"The Verdant Sky Sect Entry Test" (2)

The candidates were divided into groups of six, with each team assigned the task of capturing a specific spirit beast from the dense forest surrounding the Verdant Sky Sect. Yohan's team, though seemingly mismatched, had been given a challenging target: a mid-tier Crimson Fang Wolf known for its cunning and ferocity. 

As the group stood at the edge of the forest Introduction were made, 

 Mysterious Girl: Selene Ardentia – Her name reflects her calm yet radiant presence, with "Selene" symbolizing the moon and "Ardentia" hinting at a hidden intensity.

 Guy 1: Kai Ren – The young man Yohan helped during the mountain climb, with an earnest attitude that contrasts with Yohan's reserved demeanor. 

Guy 2: Darin Loke – A burly and cheerful candidate with a surprisingly sharp intellect hidden behind his jovial nature.

 Guy 3: Eryndor Vale – A quiet but observant individual, tends to speak only when necessary. 

 the elder overseeing the trial addressed them. 

"Remember," he intoned, "your goal is to capture the spirit beast alive. Cooperation will be the key to your success—or your failure." 

With that, the elder gestured toward the forest, and the hunt began. 

The dense forest loomed ahead, its towering trees casting deep shadows over the uneven ground. The team moved cautiously, each member contributing to the strategy. 

Kai took the lead, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for tracks. "I've found some claw marks here," he said, pointing to a tree trunk. "It's fresh. The wolf passed through recently." 

Selene moved with an ethereal grace, her silver hair catching the dappled sunlight. "The energy in this area feels off," she said softly, her violet eyes narrowing. "Be prepared for an ambush." 

Kai chuckled, his broad shoulders shaking as he hefted his weapon. "Let it come. I've been itching for a good fight." 

Yohan remained silent, his dagger glinting faintly as he followed closely, observing the group's dynamics. Elara walked beside him, her eyes darting nervously between the trees. 

Eryndor trailed at the back, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. "The wolf won't make this easy. We should expect traps—natural or otherwise." 

The group had ventured deeper into the forest when a sudden growl shattered the tense silence. The Crimson Fang Wolf leapt from the underbrush, its crimson fur gleaming like fire, its fangs bared in a snarl. 

"Scatter!" Kai shouted, diving to the side as the wolf lunged. 

Yohan moved instinctively, his dagger flashing as he intercepted the beast, driving it back with a precise strike to its flank. The wolf howled in pain but quickly recovered, its predatory eyes locking onto Yohan. 

Elara raised a hand, her spiritual energy forming a protective barrier around the group. "We need to corner it," she said calmly. "Kael, Darin, Eryndor—flank it. Selene, support from behind." 

The team sprang into action. Kai and Darin closed in from the sides, forcing the wolf to retreat toward Eryndor, who waited with his sword drawn. Elara channeled her energy into a protective spell, bolstering the group's defenses. 

Yohan darted forward, his movements a blur as he activated Shadow Step. He appeared behind the wolf, slashing at its hind legs to weaken its mobility. The wolf snarled, spinning to strike, but Yohan was already gone, reappearing at a safe distance. 

Elara's eyes glowed faintly as she unleashed a binding technique, ethereal chains of spiritual energy wrapping around the wolf. The beast struggled violently, snapping at the restraints, but Elara held firm. 

"Now!" she called. 

Darin lunged forward, using his strength to pin the wolf to the ground, while Eryndor secured its jaws with a makeshift muzzle made from vines. Kael tied its legs, his movements quick and efficient. 

The wolf let out a final, defiant growl before falling still, its crimson eyes glaring at its captors. 

Selene exhaled slowly, her energy fading as the binding technique dissolved. "It's done," she said, glancing at the group. "Well done." 

Kael grinned, wiping sweat from his brow. "That was intense. Everyone okay?" 

Elara nodded, her eyes lingering on Yohan. "Thanks to him," she murmured, a hint of admiration in her voice. 

Selene's gaze met Yohan's; her violet eyes unreadable. "You're impressive," she said simply, before turning away to inspect the captured beast. 

Yohan said nothing, sheathing his dagger as he looked at the subdued wolf. His focus was already on the next challenge, though he couldn't ignore the subtle shift in the group's dynamics. 

With the wolf captured, the team prepared to return, their bond stronger than before—though tension lingered, especially between the two girls now vying for Yohan's attention. 

The forest was eerily silent as Yohan's team made their way back to the sect's base camp with the subdued Crimson Fang Wolf in tow. The dense canopy overhead filtered the fading sunlight, casting the path in shadow. The team moved cautiously, their earlier victory not dulling their awareness of the forest's dangers. 

A sudden commotion ahead snapped their attention forward. The sounds of shouting and growls echoed through the trees. 

"Another team is in trouble," Kai said, breaking into a jog. 

"Let's check it out," Yohan ordered, his tone calm but firm. 

The group quickly arrived at a clearing where a rival team was under attack. A mid-tier Ironhide Boar—a spirit beast with tough, metallic-like skin—charged relentlessly, scattering the panicked candidates. The rival team struggled to coordinate; their attacks ineffective against the beast's armored hide. 

"We need to help them," Selene said, her voice steady. 

As the group prepared to engage, a blur of movement to their side caught Yohan's sharp eyes. A second Ironhide Boar erupted from the underbrush, charging straight toward Selene. 

Time seemed to slow as the beast closed in on Selene, its tusks gleaming menacingly. 

"Selene, move!" Elara screamed; her voice tinged with panic. 

But Selene, caught off guard, could only raise her arms defensively. 

Yohan was already in motion. Activating Shadow Step, he blurred into the beast's path, his daggers gleaming as he struck with precision. The first dagger sliced through the boar's eye, eliciting a deafening squeal of pain. The second dagger found its mark at the joint of its foreleg, crippling its charge. 

The beast thrashed wildly, but Yohan was relentless. Using his agility, he avoided its sweeping tusks and delivered a flurry of quick, calculated strikes to its vulnerable spots. Finally, with a powerful leap, he drove both daggers into the back of its neck, severing its spine. The boar collapsed with a final grunt, its body convulsing briefly before going still. 

Yohan straightened, pulling his daggers free and flicking the blood off with a sharp motion. His crimson eyes, cold and unyielding, scanned the area for further threats. 

Selene approached him cautiously, her usual composure shaken. Her violet eyes were wide with a mix of awe and gratitude. Without warning, she stepped forward and hugged him tightly. 

"Thank you," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "You saved my life." 

Yohan stiffened, unused to such contact. He didn't return the hug but didn't push her away either. 

The rest of the team exchanged surprised glances. Darin raised an eyebrow, and Kael coughed awkwardly, while Eryndor's expression remained neutral. 

Elara's reaction, however, was more telling. Her lips tightened, and her emerald eyes darkened with jealousy, though she quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the injured members of the rival team. 

Selene pulled back, a faint blush coloring her pale cheeks. 

Yohan gave a curt nod, his expression unchanged. "Let's move. The noise will attract more beasts." 

The team regrouped and helped the rival team stabilize their injured members before continuing their journey back. 

Though the moment passed, the tension it left behind lingered, particularly between the two girls now vying for Yohan's attention.