The trial ground was vast and open, nothing but bare earth stretching around Aion. As he stepped forward, three wolf-shaped figures shimmered into being—Vineleaf Spirit Wolves, each pulsing with wood energy, each at Level 37. Their strength matched Hazel's.
Aion's second beast, little Umbriss, was far too weak to participate here. This battle was Hazel's alone.
He quickly tried to use his ability Origin Insight, hoping for the slightest edge. Yet the screen showed nothing.
The system's calm voice chimed in: "Reminder: these are illusions formed by the secret realm's trial. So unable to view details"
Before Aion could mutter a complaint, glowing numbers formed above the next gate. A fifteen-minute timer began to tick down.
Aion felt his heartbeat quicken a little . "So,they have to clear this round before the clock runs out, huh?" He glanced at Hazel, his lips curling into a slight grin. "Hazel, are you ready for your big debut?"
Hazel pawed the ground lightly, ears perked as if to say she was always ready.
As the timer started the wolves moved. The three wolves quickly surrounded Hazel from three directions and pounced on her, giving Aion no time to process the situation. But on instinct, he ordered Hazel to use her skill Moonlight Shield ( Rank A) to protect herself.
The attack landed, but the shield flared brilliantly with silvery light reflecting most of the force back. The three wolf beasts were thrown backward from the rebound.
Aion seized this small window and commanded Hazel to use Antler Strike—the first form of the Three Horn Judgement skill ( Rank S)—on the wolf closest to her. Hazel's two side horns turned crystalline, piercing forward to strike the wolf. An instant later, a concentrated energy beam shot out from the crystalline horns, delivering a lethal blow to the wolf's head and finishing it off.
Now only two wolves remained, both already injured from the reflection of their own attack.
This entire sequence unfolded in the span of just a few seconds.
Aion hands were trembling a little with excitement. This is a thrill of battle he has never experienced.
Aion looked at Hazel. Hazel was gasping a little, as both her skills were high rank and still at beginner mastery. Since it was her first time using them in an actual battle, the energy consumption was naturally a little high.
But even so, the result was far better than Aion had expected. Now only 2 beasts remain.
The remaining wolves snarled. Their jaws opened, releasing a flurry of wind darts.
Aion quickly commanded Hazel to use Moonlight Shield again to fend off the attack and reflect it back, but both wolves swiftly dodged in opposite directions.
The moment the attack was reflected, Aion ordered Hazel to charge at the wolf on the right side of her and use the same attack—Antler Strike. The instant the wolf landed, Hazel's crystalline antlers struck out, and a burst of energy beamed forth from the two horn finishing off the second beast.
Now only one remained. Hazel was breathing heavily, fatigue starting to show. Aion commanded her to use skill Moonveil Rejuvenation(Rank S)—a gentle circle of silver moonlight appeared around Hazel, soothing her body, restoring her stamina and also increase her battle power by 20% for 10 minutes.
Hazel then looked at the last wolf beast, determination flickering in her eyes, and pounced on it at Aion's command. The final wolf already injured countered swiftly, summoning Strangulating Vines that surged forward to intercept the charging Hazel.
Aion commanded Hazel to dodge the attack and move closer, and if she couldn't evade in time, she was to use Moonlight Shield. This would also help hone Hazel's battle instincts and make her more nimble.
Hazel's small frame darted through the air, skillfully dodging the vines as she closed in on the last wolf. When she drew near, she activated her shield, reflecting the vines back toward the wolf. The wolf was pushed back and injured by its own attack, giving Hazel the perfect opening—she unleashed Antler Strike, finishing off the final beast in a flash of crystalline light.
Aion glanced at the timer. Five minutes and some seconds remained. Ten minutes of fierce fighting had passed but it felt as a long time has passed.
He dropped to the ground, chest heaving as the adrenaline faded. Hazel padded to his side, her fur still warm from battle. Aion reached out, ruffling her softly. He checked her for injuries, though he knew her wounds if any would self heal slowly as this is all illusion .Still—he couldn't help but worry.
"You did brilliantly, Hazel," he said quietly. "When we get back, I'll give you a good reward."
Hazel chirped affectionately, nuzzling his hand, her eyes bright.
After a short rest, Aion stood up again with Hazel by his side. Little Umbriss was still coiled around his hand, having quietly watched Hazel's battle from start to finish. Together, they stepped through the second gate, heading toward the next challenge that awaited them.