The Aqua Beasts roared, their watery forms rippling with cold spiritual energy. Twenty of them encircled me, glowing eyes locked on their prey.
Each one—5th Rank Low-Tire. Their combined aura pressed down like a mountain.
But I didn't flinch.
I surged forward, my blade blazing black-red.
"Inferno Slash – First Form!"
The dark flame carved through the air, scorching two beasts before they could react.
Boom!
They evaporated with a hiss, turning into mist.
Ding!
You killed two 5th Rank Low-Tire Beast.
XP Gained: 6,000
Current XP: 56,000
The others lunged.
I ducked under a claw swipe, using Wind Steps to blur behind one.
"Soul Severing Thrust!"
The blade pierced straight through its head, bursting it apart.
Ding!
You killed Nascent Soul – 2nd Layer Beast.
XP Gained: 3,700
Current XP: 59,700
Three beasts charged together. I spun, using my body like a blade—fast, sharp, ruthless.
"Inferno Slash – Second Form!"
A black arc cleaved them in half mid-leap.
Ding!
You killed three 5th Rank Low-Tire Beast.
XP Gained: 9,000
Current XP: 68,700
Another leapt from the side, hitting me square in the ribs. I grunted, thrown backward, but flipped mid-air and landed hard.
Blood dripped from my lip.
I smirked.
"Inferno Slash – Third Form!"
The world flashed dark. A wave of fire roared across the battlefield—melting five beasts in an instant.
Ding!
You killed five 5th Rank Low-Tire Beast.
XP Gained: 17,500
Current XP: 86,200
Only nine remained.
They hesitated.
I raised my sword. "You're already dead."
I dashed into them—my movements like lightning, blade flickering with killing intent. Beasts tried to defend, but they were too slow.
I sliced through two necks.
Ding!
You killed two 5th Rank Low-Tire Beast.
XP Gained: 6,000
Current XP: 92,200
Three roared in unison and launched a joint water cannon toward me. I spun, activated Spiritual Shield, then punched through their formation with a reverse grip slash.
Ding!
You killed three 5th Rank Low-Tire Beast.
XP Gained: 10,500
Current XP: 102,700
Only four beasts remained.
They turned to flee.
But I didn't give them a chance.
With a single breath, I gathered all my energy into the blade.
"Inferno Slash - Third Form!"
The ground split open.
The world flashed dark. A wave of fire roared across the battlefield—melting four beasts in an instant.
Silence fell.
Ding!
You killed four 5th Rank Low-Tire Beast.
XP Gained: 14,000
Current XP: 116,700
My chest rose and fell. My blade dimmed. The white room began to flicker.
I had passed the trial.