The Leaf Stag and Rock Bear stood at opposite ends of the arena, staring at each other. They also began to move by instinct, as this was a battle without tamers.
The Leaf Stag was the first one to move, using Forest Charge. The leaf on its antlers started to shine, sharpening as it charged towards the Rock Bear.
The Rock Bear was unphased by the incoming attack, slamming its paw into the ground with Boulder Slam. The arena shook and cracked around.
The Leaf Stag realized it but it didn't stop. The Leaf Stag used its speed to move quickly and avoid the cracks in the arena, then jumped over them, landing near the Rock Bear.
The Leaf Stag also didn't waste any time and rammed its sharp antlers into the Rock Bear's hardened side, but the Rock Bear barely flinched.
The Rock Bear had already activated its Stone Hide, covering its body in rocky armor that absorbed most of the impact.
Growling, it turned its head toward the Leaf Stag and raised its power for another Boulder Slam, this time aimed straight at its opponent.
The Leaf Stag tried to retreat, but the bear already slammed it's claw toward the Leaf Stag, sending it tumbling across the arena.
The stag tried to stand up with his trembling feet, but the bear didn't want it to happen, so it immediately used its Earthquake Roar.
The bear roared and shook the ground around the arena. The vibrations caused the Leaf Stag to stumble, lowering its agility.
The bear also seized the opportunity, charging straight at it, but the Leaf Stag's instincts kicked in the moment it saw the incoming Rock Bear.
The Leaf Stag used Vine Bind to summon vines from the ground, and thanks to the bear's slow speed, the thick vines easily wrapped around the Rock Bear's legs, stopping it from reaching the stag.
The Leaf Stag took the opportunity to activate Photosynthesis Aura, its body glowing as it began to absorb the sunlight to heal its wound.
The Rock Bear thrashed against the vines, its strength starting to tear them apart. With a final roar, the bear broke free, slamming the ground once more with Boulder Slam to prevent more vines from sprouting.
The Leaf Stag, realizing the Rock Bear had freed itself, began to move around with its fast speed and avoid the slow Rock Bear's attack.
It also circled behind the bear and activated its Forest Charge again. This time, it aimed for the bear's exposed flank.
The impact was stronger than before and threw Rock Bear across the arena while roaring in pain. The bear, now filled with anger, rose to its feet.
The Rock Bear charged toward Leaf Stag with rage, but too bad for it; the bear was just too slow to chase the stag.
The Leaf Stag easily avoided the bear's charge by dodging it. It was now behind the bear and used Forest Charge for the third time, ramming its antlers into the bear's back.
The Rock Bear fell down after being attacked. The Rock Bear attempted to stand up and confront the leaf stag once more, but three charges weakened it, ultimately causing it to collapse under its own weight.
The examiner had raised his hand, signifying the end of the battle. He also declared the result. "The winner is Sambria Sylvaris and her Leaf Stag."
Sambria smirked after seeing that her beast won the match. She glanced at Randor and said, "Not bad, right?" Randor didn't show it, but he was silent as he was not satisfied with a result.
The examiner began to turn to Sambria and asked her, "Sambria Sylvaris, do you wish to challenge a higher rank?"
Sambria shook her head, noticing the condition of her Leaf Stag and the strength of the Ice Wolf. "I don't. The Leaf Stag gave its all, and I know my limits. I'll wait for a better opportunity."
The examiner then shifted his attention to Eric Morphane. "Eric Morphane, do you wish to challenge the second rank?"
Eric maintained his calm as he wanted to stay neutral. "No. The Ice Wolf is not powerful enough for that level of competition."
Lucius smirked at Eric's calculated response. "Always playing it safe, aren't you?"
Eric glanced at Lucius back and said, "Safety is a strategy. Recklessness leads to unnecessary losses."
Experience more on empire
The examiner then turned his attention to Kaelix. He already knew what Kaelix wanted, so he only said, "You will, of course, challenge the first rank, right?"
Kaelix didn't even hesitate and sneered, "Obviously. It's time to put Lucius in his place."
The examiner nodded, gesturing toward Lucius. "And you, Lucius? Any objections?"
Lucius only smirked as he began to walk to the arena and said, "None at all, but I hope that Kaelix's Thunder Wolf is as impressive as he claims. I'd hate to be disappointed."
Kaelix became angry after being underestimated, but he quickly masked it with a confident grin. "You'll regret those words. Thunder Wolf, let's show him what real power looks like."
Kaeli and Lucius were now standing opposite each other. Kaelix's Thunder Wolf was now ready for battle as it growled at Lucius.
Kaelix smirked and arrogantly said, "Lucius, I hope you've prepared yourself to lose, because this will be your downfall."
Lucius remained calm and smirked, "Kaelix, you've been talking about my undoing for days. However, here I am, still waiting to see anything impressive from you."
The examiner frowned as he looked at Lucius. "Where is your beast? We are in the battle so show me the beast."
Lucius only waved his hand lazily. "Patience, examiner. The Venom Spider is... temperamental. I'll release it when the battle begins."
The examiner's frown deepened. "You realize the academy will not be responsible for any injuries or deaths caused by your recklessness, right?"
Lucius gave a small bow. "Understood. Thank you for your concern."
Kaelix, overhearing, let out a mocking laugh. "Afraid of your own beast, Lucius? How pathetic."
Lucius turned to Kaelix and smirked. "Afraid? No, Kaelix. I just enjoy giving my opponents a sense of hope before I crush them."
The examiner raised his hand and announced, "This is a battle without commands! Let your beasts fight freely. Begin!"