One corner of the trial grounds had turned to rubble as the students were gradually gathered before the examiner. Scanning the crowd, the examiner announced new rules: "In the next stage, you will form teams for the trial. This will not only test your individual skills but also evaluate your ability to collaborate as a team."
Rein's gaze narrowed slightly. He understood that teamwork was not his strong suit, especially with the Shadow Wolf's independent and arrogant nature, which could become a critical liability.
The examiner continued, "The mission area is scattered with resource points. You will need to compete for them and return your findings by the end of the trial. Bear in mind—this is not just about collection but also survival."
Rayke scoffed, muttering under his breath, "Teamwork? Some people can only rely on their contract beasts. I doubt they can even function in a team."
Rein heard him clearly but didn't retort. He knew this wasn't the time for arguments; actions would speak louder than words.
Rein extended an olive branch to Rayke. "I know we have our differences, but right now, we need to unite. Your Ironclad Beast has the strongest defense—we need it to guard our retreat."
Rayke squinted at him, feigning disdain, though inwardly admitting that Rein's analysis was sound. "Fine, I'll join. But if your Shadow Wolf drags us down, I won't hold back."
Ava, assigned to the same team, clearly showed her reluctance. Folding her arms, she said, "I don't want to die because of someone else's mistakes. My Wind Fox and I are better off working alone."
"But what if going solo fails?" Rein asked calmly, his tone devoid of emotion. "We need your beast-taming talent to avoid unnecessary conflicts, and the Wind Fox's speed is perfect for scouting. Your abilities are indispensable."
Ava frowned, pondering for a moment before reluctantly nodding. "I hope you know what you're doing."
As the team set out, the landscape quickly shifted from ruins to dense forest. Resource points were located in various high-risk areas. The Shadow Wolf growled lowly, seeming disdainful of the mission, yet it didn't outright disobey Rein's orders, taking up a position to scout the perimeter.
"There might be a potential threat ahead," Ava said, closing her eyes as she communicated with nearby low-level beasts. The information she received made her frown. "There's an enraged beast over there. I suggest we take a detour."
"A detour will waste time," Rayke argued. "The Ironclad Beast can tank it. Let's push through."
Ava sneered, "I'm the one who understands the beast's emotions. Are you sure you want to take that risk?"
The team's internal tensions began to show, but the Shadow Wolf ignored the discussion entirely, striding forward on its own. Rein made a quick decision. "We'll follow Ava's advice and take the detour. This isn't the time to show off our strength."
The team successfully located a resource point, but as they began collecting, another team suddenly ambushed them, aiming to seize the resources. A fierce skirmish broke out.
"Ironclad Beast, hold them off!" Rayke shouted. The Ironclad Beast's formidable defenses easily withstood the enemy's initial assault, but a fire-type contract beast launched a ferocious attack, putting Rayke under pressure.
At this moment, Rein calmly issued commands. "Ava, use the Wind Fox's speed to flank their rear line. Shadow Wolf, cut off their escape!"
The Shadow Wolf scoffed disdainfully but ultimately obeyed. Waves of shadow energy rippled out, forcing the enemy team back, while the Wind Fox swiftly reclaimed the resource point.
Just as the battle ended, one of the students accidentally activated a rune mechanism on the ground. The next moment, a small-scale lord-level beast emerged from the earth, letting out a deafening roar.
"Everyone, fall back!" Rein shouted.
The beast's overwhelming aura sparked panic. Rayke's Ironclad Beast charged forward but was clearly overpowered in a direct clash. The Wind Fox quickly conjured a wind barrier to slow the beast's movements, but it wouldn't hold for long.
Rein decisively commanded, "Shadow Wolf, target its hind legs. Wind Fox, keep it slowed. Ironclad Beast, maintain the frontal defense!"
The Shadow Wolf vanished in an instant, reappearing beside the beast in the form of shadows. Its sharp claws precisely severed the beast's hind-leg balance. The Wind Fox reinforced its barrier, allowing the Ironclad Beast to topple it to the ground.
Ava looked surprised, murmuring, "I didn't think it would actually listen to you."
Rein didn't respond and simply gazed at the Shadow Wolf. Through their soul link, its cold voice came through: "Don't get cocky. I only did it to survive."
The beast was finally repelled, but the rune mechanism continued to glow strangely. Ava crouched down to examine it, her expression changing drastically. "This isn't a normal mechanism—it bears the mark of the Cult of the Nether Pact!"
Rein's pupils narrowed. At the same time, the Shadow Wolf growled lowly, "They're coming."
From the distant forest came the sound of heavy footsteps, as if a greater threat was drawing near.