The roar filled the clearing, shaking the air. It was loud and deep, sending chills through the group. The disciples froze, gripping their swords tight, eyes darting into the shadows where the sound came from. The forest was silent, the kind of silence that felt alive. Only the sound of crunching leaves broke through the stillness, slow and steady, coming closer.
Mono held his sword firmly, his heart racing. He glanced at the others. Hito's usual grin had vanished, replaced by a stiff, serious look. Raiba fidgeted, his sword grip tightening with every moment. Josei stood tense, both hands gripping her weapon, her eyes sharp. Even Tokira, calm as ever, had his sword raised, his gaze locked forward.
The sound grew louder until the creature appeared.
It was about the size of a dog, but it was no normal animal. Its body was lean and powerful, its dark fur bristling like sharp needles. The fur shone faintly, almost metallic. Glowing yellow eyes fixed on them, wild and dangerous. It crouched low, its claws digging into the dirt, and its long tail swayed behind it, stirring leaves as it moved.
Sensei stood at the edge of the clearing, calm as always. "This is a Kiba-hound," he said, his voice cutting through the tension. "A Seed-tier beast. These creatures often hunt in packs, but this one is alone. Likely a stray. Even alone, a Kiba-hound is fast, strong, and deadly. Do not underestimate it. Stay together and rely on your training."
Raiba's eyes flicked to the surrounding trees. "It hunts in packs? Are you sure it's alone?" he whispered.
"If others were nearby," Sensei replied, "they would have shown themselves by now. Focus on this one."
The Kiba-hound growled, low and steady, its glowing eyes narrowing. Then it lunged.
It moved faster than anyone expected, claws slashing through the air toward Hito. Hito yelped and stumbled back, barely dodging the attack. The Kiba-hound landed lightly, its tail whipping as it turned to face the group again.
"Spread out!" Mono shouted, stepping forward. He swung his sword, but the beast darted to the side, its tail flicking toward him. Mono ducked in time, dirt kicking up where the tail struck the ground.
Raiba stepped in, waving his sword. "Come on, you mutt!" he shouted, trying to distract it. The Kiba-hound growled and lunged at him. Raiba's blade came up just in time, deflecting the claws, but the force of the impact pushed him back. He staggered, barely keeping his footing.
Josei saw her chance and rushed in from the side. She swung her sword, aiming for the beast's shoulder. Her blade struck, grazing the beast's fur and drawing a thin line of blood. The Kiba-hound yelped, twisting around to swipe at her. Josei jumped back, her breath quick as she raised her sword again.
"It's too fast!" she called out, her voice tight.
"Don't let it split us up!" Mono yelled. "Stay together! Keep it surrounded!"
The group adjusted, spreading out just enough to form a loose circle around the beast. The Kiba-hound growled louder, its glowing eyes flicking between them. It crouched low, muscles coiling as it searched for an opening.
Tokira watched it carefully, his eyes tracking its every movement. "It's testing us," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Looking for weakness."
"Don't give it one," Mono replied, steadying his stance.
Hito darted in from the side, swinging his sword in a wide arc. The Kiba-hound twisted to dodge, moving like a blur. Its claws lashed out, forcing Hito to jump back. He swung again, but the beast stayed just out of reach.
Josei stepped in again, her sword striking its flank. This time, the blade connected, slicing through fur and flesh. The Kiba-hound snarled, turning sharply to face her. Its glowing eyes burned with anger as it lunged, jaws snapping.
Raiba stepped forward, shouting to draw its attention. His sword came down hard, forcing the beast to retreat. It landed awkwardly, shaking itself as blood dripped from its wounds.
"It's slowing down," Raiba said, his voice rising with hope. "We've got it!"
"Not yet," Sensei said, his tone calm but firm. "A wounded beast is more dangerous. Do not lose focus."
The Kiba-hound growled deeply, its tail whipping harder. It crouched low, preparing another attack. It lunged toward Mono, its claws aiming for his chest. Mono sidestepped, swinging his sword at its side. The blade struck, making the beast howl as it stumbled back.
"It's cornered!" Mono shouted. "Push it toward the trees! Cut off its escape!"
The group moved together, pressing the beast toward the edge of the clearing where the thick trees would trap it. The Kiba-hound snarled, its movements more frantic as it realized it was losing space. It lunged at Josei, desperate to break free. Josei slashed at it, her blade grazing its shoulder again. The beast yelped but kept going, its claws swiping wildly at her legs. Josei jumped back, raising her sword to block.
Hito rushed in from the side, his sword aimed at the beast's flank. The blade struck, drawing another yelp. The Kiba-hound spun around, snapping its jaws at him. Hito staggered back, narrowly avoiding its fangs.
"Keep the pressure on!" Mono called out, stepping forward. His sword came down hard, striking the beast again. Blood splattered onto the dirt as the Kiba-hound stumbled, its glowing eyes flicking between the disciples.
The beast crouched low, its breathing heavy and its movements slower. But its glowing eyes burned with fierce determination. Its tail lashed the ground, stirring up dust as it prepared one final, desperate attack.
The disciples tightened their circle, swords raised and ready. The fight wasn't over yet, and they braced for whatever came next.