Different Techniques...

Ethan, still watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and curiosity. While the others seemed unfazed by the display, he was still processing the sheer size and power of the mountain gorilla.

'So this is what this world's unawakened beasts are like, he thought. If that's considered a basic challenge, I need to be ready for what comes next. But it seems normal humans of this world is stronger than the normal humans of Earth..' He mused to himself...

As Ryker exited the arena, Ethan's gaze lingered on the beast. So, this is what they look like up close, he thought. Its appearance was strikingly similar to the animals he remembered from Earth. The mountain gorilla, for all its ferocity, could have been plucked straight from a nature documentary.

It was a reminder of how this world and his former one weren't as different as they seemed. Still, the rarity of unawakened beasts in labyrinths and dungeons made this moment feel surreal.

Selene leaned closer, her voice low. "You look surprised."

"I've just never seen one in real life before," Ethan admitted.

Selene tilted her head. "Really? That's rare for someone like you."

Ethan shrugged, his tone casual. "Guess I just never had the chance."

Selene smiled knowingly but said nothing more, her attention shifting back to the arena as Seraphine called the next student forward.

Ethan clenched his practice sword, his grip firm. His turn was coming, and while the memories of the previous Ethan had prepared him for moments like this, there was still a part of him—the part that was truly himself—that felt the adrenaline begin to surge.

This was his chance to prove that he wasn't just another Drakethorne, coasting on his family's name. He was ready to carve his own path, one step at a time.

The class waited in silence as Instructor Seraphine called out the next name. The tension was palpable, but the students held their composure—this was what they had been trained for.

"Liora Veylan," Seraphine announced, her sharp gaze turning toward a tall girl near the middle of the group.

Liora stepped forward, her long black hair tied into a high ponytail that swayed as she moved. Her lean, muscular build and steady stride exuded confidence. She wore reinforced gloves, the telltale sign of someone who practiced a Gauntlet Technique.

Seraphine gestured toward the arena. "Your chosen technique?"

Liora's voice was clear and strong. "The Steel Fang Gauntlet Technique. Designed for precision strikes and overwhelming force."

"Good," Seraphine said with a nod, then turned to the attendant. "Release the next beast."

The heavy door of the arena creaked open again, and a wild boar charged out. It was no ordinary boar—this one stood at nearly shoulder height, its tusks gleaming like sharpened blades and its thick hide bristling with dark fur. The beast pawed at the ground, snorting aggressively as it sized up its opponent.

Liora entered the arena, her gauntlet-clad fists raised. The boar wasted no time, letting out a guttural squeal before charging at her with terrifying speed.

Liora sidestepped at the last moment, her movements fluid. She spun on her heel, landing a precise punch to the boar's flank. The beast stumbled slightly, but its thick hide absorbed most of the blow.

The boar wheeled around, its tusks aimed at her legs. Liora leaped back, narrowly avoiding the sharp edge of its attack.

Time to focus on weak points, she thought, her eyes narrowing.

She darted forward, using the first form of her technique: Precision Strike. Her fist shot out like a bullet, targeting the boar's vulnerable underbelly. The impact forced the beast to stagger, its legs trembling from the blow.

The boar retaliated with a wild lunge, but Liora twisted her body, narrowly evading its attack. She countered with the second form, Fang Barrage—a series of rapid punches aimed at the beast's head and neck. The boar let out a pained squeal, its movements slowing.

With a final roar of determination, Liora used the third form, Iron Fang Impact, delivering a devastating uppercut to the boar's jaw. The force of the blow lifted the beast off its front legs before it crashed to the ground, dazed and motionless.

Panting but unscathed, Liora raised her fists in victory.

Seraphine nodded approvingly. "Well done, Liora. You've shown excellent control."

Liora exited the arena to the sound of light applause, her face calm but her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

"Next," Seraphine said, scanning the room. "Kaelen Stryn."

A wiry boy with short brown hair and sharp green eyes stepped forward, a confident smirk playing on his lips. He twirled a pair of sleek, rune-inscribed nunchaku in his hands, their chains clinking softly.

"My technique is the Viper Strike Nunchaku Form," Kaelen announced. "It focuses on targeting bone joints and incapacitating foes."

Seraphine gestured toward the attendant. "Release the beast."

The doors opened again, and this time a wild jackal padded into the arena. Its lean body was built for speed, its yellow eyes glowing with predatory instinct. It let out a low growl, baring its sharp teeth as it circled Kaelen.

---

Kaelen entered the arena, his nunchaku spinning lazily in his hands. The jackal lunged first, its jaws snapping toward his legs. Kaelen jumped back, his movements smooth and calculated.

"Not so fast," he muttered, swinging the nunchaku in a quick arc. The weapon connected with the jackal's front leg, a solid crack echoing through the arena. The beast yelped, momentarily retreating.

Kaelen smirked. "Let's see how you like this."

He moved into the first form, Bone Cracker, targeting the jackal's joints with precision strikes. His nunchaku lashed out, hitting the beast's knees and ankles, forcing it to stumble.

The jackal snarled, leaping at him with surprising agility. Kaelen ducked low, rolling under the beast and striking upward with the second form, Joint Snap, hitting its shoulder with enough force to dislocate the joint. The jackal landed awkwardly, limping as it tried to regain its footing.