The forest edge was thick with morning mist, sunlight piercing through in slivers that danced on the dew-laden grass. Hunnt, Corwin, and Pyro moved in unison, each footstep measured, each muscle coiled like a spring. The tension was palpable.
From deep within the foliage, Gorgawump's eyes gleamed like molten amber. Every step it took pressed heavily into the earth, leaving deep, clawed impressions that spoke of its massive weight and predatory intent. It paused momentarily, sniffing the air, sensing Pyro's presence.
He's here… he knows I'm here… I won't run this time, Pyro thought, muscles tensing. The Felyne crouched low, tail flicking, claws digging lightly into the soil, ready for the first strike.
Hunnt's gaze flicked between Corwin and Pyro, assessing, calculating. "Corwin… foundation first. Hammer for high-impact stagger. Fist style for defense, control, or precision strikes. Anticipate, don't react blindly."
Corwin swallowed, gripping his hammer tightly, feeling the pulse of adrenaline and fear in equal measure. I've trained for this… months of sweat, blisters, failure… now it all matters. I can do this… I have to.
---
The first strike came with a ground-shaking roar. Gorgawump lunged, massive claws slicing through the clearing. Hunnt rolled under the swing, fists rising in a precise arc, striking the monster's forelimbs to redirect momentum. His Tekkai absorbed the blow, a ripple of force running through his body without destabilizing his stance.
Corwin's first instinct was to swing wildly. He froze, recalling Hunnt's words. Control… strength with purpose… footwork… pivot… His hammer swung in a calculated arc, thudding against the Gorgawump's leg, staggering it just enough to create space. He followed with quick, precise fist strikes to the side, intercepting a secondary swing.
Pyro was a blur. SnS flashing, claws scoring weak spots, Suro bursts allowing lightning-fast repositioning. Tekkai absorbed the occasional swipe without faltering. Every movement was precise, a dance of instinct honed through years of training.
The battle unfolded like a brutal symphony. Hunnt's small frame moved with the grace of a predator and the discipline of a master. Corwin's hammer and fists blended into one fluid motion, reinforcing openings created by Hunnt's attacks. Pyro darted in and out, punishing errors, forcing the monster into predictable patterns, teaching Corwin lessons without words.
---
Minutes stretched, each second charged with tension. Corwin's lungs burned, sweat stung his eyes, yet his movements flowed more smoothly with every strike. He could feel the rhythm of the monster, anticipate its lunges, and respond with a combination of hammer swings and fist strikes.
Hunnt shouted directions between attacks, voice cutting through the roar of Gorgawump. "Pivot! Step inside! Block with your core! Fists only if you can't reach with the hammer!"
The young lumberjack felt a surge of clarity. Each drill, each punishing repetition, each correction from Hunnt and Pyro crystallized into instinct. He was no longer a clumsy beginner—he was a fighter, reacting with speed and precision.
Pyro's tail lashed, eyes gleaming. Yes… faster, sharper… no hesitation… human… nyaah… he's learning… Every strike Corwin landed, every pivot he executed, reinforced Pyro's assessment.
---
Finally, Hunnt spotted the opening. "Pyro! Neck! Now!" The Felyne leapt, SnS and Tekkai synchronized perfectly, slicing through the final vulnerable point. Gorgawump's roar echoed one last time before the massive wyvern collapsed, shaking the earth with its fall.
The clearing was silent except for heavy breathing. Hunnt's chest heaved slightly, fists relaxing but still alert. Corwin leaned on his hammer, legs trembling, mind buzzing from adrenaline and triumph. Pyro perched atop a stump, tail swishing slowly, golden eyes glowing with satisfaction.
Hunnt spoke softly, voice steady. "Every lesson mattered today. Fist style gave control over momentum, Suro bursts gave speed and positioning, Tekkai absorbed heavy impacts. Corwin… your hammer and fists, combined with your foundation, were crucial. You're no longer untested—you've proven yourself."
Corwin exhaled, a grin breaking through exhaustion. I did it… I can protect… I can fight… I can get stronger… The months of sweat, blisters, and frustration coalesced into a tangible sense of achievement.
Pyro padded over, brushing against Corwin's leg. Good… human… nyaah… your strikes finally carry weight…
Hunnt looked toward the treeline, eyes narrowed. This is just the beginning… monsters like Gorgawump don't vanish… and there are worse out there. But today… today we stood together.
The trio, teacher, trainee, and companion, stood over the fallen beast. The sun broke through the mist, casting long, golden shadows across the clearing. They had faced a real threat—and survived.
Hunnt finally spoke, voice calm yet resolute. "Today we learned what training truly means. Tomorrow… we train harder. We grow stronger. And we stay ready, because the shadows always watch, and the past never forgets."
Corwin nodded, hammer resting against his shoulder. I'm ready. I'll keep learning. I won't falter again.
Pyro's tail flicked once more, a silent challenge. Yes… human… now prove it… nyaah…
The clearing fell silent, but within that silence, the promise of growth, danger, and relentless determination hung thick in the air.