Crinix's face twisted in concern as he gazed at Takahishi. He turned to Shinro, his eyes blazing with determination.
Shinro's eyes narrowed, wondering what Crinix was planning. And then he saw it – a blue aura beginning to envelop Crinix's body.
"What is he doing?" Shinro wondered, his eyes fixed intently on Crinix.
Crinix's eyes snapped open, and in a flash, he vanished from his previous position. He reappeared in front of Shinro, his axe swinging high in the air with all his might. The blade aimed straight for Shinro's arm, but Shinro dodged swiftly, avoiding the attack by a hair's breadth.
Undeterred, Crinix stepped forward, his axe slashing through the air once more. Shinro sidestepped the attack, but Crinix was relentless. He lunged forward again, his axe raised high.
Shinro raised his arm, balling his hand into a fist, ready to strike Crinix. Takahishi's eyes widened as Shinro's fist hurtled toward Crinix's face. With a burst of adrenaline, Takahishi lunged forward, his daggers flashing in the dim light. The chain attached to the hilts whipped out, wrapping around Shinro's hand like a vice.
Takahishi's muscles strained as he heaved backward, the chain biting into his palms. Shinro's eyes snapped toward him, a snarl twisting his lips. Takahishi gritted his teeth, his feet scraping against the ground as Shinro's strength threatened to overpower him.
"Now, Crinix!" Takahishi shouted, his voice hoarse with effort. He jerked the chain again, using every ounce of strength to hold Shinro back. The chain creaked, the metal links groaning in protest, but Takahishi refused to yield.
Crinix seized the opportunity, his axe glowing with a faint blue light. With a mighty swing, he struck Shinro on the left shoulder with the back of the axe. The force of the blow sent Shinro flying through the air, landing with a thud two meters away.
Takahishi's face lit up with a triumphant smile. "We did it, Crinix! We managed to land a hit on him!"
Crinix's smile was weary, but proud. "Yeah, we did," he said, his voice strained.
As Crinix knelt on the ground, Takahishi rushed to his side, concern etched on his face. "Hey, are you okay, man?"
Crinix's eyes were half-closed, his face pale. "I'm...I'm okay. It's not a big deal."
But Takahishi's eyes widened in alarm as he touched Crinix's injured arm. Crinix let out a cry of pain, and Takahishi quickly pulled his hand back, blood staining his fingers.
"You're bleeding, man!" Takahishi exclaimed.
Crinix's body went limp, and he collapsed onto the ground, unconscious. Takahishi called out his name, but Crinix didn't stir.
Shinro struggled to his feet, clutching his shoulder in pain. He staggered towards Takahishi, his face twisted in a grimace.
"He's okay, he just fainted," Shinro said, his voice strained. "He used too much soul energy when he hit me with that last attack. Let him rest for a few minutes."
Takahishi's face relaxed in relief as he nodded, watching over Crinix's still form. After what felt like an eternity, Crinix's eyes flickered open, and he sat up, still looking a bit dazed.
Shinro's eyes narrowed, a small smile playing on his lips. "You two are getting stronger. ."
Crinix's eyes snapped open, and he let out a pained cry, rubbing his head. "Aargh, what happened?" he groaned.
Takahishi's face lit up with excitement. "Hey, Crinix, I'm glad you're awake! You managed to land a hit on Shinro!"
Shinro chuckled, a hint of pride in his voice. "Well, that was one heck of a hit you gave me. I've got to hand it to you guys – you're stronger than I thought. Even though you didn't manage to create a divine technique, I think you'll do well tomorrow."
Takahishi's eyes widened in alarm. "Man, your training was intense! You almost killed us!"
Shinro laughed, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I wasn't trying to kill you, but teaching you basic survival skills. What you're going to face tomorrow will be worse."
As Shinro stood up, Takahishi assisted Crinix to his feet, helping him walk. The three of them left the forest, the evening sun casting long shadows behind them.
As they approached their room, they found Shina sitting on a nearby bench, her eyes fixed on Crinix's injured arm. "What happened to you all?" she asked, concern etched on her face.
Shinro replied, "We were just training, Shina."
Shina's gaze locked onto Crinix. "Crinix, are you okay?"
Crinix nodded, wincing in pain. "I'm okay, just got cut on my arm."
Shina's expression turned stern. "Takahishi, get him inside the room. I need to heal him."
Takahishi quickly assisted Crinix into their room, Shina following close behind. She placed her hands on Crinix's wound, her eyes closing in concentration. "Divine healing," she muttered.
A soft blue light enveloped Crinix's arm, and his wound began to heal at an incredible rate. Within minutes, the cut was gone, leaving no scar behind.
Crinix lifted his arm, stretching it back and forth. "I'm feeling great, thanks Shina."
Shinro stepped forward, removing his jacket to reveal his own injury. "I also need some help here, sis."
Shina rushed to his side, placing her hand on his shoulder. The same blue light enveloped his wound, healing it just as quickly.
As Shina turned to face Takahishi, her expression softened. "Takahishi, were you also hurt?"
Takahishi grinned, chuckling. "Oh, me? I'm okay, Shina. Nothing can hurt me."
Shina's eyes narrowed, her gaze turning to Shinro. "Shinro, why did you put them in danger? You could have killed them."
Shinro's eyes locked onto Crinix and Takahishi, his expression serious. "Relax, sis. It was the only way they could learn how dangerous the survival test is. And now I'm sure they'll pass tomorrow."
Crinix's gaze met Shina's, and he offered a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Shina. Shinro was just helping us."
Shina's expression softened slightly, though a hint of coolness still lingered in her voice. "Well, if you say so, I guess it's okay."
Shinro stood up, his movements fluid and effortless. "You guys should rest for today. Tomorrow's a big day, so let's leave them alone, Sister."
Shina nodded, her eyes flicking to Crinix and Takahishi before following Shinro out the door. "Goodbye, I'll see you tomorrow, guys," she said, her voice fading into the distance.
Crinix and Takahishi called out their goodbyes, their voices echoing through the now-empty room. As the door closed behind Shina and Shinro, the silence was palpable.
The evening sun cast a warm glow over the room, illuminating the quiet atmosphere. Crinix and Takahishi had eaten their supper, the food a welcome respite from the day's exertions. Now, as the night drew in, they felt the weight of their fatigue.
Their eyelids grew heavy, and they succumbed to the allure of sleep. As they drifted off, their minds were filled with thoughts of the morrow. Would they survive the hunter survival test, or would tomorrow be their last day on this earth? The uncertainty hung over them like a specter, a constant reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.