation may soon become a necessity."
Rein clenched his fist, his gaze resolute. "Cooperation, yes. But this won't just be my trial—it will be our fight."
The Shadow Wolf's pupils contracted slightly, its gaze flickering with complex emotions. Finally, it replied in a low voice:
"Temporary master, how long can you endure?"