I tightened my grip on my sword and shield, determined to meet the Grimm head-on. With a confident step forward, I assumed a low stance, my knees bent, shield raised to guard, and sword ready to slash upward. The Grimm hissed, an aggressive, guttural sound, and began circling me in a wide arc. Its empty, button-like eyes gleamed with malice, fixated on me.

Suddenly, it darted forward with surprising speed. My pulse quickened. When it was just meters away, I surged ahead, aiming to bring my blade down on its skull. But the creature was faster than I'd anticipated it ducked under my swing and retaliated with a vicious mace strike.

I barely got my shield up in time. The impact rattled through my arm and staggered me. How is this thing so strong? I thought, a flash of doubt creeping in. I'd underestimated it, and I was paying the price. I stepped back, trying to create distance and regain control, but the Grimm didn't let up.

It charged at me, swinging its crude weapon wildly. I blocked the first two strikes, but the third slammed into my stomach, sending pain lancing through my torso. I gritted my teeth and stayed on my feet, but every breath was a struggle, sharp and painful.

The Grimm backed off, hopping in place and screeching with an almost childlike glee. My vision blurred slightly as I tried to catch my breath, my frustration mounting. It was celebrating mocking me. I clenched my fists, anger bubbling under my skin. That's when Pyrrha's voice rang out.

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"Jaune, strengthen your aura!"

Of course! My aura! How could I forget? I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths, willing the tingling sensation I'd felt earlier to return. Nothing. My frustration grew into a roaring anger not at myself this time, but at the Grimm. How dare this grotesque little monster put me in this position? It wasn't skilled or clever; it was clumsy, crude, and filthy.

A surge of energy welled up from within me, starting as a faint buzz in my chest and spreading rapidly to my arms, back, and legs. The pain in my stomach vanished, replaced by a lightness that made me feel as though I could leap over the treetops.

I straightened up, exhaling deeply as confidence flooded my veins. The Grimm screeched again and charged at me. This time, I met its rush with my shield, slamming into it with all my newfound strength. The creature soared backward, flipping through the air before crashing to the ground several meters away.

It scrambled to its feet, letting out a furious squeal, and charged again. But now, its movements seemed slow and predictable. I blocked its frenzied swings with ease, my shield absorbing the blows effortlessly. I slashed out, aiming low, and caught it in the face, gouging out one of its eyes.

The Grimm staggered, shrieking in pain, and stumbled backward. I seized the opportunity, stepping forward and driving my sword straight through its torso. The creature convulsed once before dissolving into black smoke and ashes, scattered by the breeze.

I stood there for a moment, panting slightly, the adrenaline still coursing through me. A slow smile spread across my face as I turned to look at Pyrrha.

She was watching me with a mix of pride and relief. "Well done, Jaune," she said, her voice warm and steady.

For the first time since this test began, I felt like I could hold my head high.