The arena's simulated jungle shimmered under a false sun. Leaves rustled as projections flickered, rendering beasts that looked far too real for comfort. Levi crouched low behind a cluster of virtual trees, Ragnar perched on his shoulder, violet energy pulsing faintly in its veins.
[System: New Academy Trial Initiated]
[Objective: Survive the Simulation & Eliminate 10 Corrupted Beasts]
[Bonus Objective: Maintain 80% Pet Sync Rate for 3 Minutes]
"Ten beasts, huh?" Levi muttered, scanning the dense foliage. Ragnar gave a low growl, claws digging into Levi's jacket. "Don't worry, buddy. We'll crush this."
The first enemy lunged out of the bushes—a wolf-shaped Corrupted Beast, its body glitching at the edges like static. Levi ducked, rolled, and drew his blade in one smooth motion. Ragnar sprang off his shoulder, a streak of violet light slashing across the wolf's face.
[System: Pet Critical Strike – 120% Damage Output]
[Target HP: 0%]
[Enemy Eliminated – +15 EXP]
"Nice one, Ragnar." Levi smirked, wiping his blade clean. Then he froze—because from the opposite side of the clearing came the same silver-haired girl he had bumped into during the courtyard chaos. Her black dragon-beast stalked at her side, eyes glowing like embers.
She noticed him instantly. Her eyes widened for just a second before her composure snapped back like a steel trap.
"You again," she said flatly, voice smooth but edged with curiosity.
Levi blinked, his mind racing. (Don't be awkward. Don't be awkward.) "Uh… yeah. Seems like fate, huh?"
Her eyebrow arched slightly, but before she could respond, another Corrupted Beast crashed through the undergrowth this one twice the size of the first, with jagged crimson fangs. Ragnar snarled and leapt forward at the same time her dragon-beast launched into the air.
The fight was fast, vicious, and strangely beautiful. Levi slashed at the beast's legs while Ragnar clawed at its neck, and above them, the black dragon spiraled in a jet of shadows, striking from above. In perfect sync, both their pets unleashed a combined strike that shredded the monster into shards of code.
[System: Combo Attack Bonus – +50 EXP]
[Pet Sync Rate: 92% – Excellent]
[Levi Level Up: 6 → 7]
Levi caught his breath, staring at her as she landed lightly beside him, silver hair glinting under the simulation lights. She gave a small nod, but there was something softer in her eyes this time.
"You're… good," she admitted quietly.
Levi smiled, nerves buzzing in his chest. (Now or never.) "Thanks. And, uh…" he scratched his head, suddenly feeling way less cool than he'd imagined. "…I never got your name."
Her lips curled in the faintest smirk, like she enjoyed watching him squirm.
"It's Aria," she said finally, her voice like a low melody that stuck in his head. "Aria Vale."
[System: New Contact Acquired – Aria Vale]
[Hidden Objective: ? ? ? ]
Levi repeated the name in his mind like a mantra. Aria Vale. Strong, graceful… and way out of his league. But Ragnar growled softly, as if reminding him nothing was out of reach anymore.
Before Levi could say anything else, the jungle shook with another roar. The next wave of Corrupted Beasts had arrived, and the System chimed in with cruel timing.
[System: Wave 2 Incoming – Threat Level Increased]
Levi gripped his blade, stealing one last glance at Aria. She met his eyes and smirked again.
"Try not to slow me down," she said, already moving.
He laughed under his breath and sprinted after her, Ragnar darting ahead like a streak of violet lightning.