Chapter 6: Rank E Survival Test
The next morning, all students gathered at the academy's transport station. Instructor Darius stood before them, his expression as unreadable as ever.
"Today marks your Rank E Survival Test," he announced. "You will be sent into a controlled combat zone filled with XO Beasts. Your objective: capture a new beast. Fail, and you're expelled."
A murmur spread through the crowd.
Moments later, the students were transported to the test site—a dense, jungle-like terrain filled with hidden dangers.
Free and Shawn moved swiftly through the undergrowth, keeping their eyes peeled.
"There," Shawn whispered, pointing ahead.
A reptilian XO Beast with glowing red scales slithered between the trees. It was fast, its forked tongue flickering as it sensed them.
"Leave this one to me," Shawn said.
Free nodded.
Shawn summoned his XO Beast—a sleek, silver-furred panther with glowing red eyes. It lunged at the reptile, engaging in a fierce battle.
Meanwhile, Free sensed something behind them. He turned just in time to see a much larger XO Beast—a towering, bear-like creature with jagged claws—emerging from the shadows.
"Shawn, we've got company," Free called out.
Shawn, still mid-battle, shot him a glance. "Handle it."
Free smirked. "With pleasure."
Summoning Shadow Fang, he prepared for the fight of his life.
The test had truly begun.