"Emma, let's go hunt some beasts." Edric's voice carried a quiet confidence as he cut through the swarm like it was child's play. The beasts around them barely registered as threats. "Over there." Emma gestured toward a cluster of level 5 beasts in the distance. "I want to take those down myself." With Edric guarding her flank, she could finally go all in—no holding back. It was the perfect chance to push her limits and grow stronger. "Got it." He nodded immediately, obedient yet focused. His massive tail curved around her, carrying her through the chaos before setting her gently on solid ground. "Have fun," he murmured. "You're safe with me." "I know. I trust you," she replied, meeting his gaze. As his aura faded, the pressure blanketing the battlefield lifted. The level 5 beasts, moments ago pinned to the dirt in fear, rose shakily to their feet, unaware they'd just signed their death warrants. Water shimmered beneath Emma's boots, spreading outward in a smooth ripple. Sparks of blue lightning arced across the surface, pulsing with deadly energy. Edric's eyes widened slightly. Ms. Tibarn has dual abilities? Dual abilities were rare enough; finding a female with dual abilities was practically a legend. Across the clearing, Damian tossed the last of the level 7 beasts toward Laura's squad and turned just in time to see Emma moving through the fight. Lightning and water danced around her like a storm come alive. He rushed towards her, but before reaching her, Edric's tail swung and hit him with the power of a wrecking ball. Damian hit the ground hard, rolled, and came up snarling.Edric's expression didn't change. "Emma said she wants to handle these herself." If she hadn't been watching, that fox would already be buried. Emma? Damian's gut twisted. This d*mn snake actually called Ms. Tibarn by name. "She's Rank 4," Damian snapped, stepping closer. "You're really letting her take on level 5 beasts solo? What if she gets hurt?" His voice cut sharply and coldly. "If Ms. Tibarn gets injured, can you handle that? Move aside. I'll back her up." Edric didn't budge. "With me here, she won't." He knew exactly what Damian was trying to do—show off in front of her. Their eyes met, and sparks of pure energy shimmered in the air between them. "Move," Damian growled. "No," Edric persisted.Power radiated from both, wild and unstable. Nearby beasts dropped to the dirt, trembling under the pressure. Only the small circle inside Edric's coiled tail remained untouched. Emma didn't notice any of it. She was locked in her rhythm, lightning flashing around her like a heartbeat. Three beasts already down. Two more staggered, bleeding, and slow. She stepped lightly over the rippling water, blue sparks flickering below as she gathered her strength. A spark ran up her leg as she jumped. Lightning illuminated her path midair, firm under her boots. A blade made of pure energy materialized in her hand, glowing and vibrant. She swung. Crack. One beast's head hit the ground, smoke curling off the wound. The second fell seconds later. As the last of them fell, Emma promptly crouched to extract the beast cores. Both males watched silently from a distance. The way she moved—precise, calm, efficient—was lethal and strangely beautiful. Impressive! Ms. Tibarn doesn't just fight well; she dominates. She's scary good at it. Edric's tail coiled around her waist before she barely pocketed the seventh beast core. She let out a small gasp as he lifted her into his arms again. Across the clearing, Damian's jaw tightened. Seriously? Again? The d*mn snake always beats me to it. Lost in Edric's embrace, Emma had no idea Damian was even there. She tucked the beast cores into her belt and grinned up at Edric. "All done. I think I can handle a few more level 5 beasts." He smiled, warmth flickering in his eyes. "Whatever you want, Emma.""Ms. Tibarn, I'll come with you too," Damian called quickly, stepping forward. Emma froze, realizing he'd seen everything. Her cheeks flushed red as she was still half-cradled in Edric's arms. "Heh... Damian, you're here too." She forced a laugh, then lowered her voice. "Edric, put me down. Please." Being held like that in front of everyone was way too much. If they'd been alone, she might not have said a word. Edric didn't move. "Didn't you mention wanting more level 5 beasts? Carrying you would be quicker." Then he turned his gaze toward Damian. His dark purple eyes gleamed with challenge, a slow grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.