The battlefield echoed with the snarls and howls of the remaining creatures, their bloodlust unrelenting. Axton gripped his weapon tighter, his knuckles white. The subtle sting of exhaustion began to gnaw at his body, but he forced himself to focus.
The obelisk pulsed behind him, its glow now steady but faint. It was a fragile victory, one that could shatter if the creatures launched another coordinated attack.
"Axton!" Elias's voice cut through the chaos.
Axton turned to see his friend weaving through the battlefield, his sword slicing
through an enemy with practiced precision. His movements, though confident, were slower than usual—fatigue was catching up to him as well.
"You holding up?" Elias asked, panting slightly as he reached Axton's side.
"Barely," Axton admitted, his eyes scanning the area. "How much longer do you think this will go on?"
Before Elias could respond, a loud crack echoed across the arena. A towering beast, larger and more menacing than the others, emerged from the shadows. Its eyes burned like molten embers, and jagged spikes lined its massive frame.
The instructors stirred in the stands above, their expressions sharpening with interest. Even those who had seemed indifferent moments ago leaned forward, their gazes fixed on the monstrous figure.
"Great," Axton muttered under his breath. "Just what we needed."
The beast let out a deafening roar, sending a wave of oppressive energy across the arena. Several students faltered, their confidence wavering in the face of the creature's sheer presence.
Lira, standing on the opposite side of the battlefield, caught Axton's eye. Her usually calm demeanor was strained, but she gave him a small nod, her grip on her daggers tightening.
The system's voice chimed in, calm and composed as always.
"Warning: Threat level increased. Host is advised to retreat or proceed with caution."
"Retreat? Not an option," Axton hissed under his breath.
Elias glanced at him, concern flickering in his eyes. "We can't take that thing on alone. We need to regroup with the others."
Axton hesitated. The rational part of him agreed, but something about the beast drew his focus. Its movements were slow but deliberate, its eyes scanning the arena as if searching for something—or someone.
A sharp jolt of realization struck him. It's looking for the obelisk.
"If we fall back, it'll go straight for the obelisk," Axton said, his voice low but firm.
Elias frowned. "So what's the plan?"
Axton didn't answer immediately. His mind raced, weighing his limited options. The lightning ability was still there, lingering beneath the surface, but using it again was a gamble. If anyone saw…
The beast took a heavy step forward, the ground trembling beneath its weight. Time was running out.
Axton inhaled deeply, steadying his nerves. "We can't let it reach the obelisk. You distract it—draw it away. I'll try to figure something out."
Elias shot him a doubtful look. "You? Alone? Against that thing?"
"I'll manage," Axton said, though his stomach churned at his own words. He didn't sound convincing, not even to himself. But there was no time for debate.
Elias hesitated, his jaw tightening. "Fine. Don't die, Axton."
Without another word, Elias charged forward, his blade gleaming as he yelled to draw the creature's attention. The beast turned, its fiery eyes locking onto him. It roared and lunged, massive claws slicing through the air where Elias had been a moment before.
Axton gritted his teeth, gripping his weapon as he circled to the side, staying out of the beast's line of sight. The obelisk pulsed weakly behind him, its energy flickering like a candle in a storm.
"Host has one remaining use of Lightning Spark. Cooldown period will follow," the system reminded him.
"I know," Axton whispered harshly. He didn't need a reminder. He needed a plan.
The beast's attention remained on Elias, who was weaving in and out of its reach with impressive agility. But even from a distance, Axton could see his friend was tiring. Sweat poured down Elias's face, and his movements were growing slower with each dodge.
"Host is advised to utilize available ability before circumstances become critical," the system added, its tone devoid of urgency.
"Easy for you to say," Axton muttered. He glanced up at the stands. The instructors were watching, but their attention was divided among the various students still fighting. None of them seemed focused on him—for now.
The beast roared again, swiping at Elias with a massive claw. This time, Elias couldn't dodge fast enough. The strike caught him across the chest, sending him flying backward.
"Elias!" Axton shouted, his heart lurching.
Elias crashed into the dirt, groaning as he tried to push himself up. Blood stained his tunic, and his sword lay a few feet away. The beast turned toward him, its claws raising for a finishing blow.
Panic surged through Axton. He couldn't wait any longer.
"Activate Lightning Spark," he said through gritted teeth.
A surge of energy shot through his body, crackling along his arm as he raised his hand. The air around him hummed with power, the scent of ozone sharp in his nostrils.
"Focus," he told himself, aiming for the beast's exposed side.
The bolt of lightning leaped from his palm, striking the creature with a deafening crack. The beast let out a pained roar, its massive form convulsing as electricity coursed through it.
Axton staggered, the energy leaving him drained. He dropped to one knee, panting heavily.
The beast stumbled, smoke rising from its scorched flesh. For a moment, it seemed ready to collapse. But then it turned its burning gaze toward Axton, a low growl rumbling from its throat.
