The group nodded silently, each preparing themselves for whatever trials awaited them in the depths of this merciless challenge.
As they walked, Lloyd activated his innate trait, Sight of Aura, scanning for traps. So far, nothing dangerous had been detected.
"The traps in this area are likely mana-based," George explained, his tone calm but firm. "This whole place is an illusion crafted by mages."
Lloyd frowned, blinking a few times. "My eyes are starting to hurt. Besides, there's no immediate threat."
"Rest your eyes, Lloyd," Gorrath said.
Reluctantly, Lloyd agreed. Gorrath took a deep breath and sniffed the air. "There's a camp nearby. I can smell it. I'll use my traits to monitor the surroundings just like Lloyd can."
Lloyd glanced at him, somewhat surprised. Hmph, maybe he's not as bad as I thought, he mused while shifting his warhammer onto his shoulder.
[Innate Trait Activated: Eye of a Demon]
[Personal Trait Activated: Beast Smelling]
Gorrath's crimson eyes glowed ominously, his pupils shifting into beast-like slits. His vision sharpened, marking any living creature within fifty meters with a red aura. The aura gradually faded if the target moved out of range. His enhanced sense of smell kicked in, as sharp as a predator's.
"It's about 25 meters ahead the campfire I mentioned earlier," Gorrath announced.
After a short walk, they arrived at the campsite. A small, dying fire flickered weakly beside a tent. Scattered around were signs of previous occupants: a small knife, chopped wood, and other leftover items.
"Looks like people have been here recently," Rayden observed.
"Yeah, I can smell at least three students," Gorrath added.
The group began cleaning up and making use of the camp. Lloyd focused on gathering firewood. He noticed a crack running along his warhammer and sighed, disappointment clear on his face. "Damn, this warhammer is my favorite." Setting it aside for now, he ripped apart logs with his bare hands despite the bandages on his arms. "Hurts a little," he muttered, glancing at his wounds. But he pressed on.
Rayden helped Shin clear debris from the campfire and carefully removed the lingering white azure from the tent. Meanwhile, George and Jack trained nearby. George flowed through his academy martial arts routine, every punch and kick creating an icy wind that swirled around him. Jack, practicing his dual sword style, sliced through nearby trees, gathering wood as he trained.
Gorrath sat by the campfire, focused on crafting weapons. He picked up a sturdy branch and used the small knife left at the camp to carve it into a spear. His movements were methodical, shaving the wood until the tip was sharp. Next, he repaired his damaged bo staff, securing it with rope. Though functional, he knew it could break again at any moment.
"This might be enough to take down that monster," Gorrath thought, gripping the staff and spear tightly. He remembered the creature's weakness from their earlier encounter and felt a flicker of confidence.
The air around him shifted as his senses sharpened. His crimson eyes glowed with an ominous light, and his beast-like instincts picked up on the monsters' presence. He marked them within his range, their red auras standing out in his vision.
"EVERYONE, GET READY! THE MONSTERS ARE COMING!" Gorrath bellowed.
The group immediately dropped what they were doing and readied themselves for the fight.
George slid on his iron gloves, his fists tightening with determination. Lloyd grabbed his cracked warhammer, hefting it onto his shoulder despite his earlier disappointment. Rayden assumed a low stance with his dagger, his sharp eyes scanning the darkness for any sudden movements. Jack shifted into a dual-sword stance, his body tensing as he prepared for combat.
Shin, however, stood frozen, grabbing a thick branch from a tree. His thoughts spiraled into negativity.
"Damn it... my weapons got stuck earlier. I'm useless again." He clenched his jaw, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
"Everyone stay back!" Gorrath commanded, his voice cutting through the tension. "Jack! Use your trait to throw me forward!"
Jack nodded, though he gritted his teeth as he lifted Gorrath onto his shoulders.
"Damn, he's heavy."
[Personal Trait Activated: Flashy Step]
Jack spun in place, his movements growing faster with each rotation. On the fifth spin, he hurled Gorrath with incredible speed, launching him through the air like a bullet.
Mid-air, Gorrath steadied himself, gripping his spear tightly. He whispered under his breath, "Shattering Booster."
His arm glowed faintly as energy surged through it, amplifying the force of his throw. With a powerful motion, he hurled the spear at blinding speed. It pierced through the chest of the leading monster, tearing a gaping hole into its body.
Gorrath landed with a roll, quickly regaining his stance. He swung his bo staff in a wide arc, creating small whirlwinds that scattered the white azure around the monsters. The azure, which seemed to flow into the monsters like a lifeline, was disrupted by the swirling winds.
"So I was right," Gorrath muttered, a smirk spreading across his face. "The azure around you is what repairs you and makes you tougher the longer you're damaged."
A memory flashed through Gorrath's mind, recalling the earlier encounter. He remembered how Jack's sword had cut one of the monsters in half, only for it to regenerate stronger. The azure had been the key.
"EVERYONE, GET READY!" Gorrath yelled.
The group tightened their grips on their weapons, their resolve solidifying. Gorrath's crimson eyes flared with intensity, his aura flowing wildly as he readied himself for the fight. His smirk widened as he whispered to himself, "Let's see how tough you are without that azure protecting you."