The morning sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the academy grounds as the students gathered for departure. Aren adjusted his pack, checking the straps and ensuring his supplies were secure. Sharu was at his side, his silver fur glinting faintly in the light.
The tension among the students was palpable. Everyone knew that the Whispering Ravine challenge would be tougher than the forest trial—not just because of the corrupted beasts but because of the fierce competition between teams.
Dorian stifled a yawn, stretching his arms behind his head. "Ready for round two?" he asked, a hint of excitement lacing his words.
Aric nodded, his Fire Salamander flicking its tail with restless energy. "I just hope we get one of those fragments before anyone else does. Fighting a beast is one thing, but fighting another team at the same time? That's a bit much."
Liora remained silent, her Ice Wolf sitting calmly at her feet, though its ears twitched with every sound. Lyra was similarly composed, her Shadow Falcon circling high above, keeping a watchful eye on the other teams.
The judge appeared on the training grounds, his presence commanding silence. "Today's challenge will begin shortly. You will be transported to the edge of the Whispering Ravine in groups. Remember, only one fragment per team. Do not linger after obtaining it—return immediately to the academy. Stay vigilant."
Aren took a deep breath. This time, it wasn't just the danger of corrupted beasts. They would have to navigate around other teams, some of whom might not hesitate to sabotage their efforts.
The teams were called in groups to a large circle etched into the ground. One by one, they vanished in a swirl of energy, transported to the ravine. When it was their turn, Aren braced himself, feeling the ground ripple as they were whisked away.
---
When the light faded, they found themselves at the mouth of the Whispering Ravine. A deep, narrow gorge stretched before them, flanked by sharp rocks and winding pathways that snaked into darkness. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and faint traces of something metallic—like old blood.
Aric shuddered. "This place feels wrong."
Dorian grinned despite the eerie atmosphere. "Perfect place for a treasure hunt, right?"
Liora shot him a withering look. "Focus. We don't know what's down there."
A distant roar echoed from within the ravine, sending a chill through the group. Lyra crouched low, eyes narrowing. "Other teams must already be inside. We can't afford to waste time."
Aren nodded. "We'll take the upper path first. It's narrow, but it might give us a better vantage point. If we spot another team, we'll decide whether to confront them or avoid them."
Carefully, they moved along the craggy path, Sharu leading with his nose to the ground, sniffing cautiously. Below, Aren could hear muffled voices and the occasional clash of metal—probably skirmishes between teams or beasts.
As they climbed higher, the path widened, revealing a narrow ledge that overlooked the ravine floor. Aren peered over cautiously and spotted Kael Rin's team moving swiftly through the lower passage, the Shadow Serpent weaving between rocks.
"They're fast," Dorian muttered. "Too fast for us to catch up without being spotted."
Liora pointed ahead. "There's another way down. If we move now, we might intersect them at the fork."
Aren weighed the options. Kael's team was formidable, but if they followed directly, they risked a confrontation. Taking the alternate route might give them the advantage of ambush or avoidance.
"Let's take the upper path," Aren decided. "If we cut through the narrow pass up ahead, we'll have more control over who sees us."
They moved swiftly but cautiously, each step deliberate. The ledge crumbled in places, and more than once, Dorian had to catch himself from slipping. Lyra's falcon scouted ahead, and she relayed the path's condition as they progressed.
A sudden growl made them freeze. Aren glanced around, heart pounding. Emerging from the shadows was a corrupted beast—a rockhound, its body covered in jagged stone-like scales and eyes glowing with an unnatural red hue.
Sharu bristled, positioning himself between Aren and the threat. Dorian stepped forward, his lion growling low.
The rockhound lunged. Aren barely had time to react as Sharu leaped, striking with a sudden burst of silver light. The impact staggered the beast, but it didn't fall. Dorian followed up, his lion slamming a shockwave into its side, cracking the rocky hide.
Aric's salamander spat a plume of fire, searing the creature's exposed joints. Liora directed Frost to circle behind, ready to strike if the beast tried to retreat. Lyra whispered to her falcon, and in a flash, dark talons raked across the beast's back.
The combined effort paid off—the rockhound crumbled with a pained growl, collapsing into the dirt. Aren knelt to examine the remains, noticing a faint, glowing crystal embedded in its chest.
"A fragment?" he wondered aloud.
"No," Liora said, brushing the dust from her hands. "Too small. Maybe just residual energy. Still, it's a sign that we're close."
Lyra scanned the surroundings. "If this one was corrupted, there might be more. We should move before the noise attracts attention."
As they pressed on, the path wound deeper into the ravine, the air growing colder and more oppressive. Aren couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. Sharu seemed equally tense, ears twitching at every sound.
Finally, they reached a cavern entrance marked with old, faded symbols—the same kind they'd seen in the forest ruins. Aren traced a symbol with his finger, feeling a familiar pulse of energy.
"What is this place?" Aric whispered.
Liora hesitated. "It feels… connected. To the forest. To the corruption."
A distant howl echoed through the ravine, and the ground trembled. Aren glanced at his friends. "We can't turn back now. If the fragments are inside, we need to move fast."
Taking a deep breath, they entered the cavern, shadows swallowing them as they delved deeper into the ravine's secrets.
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