Azmaris Academy Entrance Examination-[3]

Arvian tightened the grip on his axe. He could feel the weight of the chain wound around his arm, its power pulsing through him as he prepared for the upcoming clash.

With a roar as loud as the monster's, Arvian rushed forward, his every step fueled by adrenaline.

In return, the monster roared fiercely and swung its enormous sword in an arc in his direction. With a quick sidestep, Arvian avoided the deadly blade that would have sliced him in two as the sword glinted in the air.

Taking advantage of the situation, Arvian ran to the monster's bare ankle and swung his axe as hard as he could. The monster's leg was deeply sliced by the blade, but it remained upright. The monster didn't even flinch.

Instead, its head jerked around, its red eyes locking onto Arvian with a terrifying intensity. Then, suddenly, the beast roared and lunged at Arvian with blinding speed after letting out a chilling growl.

Before Arvian could react, the monster's enormous hand—easily as long as his own body—struck him with a devastating force. The punch sent him flying through the air like a ragdoll, crashing into the trunk of a nearby burned tree with a sickening thud.

Pain exploded through his back and stomach, and Arvian gasped, barely able to breathe as his ribs screamed in agony. The world around him blurred and shook, his head spinning from the impact. Everything seemed to vanish for a moment as he felt his body aching in ways he had never felt before.

Even though the pain was unbearable, Arvian gritted his teeth and resisted. The ground trembled under the monster's every step as he approached.

'No fear of dying.'

With everything he had left, Arvian forced himself to move, summoning his strength. He grabbed the axe tightly, pushing himself to his feet. He wasn't done yet.

'I can defeat it with elemental magic.'

Arvian's thoughts raced as the monster stumbled, its movements more erratic now.

Arvian put his hands together, moved them toward his lips.

"Fire Style: Flames!" He shouted.

A fierce wave of fire erupted from his mouth, roaring toward the monster.

As the flames consumed it, it screamed and staggered back.

The monster was obviously confused because his eyes were burned now and its steps were now crooked.

"The fire worked… it's blind now."

This is my chance.

He gripped the chain in his left hand, eyes locked on the monster as it lunged forward, blindly swinging its sword. Arvian didn't hesitate. He dropped the axe, focused on the monster's neck, and summoned his power.

Arvian grabbed the chain again, wrapping it around his left arm, and reached for the axe with his right. He sprinted at the monster, eyes on its exposed neck.

He threw the axe with all his might. It struck deep into the monster's neck, and it roared in pain, swinging wildly.

But Arvian wasn't done. He quickly closed the gap, wrapping the chain around its legs, pulling tight.

Despite the monster's struggles, Arvian maintained a firm hold. He could feel the tension in the chain, the moment of weakness in the beast.

He knew this was his chance.

Arvian dashed toward a burned tree trunk, wrapping the chain tightly around it. The chains held tight, limiting the monster's movement even as it struggled.

In an instant, Arvian spun around and ran in the direction of the ensnared monster . As he moved, he brought his hands to his mouth and chanted,

"Wind Style: Razor Gust!"

A fierce blast of wind shot forward, sharp as blades, cutting into the monster's exposed flesh. It struggled to free itself, roaring in pain, but the more it thrashed, the more tightly the chains held.

Arvian didn't stop. Using the momentum of his sprint, he leapt high, gripping his axe tightly.

"This ends now!"

With all his strength, Arvian raised the axe high and brought it down with a fierce roar.

"Graaaaaahhhhhhh!"

His muscles burned as the blade struck deep into the already wounded neck. Before its enormous head broke away from its body, the monster gave one last, excruciating roar.

The head struck the ground with a heavy thud, and then the dead body fell to the ground, causing the whole place to tremble. Arvian was still holding the axe tightly as he stood there, panting.

It was over.

Suddenly, his body gave out, and everything went black.

Slowly, the darkness faded, and he found himself back in the final section of Stage 1.

'Huh? I... defeated the monster?'

He turned around and saw that a rectangular energy barrier had already disappeared.

'So, Jaxyn must have defeated his monster too.'

The professor stood in his place, watching him. "Proceed through the portal," he instructed, gesturing toward a glowing gateway nearby.

As soon as Arvian entered the portal, she was taken to a magnificent royal chamber that was lavishly furnished with pricey accessories and decorations. The room was filled with other students who had passed the first stage.

Scanning the crowd, Arvian's eyes darted around, searching for Jaxyn.

Suddenly, a familiar voice called out.

"Oi, Arvian! Took you long enough."

Arvian turned and spotted Jaxyn leaning against a pillar, arms crossed with a smug grin on his face.

"So you made it, huh?" Arvian muttered, walking over.

"Of course. Did you think I'd lose?" Jaxyn scoffed. "Though I gotta say, that last monster was a pain."

Arvian glanced around the grand chamber. There was an enormous chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and the walls were adorned with golden engravings.

Before they could speak further, a loud voice echoed through the chamber.

"Congratulations on passing the first stage! But don't relax just yet—the second stage will begin soon!"

"The selection won't just depend on victory alone," the voice continued. "It's about performance. Even the loser might pass if they show exceptional skill. So give it your best."

Arvian and Jaxyn listened intently, absorbing every word.

Then, out of nowhere, a student with messy dark green hair and golden-yellow eyes stepped closer to them.