Thursday, August 10, 3074 AE - Night

Blaze, Lyria, and Scarlett had been battling their Sensei, Aeloria, for two grueling days. Each day, they came tantalizingly close to landing an attack, yet each time, they fell short. But as the days passed, their determination only grew. Hunger and exhaustion gnawed at them, yet their will to win kept them moving forward, refusing to yield. They knew this was it—the moment that would determine if they passed or failed.

Without uttering a word, Blaze sprang into action, dashing towards Aeloria with his scythe, its blade tearing through the ground like a knife through butter. With a swift upward swing, he unleashed an arc of flames that roared toward her. Aeloria met the fiery onslaught with a calm, almost casual deflection, brushing it aside with her hand.

Scarlett seized the opportunity, vaulting over Blaze with flames engulfing her legs. She rocketed towards Aeloria, arm cocked back, her fist ready to deliver a powerful punch. In an instant, she closed the distance between them, but Aeloria was ready. The Sensei blocked the attack effortlessly and countered with a devastating fist to Scarlett's side, sending her skidding across the battlefield.

Meanwhile, Lyria's eyes glowed with a fierce intensity as she unleashed beams of energy, forcing Aeloria to leap into the air to avoid them. But Lyria had anticipated this. Scarlett was already in the air behind Aeloria, her fists a blur as she unleashed a flurry of punches. Aeloria twisted mid-air, her movements fluid and graceful as she dodged each strike. As she descended back to the ground, she grabbed Scarlett by the leg and slammed her into the earth, causing the ground to buckle under the impact.

Aeloria barely had time to pivot as she sensed Blaze charging at her once more. With a flick of her wrist, electricity crackled in her hand, and she sent a bolt of lightning hurtling towards him. Blaze grimaced as the bolt struck his scythe, but he pressed on, using the blade to absorb most of the impact. Leaping into the air, he raised his scythe high above his head, its blade now glowing with an intense, bubbling heat.

“Let's see if you can dodge this!” Blaze roared, bringing the scythe crashing down.

Aeloria raised her arms in defense, catching the scythe between them. A surge of electricity coursed through her and into the weapon, sending a shockwave back through Blaze’s body, forcing him to stumble backward.

“Don’t need to,” Aeloria replied, her tone calm and measured.

She turned just in time to see Scarlett and Lyria charging at her, zigzagging between each other in a synchronized attack. Lyria unleashed a barrage of energy beams from her hands, while Scarlett propelled herself forward, her feet igniting as she flew between the beams with a fiery kick aimed straight at Aeloria.

“Good plan, you two,” Aeloria said, a hint of admiration in her voice. “But not good enough.”

She stomped the ground, and the earth before her rose up, forming a solid wall that blocked their path. But Scarlett wasn’t deterred. She coated her fists in flames and smashed through the wall, only to find that Aeloria had vanished. The only warning she received was Lyria's shout—“Above!”—before a pair of feet slammed into her back, driving her into the ground with a bone-jarring impact that sent up a cloud of dust.

As the dust began to settle, Blaze charged forward, determined to take advantage of the distraction. He moved with blinding speed, his eyes glowing with an eerie light as he dodged three bolts of lightning fired by Aeloria. His speed increased, kicking up dirt and debris as he appeared right in front of her, scythe swinging with lethal force.

“I'm not done yet!” Blaze yelled, pushing every ounce of his strength into the swing.

Aeloria blocked the attack again, but this time, Blaze didn’t relent. He grunted, adding more power behind his strike, forcing her to take a step back. Then, with a sudden shift, he released the scythe entirely, catching Aeloria off guard. The weight of the weapon gone, Blaze moved with lightning speed, landing a solid punch to her midsection. Aeloria stumbled back, her eyes widening as she was hit simultaneously by a beam of energy from Lyria and a flaming fist from Scarlett, sending her reeling into Blaze’s next strike.

Aeloria skidded across the battlefield, finally coming to a stop. She looked up at her students, a proud grin spreading across her face as the sun started to rise into the sky.

“Wow, just wow,” she said, genuine admiration in her voice. “I must commend the three of you. Not only did you continue fighting for an entire week, but you also completed the mission a day before the allotted time.”

