As the group presses on, the air around them seems to thicken, the eerie silence of the forest only broken by their footsteps and the occasional rustle of unseen creatures. The trees loom tall, their branches twisting unnaturally, casting long, strange shadows that seem to shift as if alive. Seiji can't shake the feeling that they’re being watched.

  His grip tightens on the Skill Card Book. The feeling of uncertainty is still there, but it’s different now. That spark of determination hasn’t faded; it’s still burning, faint but steady. His power, his skill cards—they’re starting to feel like a tool he can use. He might not have the experience that Tatsuya or Rika do, but he’s not completely helpless anymore. The rock he reinforced was just the beginning. If he can keep learning and pushing himself, maybe there’s more he can do.

  Suddenly, Rika’s sharp eyes snap to a distant thicket of trees, her hand moving instinctively to her blade. “Something’s coming,” she warns, her voice low but steady.

  Seiji feels his heart skip a beat. Tatsuya immediately shifts his stance, his sword ready. He and Rika both stand in a defensive formation, waiting for whatever’s approaching.

  Seiji follows their lead, but his mind is racing. He flicks through his Skill Card Book again, but nothing stands out as immediately useful in this kind of situation. He hasn’t leveled up enough yet to have combat-oriented cards beyond Reinforce.

  "Focus, Seiji," Tatsuya mutters without looking at him. His eyes never leave the trees. "You can do this. Just be ready."

  Seiji forces himself to take a deep breath. He’s done something before. He can do it again. But what should he reinforce this time? What could help them now?

  The air grows colder, and the rustling gets louder. Then, out of the underbrush, a shape emerges.

  It’s another Shadewolf, but this time, it’s not alone. There’s a pack of them—three more, all with glowing eyes and dark fur that almost seems to absorb the light around them. The pack moves in unison, circling the group with predatory precision. Seiji feels his pulse quicken.

  Rika doesn’t hesitate. She darts forward, her blade flashing as she slices through the air with a speed that takes Seiji's breath away. The first Shadewolf lunges, but Rika’s blade meets it mid-leap, cutting deep into its side. It howls in pain but continues to fight, trying to rip at her with its claws.

  Tatsuya is already in motion too, his sword flashing as he defends against one of the other wolves, using his Guardian Sword abilities to ward off the creature’s vicious claws. The blade glows with a faint blue aura, a testament to his skill and the power of his unique job. He moves with deadly grace, each strike calculated, precise.

  Seiji’s hands are shaking. His gaze darts from one wolf to the next. He has to do something. His thoughts race through his options, but before he can settle on anything, one of the wolves charges straight at him.

  Seiji freezes.

  It’s too fast.

  The tension in the air grows thicker as they press on through the forest, the dense trees closing in around them like a suffocating wall. Seiji's mind races, still processing the unsettling voice that echoed through the trees, reminding them of the trial they were now part of. Survive until dawn. It should have been a simple command, but the weight of it feels heavier with every step they take.

  Tatsuya, ever vigilant, leads the way, his sharp eyes scanning every movement around them. Seiji trails behind, his hands still tingling from the power he used earlier. He tries to focus, but his thoughts keep returning to the fight. Reinforce. It was the only thing that kept them from being overrun by the Shadewolves, and it felt like more than just a simple skill. It felt like the beginning of something more.

  Rika’s silence beside him makes the forest seem even quieter, but her presence is reassuring. She’s always on alert, always watching.

  Then, the trees shift again, and Seiji feels a chill crawl up his spine. The air seems to thicken, and a sense of dread settles into his chest.

  Suddenly, the growls return, closer this time.

  “Something’s coming,” Rika murmurs, her eyes narrowing.

  Seiji doesn’t need to ask what it is. His heart skips a beat, and he instinctively flips through his Skill Card Book, his fingers brushing over the familiar "Reinforce" card. He doesn’t hesitate this time. He’s not the same as before. He’s learned.

  As he activates the card, a strange warmth floods his body. He’s not sure if it’s from the card itself or from something deeper within him. Focus, he tells himself. He channels the power into the ground beneath him, reinforcing it to give himself stability, to anchor himself against whatever is about to come.

