Chapter 33: Shadows, Light, and Beasts Unleashed
BOOM!
An explosion tore through the jungle terrain, launching debris and smoke into the air.
The crowd roared from the stands as the final exam erupted into a full-scale magical warzone. Blades clashed, spells blazed, and battle cries echoed beneath the illusionary canopy.
---
Synoh moved like a phantom.
His blade cut through the mist, eyes narrowed, cloak fluttering behind him.
Two assassin-type students dashed at him from both flanks, their daggers glinting. But Synoh spun low—Shadow Dance.
He vanished in a blur of dark mist, reappearing behind one assassin with a sudden flash of Fel-infused darkness. A slash across the back—clean, precise.
"Too slow."
The second attacker hesitated just long enough. Synoh whipped around and struck, but not before the assassin stabbed into his ribs.
"Ghh—!" Blood stained his side, but he didn't falter. He used the pain to fuel his momentum, slamming his sword down and ending the fight.
---
Meanwhile, deeper in the battlefield…
Yuta was grinning like a madman. His hands glowed with beast magic and his goblin units, though few, launched surprise strikes from hidden brush.
"Nice shot!" he yelled to one, then turned to face two warriors charging in.
"Let's try this out—Beast Surge: Vinefang Rafflesia!!"
A giant mutated plant burst from the ground behind him, its tendrils lashing out and slamming both enemies to the ground.
The crowd gasped as his controlled monster let out a guttural hiss.
Yuta smirked. "Told you I'd tame stronger ones."
---
On the west edge of the jungle…
Lux stood atop a cliff as a heavy knight charged at him, armor gleaming.
"You think your defense is absolute?" Lux muttered.
His sword glowed, light pulsing like a heartbeat. Then—he pointed.
"Light Barrage!"
Beams of piercing holy light rained down like meteors, forcing the knight to raise his shield—only to be pushed backward, scorched and battered.
Another enemy tried to flank him—Lux turned, swinging upward, "Flash Arc!" and sent the foe flying.
In the crowd, Mel and Kel jumped to their feet, cheering.
"There's Master Lux!"
Their parents, now recovered and standing beside them, smiled proudly. "So these are the heroes you followed, huh?"
---
Elsewhere, three-on-one.
Edward, Mina, and their crew were moving like a seasoned unit—blasting through waves of opponents with Edward's raw earth power and Mina's support magic.
In the stands, Edward's uncle watched, arms crossed, nodding approvingly.
"Reminds me of his father…"
---
But one seat remained empty.
Synix… Synoh's father… wasn't watching.
And Synoh felt it.
Still, he fought harder.
---
Another explosion rocked the sky.
Magic rained down, swords clashed, monsters roared, and the crowd couldn't take their eyes off the battlefield.
Dozens were already down…
But only four would remain.
And the real storm was just beginning.