Blaze collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily as his wounds slowly began to heal at an accelerated pace.

“Next time, could you not step on my back? You almost broke it,” Scarlett grumbled, glaring at Aeloria as she rubbed her sore back.

“No promises,” Aeloria replied with a playful smirk. “And maybe next time, you’ll be fast enough to dodge it.”

“So, what now, Sensei? We completed the ‘Mission,’” Lyria asked, her voice tinged with exhaustion but also a hint of excitement.

“Ah, yes, I almost forgot,” Aeloria said, straightening up. “Now that you’ve completed this mission, your first official assignment will be given back at the school.”

“And what mission will it be?” Blaze asked from the ground, his voice steadying as his eyes and hair returned to their normal color.

“That, I do not know. We’ll have to find out when we get back,” Aeloria replied, turning to walk back toward Aurora High. “Now, let’s get moving.”

Blaze struggled to his feet, his body aching from the intense battle.

“Why did she target me the most?” he grunted, clearly annoyed.

“Calm down, it’s not like anything’s broken,” Scarlett said, smacking him on the back, causing him to wince and glare at her.

The group found themselves back in Mister Nakamura’s office, the dim light casting long shadows as he was buried in a mountain of paperwork.

"Ah, good timing," Mister Nakamura said, not lifting his eyes from the piles of documents. "I need you all to undertake a mission."

Aeloria raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "What does this mission entail?" she asked, noting his unusually serious tone.

Mister Nakamura pulled out a file labeled "Terroclaw" and handed it to them. "A brief rundown is in order. This mission concerns an A-Class Kōsō known as the 'Terroclaw Behemoth.' It resembles a massive, dinosaur-like creature with thick, armored plates covering its body. Its skin is a dark, mottled green with jagged patterns of crimson and black. It has a long, muscular tail tipped with a cluster of bony, spiked protrusions. The creature stands about 30 feet tall and 60 feet long, with powerful legs and large, clawed feet. But most notable is its armor; it is resistant to both physical and elemental attacks, making it quite difficult to handle."

"So you want me and my team to take it down?" Blaze asked his tone a mix of disbelief and determination. "Especially since you know I could probably handle it myself."

"Yes," Nakamura confirmed, his gaze meeting Blaze’s. "It’s also an opportunity for these three to gain some field experience before classes commence." He glanced over at Blaze, Lyria, and Scarlett, who all groaned at the thought of adding classes to their already busy schedules.

Aeloria nodded towards the door. "Let’s get this mission done and over with. I know you’re all tired and haven’t had any rest, but let’s finish this mission first. Then you can rest before classes."

The group set out for a mountainous region where the Terroclaw Behemoth had last been sighted.

"This way," Aeloria said confidently, leading the way.

Blaze raised an eyebrow. "And how do you know which direction to go?"

"Simple," Aeloria replied, her voice light. "I can sense its presence and see it."

"But you’re blindfolded," Scarlett pointed out, her confusion evident.

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"My power allows me to perceive things in ways beyond normal sight," Aeloria explained, a hint of amusement in her tone. "Now, let’s move."

As they approached their destination, the mountain began to shake violently, a loud roar echoing through the area.

"Seems it knows we’re here and isn’t too pleased about it," Lyria observed, eyeing the tremors with concern.

"Let it roar," Blaze and Scarlett said in unison, their voices filled with determination. "We’re still going to take it down."

"I like the enthusiasm," Aeloria said with a grin, "but tell me, how do you plan to defeat it?"

"Easy," Blaze replied, his eyes narrowing with resolve. "Cut it down."

"Punch it!" Scarlett added, her fists already igniting with flames.

Lyria shook her head, realizing that her teammates hadn’t fully grasped the challenge. The Principal had made it clear that the Terroclaw Behemoth was resistant to nearly all their attacks.

Just then, the mountain exploded, sending rocks shooting out at incredible speeds. Lyria quickly fired multiple energy beams to obliterate the incoming projectiles, creating a cloud of dust. When the dust settled, the Terroclaw Behemoth stood before them in all its formidable glory.

"Wow, that thing is huge," Blaze said, craning his neck to look up at the creature.

"Yeah, much bigger than your head," Scarlett quipped, her remark causing Blaze to scowl.

