Chapter 177: Crimson Horn Bear The beast in question was a massive bear that immediately made Noah raise his eyebrow due to its sheer physical presence. Its muscular frame stood nearly eight feet tall, with claws that could shred steel and teeth designed for crushing bone. Most distinctive was the crimson horn protruding from its forehead, giving the creature its name: Crimson Horn Bear. The horn served as both weapon and tool, used for impaling prey and gouging through defensive barriers that might stop its normal attacks. That horn looks like it could punch through steel plate. Definitely not a Tier 1 opponent. The bear’s magical aura radiated power that made the Dark Wolves seem like ordinary animals by comparison, confirming that Tier 2 beasts represented a significant escalation in danger and capability. ... Valeria surveyed the massive Crimson Horn Bear before making her decision about the training sequence. "Kip, you can take this one," she announced, her voice carrying the authority of someone whose judgment had been proven through countless battles. Kip nodded with a confident smirk spreading across his face as he stepped forward toward the bear. His aura flared slightly as he prepared for combat, alerting the massive beast to his presence. The Crimson Horn Bear turned its attention toward the approaching cat-boy, its eyes recognising the threat despite Kip’s relatively small stature. The beast rose onto its hind legs, displaying its full eight-foot height while releasing a roar that ran through the forest. Kip didn’t immediately launch into lethal spells, understanding that his role was demonstrating proper technique for Noah’s benefit. The young mage needed to show how Tier 2 beasts moved, attacked, and defended so Noah could prepare for his own encounter. "Watch carefully. Kip will show you how these bears utilise their horn and claws in their own combo attacks." Valeria murmured to Noah. The Crimson Horn Bear charged forward with surprising speed for its massive size, leading with its distinctive horn while positioning its claws for follow-up strikes. But Kip was ready. Whoosh! The young mage channelled wind magic around his body, his agility allowing him to sidestep the bear’s initial assault while maintaining perfect positioning for a counterattack. Swish! Wind blades formed around Kip’s hands as he demonstrated his mastery of elemental magic. The cutting air struck the bear’s thick hide, drawing blood but not inflicting heavy damage. The bear pivoted before swiping his massive claws toward where Kip had been standing. But the young mage was already gone, his wind magic providing mobility that kept him ahead of the beast’s attacks. Splash! Water magic followed his wind assault, Kip conjuring streams of liquid that struck the bear’s eyes and nose. The attack disrupted the creature’s senses while demonstrating the advantage of using multiple elements in sequence. The bear shook its head violently, clearing its vision just in time to see Kip’s earth magic taking effect. Stone spikes erupted from the ground beneath the creature’s feet, forcing it to leap backwards. Wind, water, earth. Noah thought as he watched the ongoing fight with focus. "See how he uses terrain control?" Valeria pointed out to Noah. "Earth magic shapes the battlefield while wind provides mobility and water offers damage and nuisance." Swish! Crack! Kip’s finishing combination utilised all three elements simultaneously. He used his earth skill to close off the bear’s escape route before using water to slow it down and disrupt its senses. After his setup was ready, Kip used his wind blade to strike the bear’s vulnerable knees. Thud! The bear dropped to its knees, and Kip took advantage, finishing it off with a strike to the head that made it collapse "Excellent fight," Valeria approved. Kip then opened the bear’s cavity and took a small crystal. Noah raised an eyebrow. "What’s that?" He asked, curious. "This is a beast core, it has concentrated mana that mages could use to refine their own mana core. This is like a supplement to mages that help them progress faster, beast cores only exist in the bodies of beasts that are apprentice-rank or above." Lola explained, a small smile on her face. A second Crimson Horn Bear emerged from deeper forest territory, drawn by the sounds of combat and the scent of blood from its fallen packmate. "Alissa, this one’s yours," Valeria announced. Alissa stepped forward with slow steps, her sword by her side, ready to decimate her enemies. Aura surrounded her body as she prepared to fight the bear. Mages used their mana to cast out spells, whilst warriors like Alissa used it to enhance their natural talent in swordsmanship or any other combat. The cat-girl’s stance embodied perfect balance between offence and defence, her blade positioned to respond instantly to threats while maintaining various striking angles. As the bear charged, Alissa flowed into her deadly dance. The way she moved with the sword was nothing short of elegant and artistic. It was as if she were dancing with her sword like a partner. Swish! Her first strike came as a graceful diagonal cut that opened a wound along the bear’s shoulder. ROAR! The bear roared in pain as he tried to counterattack, but failed as Alissa immediately sidestepped away. The attack demonstrated perfect timing and distance management, inflicting damage while avoiding the creature’s retaliatory swipes. Alissa’s footwork carried her around the bear’s bulk with ease. Each step positioned her for maximum advantage while keeping vital areas protected from the creature’s dangerous horn and claws. Crack! Swish! Her blade work created a rhythm of strikes that built upon each other. Shallow cuts that weakened the bear’s defences, followed by deeper wounds that targeted vital areas. The sequence of strikes demonstrated Alissa’s understanding of combat and patience rather than mere aggression. She was a natural hunter, through and through. The Crimson Horn Bear attempted to use its distinctive horn in a devastating impaling attack, but Alissa’s reflexes allowed her to pivot away while her blade found the creature’s neck. Swish! The final strike came with an artistic finish, her sword finding the exact angle needed to sever the main arteries. The bear collapsed without struggling, its life ending as blood splashed across the forest floor.