The tense atmosphere of the trial grounds was shattered by the beasts released from the rune mechanism, their piercing roars reverberating all around. Rayke glared at Rein, his expression grim. "You're telling me this was an accident? From your Shadow Wolf to this rune mechanism, what else are you hiding?"
"Now's not the time to argue!" Rein shot back, his voice cold as his eyes darted across the battlefield. The terrain was treacherous, with dense forests providing perfect cover for the beasts, which seemed to navigate it with uncanny precision as if they were aware of the students' every move.
Ava scoffed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "What he's hiding doesn't matter right now. Let's focus on staying alive first!"
Rein didn't respond, but a heavy pressure stirred in his chest. Through their soul link, the Shadow Wolf's scornful voice echoed in his mind: "You think they'll trust you? Foolish humans only believe what their eyes see."
The beasts launched their first assault, moving with speed far surpassing ordinary creatures. Their movements were unnervingly strange, as if they were being controlled by some unseen force.
"Ava, defend the right flank! Rayke, your Ironclad Beast—hold the front!" Rein quickly issued commands.
Rayke sneered. "You really think you're the leader here?" Despite his mocking tone, he still ordered his Ironclad Beast to intercept the oncoming assault.
Ava used the Wind Fox's wind barrier to protect the rear but didn't miss the chance to scrutinize Rein. "Your tactics are decent, but maybe you should explain why these beasts are acting so strangely?"
The Shadow Wolf moved at that moment, leaping past the team's defenses. Waves of shadow energy surged forth like a tide, engulfing the beasts instantly. However, its attack nearly hit Rayke, who had been standing nearby.
"Is it crazy?!" Rayke roared in anger. "This is your idea of teamwork?"
The Shadow Wolf let out a low laugh through the soul link. "The weak have no right to criticize me."
Clenching his fist, Rein felt a storm of conflicting emotions inside him. He realized that the Shadow Wolf's defiance was deepening the team's mistrust, which could ultimately lead to their downfall. Taking a deep breath, he issued a soul command: "Follow orders. Protect the team."
The Shadow Wolf was silent for a moment before replying, "Fine. I'll humor you this time. But don't forget—our contract is only temporary."
In the ensuing battle, the Shadow Wolf's exceptional combat prowess was on full display, yet every movement seemed to declare its independence. Its strikes were calculated and precise, but it never made any effort to coordinate with the other contract beasts, intensifying the doubts Rayke and Ava already harbored.
Eventually, the team managed to drive off the beasts, but exhaustion and unease were written on everyone's faces. While cleaning up the area, Ava discovered an ancient mark etched into the rune mechanism.
"This… is the Cult of the Nether Pact's mark," Ava said, her voice laced with suspicion. "Rein, are you really telling me you know nothing about this?"
Rein was silent for a moment, knowing that denying it would only deepen their mistrust. Slowly, he replied, "I suspect someone is deliberately guiding these beasts, but I don't have concrete evidence yet."
Ava sneered. "I hope you're not hiding anything. Because next time, we might not be so lucky."
Rayke said nothing, but he gave Rein a long, hard look, his eyes filled with complicated emotions.
That night, Rein sat alone, organizing his thoughts. The Shadow Wolf's voice echoed once again through their soul link: "The Cult of the Nether Pact's methods are far more terrifying than you realize. And this is only the beginning. Master, are you truly ready to face the Ultimate Beast?"
Rein clenched the contract mark on his hand, his voice resolute as he replied, "Whether it's the Cult of the Nether Pact or the Ultimate Beast, this time, I won't repeat my past mistakes."