"WHO DARED DISTURB MY SLUMBER?" The giant beast roared, its eyes blazing with fury.

"Hi, yes, we’re here to talk to you about your car's extended warranty, if you have a moment," Aeloria said with a hint of sarcasm.

"I DO NOT HAVE TIME FOR GAMES, HUMANS. GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!" The Behemoth roared, causing a massive tremor that shook the ground violently.

"Why did you say that, Sensei?" Blaze and Scarlett shouted in unison, all of them tumbling down the mountain.

"What? It was a genuine question," Aeloria pouted. "He just doesn’t understand humor."

As they looked up, sharp, bony fragments began to rain down upon them at blistering speeds. They dodged the deadly projectiles, but the ground shook again, destabilizing them further.

"See? Look what you did—you made him angry!" Blaze yelled, frustration evident in his voice.

"Not my fault he’s throwing a tantrum," Aeloria said defensively, crossing her arms. "Well, why don’t you three handle him? I want to see how much stronger you’ve become after the training."

The trio stood side by side, ready to strike at any moment. When the Behemoth roared again, its force was so immense that it sent them flying a few feet away.

As they landed, the monster was suddenly right in front of them, its immense speed belying its size. It spun its tail around, whipping Blaze with such force that it nearly broke his arm. Lyria fired a volley of energy beams, but the Behemoth’s armor shrugged off the attack without a scratch. Scarlett, undeterred, coated her fists in flames and launched a relentless barrage of punches, but to no avail.

"That’s not enough!" Aeloria called out from the sidelines. "You need to find its weak spot where the armor is thinnest!"

"HAHA! YOU CANNOT DEFEAT ME!" the Terroclaw Behemoth roared, its voice filled with disdain. "I AM THE TERROCLAW BEHEMOTH! I WILL NOT LOSE TO PATHETIC HUMANS!"

The Behemoth leaped high into the air, slamming down with such force that it created a massive earthquake, splitting the ground beneath them and sending them crashing into a chasm.

As they lay there, trying to devise a strategy, Aeloria kept the Behemoth occupied. "Is that the best you can do?" she taunted. "I’ve seen turtles cause more destruction than you."

The Behemoth's eyes flared with rage as it charged at Aeloria, its massive form a blur of fury. Aeloria dodged expertly, her movements fluid and precise. "Now, all I need to do is keep it busy, dodge its attacks, and wait for my students to find its weak spot. Simple enough, right? I can do this all day if I want to, but I want to see how well my students have learned. So, I’ll take my time," she thought to herself with a smirk.

The battle was on, and the stakes were high. Blaze, Scarlett, and Lyria had to rise to the challenge and find a way to defeat the seemingly invincible Terroclaw Behemoth, all while navigating the tumultuous terrain and the relentless assault of their formidable foe.

With their options running thin and the Behemoth’s wrath threatening to overwhelm them, the trio regrouped in the chasm. Blaze, wincing from his injuries, scanned the Behemoth’s armor for any signs of vulnerability.

"We need to find a weak spot," Blaze said, his voice strained but resolute. "It’s the only way we’re going to beat this thing."

"Let’s try a different approach," Lyria suggested. "Maybe if we can distract it, we can find a gap in its armor."

Scarlett nodded, her fists still blazing. "Alright, I’ll create a diversion. Blaze, Lyria, you two look for that weak spot. Just don’t get yourselves killed."

Scarlett charged at the Behemoth, her flames intensifying as she aimed to get its attention. The Behemoth roared in anger, focusing its fury on Scarlett as she darted around, throwing fiery punches and kicks to keep it occupied.

Meanwhile, Blaze and Lyria carefully observed the Behemoth from their position, looking for any signs of vulnerability in its formidable armor. Blaze’s eyes narrowed as he noticed a faint, almost imperceptible seam in the Behemoth’s plating.

"Lyria, look there!" Blaze pointed, his voice filled with urgency. "That’s where the armor looks weaker!"

Lyria squinted, her energy beams charging as she prepared for a precise shot. "Got it. I’ll focus my beams on that spot."

Blaze, feeling a surge of determination, prepared his Scythe, channeling all his remaining energy into a powerful, focused strike. "Scarlett, keep it distracted for just a little longer!"

