Morning mist clung to Ravenshire, draping the village in a silver veil. Hunnt, Corwin, and Pyro were already moving through footwork drills, Suro bursts, and defensive patterns. Hunnt's movements were fluid, precise, and almost dance-like; Pyro mirrored him perfectly, four-legged bursts propelling him faster than the eye could follow. Corwin tried desperately to keep pace, fists raised, heart hammering.
Suddenly, Hunnt's eyes caught something near the treeline—huge, clawed tracks pressed into the damp soil. His chest tightened. Fresh… big… hunting… Pyro froze beside him, ears flat and tail bristling. It's him… Gorgawump… I can't run… I won't… nyaah.
Corwin's breath caught. "Those… tracks… they're huge… and heading right here."
Hunnt placed a hand on Corwin's shoulder. "Stay calm. Keep your distance, stay alert. Suro bursts first—speed and unpredictability. Corwin, your foundation drills are your shield. Don't panic."
The forest seemed to hold its breath. Leaves quivered as a low, guttural growl rolled across the clearing. Pyro's fur rose; every muscle coiled in anticipation. Master… we face him now…
The Gorgawump emerged, massive, eyes gleaming with predatory intelligence, nostrils flaring as it scented Pyro. Hunnt's mind raced through strategy, instinct merging with months of training. Position, coordination, timing… use their strengths against them…
---
The battle erupted. Hunnt's Tekkai absorbed the first massive swing. Fist-style counters controlled momentum, deflecting blows without wasting energy. Quick Suro bursts allowed him to close distance and strike critical areas.
Corwin hesitated, fear flaring, but remembered Hunnt's guidance: controlled hammer swings, fists for precision. Each motion reflected weeks of relentless practice—footwork, timing, core control. The young lumberjack found rhythm, staggering the Gorgawump's legs just enough to create openings without overextending.
Pyro moved with lethal grace. SnS strikes hit precise spots, Suro bursts enhanced positioning, and Tekkai softened incoming light blows. Each strike was a culmination of years of training—the Felyne became a whirlwind of precision and speed.
Minutes felt like hours. Hunnt's tactical mind orchestrated strikes and counters. Corwin's hammer and fists blended with instinctive precision. Pyro's attacks exploited openings at every opportunity. Together, they were an unstoppable force of synergy and discipline.
Finally, Hunnt spotted an opening. "Pyro! Neck! Now!"
Pyro surged forward, SnS and Tekkai perfectly synchronized. The final strike landed with deadly accuracy, and the Gorgawump's roar cut off abruptly as it collapsed. Silence blanketed the clearing.
---
Exhausted but triumphant, the trio surveyed the battlefield. Hunnt's Tekkai, fist style, and Suro bursts had controlled the fight. Pyro's training and agility executed precision attacks. Corwin's strength, combined with discipline and learned reflexes, proved vital in staggering the beast.
The village remained safe. But Hunnt's gaze shifted to the forest. The scent lingered; the shadows moved. Their first true test had passed, but the path ahead promised trials harder than any they had yet faced.
Pyro curled at Hunnt's side, tail flicking, eyes gleaming. Good… human… nyaah… you held up…
Corwin, hammer in hand, smiled despite exhaustion. I can fight… I can protect… I can get stronger…
Hunnt nodded slowly. "Today, you saw the result of training. Tomorrow… we get stronger. And we stay ready—because monsters like that never forget."