"Great," Axton muttered, struggling to stand. "Now it's my turn, isn't it?"
The system's voice chimed in.
"Energy reserves are depleted. Ability on cooldown. Host is advised to seek cover."
"Yeah, thanks for the advice," Axton said bitterly.
The beast began lumbering toward him, each step shaking the ground. Axton's weapon felt heavy in his hands, his limbs sluggish. He wasn't sure how much longer he could hold out.
Just as the beast reared back for an attack, a sudden blur shot past Axton, slamming into the creature with incredible force. The impact sent the beast skidding backward, a surprised snarl escaping its throat.
Axton blinked, his vision swimming. He turned to see Lira standing in front of him, her daggers gleaming with a faint blue light.
"You looked like you could use some help," she said, not looking back at him.
Axton managed a weak grin. "Thanks. I owe you one."
"Just stay alive," Lira said, her tone firm.
The beast roared, recovering quickly from the blow. It lunged at Lira, who dodged with practiced precision, her movements fluid and precise.
Axton forced himself to his feet, gripping his weapon tightly. He couldn't let Lira face the creature alone. Even if he was out of energy, he had to do something.
"Host is advised to retreat," the system warned again.
"Not happening," Axton muttered, stepping forward to join Lira.
The arena was a chaos of roars and clashing steel. As the battle raged on, the instructors in the stands paid little attention to Axton. Their eyes were fixed on other students who had already showcased their talents—Lira, with her exceptional agility and precision, and Corbin, who had effortlessly obliterated several of the creatures with his control over fire. These students were the ones drawing the instructors' attention, their abilities impressive and honed.
Professor Salazar, seated among the others, leaned forward in his chair, his eyes scanning the battlefield with careful observation. "Lira has truly mastered her speed," he remarked to an instructor next to him, who nodded in agreement. "And Corbin's fire manipulation has become more advanced. I expect he'll move into Adept levels soon."
Another instructor added, "Let's not forget about Elias. His swordsmanship is impeccable. He might lack elemental abilities, but his physical prowess is commendable."
Axton's name didn't pass their lips. His struggle to stay on his feet, to even maintain his composure amidst the chaos, was barely a blip on their radar. He was just another student fighting for survival—nothing special in their eyes. For now.
On the battlefield, Axton's thoughts raced. The lightning surge had left him drained, his body aching with the exertion. Elias was down for the count, and Lira was barely holding her own against the towering beast. Time was running out, and the obelisk's faint glow seemed to flicker with each passing moment.
The system's voice chimed in, breaking through his thoughts.
"Host has one remaining use of Lightning Spark. Energy reserves are at critical levels. Caution is advised."
Axton's hand trembled on the hilt of his weapon. One more use. He didn't know if he could summon the strength to do it again, especially with the instructors watching—but the creature was too close to the obelisk. He had to stop it, no matter the cost.
The beast advanced, its claws scraping the ground, eyes burning with malice. It was closing in on Lira now, its monstrous form casting a shadow over her. Axton knew that if he didn't act now, she'd be the next target.
"Host is advised to use Lightning Spark before the situation becomes critical."
He felt the cool rush of energy at the base of his spine, the system's encouragement pushing him forward. The instructors, still watching other students, hadn't noticed the subtle hum in the air—the growing tension that surrounded Axton.
Axton gritted his teeth and raised his hand. The air crackled as the last remnants of his power surged through him. He aimed for the beast's vulnerable side, where its armor was thinnest, and unleashed the bolt of lightning with a fierce cry.
The surge of electricity shot out, faster than the eye could follow. It struck the creature with a crack that echoed through the arena, sending a shockwave that staggered it back. The beast roared in agony, smoke rising from its scorched body.
Axton fell to his knees, breath coming in ragged gasps. The energy left him hollow, his vision swimming. But as the beast staggered, smoke billowing from the wound, Axton saw Lira's eyes widen in surprise. She hadn't expected him to strike at that moment, but the creature was now focused on him.
The system's voice was calm, almost approving. "Host has successfully used Lightning Spark. Ability is now on cooldown. Energy reserves at minimum."
Lira lunged at the creature again, distracting it for a moment as Axton struggled to stay upright. His muscles screamed for rest, but there was no time. He had to keep fighting.
From the stands, the instructors were still talking about the other students, unaware of Axton's subtle use of power. Professor Salazar noted, "Corbin's control over fire is beyond impressive today. He may well be the one to take the lead in this trial."
But the mention of Corbin was cut off when the beast let out a final, furious roar. It was no longer just a mindless animal; now, it was driven by a singular focus—Axton.
And as the creature turned to charge at him, the instructors began to glance around, sensing a shift in the air. But they still hadn't pinpointed the source of the disturbance. Axton's power, hidden beneath the surface, remained unseen. The system was keeping him one step ahead, ensuring that no one could detect the strange forces at play.