Chapter 64 -Attack (10)

35 Minutes Earlier - Control Room

The control room was a hub of activity, though the mood was relatively relaxed.

The instructors were busy monitoring the first-year cadets' progress through the unit test, their eyes glued to the holographic screens displaying live feeds from the drones.

Some, like Laura and Morgan who had free time, had stepped outside to get some fresh air, leaving the others to keep an eye on things.

Laura stretched her arms, taking in a deep breath of the crisp forest air. "You know," she said, her tone light but thoughtful, "I almost feel sorry for the Fantasians. These first-years… they're monsters. Can you imagine what they'll be like in a few years?"

Morgan chuckled, leaning against the wall of the control room. "Yeah, no kidding. I mean, some of them are already Class One levels. By the time they graduate, most of them will be Class Three, maybe even Class Four. The Fantasians are in for a rough time."

One of the guards at the gate chimed in, his voice tinged with awe. "You're not wrong. From what I could sense earlier, some of those kids are already at the level of Class One soldiers.

Some of those kids are even pushing Class Two. And they're just first-years. Once they graduate? The Fantasians are cooked."

Laura smirked, crossing her arms. "Yeah, those poor bastards won't know what hit them."

The group laughed, the mood light and carefree. But their laughter was cut short by a voice—cold, calm, and dripping with menace.

"Well, that's only if they live past today right?"

The words sent a chill down their spines. Laura's instincts kicked in immediately.

She grabbed Morgan by the arm, yanking him out of the way just as a golden spear came hurtling through the air.

The spear struck the guard they had been talking to, killing him instantly.

BOOM

The impact caused a small explosion creating a shockwave that sent Laura and Morgan flying backward, their bodies skidding across the ground.

The other instructors burst out of the control room, their weapons drawn and their expressions grim.

"Enemy attack!" one of them shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.

Laura and Morgan scrambled to their feet, and then their eyes turned to the sky. And what they saw made their blood run cold.

An entire company of gryphons filled the air, their wings beating powerfully as they descended.

On their backs were hooded figures, their weapons gleaming in the sunlight.

Morgan drew his dual mechanical battle axes, the blades humming with energy as he activated them.

Laura unsheathed her rapier-like mechanical longsword, the blade extending with a soft click.

Their eyes locked onto the man who had thrown the spear.

The golden-haired figure stood at the forefront of the gryphon riders, his spear now back in his hand.

He removed his hood, revealing a strikingly handsome face with sharp features, golden hair, and crimson eyes. But what caught their attention most were his long, pointed ears.

"An elf," Laura muttered, her voice tense.

Morgan nodded, his grip tightening on his axes. "And he's strong. Definitely stronger than us."

The golden-haired elf smirked, his crimson eyes gleaming with amusement. "You're right," he said, his voice smooth but laced with menace. "I am stronger than you. But that won't stop you from trying, will it?"

Laura and Morgan exchanged a glance, their expressions hardening. They didn't need words to communicate. They both knew what had to be done.

"Let's take him down," Laura said, her voice steady.

Morgan grinned, his axes crackling with energy. "After you."

The two instructors charged at the golden-haired elf, their weapons flashing as they prepared to engage.

The gryphon riders behind him remained still, their hooded figures watching silently as the battle unfolded.

The golden-haired elf moved with an almost unnatural grace, his spear spinning in his hand as he deflected Laura's rapier with ease.

Morgan came in from the side, his axes slashing through the air, but the elf dodged effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise.

Laura pressed the attack, her rapier darting forward like a snake. The elf parried, his spear moving so fast it was almost a blur.

He then countered with a thrust, forcing Laura to leap back.

Morgan took the opportunity to strike, his axes coming down in a powerful arc.

The elf however still blocked it with his spear, the force of the impact sending a shockwave through the ground.

And he still didn't falter. He twisted his spear, disarming Morgan with a flick of his wrist.

Laura lunged forward, her rapier aimed at the elf's chest.

He sidestepped, his spear slashing through the air and grazing her arm. She hissed in pain but didn't slow down, her movements sharp and calculated.

The fight was intense, the instructors pushing themselves to their limits.

But the golden-haired elf was on another level. His strength, speed, and skill were unmatched, so much so that it was clear that he was toying with them.

The elf's smirk widened as he deflected another strike from Laura. "You're good," he admitted, his tone almost playful. "But it would appear you're just not good enough."

With a swift motion, he disarmed Laura, her rapier flying out of her hand. Morgan then tried to intervene, but the elf kicked him in the chest, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Laura and Morgan struggled to their feet, their bodies battered but their resolve unbroken. They exchanged a glance, their expressions grim.

"We can't let him win," Laura said, her voice low.

Morgan nodded, his axes crackling with energy. "Then let's finish this."

The two instructors charged at the elf once more, their weapons flashing as they prepared to make their final stand.