Zack runs toward the source of the screams. As he arrives, he's struck with shock—two C-rank Dark Wolves have already appeared, and some students have been killed.
"Looks like death has begun its dance... Maybe I couldn't have done anything earlier, but now I have to do something." Zack thinks to himself.
Just then, Albus spots him.
Albus: "Zack! Where did you disappear to?"
Zack: "What can I say… I got separated from my group all of a sudden."
Albus: "Alright, forget that for now. Just come here quickly."
Zack: "What happened?"
Albus: "Two C-rank monsters suddenly appeared here and in the blink of an eye, they killed two awakened students. The instructors are fighting the monsters right now and told us to stay back."
Zack thinks for a moment. An idea comes to his mind.
"The instructors are busy fighting them… but they won't be able to hold them off for long. If I find the right moment and strike one of the Dark Wolves in the eye with a dagger—and if the poison works—then maybe we'll have a chance."
Zack looks around. Coincidentally, he finds a dagger lying nearby. Now, all he needs is the right moment. As soon as the opportunity arises, Zack strikes!
The dagger hits its mark—right in the eye of one of the Dark Wolves. But the monster doesn't seem affected… at first. About 30 seconds later, the poison kicks in. The wolf starts staggering.
Taking advantage of the moment, two instructors perform a combined attack, seriously wounding the monster.
Zack shouts, "Look! The monster is weakened! We have to help them!"
But no one steps forward.
Then Joshua steps in, assessing the situation.
Joshua: "Zack's right! We need to support our instructors. All magicians—step forward!"
Ten students, all magicians, come forward.
Zack: "We may not be strong individually, but if we combine our attacks, we can make a difference!"
Joshua: "He's right! Wind and fire magicians, step up and combine your magic!"
They combine their spells.
Zack: "On my signal…"
He shouts, "Instructors, please move aside!"
The instructors, realizing the plan, quickly make way. The students unleash a powerful combined magical attack, and the monster is reduced to ashes.
Now, only one monster remains.
Joshua: "Just like we defeated the first one, we'll take down this one too. All swordsmen, archers, and warriors—come with me! Healers—give us buffs! Zack, prepare a powerful attack and launch it when I signal."
Zack: "On your signal?"
Joshua charges toward the monster with the fighters. Meanwhile, Zack coordinates with the magicians to prepare a powerful final strike.
For the next 10 minutes, the students hold the monster off. Their numbers begin to overwhelm it, and the beast nears defeat.
Finally, Joshua gives the signal.
Zack signals the magicians, and they launch a devastating magical barrage. The second Dark Wolf is burned to ash.
In the end, both C-rank monsters were defeated—but at a heavy cost. Around ten awakened students lost their lives in the battle.
All the students were now safe. The instructors, seeing the aftermath of the battle, had pride in their eyes. Not just because they had survived—but because the young awakeners had shown true courage in the face of death.
One of the instructors approached Joshua, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.
Instructor: "Joshua, you showed remarkable bravery today. You truly have the qualities of a leader."
Joshua smiled—but deep down, he knew the truth. The real idea was Zack's.
A little distance away, Zack stood quietly, observing everything. He wasn't seeking praise—he was simply content.
Joshua walked over to him.
Joshua: "Everyone's talking about my bravery… but I know the truth. You were the one who made the real move. That dagger—it was you who threw it, right?"
Zack gave a calm smile. "Sharp eyes you've got."
Joshua: "Zack, I won't beat around the bush. Let me get straight to the point—join the Panther Guild. With someone like you on our side, we could be stronger than ever. I promise you great benefits and support."
Zack let out a light chuckle.
Zack: "I figured you'd ask me that one day… but I'm sorry. I can't join you. Not yet. There's still something I need to do."
Joshua didn't argue. He simply nodded with respect.
Joshua: "I respect your decision… but we can still be friends, can't we?"
Zack: "Of course. Why not?"
The two smiled, and exchanged contact numbers—a new friendship forged in fire.
Just then, a notification flashed in front of Zack's eyes:
Level Up – 3