Aston hesitated, then took Yosef's hand next. "Aston Rhyner. Scouting Arts Division."

"That's all?" Genevieve asked.

He gave a noncommittal shrug. "For now."

Yosef chuckled. "Mysterious type. Figures."

Genevieve narrowed her eyes slightly. "Still doesn't explain how you found us back there."

Aston leaned back against the smooth panel behind him, arms crossed. "I'm a scout."

"That's not an answer," she muttered.

"It is if you're a good one," Yosef said, smirking as he rested his boots on the base of the seat across from him.

Genevieve rolled her eyes but didn't press further. The silence that followed was a strange one - tense, but not uncomfortable. Like a pause before something important.

A few minutes later, the wagon began to slow. The hum of spirit-forged engines shifted to a gentle whine, then quieted completely as the vehicle came to a halt. With a soft click, the panels on the side folded away, letting light spill into the interior. Trees. Mist. The hush of a deep forest surrounded them.

The floating crystal in the console brightened once again. The synthetic voice echoed once again.

"Team 18, confirmed arrival. Destination: Southern Expanse, Sector 3C."

"Objective: Hunt a Class-2 or above Threat Level Spirit Beast. Retrieve viable proof of elimination. Return to the designated pick-up point before nightfall."

"Warning: Hostile terrain. You are being monitored. Emergency assistance is unavailable unless critical thresholds are breached."

"Good luck, candidates."

As the voice faded, the light dimmed. A moment of stillness followed. A second later, the sound of gears turning was heard by the three. The canopy above slowly unraveled, shining filtered rays of light on their faces.

"...So," Yosef said slowly. "We're hunting a Class-2 threat. In a cursed forest."

Genevieve exclaimed, "Class-2, that's 4-star beasts and above! I only got a 2-star beast!"

Aston said, "It wouldn't be a final trial if it would be easier."

Then, he stepped out first, scanning the treeline with narrowed trees. The wind shifted slightly, carrying the scent of moss and damp wood.

"Stay sharp," he said, voice low. He commanded Mirage to fly, then linked his senses with Mirage's to see the totality of the woods.

Aston, with Mirage's senses, scanned the forest for a bit, then cut the link off.

"We're not the only ones here."

Yosef hopped down from the wagon, adjusting the strap of his satchel. "So what's the plan? We charge in, throw things until something explodes, and hope it's the right beast?"

Genevieve shot him a look. "Let's not get ourselves disqualified in the first hour."

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Aston was already crouched, fingers brushing against the forest floor. His eyes were distant.

"I have already scouted the territory," he said. "Find something isolated, away from other teams. We don't want competition. Or interference."

Genevieve crossed her arms. "You saw the other teams?"

Aston nodded, "Two, heading northwest. Both are grouped tight. They haven't encountered anything big yet."

"Then, we go the other way," Yosef said. "West?"

"West is a marshy grove. East has dense undergrowth." Aston stood up, brushing dirt from his gloves. But north… there's a clearing near a crag. Mirage spotted something moving near the ridge - a large spirit signature. Four-star range, minimum."

Genevieve's eyes lit up. "Big enough to qualify?"

Aston gave a short nod. "Big enough. And… alone."

Yosef grinned, rubbing his hands. "Alright. So what are we dealing with?"

"I couldn't get a clear visual yet," Aston admitted, "But the aura was spiked with aggression. From the distortions around its body, it might be a Cragfang Ravager. Earth attribute. Tough hide, territorial. Hits like a battering ram."

"That's manageable," Genevieve said, rolling her shoulders. "If we're smart about it."

Aston turned toward the direction of the clearing. "We will be."

He paused for a moment, then sent a thought to Nova.

Nova, sync terrain map. Begin outlining ambush routes. Tag optimal high-ground spots.

[Syncing…]

[Route locked. Terrain nodes marked.]

"Let's move," Aston said, glancing at the two of them. "We strike before anyone else finds it."

They set off under the forest shade, silent and sharp-eyes, like ghosts in the underbrush. Mirage glided below the shade, to avoid being seen by other groups.

Aston took the lead, his steps nimble, but careful. He glanced back over his shoulder. "I need to know what you two can do. Spirit beasts included. I don't make plans in the dark."

Genevieve thought for a while before answering first. "Mine's a Shadow Strider. Great mobility, burst strides, and silent takedowns. Best in flanks or surprise ambushes." As she spoke, her shadow vibrated for a while and a sleek beautiful figure emerged from it.

Aston was surprised and sent a scanning request to Nova.

—

[Spirit Beast: Shadow Strider]

[Type: Bestial]

[Attribute: Dark]

[Genus: Vulpes]

[Rank: 2-star]

[Potential: Obsidian Core]

[Description: An all-black furred beast, with shining dark eyes. A naturally nocturnal predator, it thrives in low-light conditions, using its keen senses and dark attribute affinity to navigate the unseen. While not as physically imposing as larger beasts, its speed, cunning, and ability to phase through attacks make it a terrifying ambusher.]

[Skills:]

[Void Fang: Channels dark energy into its fangs before lunging. The strike can bypass natural armor and leaves a shadow mark that weakens the target's defenses.]

[Next skill will be unlocked at 3-star]

[Passive Skills:]

[Shadowmeld: The Shadow Strider instinctively melds into surrounding shadows, becoming nearly indistinguishable from the environment. While in this state, it is undetectable to most non-magical senses and gains increased resistance to ranged attacks and spirit detection. It also boosts ambush attacks.]

[Innate Skills:]

[Shadowbind: Anchors an enemy's shadow to the ground. Temporarily paralyzes them or slows movement dramatically if they try to flee.]

[Next skill will be unlocked at 5-star]

—

Aston was surprised by Genevieve's spirit beast choice.

It can do scouting, can ambush, can attack - just like Gray.

He nodded. "Sounds like good for pressure and distraction. You work alone often?"

"All the time," she said, smirking. "But I can coordinate."

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