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After a long, grueling fight, Erik and his team finally managed to fend off the Shadow Hounds that had surrounded them. Their breathing was heavy, their bodies drenched in sweat, and some bore minor injuries.
But most importantly—they survived.
Amidst the exhaustion, one of the soldiers from the opposing team, who had previously been their enemy, stepped forward. His face was still smeared with mud and monster blood, but his eyes held a glimmer of respect as he looked at Erik.
"We'll be taking the monster corpses back," he said firmly. "And… I formally acknowledge my defeat this time, Erik. But if we ever have another training like this, I'll be the one who wins."
With that, he turned and began coordinating his team to return to camp. They hoisted the bodies of the Shadow Hounds onto their shoulders, using them as proof of their courage in the battle.
Erik gave a small, amused smirk, a bit impressed by the man's attitude.