  The creatures emerge from the darkness, their eyes glowing like embers in the night. The first one, massive and terrifying, is followed by two smaller ones, each more vicious than the last. The biggest one howls, a chilling sound that sends a shiver down Seiji's spine.

  Tatsuya is the first to react, unsheathing his sword with practiced ease. “Get ready,” he warns, already positioning himself to intercept the biggest of the beasts. “Rika, handle the others.”

  Rika doesn’t hesitate. Her blade gleams in the dim light as she meets the two smaller creatures head-on, her movements swift and deadly.

  Seiji watches for a moment, his pulse pounding in his ears, before he forces himself to focus. Reinforce, he repeats in his mind, this time more confidently. He looks around for something to use as a weapon and spots a large fallen branch nearby. He swings his focus toward it, and the familiar surge of power rushes through him. The wood hardens, its surface solidifying like stone under his influence.

  The first creature charges, its massive form hurtling toward him with terrifying speed. Seiji doesn't falter. He swings the reinforced branch with everything he has. It crashes into the beast’s side with a resounding thud, sending it skidding back a few paces. The creature snarls, but it doesn’t stop. It lunges again, its claws slashing at the air.

  Seiji tightens his grip, reinforcing the branch again, pushing his power beyond what he thought was possible. The wood creaks and groans under the strain, but it holds. He swings once more, and this time, the creature staggers, letting out a howl of pain. It’s enough to give Tatsuya the opening he needs.

  “Now!” Tatsuya shouts, his blade flashing as he moves in, striking the creature down with a precise, deadly blow. It collapses into dark mist, disappearing as swiftly as it had appeared.

  But there’s no time to relax. The remaining two beasts are still closing in, their eyes filled with hunger. Seiji’s chest tightens, his body urging him to run, but he knows better. He can’t afford to panic now.

  Tatsuya’s voice breaks through his racing thoughts. “Seiji, don’t let up!”

  Seiji nods, though his breath is coming in ragged gasps. He grips the branch tighter, reinforcing it once again. This time, though, he can feel something more. It’s like a spark, a flicker of energy deep within him, something that was awakened in the heat of battle.

  He feels the familiar tingle as the Reinforce skill activates once more, but this time, something’s off. The sensation isn’t as sharp as before, and the edge of his focus feels a little less clear. He glances at his hands, briefly noticing the faint flicker of light dimming in his palm, then dismisses it. It’s his mana, he realizes, but there’s no time to think about it now.

  The pressure of the fight clouds his thoughts, and he channels everything he has into reinforcing the branch, ignoring the nagging sensation of his energy draining away.

  He swings the reinforced branch at the approaching creature with all his might. The force is enough to send it stumbling back, but it’s not enough to stop it. The beast recovers quickly and lunges again, its massive jaws snapping toward Seiji.

  His heart races, and without thinking, he activates Reinforce again, this time focusing on his own legs. He can feel his muscles strengthen, his body becoming more stable, more agile. The beast lunges, but Seiji sidesteps just in time, the reinforced strength in his legs propelling him out of the way.

  “Nice move!” Tatsuya calls, his sword flashing as he strikes at the larger beast, distracting it long enough for Seiji to get another hit in. Seiji swings the branch, and this time, it’s enough. The creature staggers, roaring in pain as it falls to the ground, vanishing in a cloud of mist.

  Rika finishes off the last of the smaller beasts with a swift strike to the head, her movements a blur of efficiency.

  They stand in the aftermath, breathing heavily, the forest eerily quiet once more.

  Seiji’s heart is still pounding, but he feels something new. The pressure of the night, the challenge of the trial, has awakened something inside him. He doesn’t know what it is, but it feels like he’s just getting started.

  The others don’t say anything right away. They simply exchange looks, acknowledging the battle they just fought.

  “Let’s keep moving,” Tatsuya says, his voice steady. “We still have a long way to go.”

