The forest assigned for the first mission was far from peaceful.
Dense trees blocked most of the light, while the air carried a heavy scent of danger.
Luxe stepped forward, his gaze scanning the surroundings carefully without rushing his movement.
"…The environment itself is already part of the challenge, because visibility is limited and movement is restricted," he said quietly. "If we act carelessly here, we will expose ourselves before even encountering the enemy."
Christy walked beside him, her senses fully focused.
"…There are multiple mana signatures scattered around this area, but most of them are weak and disorganized," she said. "However, there is one deeper presence that feels significantly stronger than the others."
Kael walked slightly behind them, hands relaxed, expression unreadable.
"…Then we head toward the stronger presence directly, because weaker enemies will only waste time and energy," he said. "Finishing the main target quickly will give us a clear advantage over other teams."
Lumi moved silently through the shadows nearby, observing everything.
"…His suggestion is efficient, but also slightly aggressive for an initial mission," she said quietly to Luxe. "It suggests confidence in his own ability rather than concern for team safety."
Luxe nodded slightly.
"…I noticed," he replied. "But for now, we follow that direction and observe how he reacts during actual combat."
Christy glanced between them.
"…Then we move together and avoid separating unless absolutely necessary," she said. "Splitting up in an unfamiliar environment would increase risk significantly."
Luxe gave a faint nod.
"…Agreed," he said. "Maintain formation and prioritize awareness over speed until contact is confirmed."
Moments later—
The ground trembled slightly.
A massive beast emerged from the shadows.
Its body—
Covered in dark scales.
Eyes—
Glowing faint red.
"…That is not a standard mission-level creature," Christy said immediately. "Its mana density is far beyond what was described in the assignment briefing."
Kael smiled faintly.
"…Then it seems the academy is testing more than just our teamwork," he said. "This is meant to reveal how we handle unexpected escalation."
Luxe stepped forward.
"…No panic, no hesitation," he said calmly. "We adjust, we adapt, and we finish it efficiently."
The beast roared.
And charged.
Luxe moved instantly.
"Volt Acceleration."
His body disappeared—
Reappeared at the beast's side.
"Thunder Lance."
CRACK—!!
The attack struck—
But only partially penetrated.
"…High durability confirmed, and its reaction speed is faster than expected," Luxe said immediately. "Avoid direct confrontation until we understand its movement patterns completely."
Christy raised her hand.
"…Its mana flow is unstable around the neck and lower torso, which may indicate weak points," she said. "Targeting those areas may yield better results than attacking randomly."
Kael tilted his head slightly.
"…Then create an opening, and I'll handle the rest," he said. "There's no need to waste time testing its entire defense unnecessarily."
Lumi's voice echoed softly.
"…Be careful, his positioning suggests he prefers striking when others create opportunities," she said. "That kind of approach can be effective, but also unpredictable in team coordination."
Luxe narrowed his eyes.
"…Noted," he replied quietly.
The beast lunged again.
Christy moved—
Precise.
"…Now, left side movement incoming, adjust your positioning accordingly and avoid direct impact," she said quickly. "Its attack pattern becomes predictable after the first two strikes."
Luxe reacted instantly.
Dodging—
"…Got it," he said.
He moved again.
"Flash Step."
Slash.
A shallow cut—
But enough to redirect the beast's attention.
"…Now," Christy said.
Kael vanished.
Silent.
Then—
Strike.
A deep cut appeared near the beast's neck.
"…Good," Kael said. "That's the only spot that actually responds to damage."
The beast roared violently.
"…It's getting more aggressive, and its mana is increasing rapidly," Christy said. "If this continues, its strength may exceed our current level."
Luxe stepped forward.
"…Then we finish it now before it adapts further," he said. "Dragging this fight will only increase risk."
Lightning gathered—
"Chain Lightning Burst."
BOOM—!!
The attack struck multiple points—
The beast staggered.
"…Opening created," Luxe said.
Kael smiled faintly.
"…Then I'll take it."
He moved—
Faster than before.
Slash.
The beast's neck—
Cut deeply.
It collapsed.
Silence.
Christy exhaled slowly.
"…That was far more difficult than expected for an initial mission," she said. "If this is the standard, then the academy is far more dangerous than it appears."
Kael looked at Luxe.
"…You're stronger than most, but you still leave openings during prolonged fights," he said. "If that continues, stronger opponents will exploit it eventually."
Luxe met his gaze calmly.
"…And you rely too much on others creating openings before acting," he replied. "That approach works now, but it limits your control over the battle."
A brief silence passed.
Then—
Kael smiled.
"…Fair point," he said. "I'll keep that in mind."
A slow clap echoed.
"…Impressive," a voice said.
Leonhardt stepped forward from the trees.
"…I was wondering how long it would take before I found you," he continued. "And it seems you didn't disappoint."
Luxe turned slightly.
"…You were observing the entire fight instead of participating," he said. "That suggests you were evaluating rather than competing."
Leonhardt smirked.
"…Of course," he said. "Why fight blindly when I can understand my opponents first?"
Christy stepped back slightly.
"…This is going to turn into a confrontation," she said quietly. "We should be prepared for escalation."
Lumi's voice echoed softly.
"…His stance indicates he is confident in direct combat and prefers testing strength openly," she said. "This will likely become a duel rather than a group fight."
Leonhardt stepped forward.
"…Fight me," he said. "No excuses, no delays, just a direct test of strength."
Luxe sighed slightly.
"…You really prefer simple solutions," he said. "But fine, I'll respond."
They stepped forward.
Silence fell.
Then—
Leonhardt moved first.
Fast.
Clang—!!
Luxe blocked instantly.
"…Your reaction speed is good," Leonhardt said. "But let's see how long you can maintain it."
He attacked again—
Faster.
Luxe dodged.
"Volt Acceleration."
Slash.
Leonhardt blocked—
Smiling.
"…Good," he said. "This is what I was looking for."
The clash intensified—
Speed.
Power.
Precision.
Luxe stepped back slightly.
"…He's strong, but predictable in his attack patterns," he thought. "If I control the pace, I can limit his advantage."
Leonhardt grinned.
"…Don't hold back," he said. "Or this won't be interesting."
Luxe's eyes sharpened.
"…Then don't regret it," he replied.
Lightning surged—
"Thunder Lance."
CRACK—!!
Leonhardt blocked—
But slid back.
"…Now that's more like it," he said.
They stared at each other.
Equal.
For now.