32 - First Test - 2!

First Test - 2!

Elija studied Jon with an intense gaze, his face a blend of bewilderment and awe. 'How can he be so strong?' he wondered. Throughout the battle that had just unfolded, each of Jon's strikes was precise, every move calculated. There was no desperation in his eyes, only focus.

Resolved, Elija stood up. "I'm with you, Jon," he declared, his voice tinged with newfound resolve.

Gwen also rose, joined by her blonde friend, Elara Frostleaf. Elara, a Glacial half-elf, had eyes reminiscent of ice crystals and hair as blonde as fresh snow. "If we're doing this, we're doing it together," Gwen stated, her tone flat.

Nortis Brokenstone, a beastkin with green hair and blue eyes, gripped his sword with a feral look. His athletic frame radiated a raw, almost animalistic energy. "Sitting idle was never an option for me," he growled, standing up.

A dark-blue-haired elf with green eyes, clutching a bow, also stood. She said nothing, but her gaze met Jon's, and he understood. She was with him.

Jon sighed, looking at the faces of the students who remained seated, lost in their own doubts and fears. "I hope all of you pass this test, one way or another," he said, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. He didn't want to lead again, but it was necessary.

Jon surveyed the group that had formed around him. Five individuals, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. He recalled his days as a Guildmaster in the VR MMORPG NEXUS, where leading dungeon raids was routine. But this was different; this was real. Still, the experience gained in those virtual days wasn't useless here.

"Listen up," Jon began, his voice taking on an authoritative tone that even surprised him. "We don't have a dedicated tank, so Nortis and I will hold the front line. Elija, Elara, and our elven friend," he nodded toward the dark-blue-haired elf, "you'll be our archers. Gwen, you're our fire mage, so you'll stay behind them."

Nortis nodded, tightening his grip on his sword. "Understood. We'll hold the front."

Elija, Elara, and the elf also nodded, adjusting their weapons. "Archers ready," Elija said, his eyes meeting Jon's.

Gwen nodded, her hands already beginning to glow with a fiery light. "I'm ready when you are."

"Great," Jon continued. "The strategy is simple. Elija and Elara, you shoot first to take down or weaken approaching enemies. Our elven friend, you'll be the third to shoot, giving Elija and Elara time to reload. Gwen, you attack last, delivering the final blow or creating fire barriers if needed."

"Alright, while you guys handle that, Nortis and I will keep the zombies at bay from the rear. If any get through, Gwen, it's on you to stop them with your magic," Jon concluded, making eye contact with each member to ensure the message was clear.

"Any questions?" Jon inquired, met only with resolute gazes in return.

"Let's move," he said, and the group advanced through the dungeon's narrow passage, each keenly aware of their role in the impending battle.

They moved cautiously through the dungeon, the surrounding darkness broken only by the magical flames Gwen had conjured to light their way. The tension was palpable, every sound and movement amplified by the stifling silence.

Then, they heard it. The guttural, dragging sound of approaching zombies. Jon raised his hand, signaling the group to halt.

"Get ready," he whispered, unsheathing his sword.

Elija and Elara already had their bows drawn, arrows nocked and aimed into the darkness ahead. The dark blue-haired elf, whom Jon had mentally nicknamed "Blue," was also ready, her short bow in hand and green eyes focused.

Nortis growled softly, his stance shifting to a more aggressive posture, sword in hand. He stood beside Jon, ready for battle.

The zombies emerged from the shadows, their vacant eyes glowing with insatiable hunger. Elija was the first to shoot, his arrow finding a zombie's eye with deadly accuracy. Elara fired next, hitting another in the throat.

"Blue, now!" Jon commanded.

Blue released her arrow, which flew straight into the heart of a third zombie, dropping it instantly.

"Gwen, finish it!"

With a graceful gesture, Gwen unleashed a fireball that exploded amidst the zombie group, incinerating the remaining ones.

"Excellent work, everyone," Jon praised, but his eyes remained vigilant, ever watchful for the next threat. "But remember, always aim for the head when you can. It's the most effective way to kill them."

Elija looked at Jon, impressed. 'He's incredible,' he thought. 'How can he be so calm and focused?'

Beside him, Elara was also contemplative. 'This half-elf is really something; no wonder Gwen always spoke so highly of him,' her gaze lingering on Jon a bit longer than necessary.

Gwen, for her part, felt a pang in her heart. She looked at Jon, seeing the natural leader he had become. 'He's changed so much,' she thought, a sigh escaping her lips. 'Our relationship will never be the same.'

Nortis, sensing the group's energy, grinned. "Well, that was easier than I expected. But I bet there are more of them waiting for us."

"No doubt," Jon agreed, pointing his sword forward. "Let's keep moving, but stay alert. The next wave might not be so easy."

The group continued to move, each person focused and aligned with the shared goal. As they advanced, Jon found himself reflecting on how rewarding it was to lead a team again, despite the risks they faced, to be real this time...

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