**Chapter 7: Clash of Power**

The Shadow Beast loomed before them, a formidable creature radiating a menacing aura. Elias’s heart raced as he realized it was at the **Magic Major** realm, capable of using powerful darkness magic. This was no mere foe; it could blind them and teleport through shadows.

"Stay close and follow my lead!" Griffin commanded, his voice steady despite the tension. The other mages formed a tight circle around Elias, their magical energies crackling in the air.

Lyra stepped forward, flames igniting in her palms. "I’ll prevent it from using its shadow powers. Kael, get ready with your vines!"

Kael nodded, channeling his energy as he prepared to summon nature’s strength. Rhea stood apart, her expression cold but focused, ready to unleash her gravity magic.

The Shadow Beast let out a low growl, its eyes narrowing on Lyra as it lunged forward. In an instant, she hurled a fireball toward the creature, the flames illuminating the forest in a bright orange glow. The fire struck, singeing its dark fur, but the beast barely faltered.

"Now, Kael!" Griffin shouted, his bow drawn and ready.

Kael extended his arms, thick vines shooting up from the ground to ensnare the creature’s legs. They wrapped around it, trying to restrain it, but the Shadow Beast retaliated, swiping at the vines with its massive claws.

“Finn! Soren! Now!” Lyra called out.

Finn stepped forward, focusing his magic. "Aqua Barrage!" he shouted, unleashing a high-pressure jet of water that slammed into the beast, knocking it off balance. Soren quickly followed, conjuring a swirling wind shield around the group.

"Wind Blades!" Soren shouted, sending sharp gusts slicing toward the beast, cutting through the air with precision.

The creature roared in anger, its dark energy pulsing around it as it prepared to retaliate. With a quick flick of its claws, it unleashed a blinding darkness that enveloped the area, momentarily disorienting everyone.

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"Elias, aim for its eyes!" Griffin shouted through the chaos, his voice breaking through the darkness.

Elias steadied his bow, fingers trembling. He spotted the glint of the beast’s eyes just as the shadows began to recede. "Got it!" he yelled, taking a deep breath to focus.

Rhea, meanwhile, lifted her hands, her voice steady. "Gravity Increase!" The air around the beast became heavy, weighing it down and making it struggle against its own power.

The Shadow Beast snarled, its dark energy crackling. It lunged towards Griffin and Lyra, who had moved to flank it, but with Rhea’s gravity magic, it was slower.

“Now, Lyra!” Griffin called out.

Lyra unleashed another fireball, but this time aimed lower, targeting the creature’s legs. The flames engulfed the ground, creating a barrier of heat that kept the beast at bay.

With the creature distracted, Elias drew his arrow, aiming carefully for the beast’s vulnerable spots—the eyes, now partially obscured by shadow. He released the arrow just as the beast turned, the projectile soaring through the air.

"Watch out!" Soren shouted, forming a wind shield to deflect a swipe from the beast's claws, while Finn directed another high-pressure jet of water at its face.

Elias’s arrow struck true, piercing one of the beast’s eyes. The creature howled in agony, staggering back as dark energy surged around it, attempting to heal the wound.

Lyra seized the opportunity. "Keep attacking! It’s weakened!"

Kael pushed forward, summoning more vines that wrapped tightly around the beast, restricting its movement further. "You won’t escape this time!" he yelled.

Rhea intensified her gravity magic, pushing the creature down even further, making it difficult for it to rise.

With the beast now restrained, Griffin steadied his bow once more, preparing for a decisive shot. "Elias, aim for the other eye!"

Elias nodded, determination coursing through him. He quickly nocked another arrow and took aim, focusing on the creature’s remaining eye. The Shadow Beast struggled against the vines and gravity, but it was too late.

Elias released the arrow, watching it fly through the air with newfound confidence. It struck the beast’s other eye, eliciting a deafening roar as the creature fell to its knees, dark energy flickering around it.

"Finish it!" Griffin shouted, his voice filled with urgency.

Lyra unleashed a final wave of fire, enveloping the beast in flames. Soren and Finn combined their powers, sending a torrent of wind and water to create a massive steam explosion, obscuring the creature in a cloud of vapor.

As the smoke cleared, the Shadow Beast lay defeated, its dark form dissipating into shadows. A heavy silence fell over the clearing, broken only by the crackling remnants of the flames.

Elias felt a rush of exhilaration and relief wash over him. He had faced a real challenge and come out on the other side.

Griffin turned to the group, his expression a mixture of awe and disbelief. "You’re all at the level of Magic Lieutenants?" He glanced around, shocked by the revelation. "I had no idea your powers were this strong."

Lyra, catching her breath, nodded. "We’ve been training hard. But today was different. This was a real fight."

Rhea remained silent, her cold demeanor unchanged, but her eyes reflected the weight of the battle. She didn’t offer praise, leaving the others in a moment of uncertainty.

Kael clapped Elias on the shoulder, a grin breaking across his face. "You did well out there, Elias. You’ve got potential!"

Elias nodded, determination burning within him. "I want to learn. I want to become a sorcerer."

Griffin smiled, pride evident in his eyes. "With that kind of spirit, you just might."

As they gathered around the remains of the Shadow Beast, Elias realized this encounter had changed everything. It wasn’t just about hunting or proving himself anymore; it was about stepping into a larger world filled with danger and magic.

And for the first time, he felt like he was truly part of it.

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