Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest

Chapter 950 218.2 - Another practice

A new wave emerged-more this time. Twelve total, coming in from the forward corridor and two side crevices that hadn't been there seconds ago.

"Spread is increasing," Astron observed. "They're adapting. Stay tight."

Layla stepped forward again, knees bracing, shield held high. "Ready!"

Jasmine grunted, "More than ready," and surged slightly forward-but just to the edge of her zone.

Irina lifted both hands, and heat flooded the tunnel. Her fire didn't blast forward yet- but hovered in orbit, waiting. "This next burst is mine," she said. "You'll feel the air drop right after."

"Noted," Astron replied, his stance lowering.

Sylvie's mana shimmered again, this time latching onto Irina's flames-not with raw power, but control. The spiraling fire tightened, became denser, as if molded through glass.

"Second pressure point locked," Sylvie announced.

Then the wave hit.

The hounds came faster, now overlapping each other, some leaping over fallen bodies, others diving low. Irina moved first, sending the compressed heat wave forward. The air bent visibly. Several creatures incinerated instantly-but two phased right through the flames.

"Spectral-grade. Non-impactable by elemental burn," Astron said. "Rear incoming"

"I see it," Sylvie replied, a sharp flick of her hand sending three focused bursts backward. They didn't explode-but pierced. The rear corridor flickered as a shrieking shape twisted mid-air and collapsed, its form warping mid-dissolution.

Layla was beginning to slow-her stance growing heavier as repeated clashes shook her core.

"Frontline weakening," she gasped. "I need someone to intercept upper jumps!" "On it," Jasmine barked.

She surged forward within formation bounds, slashing upward as a hound launched from a wall toward Layla's head. The slash didn't just cut-it stunned. Layla caught the rest of the blow with her shoulder, then drove the beast back with her shield.

"Adjusting position!" Astron called, stepping past Irina just slightly-half-body lead. "Jasmine, fall to third line after this wave. Irina, you hold second."

"Excuse me?" Irina snapped, but her flames still danced to his command.