Jax landed a devastating blow to the Razorback Stalker, his strike sending the beast staggering back with a pained roar. He smirked and glanced at Arem, who was casually leaning against a tree.
"So, is this softened up enough for the rookie to handle?" Jax asked, twirling Bruce in his hand.
Arem tilted her head, studying the weakened creature. Its scales had dulled, its movements sluggish. "Yup, it's a baby now. Fren can handle it—just aim for the weak point, rookie. The underside."
Fren gulped but nodded. His grip on his wooden sword tightened as he stepped forward. "Got it. I'll… I'll take it from here."
Jax and Arem stepped back, watching with a mix of amusement and curiosity.
"No pressure, kid," Jax teased. "We're just standing here, judging your every move."
"Very helpful," Fren muttered, taking a deep breath.
The Razorback growled, lunging at him. Fren dodged awkwardly, nearly tripping over his own feet, but managed to stay upright. He swung his sword at the creature's side, landing a hit, but it barely left a scratch.
"Focus, rookie!" Arem called out. "The underside! Aim low!"
Fren adjusted his stance, his eyes narrowing as he recalled Arem's instructions. With a burst of determination, he ducked under the beast's next attack and drove his sword into its soft belly. The monster howled, stumbling back as blood spilled from the wound.
Fren's chest heaved, his exhaustion evident. The Razorback swayed on its feet, barely clinging to life.
"It's almost over," Arem called out. "One more hit!"
Summoning every ounce of strength, Fren charged forward, his sword aimed at the weak spot. With a final, desperate strike, he drove the blade deep into the beast's belly. The Razorback collapsed, its body twitching before finally going still.
Fren fell to his knees, gasping for air. "I… I did it," he panted, his voice shaky but triumphant.
Arem clapped her hands, grinning. "Congrats, rookie! You didn't die!"
Bruce's voice chimed in from Jax's hand. "Not bad for a beginner. Maybe he's got potential after all."
Jax smirked. "Yeah, not bad, kid. Welcome to the team."
Before Fren could fully bask in the victory, the sound of rustling leaves drew their attention. A shadowy figure emerged from the forest, cloaked in darkness.
"What the—" Jax muttered, his grip on Bruce tightening.
The figure approached the Razorback's corpse and pulled out a small vial filled with a glowing red liquid. Without a word, he poured the liquid onto the creature's body.
The effect was immediate. The Razorback's body began to twitch and convulse, its wounds healing as it grew larger and more monstrous.
"You've got to be kidding me!" Arem shouted, pulling Fren back.
Fren staggered, barely able to lift his sword. "I… I can't… I'm too tired…"
"Stay back," Jax said, stepping forward with Bruce in hand. "I'll handle this."
The newly evolved Razorback let out a deafening roar, its massive claws tearing through the ground as it charged at Jax.
"Time to shine, buddy," Jax said, pressing the button on Bruce. The weapon shifted into its Bear Form, its blade arms extending as the bear-like head let out a mechanical growl.
"Claw Slash!" Jax shouted, and Bruce's blades slashed out in a wide arc, slicing through the monster's legs and forcing it to the ground.
"Not done yet. Star Burst!" Jax activated another skill, sending a star-shaped energy projectile straight into the creature's chest. The explosion rocked the clearing, leaving the Razorback writhing in pain.
As Jax prepared to finish it off, he caught sight of the shadowy figure retreating into the trees. "Oh no, you're not getting away."
Leaving Bruce to handle the monster's final blows, Jax dashed into the forest, his speed unmatched. He cornered the figure and used Bear Roar, releasing a shockwave that knocked the figure off balance.
Jax pinned him against a tree, Bruce's blade at his throat. "Who are you? What's your game?"
The figure chuckled weakly, blood dripping from his mouth. "The world… is ending… Only the T…" He didn't finish the sentence. A sharp whistle echoed, and the figure's body went limp as a mysterious force ended his life.
"What the—?" Jax looked around, his senses on high alert.
"Just a lunatic," Bruce said, his tone dismissive.
Jax growled in frustration but returned to the clearing, where Arem was helping the exhausted Fren to his feet.
"We need to report this to Ress," Jax said, sheathing Bruce.
Arem nodded. "Agreed. Something's definitely up."
Fren, still panting but managing a weak smile, said, "I'll… try not to pass out before we get there."
Jax smirked. "Welcome to the team, rookie."
To be continue...