  Seiji nods, determined. He’s no longer just a spectator. He’s part of this, and he’s ready for whatever comes next.

  And the night? It will test them all, but Seiji is starting to believe that maybe—just maybe—they can make it through.

  Seiji takes a deep breath, feeling the strain in his muscles from the continuous use of his Reinforce skill. His mana is running low, and with every step, it feels harder to ignore the faint dizziness creeping in. He pushes the thought aside for now—there’s no time to stop.

  The trio moves deeper into the forest, the shadows growing longer as the night presses on. The oppressive silence is broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or distant growls, but Seiji can feel something else—a sense of unease settling in. It’s as if the forest itself is waiting for something, watching them, ready to strike at any moment.

  Suddenly, a faint noise reaches their ears—crunching footsteps, followed by soft groans. Rika’s eyes narrow, her posture stiffening as she places a hand on the hilt of her blade. “We’re not alone,” she mutters, her voice low but urgent.

  Tatsuya slows his pace, scanning the area. “Stay alert. It could be another group of students.”

  Seiji tenses, instinctively reaching for his Skill Card Book, but his body protests as if reminding him of his already-depleted mana. He can’t afford to use it recklessly. They continue forward, moving cautiously through the thick underbrush.

  Then, they spot them—a small group of students huddled together, their bodies bruised and battered. The first thing Seiji notices is the bloodstained cloth wrapped around one of their arms, and the way another student limps, clearly in pain. Their faces are grim, their eyes wide with fear, and their expressions flicker with something Seiji can’t quite place—uncertainty, maybe even desperation.

  “Hey!” Tatsuya calls, stepping forward cautiously. “What happened?”

  One of the students, a girl with short brown hair, looks up. Her voice is strained, but she manages to speak. “We… we got ambushed. By creatures. Bigger than the ones we faced earlier. There were more of them, and they attacked us out of nowhere.” She winces as she tries to move, her hand clutching her side where a gash runs deep. “We couldn’t keep up... We lost one of our group members.”

  If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

  Rika steps forward immediately, her gaze hardening. “Where’s the rest of your group?”

  The girl hesitates, glancing nervously at the others. “They... they didn’t make it. We tried to get away, but we got separated. We’re the only ones left.” She drops her gaze, as if the weight of the situation is finally crashing down on her.

  Seiji feels a pang of guilt. They’re all here for the same reason—to pass this trial, to become Awakened. But now, it feels more like a fight for survival than an opportunity for growth. He swallows hard, fighting the uneasy feeling in his chest. This isn’t the world he expected, but it’s the one they’re living in now.

  Tatsuya’s voice cuts through the silence, firm and determined. “We’ll help you. Get yourselves together, and we’ll move together. Strength in numbers.”

  Rika nods, looking at the injured students with a calculating gaze. “We can’t afford to waste time. The night won’t wait for us.”

  Seiji steps forward, his hand hovering over his Skill Card Book, but he stops himself. His mana is low, and the last thing he wants is to run out of energy in a moment like this. But… maybe there’s something else he can do.

  Seiji scans the area, his eyes moving over the injured students. The girl with the bloodied arm looks like she’s in the worst condition, but they all seem to be on the edge of collapse. Seiji’s heart races, his hand itching to help, but his mana is already running low. His thoughts are interrupted when something catches his eye—a flicker of light on the ground near one of the students.

  A small, shimmering card is half-buried under a pile of leaves. It’s the same kind of card Seiji’s seen before—something that could help them. Without thinking, he moves toward it, his fingers brushing the edges of the card as he pulls it free from the debris. He glances down at it. The card doesn’t look like the usual offensive or defensive ones—it’s a first aid card, a skill he’s never used before but knows could be crucial right now.

  He quickly examines the card's description:

  [First Aid (Active)]

  Rarity: Common

  Level 1: A basic first aid skill that applies a quick healing touch to stop bleeding and stabilize injuries.

  Effect: Temporarily reduces pain and halts bleeding. Minor wounds are healed over time.

  Unlocks at Level 3: The ability to fully heal minor wounds and apply the skill more efficiently.

