Chapter 8: The Final Flag

‎The group pressed on, navigating deeper into the forest. The map indicated that their final target—the last flag—was located near a small clearing at the base of a rocky cliff.

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‎As they approached, the sound of rushing water filled the air. A narrow stream cut through the clearing, its surface shimmering in the sunlight. The flag was planted on the far side of the stream, fluttering gently in the breeze.

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‎"Looks easy enough," Emma said, squinting at the flag.

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‎Kai frowned. "Too easy. There's no way it's unguarded."

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‎As if in response, a loud, guttural growl echoed through the clearing. The ground trembled slightly as a massive creature emerged from the shadows, its hulking frame blocking the path to the flag.

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‎It was a **Rockhide Boar**, its body covered in thick, stone-like armor. The beast snorted, pawing at the ground as it prepared to charge.

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‎**[New Opponent Identified: Rockhide Boar]**

‎**[Tip: Use Tiny's upgraded durability to withstand its attacks while exploiting its slow speed with Stinger's agility.]**

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‎Kai's pulse quickened as the system provided its advice. "Alright, team, this thing's built like a tank, but it's slow. Tiny, you're on defense again. Stinger, we'll need your poison to wear it down."

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‎Reyna stepped forward, her Flame-Tail Lynx growling at her side. "My lynx can handle this. Its fire should be able to crack that armor."

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‎Emma nodded, her Frost Vulpine already taking a position to flank the boar. "And I can slow it down with frost. Let's pin it in place and finish it quickly."

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‎Jared's beetle clicked its mandibles, positioning itself on the opposite side of the clearing.

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‎### **The Battle**

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‎The Rockhide Boar let out a deafening roar and charged, its massive body barreling toward the group like an unstoppable boulder.

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‎"Tiny, *Harden*! Stop it in its tracks!" Kai shouted.

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‎Tiny stepped forward, its exoskeleton shimmering as the **Harden** skill activated. The boar slammed into the Titan Ant with full force, but Tiny held its ground, its upgraded armor absorbing the brunt of the impact.

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‎"Stinger, *Poison Sting*! Aim for the joints!"

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‎Stinger darted through the air, launching a glowing green projectile that struck the boar's leg. The Rockhide Boar snarled, shaking its head as the poison began to take effect.

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‎"Flame-Tail Lynx, *Fire Dash*!" Reyna commanded.

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‎Her lynx ignited, flames trailing behind it as it dashed around the boar, targeting its exposed underbelly. The fire began to scorch the beast's tough hide, though it was clear the armor wasn't easy to penetrate.

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‎"Frost Vulpine, *Ice Spray*!" Emma shouted.

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‎The Frost Vulpine unleashed a freezing blast, coating the ground beneath the boar in ice. The beast slipped slightly, its movements becoming clumsier as frost built up on its legs.

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‎"Now, Tiny! *Mandible Strike*!"

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‎Tiny lunged forward, its massive mandibles glowing as it clamped down on the boar's exposed leg. The beast roared in pain, stumbling as its balance faltered.

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‎The group worked together seamlessly, each beast playing its role. Stinger's poison continued to sap the boar's strength, while the combined efforts of the Frost Vulpine and Flame-Tail Lynx kept it off balance. Tiny remained at the front, absorbing every attack the boar threw at them.

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‎Finally, with one last coordinated strike, Tiny and the Flame-Tail Lynx brought the beast crashing to the ground. The Rockhide Boar let out a final groan before falling still, defeated.

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‎---

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‎The group stood in silence for a moment, catching their breath.

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‎"That… was awesome," Emma said, a wide grin on her face.

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‎Reyna smirked, wiping sweat from her brow. "Not bad, bug boy. You actually pulled your weight this time."

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‎Jared nodded silently, his beetle clicking its mandibles in approval.

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‎Kai chuckled, patting Tiny on the head. "You were amazing, buddy. And you too, Stinger."

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‎The system chimed softly in Kai's mind.

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‎**[Quest Complete: Flag Hunt – Final Round]**

‎**[Rewards Acquired: 300 Beast Taming Points (BTP), New Feature Unlocked: Combat Log.]**

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‎Kai's status interface appeared once again.

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‎**[Status Interface – Kai Anther]**

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‎**Name**: Kai Anther

‎**Title**: Insect Tamer (Beginner)

‎**Level**: 3 (EXP: 340/1,000)

‎**Beast Bond Slots**: 2/2 (Next Slot Unlocks at Level 10)

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‎**Beast Taming Points (BTP)**: 400

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‎**Bonded Beasts**:

‎1. **Titan Ant (Evolved)** – Level 2

‎ - Skills: Harden (Level 2), Mandible Strike (Level 1), Acid Spit (Level 1)

‎2. **Giant Hornet** – Level 1

‎ - Skills: Poison Sting (Level 1), Aerial Dash (Level 1)

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‎**Tamed Creatures**:

‎- **Luminous Silk Moth** (Tamed)

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‎**New Feature Unlocked**:

‎- **Combat Log**: Provides detailed analysis of battles, including strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

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‎Kai grinned. "A Combat Log, huh? That might actually come in handy."

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‎As the group retrieved the flag and returned to the academy, Kai couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. They had a long way to go, but with Tiny's new strength and the team's growing coordination, the future was starting to look a little brighter.

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