The Ironfang Wolf recovered quickly.
Its massive body twisted as it regained balance, claws digging into the forest floor.
Takemi stepped lightly across the clearing, keeping his distance.
The wolf's yellow eyes followed him.
"Fast," he muttered.
Rauk moved to the opposite side.
Now the monster stood between them.
One of the students whispered behind them.
"Should we call the instructor?"
Takemi didn't take his eyes off the wolf.
"Not yet."
Rauk nodded slightly.
Agreed.
This was their chance to test themselves.
The wolf growled again.
But this time it didn't attack immediately.
It circled slowly.
Takemi noticed something.
"It's cautious."
Rauk replied.
"Smart."
Ironfang Wolves were known for their durability.
Their fur hardened under mana exposure, creating a natural armor stronger than leather.
But armor always had weaknesses.
Takemi picked up another stone.
He whispered quietly.
"Let's find it."
The wolf lunged again.
Faster this time.
Its claws tore through the ground as it rushed toward Takemi.
Takemi waited.
Closer.
Closer.
Then—
His arm moved.
The stone flew like a meteor.
CRACK.
This time it struck the wolf's eye.
The monster howled in pain.
Rauk moved instantly.
His sword flashed.
The heavy blade slammed into the creature's exposed neck.
This time it cut.
Dark blood splashed across the forest floor.
The Ironfang Wolf staggered.
Rauk raised his sword again.
One final strike.
The blade crashed down.
The monster collapsed.
Silence returned to the forest.
The group stood still for a moment.
Then the nervous student behind them spoke.
"…We just killed a mid-tier monster."
Takemi scratched the back of his head.
"Guess we did."
Rauk wiped his blade against the grass.
"Not bad."
Takemi laughed.
"Coming from you, that's high praise."
But even as they spoke…
Takemi felt something strange again.
A faint sensation.
Like distant eyes watching them through the trees.
He turned slightly.
The forest looked normal.
But deep in his instincts…
something felt different.
And far beyond the Emerald Verge…
something ancient had begun to awaken.