Kal's POV
Master Huan appeared like a shadow from nowhere, his calm confidence chilling me to the bone. This man wasn't just powerful—he was a predator who had hunted and survived countless battles. I barked a sharp command to my team, "Stick together. Trust in our bond."
We were not just individuals anymore. We were a force—one forged through pain and struggle. If we didn't fight as one, we'd fall.
Lyra's POV (Shapeshifter)
My body rippled as I transformed into a sleek panther, muscles taut and ready. I darted forward to flank Huan, but he vanished—gone before I could land a claw. A strike tore through the air where I'd just been, and I leapt back, heart pounding.
*Too fast. Too skilled.* I snarled, shifting back to human form to keep pace.
Drakk's POV (Rockborn)
I charged, fists smashing into the ground, sending jagged stones flying. I aimed to crush Huan before he could react—but he moved like the wind, sidestepping smoothly. Then came a brutal shockwave that slammed me back, pain exploding through my ribs.
He's playing with us, I growled, blood dripping from my mouth.
*Sylph's POV (Wind Whisperer)*
I summoned slicing gusts of wind, blades dancing toward him. Huan twisted and dodged effortlessly, closing distance faster than I could anticipate. A strike shattered a nearby tree, and I barely escaped with my life.
Fear crawled up my spine. *This man isn't just powerful—he's something else.*
Threx's POV (Venomous)
From the shadows, I struck, claws dripping with venom. I aimed for a quick kill, but Huan caught my wrist mid-attack and crushed it with terrifying strength.
"Pathetic," he sneered.
Venom surged in my veins. I hissed silently, *I won't be defeated so easily.*
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Vaelin's POV (Shadowstalker)
I melted into the darkness, my form almost invisible. I struck from behind, my blade slicing toward Huan's back—but he spun with impossible speed and caught the blade in his hand.
"You cannot hide," he whispered with cold amusement.
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Master Huan's POV
These challengers were strong—stronger than most who had come before. But they were scattered, lacking the unity necessary to overcome me. I toyed with them like a cat plays with mice, dodging attacks effortlessly.
If only they fought as one…
Then I saw it: The vampire, Kal, commanding his companions with a fierce precision I hadn't expected. Their attacks began to synchronize, blades and powers striking as a single force.
And the human… no powers, but eyes sharp and calculating. Perhaps the key to their survival.
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Jace's POV (Human, High Intelligence)
The chaos of battle swirled around me, but my mind was clear. No powers, but intelligence was my weapon. I waited for the perfect moment—the opening Kal's team had carved.
"Now," Kal's voice cut through the noise.
I lunged, blade flashing and striking a weak point hidden beneath Huan's defenses. He staggered, shock crossing his face.
Kal's POV
Huan faltered—our teamwork had broken through his guard. We stood, battered but unbroken. Heavy breaths filled the air as he spoke with grudging respect, "You are strong… Join my clan. Learn our ways, or be destroyed."
We exchanged looks. We had survived worse. Together, we would face whatever came next.