  Seiji swallows his anxiety, activating the card. It glows faintly in his hand as the skill activates, sending a pulse of calming energy toward the injured students. The girl with the bloodied arm winces, but her face softens in relief as the bleeding slows down and the pain dulls somewhat. Seiji’s head spins slightly from the use of the card, his mana dipping lower than he’d like, but he doesn’t have time to worry about it. The others watch him, their faces a mix of gratitude and disbelief.

  “It’s not much…” Seiji mutters, his voice strained. “But it should help.”

  The girl’s expression softens, her lips curving into a faint smile as she breathes a sigh of relief. “Thank you,” she says, though the exhaustion in her voice is evident. “You didn’t have to…”

  Seiji shakes his head, brushing off the thanks. “We need to stick together if we’re going to survive.”

  Tatsuya steps forward, his eyes scanning the area with quiet determination. “We’ll help them, but we need to keep moving. The night won’t wait for us.”

  Seiji nods in agreement, glancing back at the group of injured students. He knows they need to push forward, but it’s hard to ignore the weight of the situation. He’s not just a spectator anymore; he’s part of this, and he has to do his part. He may not have much mana left, but he can’t leave them behind.

  The group begins to move again, each step bringing them further into the forest’s shadowed depths. Seiji’s heart pounds—not just from the lingering adrenaline, but from the burden he feels now. This trial, this night, has become more than just a test of skill. It’s a test of survival. A test of unity. And with each passing moment, he knows they’re all in this together.

  Tatsuya's POV

  Tatsuya’s boots crunch against the forest floor as he leads the group forward. The weight of the night presses down on him, but his mind is sharp, focused. He can feel the lingering tension from the battle they fought just moments ago. The creatures that attacked had been vicious, relentless, and if not for the quick thinking of everyone—Seiji included—they might not have made it through unscathed.

  The reinforced branch Seiji had used earlier had been a surprising weapon. Tatsuya had watched as his friend fought with surprising effectiveness, even if the strength behind his blows wasn’t as sharp as a real weapon. His reflexes, though, were something else. When the larger beast had lunged at Seiji, Tatsuya had seen his friend sidestep at the last second, almost like it was instinct. That was the moment Tatsuya realized—Seiji was no longer just the guy watching from the sidelines.

  Still, it wasn’t just Seiji’s actions that had kept them alive. Rika’s swordsmanship had been precise and deadly, cutting down the smaller beasts with surgical precision. Her movements had been cold, efficient, but there was something reassuring about it. And the others, though injured, had held their ground, even if only for a short time.

  Tatsuya glances at Seiji, who’s walking quietly beside him. His friend’s expression is unreadable, his face set in concentration. He’d used that first aid skill earlier on the injured girl, despite his own depleted mana. It had been a small thing—just a flicker of light and some energy that drained from him—but it had been enough to ease the girl’s pain for the moment. Still, Tatsuya couldn’t help but wonder—what exactly was Seiji capable of? His friend’s job was listed as "Book Owner," but there had to be more to it. Seiji hadn’t exactly explained what that meant, and Tatsuya didn’t know enough about it. But the way Seiji had used that skill... it was almost too precise for someone who hadn’t been trained.

  Tatsuya furrows his brow as they walk. There’s something about Seiji lately—something that’s shifting. Maybe it was that adaptability Seiji had shown. He wasn’t just standing by anymore; he was changing, growing, and becoming more involved. But what other skills was Seiji hiding? What else did his job—his Book Owner job—give him?

  The thought lingers in Tatsuya’s mind, but he shakes it off. Focus on the mission. They couldn’t afford distractions. The trial was far from over, and the forest still held dangers.

  His sword shifts slightly on his back, the weight of it grounding him. His abilities had always been clear to him—defend, protect, strike when necessary. But now, there were more unknowns in the mix. He needed to trust his team, and Seiji was no longer just a bystander. They had to rely on each other if they were going to survive what was coming next.

  Tatsuya speaks under his breath, almost to himself. “We’ll make it through this.”

