Earlier
[Control Room]
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 quite the 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, most of 'em are already class one. By the time they graduate, they'll be class three, maybe even class four. The Fantasians are gonna be in for a rough time."
One of the guards at the gate chimed in, his voice tinged with awe. "Yeah. For the past few generations of Hunt leadership, every branch of the military has undergone explosive growth with each generation. A word of prayer for them."
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 why we're here isn't it? To stagnate the 'explosive growth of the Hunts."
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!
And the impact caused a small explosion creating a shockwave that sent both of them 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.
A multitude 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 battle axes, the blades humming with energy as he activated them.
Laura unsheathed her rapier-like 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 fighting, 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.
"It won't," Laura said her stance firm.
The two instructors charged at the golden-haired elf, their weapons flashing as they prepared to engage.
The rest of the gryphon riders behind him charged at the rest of the instructors and guards as an all-out brawl took place.
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 before punching Laura in the chest sending her flying.
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.