The dawn sunlight bathed the battered land of the trial grounds, the air still tinged with the scent of blood and smoke. The team was exhausted, yet the fire of victory still burned in their eyes. Shadow Wolf stood silently by Rein's side, its black glow faded, replaced by a cold and chilling aura of dominance.
The instructor approached the students with heavy steps, his face marked by weariness and concern, but his voice was firm. "You've done well in this trial." His gaze fell on Rein and his team, a touch of relief in his tone. "Especially you all—you completed a task that seemed almost impossible."
Other students murmured among themselves, some casting looks of admiration, while others bore expressions filled with complex emotions.
"The trial is officially over," the instructor announced loudly, a luminous stone in his hand projecting radiant light that inscribed everyone's names upon the sky. "Rein's team has claimed first place with overwhelming superiority!"
Rayke staggered to his feet, a disdainful smirk on his face. "Figures—team up with a contract beast beyond the norm, and you're bound to win first place." Though his tone was harsh, a subtle trace of acknowledgment lingered in his eyes.
Ava sighed softly, stroking Windfox's fur as she spoke slowly. "Perhaps the result is worth being proud of, but the path ahead will be far more dangerous than this trial." Her gaze turned toward Shadow Wolf, deep and penetrating, as if she saw through secrets yet to be revealed.
As the instructor prepared to distribute rewards, a chilling aura suddenly surged from the depths of the trial grounds. A gravely injured student staggered forward, his face etched with terror. "Th-that person! He… vanished!"
Everyone froze. Rein reacted swiftly, questioning the student. "Who?"
The student trembled, pointing toward the ruins at the trial grounds' edge. "The one disguised as an instructor! He activated some sort of formation at the last moment and… and then he just disappeared!"
Rein's gaze darkened sharply. Shadow Wolf's earlier whisper echoed in his mind: "The Nether Pact cult never cared about you; their goal lies far beyond this trial."
The instructor's expression grew heavier, and he spoke in a low voice. "The Nether Pact cult has infiltrated the core of the academy's trial grounds. We must conduct a thorough investigation moving forward."
As the group began to leave the trial grounds, Shadow Wolf suddenly stopped, its crimson eyes fixed on the distant sky. Its voice was low, carrying an air of deep indifference. "The Ultimate Beast's aura grows closer. It is awakening."
"What are you talking about?" Rein attempted to communicate with it through their soul link, but Shadow Wolf's emotions seemed even more inscrutable.
"You think the trial was just for growth? No, the trial is merely the prelude to battle," Shadow Wolf murmured, its voice thundering within Rein's soul. "The call of the Ultimate Beast is the Nether Pact cult's true goal. Are you ready to face it?"
Rein clenched his fist, his voice low and firm. "Whatever their goal, I'll stop them."
Shadow Wolf let out a cold chuckle. "Temporary master, I hope you won't disappoint me."
On their way out of the trial grounds, Ava couldn't hold back her question to Rein. "Shadow Wolf… what exactly is it?"
Rein hesitated briefly before calmly replying, "It's my contract beast."
Ava shook her head, her gaze piercing. "No, it's not an ordinary contract beast. Its power far exceeds its growth stage, and its will even defies the contract. I can tell—you know things we don't."
Rein remained silent for a moment before finally saying, "There are things you wouldn't believe if I told you now. But as long as you follow me, I'll ensure our safety."
Ava's gaze was filled with complexity. She spoke softly, "I'll follow you, but not just out of trust. I want to uncover the secrets you're hiding."
As the team entered the academy's main hall, a crimson light spread across the sky. The instructor looked up, his eyes filled with vigilance. "This is… an ominous omen."
Rein felt the searing heat of his contract mark. He murmured under his breath, "The failures of my past life… will not repeat this time."
And deep within the soul, Shadow Wolf whispered, "The battle ahead will determine your fate… and my freedom."