Rise of Super Beast

"Ma'am, is it really true?"

"Yeah, you have a whole week to prepare for the assessment."

These statements were enough to spark chaos in the class. Among all the students, Sam sat quietly in the back, indifferent to everything.

"Ma'am, will it be the same this time too?"

"You've got the right point. As usual, the assistant will accompany the participant but won't interfere in any way to help them unless it's life-threatening."

"Ma'am, I object." A boy with golden hair stood up. "Isn't this harmful to our development?"

Ma'am gave a faint smile. "We aren't living in a novel, and our environment isn't so malicious. Why would the authorities risk the future? Are you living in a fantasy world?"

Sighing, she continued, "Now that the objection is over, you'll get updates on your personal number."

She added her last warning: "Always read our history and follow it," giving a foolish look to the golden-haired boy. "Don't create problems out of thin air for yourself and others." With these words, Ma'am picked up her book and left the class.

"Hey, Ritu. Ma'am roasted you alive."

"Didn't you read the history book before asking such silly questions?"

"Hmm. Novels are just crap about making life tough for the protagonist."

Smack

"Is it really crap, or do you see yourself as the protagonist and think, 'Would anyone read about a life that just goes in the same loop of procrastination?'"

"Yeah, I didn't..."

As usual, chatter echoed in the classroom.

"Good morning, sir." The monotonous voice of all the students rang out.

"Sit down."

"Today's a practical class. Meet me at the spot in five minutes." With this, the teacher exited the classroom.

"Today's going to be fun."

....

"Divide yourselves into teams of five and enter the dungeon with your assistants."

Every student, along with their group and assistant or bodyguard, entered the fissure glowing yellow.

"Chances of encountering a boss are 90%," the team leader commented.

"Sneha, can you handle the boss?" Monika asked.

"I can't, but he can."

Everyone's attention turned to Sam.

"Can you handle the boss?" Divya asked in a low voice.

"Don't have confidence in me?"

Divya's flat chest heaved in anger. "My bodyguard has the talent to raise my blood pressure in just one word!"

"Hahahaha!" Her group burst into heartfelt laughter.

"Okay, we're entering."

"The environment here is really nice."

Smack!

"Hey, have you ever seen both the Scarlet Moon and the Dark Sun at the same time?"

"You guys enjoy your time. I'll go ahead to inspect the surroundings," Sam said softly to Divya before disappearing.

Everyone was speechless.

"Is your bodyguard really reliable?" Monika's bodyguard asked.

Divya simply rolled her eyes. "I also want to know the answer."

...

Standing on a tree branch, Sam whispered, "Hmm, this is a suitable place for her grinding," and disappeared again.

The sound of a roar echoed in his ears. "Someone's enjoying themselves," he muttered, overlooking the students' fight against beginner beasts.

Noticing that everything seemed fine and the possibility of an accident was low, he disappeared once more.

Teleporting from place to place, his eyes glowed, and his hair stood on end. "Oh, someone's got guts," he said calmly, closing his eyes.

Moments later, his eyes opened, his pupils now vertical slits. He took a long, deep breath, "I can smell fear… nervousness… excitement… thrill... but the location.... Got it."

Disappearing again, he left behind only footprints and a dark fissure that materialized briefly, then vanished, leaving the words:

"His awakening: the abyss is trapped inside. I need *&%$. Can't wait."

***

A monstrous hand struck Monika, but her instincts prevailed, and a shield appeared before the attack.

AAH!

She crashed into a boulder, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.

The next moment, an arrow enchanted with fire and ice shot from Divya's bow.

"We won!" another girl cheered.

The arrow penetrated the beast's eye.

Bang!

The beast's head exploded, and blood mixed into the air.

Divya ran to Monika. "Hey, Monika! Are you really alright?"

"Well, the hit was solid," Monika chuckled.

"Yeah, Monika, you made us worry." Sneha twisted her ear. "Next time, don't take risks."

"Hmm."

Patting Divya's shoulder, Monika said, "Your training really paid off."

"I didn't expect to learn this quickly."

"Hmm, this is a signature trait of the Verma family," Amrita commented.

"Okay, Monika, Priya, Amrita—you're injured, so take a rest. Divya and I will inspect the surroundings," Sneha suggested.

"We don't have a problem with that."

***

Unaware of the changes ahead, Sam continued moving as the enclosed-ring tattoo on his wrist flickered. The bizarre figure inside grew more distinct before fading back to its original state.

"The emotions here are strong," Sam commented, standing on the branch of the tallest tree, his eyes flickering.

"Is Emberfluff about to advance? Is that why my reconnaissance ability has increased? Or was it the previous fight?"

He shook his head. "No, he's still injured. Can't let him be disturbed," a sad smile flee at the thought