Chapter 35: Evolving Beyond Limits [2] [ Name: Moon ] [ Race: Human ] [ Class: Classless, Healer(Limited Time) ] [ Level: 12 ][ 79% ] [ Lives: 1530 ] [ Strength: 21 ] [ Agility: 23 ] [ Constitution: 26 ] [ Mana: 33 ] [ Attribute Points: 0 ] [ Skills: Elemental Attack(Uncommon, Lvl.Max), Four Element Affinity(Rare, Lvl.8), Basic Healing ] [ Talent: Grim Reaper ] [ Class Skill: Class Slot {1/1} ] — Moon didn’t hesitate. Even as the three remaining wolves circled him warily, he pulled up his status and channelled more lives into his skill. [-1024 Lives] [Four Element Affinity has reached Level 9!] Despite the fact that he was winning the fight, Moon remained worried about the figure on the throne. It had been watching this entire time with minimal reaction, showing neither concern for its wolves nor satisfaction at the carnage, and that silence felt ominous. After all, the figure could intervene at any moment. Although the chance seemed minimal, since it hadn’t acted yet, Moon couldn’t shake his caution. Maybe it’s restrained by some kind of force from intervening directly, Moon thought as he repositioned, keeping both wolves in his line of sight. Some rule of the trial that prevents direct action. Otherwise, I don’t see a reason why it wouldn’t have already killed us both. That had to be it. Perhaps it was bound by those same rules, forced to use proxies rather than acting itself. Or perhaps it was simply entertained, watching to see if Moon could actually win. Either way, Moon intended to finish this quickly. [Four Element Affinity] [Rank: Rare] [Level: 9] [Evolve] [Details: You have low affinity to the four elements. Water, Earth, Wind, Fire. +100% Extra Control. +90% Elemental Damage.] The power surge happened immediately, and with three wolves remaining, the challenge he was facing had diminished significantly. They couldn’t overwhelm him with numbers and coordination anymore. They were just three isolated threats. Moon got to work. Fire gathered in his right hand, crackling furiously. He launched it at the wolf on his left, the one still bearing earth spikes from earlier, already weakened and bleeding. BOOM! The explosion was catastrophic, enhanced by his improved elemental damage. The wolf tried to dodge, but its injuries made it too slow. Flames engulfed it entirely, the heat so intense that its howl cut off almost immediately. When the fire cleared, nothing remained but ash and scorched stone. [You have killed a level 15 Arctic Wolf] [You have gained 720 Lives] [You have reached level 13!] The second wolf tried to use the small window that Moon was occupied with its dying friend to launch a barrage of icicles towards Moon. Moon raised an earth wall, blocking all the icicles that threatened to overwhelm it. Suddenly, Moon’s heart nearly jumped from its place. He felt a gush of wind from his right, too close for comfort. He turned to find that the third wolf had used the wall he raised as a cover to get closer to him and land a powerful strike. Whoosh! "Argh!!" Moon cried out in pain as his arm bore the attack, head-on. "You bastard! DIE!" Moon cursed out as he used his earth talent to block the wolf from escaping before forming a small fireball and launching it towards the wolf that tried to retreat, but tripped on the small earth spikes that Moon had created behind it. The fireball landed on the wolf as it tripped down. Moon used that chance, ignoring the immense pain he was feeling to launch a more powerful fireball attack against the wolf. [You have killed a level 15 Arctic Wolf] [You have gained 760 Lives] The wolf granted him a large number of lives, more than its other allies. Clearly, this one was much stronger and smarter than the rest, despite being at the same level. The final wolf had drawn near, trying to launch an attack on Moon whilst he was busy. Moon snapped his head towards it, his eyes bloodshot as he glared at the remaining wolf with anger. The wolf backed away, its earlier confidence completely shattered. It had watched five of its packmates die, seen this small human wield power that shouldn’t exist at his level. Fear replaced arrogance in its ice-blue eyes. But it was still a level fifteen beast. Still dangerous and capable of killing him if he made a big mistake. Moon didn’t give it the chance, healing himself immediately. After stopping the blood leak from his arm, he started to gather water in both of his hands. The water began forming into pressurised lances that he launched in rapid succession. The wolf dodged the first two, its speed impressive even in retreat. The third caught its hind leg, shearing through muscle and bone. It collapsed with a yelp, struggling to stand on three legs. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮 Moon pressed forward, relentless. Earth spikes erupted beneath the wolf, impaling it from below. It howled in agony, thrashing against the stone, piercing its body. Then Moon sent the final attack, ending its miserable life. BOOM! The explosion silenced its cries permanently. [You have killed a level 15 Arctic Wolf] [You have gained 750 Lives] The chamber fell silent except for the crackling of residual flames and Moon’s heavy breathing. Six level fifteen arctic wolves lay dead around him, their bodies a testament to power that should have been impossible for someone at his level. He stood victorious, covered in minor wounds but alive, his mana reserves depleted but recovering. Selene stared at him with an expression that mixed awe, confusion, and perhaps a hint of wariness. "As if he is the...grim reaper," Selene muttered under her breath. Moon turned his attention to the throne. The figure remained seated, its eyeless gaze fixed on him. That smile hadn’t changed, still present, still unsettling. [Survivors: 2/1] [Time: 0:47] Less than a minute remained on the timer. The creature leaned forward slightly, its massive frame shifting on the throne of bone and ice. "Impressive," it said, its voice carrying genuine approval for the first time. "You have exceeded my expectations, little human." It stood. The movement was slow, and as it rose to its full height, Moon realised just how massive the creature truly was. It was easily four meters tall, its crimson and black armour gleaming in the torchlight, those antlers scraping the ceiling high above. "But the trial is not complete," the creature continued, descending the steps from its throne with measured steps. "Two survivors remain. And only one may leave." Its eyeless face turned toward Selene, then back to Moon. "Choose. Kill your companion and claim your freedom, or die together when the timer expires." The countdown continued its relentless march toward zero. [Time: 0:36]