  Seiji's POV

  Seiji glances at him, offering a small nod of agreement. There’s determination in his eyes, that spark of confidence that hadn’t been there earlier. It’s subtle, but Tatsuya notices it, and for the first time, he feels a sense of certainty about what they can accomplish together.

  Despite everything they’ve been through, despite the uncertainty of the trials ahead, Tatsuya allows himself to believe it. We can do this.

  But for now, he refocuses, ready for whatever the trial throws at them next.

  Seiji’s boots crunch against the forest floor, the uneven ground making his steps heavy. The air is damp with the remnants of rain from earlier, and the trees above barely allow any sunlight to filter through. It's been hours since they encountered the creatures, and the forest feels both endless and suffocating.

  He can’t help but feel a sense of unease creeping in. The night has deepened, and despite the group’s quiet chatter, a sense of foreboding hangs in the air.

  "Seiji, keep up," Rika calls back, her voice cutting through his thoughts. He looks up, and she gives him a sharp look, her fiery red hair like a flash of heat in the cool gloom.

  "Yeah, sorry," Seiji mutters, adjusting the strap of his bag. He’s been distracted by the weird sense of something watching them from the shadows. The forest feels... alive, and not in the way that makes you feel at peace. His grip tightens on his makeshift weapon, the reinforced branch he’s been using since the battle earlier.

  His thoughts wander, as they often do, to the oddity of his power. The more he uses his Skill Card Book, the more he learns about it, but it’s still not enough to fully understand how it works. The cards he's used so far have been basic—skills like cooking, healing, even first aid—but they don’t feel like his abilities. They feel... borrowed. Not to mention, the way they activate, the faint glow of the cards, the rush of energy that follows—they’re unlike anything he’s seen others use.

  Seiji sighs, shaking his head. He’s overthinking again. What’s important now is survival. Keeping his focus on the present, he looks ahead and notices something strange. A flicker of light, distant, shimmering like a beacon in the otherwise dim forest. He slows his pace, narrowing his eyes.

  "Do you see that?" he asks, his voice low.

  Tatsuya stops, turning toward the light, his expression unreadable. "I see it. Stay alert."

  They all gather closer, stepping carefully toward the light. It doesn’t take long for them to realize it’s not some ordinary glow. The closer they get, the more defined it becomes—a crack in the air, like a portal shimmering with unnatural energy. It hovers just above the ground, barely visible through the trees, and it pulses with a strange, inviting pull.

  "That’s... a portal," Seiji murmurs, his heart beating faster at the sight. He’s heard about portals in passing, mentioned in hushed conversations, but he’s never seen one up close. It’s not like the ones they’ve encountered in dungeons. This is something different.

  “Think it’s a good idea to approach it?” Hiroshi asks, his voice a mix of excitement and caution.

  Before Seiji can reply, a cold wind sweeps through the clearing, making him shiver. The hair on the back of his neck stands up. Something feels off about this. There’s a weight in the air, something that doesn’t belong.

  Rika steps forward, her sharp gaze scanning the area. "Stay on guard," she warns, but her eyes are already narrowing at something beyond the portal. Seiji follows her gaze and feels his stomach drop.

  From within the shimmering light, something begins to take shape—silently at first, then more definitively. A shadow, long and sleek, emerges from the portal’s depths, its form barely discernible in the dim light.

  Then it steps into view.

  A massive, white wolf—its fur pure as snow, but its eyes... they glow with an eerie, predatory gleam. The creature’s silhouette is almost ethereal, its body shifting and shimmering with an unsettling presence. Its movements are fluid and unnatural, like it’s not entirely bound by the laws of nature. This isn't a normal beast.

  White Shadowwolf (E-Rank Monster)

  Rarity: E-Rank

  Level: 15

  Type: Shadow Beast

  Appearance: A massive wolf with fur so white it almost glows, the White Shadowwolf emanates an ethereal aura. Its form ripples like a shadow, flickering between visibility and invisibility, its silver eyes glowing with predatory malice. Its long, sharp claws scrape against the ground, leaving marks that seem to linger for an unnatural amount of time. Its body moves with fluidity, as though unaffected by the laws of physics.

