Clash of Titans
The cavern trembled under the might of the two colossal beasts. The Lightning Tiger and the Magical Lion locked eyes, both radiating overwhelming power. Their battle had begun, and the students could do nothing but watch in awe and terror.
The lion beast struck first. With a deafening roar, it lunged, its golden claws slashing through the air like divine blades. The tiger beast responded with blinding speed, narrowly avoiding the attack as sparks of electricity crackled around its body. In a flash, it retaliated—Lightning Gauntlet Smash!
CRACK!
A blinding arc of lightning struck the lion beast's ribs, forcing it backward. The sheer force of the impact sent cracks rippling through the rocky ground. But the lion refused to yield. With a low growl, it gathered golden mana around its mane, its eyes glowing like molten fire.
Then—BOOM!
The lion beast unleashed a golden energy beam, tearing through the cavern like a divine lance. The tiger beast barely managed to evade, leaping to the side as the blast obliterated a section of the cavern wall.
Without wasting a moment, the tiger beast closed the distance, claws surging with pure lightning as it unleashed a flurry of slashes aimed at the lion's legs. But the lion was no ordinary opponent. Anticipating the attack, it leaped high into the air, its body twisting mid-flight before pouncing down like a meteor.
BOOM!
The impact sent a massive shockwave rippling through the battlefield, creating a crater beneath them. Dust and debris filled the air.
The students held their breath.
Then—a flash of blue lightning erupted from the dust cloud.
The tiger beast had survived. Its fur crackled with unstable energy, its breathing ragged but determined. The lion beast's strength was overwhelming, but the tiger refused to surrender.
Neither beast was backing down.
This was a battle of equals.
Eva's Plan
Eva's mind worked at lightning speed. The battle was too close, and the tiger beast wouldn't last much longer against the lion's overwhelming endurance.
Her gaze darted to the cavern ceiling, where stalactites hung precariously.
An idea struck.
She turned to Pedro, Cedric, Siddhartha, and Kara. "We need to shift the battlefield—force the lion into a disadvantage."
Cedric frowned. "What do you mean?"
Eva pointed at the ceiling. "Those stalactites. We bring them down—right on the lion. If we can restrict its movement, the tiger beast will have a better chance to land a finishing blow."
Kara caught on quickly. "I can use fire magic to heat the ceiling and expand the cracks."
Eva nodded. "Perfect. Cedric, you use earth magic to shake the weaker points and bring the stalactites down. Pedro, you blind the lion with light magic at the right moment."
Pedro smirked. "Got it."
Siddhartha cracked his knuckles. "And I'll push the lion into the trap."
Eva grinned. "Exactly. Let's move!"
Executing the Plan
Kara raised her hands, channeling intense heat into the cavern's ceiling. The temperature soared, and tiny fractures spread across the stalactites.
Cedric followed up, slamming his fists into the ground. The cavern trembled, and the cracks widened further.
The lion beast sensed danger. Its golden eyes darted upward, but before it could react—
FLASH!
Pedro released a blinding burst of light magic directly at its face. The lion roared in frustration, momentarily disoriented.
This was the moment.
Siddhartha charged in, blade flashing. His sword clashed with the lion's claws, forcing it backward—right beneath the collapsing stalactites.
Eva raised her hand. "NOW!"
CRACK!
The ceiling gave way. A massive rockslide thundered down, sending shockwaves through the battlefield. The lion beast tried to move—
Too late.
BOOM!
The cavern shook violently as tons of rock crashed onto the lion. The beast let out a final, guttural roar before being buried beneath the rubble.
Silence followed.
Victory and Disappearance
Dust settled. The students slowly lowered their arms, barely believing what they had just witnessed.
The tiger beast stood in the distance, its glowing eyes locked onto Eva's.
There was no aggression—only understanding.
Then, before anyone could react—
The tiger beast vanished.
It moved like lightning, disappearing into the cavern's depths before anyone could stop it.
Eva took a step forward. "Wait—!"
Gone.
Kara exhaled. "What… was that thing?"
Siddhartha sheathed his sword. "No idea. But it wasn't our enemy."
Cedric muttered, "Whatever it was… it saved our lives."
The Teachers Arrive
Just as the dust settled, the cavern entrance shook.
BOOM!
A powerful surge of mana filled the air as several figures entered the battlefield.
The teachers had arrived.
Leading them was Professor Alden, his sharp eyes scanning the area. Behind him, Professor Helen and other instructors stood, looking equally stunned.
Alden's gaze locked onto the rubble. "You all… won?"
The students exchanged glances before Siddhartha finally spoke. "Yes, sir. The lion beast has been neutralized."
Alden exhaled. A rare flicker of admiration crossed his face. "Impressive."
Helen stepped forward. "We expected a tough battle, but this…" Her eyes roamed over the battlefield. "This was beyond what we anticipated."
Headmaster's Suspicion
At the back of the group, Headmaster Aldred remained silent.
His sharp eyes studied the battlefield.
The final test was supposed to feature a Class 4 magical beast.
But this lion… was far stronger than that.
This wasn't an ordinary challenge. This was a death sentence.
Who put this beast here?
And more importantly—why?
His gaze lingered on the rubble, unease settling deep in his chest.
But he said nothing. The students had survived, and they needed to believe this was all part of the test.
For now.
Pedro's Report
As the teachers finished their evaluations, Pedro suddenly spoke up.
"Sir, we have a problem."
Alden turned. "What is it?"
Pedro's face darkened. "Samson is missing."
The air grew tense.
Siddhartha scanned the battlefield. "He was here during the fight, but after the tiger beast vanished—"
"I'm right here."
A voice echoed from behind a rock formation.
Everyone turned.
Samson stepped out from the shadows, dusting himself off. His uniform was scuffed, and his expression was sheepish.
Eva narrowed her eyes. "Where were you?"
Samson scratched his head. "Uh… got knocked away when the lion beast went crazy. By the time I came to, the fight was already over."
Cedric frowned. "You were out that long?"
Samson shrugged. "Guess I hit my head."
Eva didn't look convinced. But before she could press further—
Alden spoke. "Well, regardless, you're safe. Let's head back."
As the students prepared to leave, Samson stole a glance at Eva.
She was watching him closely, suspicion flickering in her eyes.
But she said nothing.
And as they left the cavern, Samson let out a quiet exhale.
For now… he was still safe.