Scarlett, panting but determined, continued her relentless assault, her flames illuminating the dark chasm. "I’m on it! Just make it count!"

With a final roar, the Behemoth turned its attention fully towards Scarlett, giving Blaze and Lyria the opportunity they needed. Lyria unleashed a concentrated beam of energy at the weak spot in the Behemoth’s armor, causing it to crack and splinter.

Seeing their chance, Blaze leaped into the air, his Scythe glowing with a fierce, fiery aura. With a powerful swing, he drove the Scythe through the crack in the Behemoth’s armor, pushing through the reinforced plating and striking at the vulnerable flesh beneath.

The Behemoth staggered its once imposing form now vulnerable. The crack in its armor had widened, revealing the raw, flesh beneath. The Terroclaw Behemoth roared in agony, its fury reaching new heights as it tried to shake off the pain and regain its footing.

Blaze, adrenaline pumping, took advantage of the opening. With a determined expression, he spun his Scythe and delivered a series of rapid, precise strikes to the exposed weak spot. Each hit resonated with the power of his training, carving through the Behemoth’s flesh with devastating effect.

Lyria, her eyes narrowed in concentration, continued to fire concentrated beams of energy at the weakened armor. The beams penetrated deeper with each shot, further compromising the Behemoth’s defenses.

Scarlett, having successfully maintained the Behemoth’s attention, saw an opportunity. Her fists were still ablaze, and she channeled all her remaining strength into one final, massive punch. She aimed for the now-critical point on the Behemoth’s flank, her fiery aura blazing as she struck with all her might.

The impact was cataclysmic. The Behemoth let out a thunderous roar as the combined assault of Blaze’s Scythe and Scarlett’s fiery punch hit their mark. The creature’s armor shattered, and a surge of energy erupted from the breach. The Behemoth staggered and fell to its knees, its massive form shaking uncontrollably.

Aeloria watched from a distance, her smile broadening as she saw her students working together with newfound skill and determination. “Well done!” she called out, her voice carrying through the chasm. “You’ve found its weak spot and exploited it. Now, finish it off!”

Blaze and Scarlett nodded, their exhaustion evident but their resolve unshaken. Blaze hefted his Scythe for one final, decisive blow, while Scarlett prepared her remaining fiery energy for a finishing attack. Lyria provided cover with a final barrage of energy beams, ensuring that the Behemoth couldn’t recover.

With a fierce battle cry, Blaze brought his Scythe down in a powerful, crushing blow, his crimson eyes flickering between violet and red as his black hair shifted between black and silver with streaks of violet. The Scythe pierced through the Behemoth’s heart. At the same moment, Scarlett unleashed her final, blazing punch directly into the wound, sending a surge of fire and energy through the Behemoth’s body.

The Terroclaw Behemoth let out a final, guttural roar as it collapsed to the ground, its immense form convulsing before falling still. The ground trembled one last time before settling into a tense silence.

Breathing heavily, Blaze, Scarlett, and Lyria stood victorious over the fallen beast. The mountain's shaking had subsided, and the chasm’s darkness was illuminated by the fading glow of their battle.

Aeloria approached her expression a mix of pride and relief. “You did it,” she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. “You’ve proven yourselves in the field and demonstrated the growth you’ve achieved through your training. Well done.”

Blaze wiped the sweat from his brow, a satisfied smile on his face from killing a Kōsō. “Hn, that was tougher than I expected.”

Scarlett nodded, her fiery aura dimming as she caught her breath. “Yeah, that was intense. But we held our own.”

Lyria, still panting from the exertion, nodded in agreement. “We couldn’t have done it without teamwork. And sensei, thanks for keeping it busy.”

Aeloria chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “You’re welcome. Now, let’s get out of here. I’m sure you all could use some rest before classes start.”

The group made their way back, their spirits high despite their exhaustion. The mission had been a grueling test, but they had emerged victorious, their bonds strengthened and their skills proven. As they walked away from the chasm, the sun began to rise over the mountains, casting a warm, golden light on their path.

The adventure had been a trial, but it had forged them into a stronger team, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. As they left the site of their hard-fought battle, they knew that this experience would be a crucial stepping stone in their journey, both as individuals and as a united force.