The underground arena fell silent as Leon and his opponent faced off.
Nyx (Shadowfang Panther – Rare Grade, Level 35) crouched low, muscles tensed, its violet eyes locked onto its opponent.
Across from them, the Nightmare Wolf (Elite Grade, Level 40) let out a deep growl, its form shifting like liquid darkness, its red eyes glowing with eerie intensity.
Leon wasn't a fool. This was a stronger opponent.
But strength alone didn't win battles.
"Begin!"
The Nightmare Wolf moved first, disappearing into the shadows—Shadow Meld, just like Nyx.
Leon's eyes sharpened. So it had similar abilities.
But he wasn't worried.
"Nyx, Silent Step."
Nyx vanished from sight, its body blending seamlessly into the arena's dim lighting. Two beasts, both invisible—hunting one another.
The crowd murmured in excitement. A battle of assassins.
Then—a flash of movement.
The Nightmare Wolf struck from the left, aiming for Nyx's side.
But Nyx reacted instantly.
Phantom Pounce!
It twisted mid-air, avoiding the attack, then countered with a sharp Razor Claw strike across the wolf's flank.
Blood splattered the sand.
The wolf howled in pain. A clean hit.
Leon smirked. It might be Elite Grade, but Nyx was faster.
But the fight wasn't over yet.
---
Adapt or Die
The Nightmare Wolf backed away, its eyes narrowing. Then, the air around it began to darken—a wave of oppressive energy spreading outward.
Leon's smirk faded.
"Dark Domain," he muttered.
A high-level skill, one that weakened enemies and strengthened the user within its range.
The crowd roared in excitement. This was no simple beast battle—this was a test of survival.
Leon clenched his fist. If Nyx stayed inside the domain, it would be at a disadvantage.
"Nyx—pull back and counter!"
Nyx darted backward, moving just outside the domain's range. The Nightmare Wolf hesitated, unable to chase without losing its advantage.
Leon smirked. Checkmate.
"Shadow Bind!"
Dark tendrils erupted from Nyx's paws, weaving through the arena floor.
The Nightmare Wolf snarled—but before it could react, the tendrils latched onto its legs, locking it in place.
Leon's voice was calm. "End it."
Nyx moved.
A blur of black fur, razor-sharp claws gleaming.
Razor Claw—direct hit.
The Nightmare Wolf collapsed, blood staining the arena floor.
The crowd erupted.
The battle was over.
---
The First Step into the Shadows
Leon looked up.
The woman watching him now had a satisfied smile.
"Not bad," she said. "I think you'll fit in well."
She tossed something toward him—a small, black emblem shaped like a wolf's fang.
"Welcome to the Shadow Hunt Guild."
Leon caught it, staring at the emblem for a moment.
Then, with a smirk, he slipped it into his pocket.
His journey had just begun.
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