  The air around it feels colder, heavier, as if the wolf is sucking the warmth from the world around it. It’s enormous, easily towering over the group. Its claws dig into the ground with a soft screech, like talons scraping against stone, and its teeth—long and sharp as daggers—gleam in the dim light.

  This is no ordinary wolf. Seiji’s gut twists in dread. This is an E-rank monster, far above the normal Shadowwolf.

  Shadowwolf (F-Rank Monster)

  Rarity: F-Rank

  Level: 5

  Type: Shadow Beast

  Appearance: A sleek, black wolf with glowing red eyes, the Shadowwolf is a predatory creature known for its aggressive nature. Its body is covered in dark fur that seems to blend into the shadows, allowing it to move undetected in dim environments.

  Compared to the White Shadowwolf, the normal Shadowwolves are nothing more than common beasts.

  This one, however, carries an ancient, terrifying aura. Its presence warps the air itself, bending the natural laws of reality, its shadowy form a stark contrast to the white of its fur. Every instinct in Seiji’s body screams to run.

  It steps forward, and the portal begins to pulse faster. The wind picks up again, and Seiji feels the weight of it press down on him. His breath comes quicker, his hand reaching for his Skill Card Book, though his mind is still spinning with the realization.

  "This is bad," he thinks. "This is way beyond us."

  Tatsuya moves first, his sword already drawn, gleaming with deadly intent. "We need to take it down fast!" he orders, his voice steady despite the gravity of the situation.

  Seiji’s mind races, and he feels the hum of energy in his hands. He has to fight. There’s no choice.

  But before he can even make a move, the White Shadowwolf lets out a terrifying howl, a sound that seems to shake the very air. Its form ripples again as it lunges toward them, its speed unnatural, almost a blur.

  Seiji swallows hard, taking a step back as the wolf barrels forward, its silver eyes locking onto them with deadly focus. "We’re not going to make it if we don’t work together," Seiji thinks, tightening his grip on his book, readying himself for what’s to come.

  Seiji's heart races as the wolf’s glowing eyes fixate on the group, its body rippling with an eerie, unnatural energy. He barely has time to take in a breath when, without any warning, the creature surges forward.

  The ground beneath its paws shatters as the White Shadowwolf moves with terrifying speed, its claws slashing through the air like a blur. Before Seiji can even react, a blast of cold air sweeps through him, freezing the space between them. The wolf’s claws tear through the air with a deafening sound, and Seiji’s eyes widen in horror.

  "Seiji, move!" Tatsuya shouts, but the warning comes too late.

  The creature is already upon them.

  The White Shadowwolf pounces, its jaws snapping with a ferocity that could shred through anything in its path. Time seems to stretch, the world moving in slow motion, as Seiji instinctively raises his arms to shield himself.

  CRACK!

  A sickening sound of impact reverberates through the clearing. Seiji’s body is thrown to the side like a ragdoll, pain surging through his body as he hits the ground hard. His vision blurs as the forest spins around him, the cold air biting into his skin.

  Tatsuya is already in motion, his sword arcing toward the wolf with a speed that nearly matches its own. But the White Shadowwolf is too fast. It dodges, its form twisting unnaturally, and with a flash of silver, it strikes again. This time, Tatsuya’s sword misses by mere inches.

  "Seiji!" Tatsuya’s voice is filled with urgency, but there’s no time to regroup. The wolf’s howl echoes once more, a chilling cry that reverberates through the forest like the death knell of their survival.

  Seiji’s body aches, but he forces himself up, blinking through the haze of pain. His hand reaches out instinctively, grabbing for his Skill Card Book. His fingers tremble as they hover over the pages. He needs something—anything—that can give them a fighting chance.

  But before he can even unlock a card, the ground beneath him trembles. The White Shadowwolf is already moving again, its eyes locked onto him, its presence overwhelming.

  A cold dread settles in Seiji’s chest.

  "This is it," he thinks, as the creature pounces once more.