SS rank Xalvathar: The Soulweaver

As everyone prepared to channel their newfound Vera abilities, an electric mix of thrill and tension filled the air.

Liyana eagerly asked, "When do we start, Ishara?"

Amandla shrugged, trying to hide her anticipation behind a mask of indifference. "I don't know, and I don't care."

Zanele shook her head, a small smile forming. "Come on, Amandla. I've seen you training hard these past few days. You care more than you let on."

Amandla shot back with a smirk, "Maybe, but if you keep talking, I'll find a spell just to shut you up."

Seeing the rising tension, Haruto stepped forward, fists clenched. "Hey, don't talk to my friends like that!"

Amandla laughed, unimpressed. "Or what?" she challenged, giving him a light shove that sent him stumbling. "Let's not forget who's stronger here, rookie."

Just then, Ishara stepped forward, calm but with a commanding presence. With a flick of his hand, he summoned a massive bear and caged five towering, winged lions beside it. The lions snarled, their wings pulsing with fierce energy.

Haruto's eyes widened. "Liyana… those lions… they're four times bigger than that mother bear we fought last week."

Liyana swallowed, her gaze fixed on the beasts. "Yeah. But… why are they here?"

Takumi raised a tentative hand. "Uh, sir, are we really supposed to fight these? Isn't this just magic training?"

Ishara's lips curved into a dangerous smile. "The bear is your dinner," he said, his tone low and menacing. "And the lions? Well, you're their dinner if you can't defeat them."

The group's faces paled, glancing at each other with nervous resolve.

Takumi blurted out, "You're insane! We can't beat those things—they'll kill us!"

Ishara raised an eyebrow. "I didn't bring you here unprepared. This is your chance to unlock your power. You think I'd just throw you to the lions?"

The group exchanged glances, hesitant but determined. Liyana took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Alright, Ishara. Teach us."

Pride flashed in Ishara's eyes. "You all know what Vera is, right?"

Everyone answered in unison, "Yes!"

"Vera is life energy," Ishara explained. "But it's more than that. It's molded by what drives you most—the love, the fear, the rage within. Draw on the moments that pushed you to your limits. Let those feelings fuel your power."

He raised his hand, releasing a shimmering, crackling aura. The group watched in awe as the energy pulsed with raw strength.

"Now, do as I did. Release your Vera, focusing on a moment when you felt powerless—when you wished you could have done more for someone you care about."

They each closed their eyes, searching deep within. Gradually, their hands began to glow with vibrant energy. Ishara observed them with a nod of satisfaction.

"Now," he commanded, "see these lions as the enemy that stole your strength. Attack them with everything you've got!"

Takumi moved first, memories of his mother's struggles flooding his mind. His hand darkened as his Vera formed a powerful blast, striking one of the lions and forcing it back.

Inspired, Haruto shaped his Vera into a glowing sword. "I'm not holding back!" he yelled, charging forward and slicing through his lion with newfound confidence.

Amandla approached next. As a lion lunged at her, she dodged, countering with a blast of Vera that struck the beast with deadly precision.

Zanele stepped up, her expression fierce. Her Vera sharpened around her hands, and with a swift attack, she dismembered her lion, leaving it incapacitated.

Finally, Liyana stepped forward, pausing only a moment to think of her bond with her family. As her Vera surged, she focused and struck her lion down with a single, controlled blast.

Amandla, catching her breath, glanced at her hands. "Wow… Vera is so powerful."

Ishara nodded, pleased. "Now that you've mastered the basics, are you ready to take this power further?"

The group responded confidently, "Yes!"

"Good," he said. "It's time to join the Class Rank system and take on missions."

Zanele looked around, surprised. "But… I'm already in the S Class!"

Ishara smirked. "Not so fast. I spoke with X, and your previous assessment only measured physical strength. Now, you'll retake the exam—this time with Vera."

Takumi grinned. "Looks like I might even surpass you, Zanele!"

Zanele laughed, crossing her arms. "In your dreams, Takumi."

Liyana looked at each of them thoughtfully. "What Class Rank does everyone want?"

One by one, they shared their aspirations:

Zanele: "The S to B Class, 'Rose of Death'—R.O.D."

Takumi: "SS to S Class, 'Military of the Gates'—M.G

."Haruto: "S Class Rank 'Tame the Outside Monsters'—T.O.M."

Amandla: "SS Class, 'Lone Wolf Monster Hunter'—M.H."

Liyana hesitated, then finally said, "S Class, Xalvathar: The Soulweaver Hunter Group."

The group went quiet. Zanele broke the silence. "Are you serious? That's the hardest class. Why would you choose that?"

Liyana lowered her gaze, voice trembling slightly. "I lost everything to Xalvathar. My family, my home… even my pet."

Ishara's expression softened as he stepped forward. "That's a powerful reason, Liyana. Just remember—it will take everything you've got."

He handed each of them a ring. "Wear these and release as much Vera as you can. Let's see where each of you ranks."

The group closed their eyes, focusing their energy.

Amandla went first, a shimmering aura of green and yellow surrounding her. When she opened her eyes, she asked, "What does it say?"

Ishara looked impressed. "S Class."

Amandla's face lit up. "No way! I wanted SS Class!"

"Be proud," Ishara encouraged. "S Class is rare. You've done well." He gestured to Takumi.

Takumi took a deep breath, releasing his Vera, which glowed darkly. Ishara watched, impressed, as the power surged from Takumi's aura.

As the group focused on releasing their Vera, a chilling, mocking laugh echoed through the clearing. Everyone froze, their eyes darting around, but they couldn't see anyone nearby.

Suddenly, Xalvathar's voice resounded, smooth and dripping with malice. "I'm not there, but I can see so many helpless cries for help," he sneered. "Isn't it tragic? I've lost so much of my power… or else things would have been far worse for you."

The group braced themselves, their determination solidifying in the face of his taunt. Ishara's gaze hardened as he called out, "Xalvathar, you can haunt us with your words all you like, but we're getting stronger every day. Soon, you'll have more to fear than you realize."

Xalvathar laughed again, dismissive and cold. "Oh, I look forward to it," he said, his voice fading as the last echoes of his laugh left an icy silence.

The group stood tense, the air heavy with the lingering threat. Liyana clenched her fists, a new resolve forming within her. This was the reminder they needed: Xalvathar's power may have diminished, but his malice hadn't.

"We need to be ready," Liyana whispered, her voice steady. "He's not done with us yet."

With renewed focus, each of them tightened their hold on their Vera, ready to face whatever lay ahead.