The Razorback Lion (Elite Grade, Level 45) let out a deafening roar, shaking the chamber walls. Its golden fur bristled, and its muscular frame tensed as it prepared to strike.
Leon took a breath, his mind calculating every possibility.
This wasn't just any battle—it was a test, one that would decide if he truly had a place in the Shadow Hunt Guild.
And he wasn't planning on losing.
"Nyx, stay sharp," he murmured.
The Shadowfang Panther (Rare Grade, Level 35) crouched low, eyes locked on its opponent. Its tail flicked once—a signal that it was ready.
The Huntmaster's voice echoed through the chamber.
"Begin."
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A Clash of Beasts
The Razorback Lion moved first, lunging forward with terrifying speed for a beast of its size. Its claws extended, aiming straight for Nyx's throat.
But Leon had already anticipated it.
"Sidestep. Counter with Phantom Pounce!"
Nyx blurred into motion, narrowly avoiding the lion's strike before twisting in the air—its claws glowing with dark energy.
A direct hit!
Blood splattered the stone floor as Nyx's claws raked across the lion's side. The beast snarled but didn't falter.
Instead, it twisted and retaliated instantly.
"Move back!" Leon commanded.
Nyx barely leaped away in time as the lion's massive paw slammed into the ground, leaving a deep crack in the stone.
Leon's mind raced.
The Razorback Lion was stronger. If Nyx took a direct hit, it would be over.
He needed a way to end this quickly.
Then—Leon saw it.
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The Weakness of a King
The lion was fast, but it wasn't flexible.
Its attacks were powerful but predictable, relying on brute strength rather than agility.
Leon smirked. That was a fatal flaw.
"Nyx, keep your distance. Make it chase you."
The panther darted to the side, circling its opponent. The lion snarled and charged, its heavy frame causing the ground to tremble with every step.
One step. Two steps. Three steps.
Then—Leon saw his opening.
"Now! Shadow Bind!"
Dark tendrils erupted from Nyx's paws, latching onto the lion's legs just as it lunged forward.
The massive beast stumbled, its momentum working against it.
It tried to regain balance, but—
"Phantom Pounce!"
Nyx vanished.
Then—a flash of violet claws.
The panther struck with full force, claws digging deep into the lion's exposed neck.
The Razorback Lion let out a final roar before crashing to the ground.
Silence.
Then—a notification appeared.
[Nyx has defeated Razorback Lion (Elite Grade, Level 45)!]
[Nyx has gained experience.]
[Level: 35 → 38]
Leon exhaled, a smirk forming on his lips.
Victory.
---
A Seat Among Shadows
The chamber was silent for a long moment.
Then—the Huntmaster laughed.
"Amazing," he said, his golden eyes gleaming with approval. "You've impressed me, Leon."
He leaned forward. "Not only did you win, but you did it with strategy rather than brute force. That's the kind of mind we need in the Shadow Hunt Guild."
Leon met his gaze without fear. "So, does that mean I pass?"
The Huntmaster smirked. "Welcome to the real hunt, boy."
Leon had secured his place among the strongest tamers in the underground.
But he knew this was only the beginning.
There were still greater battles to fight, stronger beasts to tame, and secrets to uncover.
And Leon was ready for all of it.
---