Chapter 11: Into the Abyss
The competition had just begun, and the air around the academy was electric. Caleb stood at the edge of the preparation area, his Dark Wolf pacing beside him. The beast's sleek black fur shimmered faintly, and its glowing silver eyes seemed to pierce through everything around it.
Before Caleb could join his team for the briefing, Mr. C approached him, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Caleb," Mr. C began, his tone cautious. "I've been observing your Dark Wolf. It looks... different from the standard breed. Its aura is far more potent, almost as if—"
Before he could finish, Caleb cut him off. "It's unlocked its second form."
The words hung in the air for a moment.
Mr. C's eyes widened, his normally composed demeanor shaken. "Its second form? That's remarkable! A second form for a beast this early in the awakening process is unheard of."
Caleb nodded, his gaze steady.
Mr. C opened his mouth to respond, but a shout interrupted their conversation.
"Caleb!" Mira called from a distance. "We need to regroup for the briefing!"
"We'll continue this later," Mr. C said, his tone still tinged with awe. "But remember—your bond with that beast is going to be a deciding factor in this competition. Use it wisely."
Caleb nodded and jogged over to his team.
The representatives from all schools had gathered around as Mr. C addressed them one final time before the competition began.
"The rules are simple," he began, his authoritative voice cutting through the chatter. "Each of you will be given a special wristband that tracks your kills. One kill equals 50 points. The goal is to accumulate as many points as possible within the time limit. However, you are forbidden from engaging any beasts ranked above S-class. Violating this rule will result in immediate disqualification."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the competitors. "You will not be working in teams. Each of you will be transported to a separate location within the Forest of the Shadow Abyss. The wristbands will also monitor your health. If you are critically injured, you will be automatically teleported out of the competition. Do not take unnecessary risks."
A portal shimmered to life behind Mr. C, its swirling energy a gateway to the infamous forest. "You have three hours. May the best representative win."
The participants lined up, their expressions ranging from determined to nervous. Caleb adjusted his wristband, glancing briefly at his Dark Wolf.
"You ready for this, buddy?" he asked.
The wolf gave a low growl, its tail swishing in anticipation.
When it was Caleb's turn, he stepped into the portal, the energy engulfing him in a rush of cold air and light.
Caleb landed in a dense part of the forest, the towering trees casting long shadows over the moss-covered ground. The air was thick with mana, and the distant cries of beasts echoed through the woods.
"Looks like we're on our own," Caleb muttered, glancing at his Dark Wolf. The beast's second form had enhanced its size and strength, and its claws now gleamed with an eerie, dark energy.
A rustling in the bushes caught Caleb's attention. He crouched low, his senses heightened. The system chimed softly in his mind.
[Alert: Feral Fangtooth detected. Rank: D.]
The creature burst from the underbrush, a wolf-like beast with razor-sharp teeth and glowing red eyes. Caleb reacted instantly.
"Dark Wolf, Shadow Strike!"
The Dark Wolf disappeared into the shadows, reappearing behind the Fangtooth in an instant. With one swift motion, its claws tore through the beast's flank, leaving it motionless on the ground.
[Kill Confirmed: 50 Points Added.]
Caleb barely had time to catch his breath before another beast emerged—a Vine Serpent, its green scales blending seamlessly with the forest.
The serpent lunged at Caleb, its fangs dripping with venom.
"Dark Wolf, Eclipse Howl!"
The wolf let out a haunting howl that reverberated through the area, stunning the serpent mid-attack. Caleb took the opportunity to strike, slashing at its vulnerable underbelly with his mana-infused dagger.
[Kill Confirmed: 50 Points Added.]
Over the next hour, Caleb moved through the forest like a shadow, dispatching beast after beast.
. Steelhorn Boar (C-rank): Caleb baited the boar into charging at him, then dodged at the last moment. The Dark Wolf leapt onto its back, sinking its claws into the beast's neck.
. Crimson Scorpion (D-rank): Using the wolf's speed, Caleb distracted the scorpion while the wolf attacked from the side, severing its stinger.
. Stonehide Lizard (C-rank): Caleb relied on the Dark Wolf's Shadow Strike to bypass the lizard's tough hide, targeting its exposed underbelly.
. Spectral Owl (D-rank): The owl tried to attack from above, but Caleb used a thrown mana-infused blade to clip its wings.
. Frost Fang (B-rank): A large feline beast with icy breath, the Frost Fang put up a fierce fight. Caleb used Eclipse Howl to disorient it before landing a critical blow with his dagger.
By the end of the hour, Caleb had accumulated over 1,000 points. He checked his wristband, satisfied with his progress.
Despite his success, Caleb noticed that Kayla's points were still ahead of his. Her total flashed on the leaderboard displayed by the wristband: 1,200 Points.
"How is she doing this so quickly?" Caleb muttered, frustrated.
Just then, a fiery burst lit up the sky in the distance. A column of flames shot into the air, illuminating the forest.
Caleb narrowed his eyes. "That has to be her."
Without hesitation, he turned toward the light, his Dark Wolf following closely. As he approached, the sounds of battle grew louder. The roar of a beast, the crackle of flames, and the unmistakable voice of Kayla shouting commands to her Phoenix filled the air.
He stopped just short of the clearing, his heart pounding. Before him stood Kayla, her Phoenix ablaze with fiery energy as it battled a massive S-rank Crimson Hydra.
"Is she insane?" Caleb whispered. The rules explicitly forbade engaging S-rank beasts, yet here she was, facing one head-on.
The Hydra roared, its three heads snapping at the Phoenix, which retaliated with bursts of fire. Kayla stood behind her beast, her commands precise and unwavering for the first time in her life she didn't think she could beat it and she thought her Phoenix might die tears rolled down through her eye s.
For a moment, Caleb was torn. Should he intervene and risk disqualification? Or should he let her handle it alone?
His Dark Wolf growled softly, as if urging him to decide.
Caleb clenched his fists, his instincts screaming at him to act. The competition was important, but this wasn't just about points anymore—it was about survival.
And Caleb never backed down from a fight.