Combat Exam (8)

Swish...

Katarina's dagger sliced through the air with a satisfying sound before coming to a complete halt when a massive paw came its way.

Thud...

She tried to overpower the creature, but the bear seemed like an immovable object, a mounting of hulking muscle and fur.

No matter how hard she strained her Awakened body, she couldn't budge the bear an inch.

Grrr...

A guttural growl escaped a bear's throat, sending shivers down Katarina's spine.

Another paw clawed her way, its sharp claws glinting through the blizzard.

Thud...

It was so fast that Katarina barely had any time to dodge, her legs giving out a sharp jolt of pain as she abandoned her spot just in time.

'Ugh, I've sprained my ankle...'

Hobbling to the side, she winced as pain shot up her leg with each step.

However, her external appearance remained unreadable, her face calm and collected, her eyes shimmering like emeralds through veils of snowflakes.