Vile Evil Hides Under The Veil

The third day after the commencement of the final test.

Eren, Horen, and Vasco had managed to stay in the game at this point. But they knew that things would only get difficult for them as they progressed further.

The trio stood at the entrance of the Labyrinth of Illusions, their anticipation masked by stoic expressions.

The colossal doors sealed behind them, plunging them into an eerie silence. Eren took the lead, his eyes scanning the ever-changing corridors.

"Stay close," Eren's voice cut through the silence, a subtle assurance for his companions. Horen's massive frame and Vasco's elemental prowess flanked him.

In the ever-changing Corridors of the Labyrinth of Illusions, the trio navigated a dynamic landscape that shifted its form as swiftly as shadows in the moonlight. The labyrinth morphed seamlessly from one environment to another, challenging the trio's senses and adaptability.

"I wonder what will it be this time," Vasco murmured, his steps measured.

The labyrinth's ever-changing environments had proven unpredictable as they ventured through, battling demonic entities and harvesting the released energies. Three of them had participated equally in the test. As such, they didn't need to worry about any of them falling behind.

"Whatever it is— I just hope it's not those Skarvenstalkers again. Those giant demon flies are fucking irritating," Horen spoke with a deep, tense tone, having learned from experience that losing their sense of direction meant repeating patterns.

"Don't fucking jinx it, you fool."

Eren shot Horen a look as if he had just harmed his pet dog. He had to admit, Horen's luck seemed even worse than his, and that was saying something. The trio walked further into the corridor when something happened.

Creak. Creak. Creak.

It was as if some heavy metallic lever was being pulled.

The corridor transformed into a dense, verdant forest, complete with towering trees and vibrant foliage. The star-studded night sky showcased three full moons in all their glory. The air resonated with the sounds of unseen creatures.

Eren signaled a halt, and the trio observed their surroundings.

"This forest… the easier it is on the eyes, the tougher our opponents are going to be. Stay on your toes," Eren cautioned as they continued through the labyrinth's arboreal illusion.

Howl!

An ear-piercing wolf howl was sounded in the surroundings. And that's when the trio realized what kinds of opponents they were going to deal with.

The Emberfang Ironwolves possessed an uncanny ability to transcend their lupine forms and assume humanoid shapes, adding an extra layer of terror to their already menacing presence. When the moon hung high in the ominous sky, these shapeshifting entities would unleash their humanoid avatars, blending the ferocity of wolves with the cunning intellect of humanoid beings.

Swoosh. Swoosh. Swoosh.

The dense vegetation around the trio rustled and sounds of hushed footsteps could be heard. Eren and the rest quickly figured out the fact that they had been surrounded even though their mana senses and spiritual senses had been tampered with by the maze's environment.

"Aah damn. Things are going to get a bit difficult for us it seems. It's the Emberfang Ironwolves!"

Vasco used a Skill to decipher the identity of the incoming enemies and warned his allies. "They are not our match on an individual level but they have the numerical advantage. Plus, they display excellent team play. So be careful," he warned in a grim voice.

In their humanoid forms, the Emberfang Ironwolves retained an air of sinister elegance. Clad in dark, ethereal armor that mirrored the color of midnight shadows, they moved with a haunting grace that belied their predatory nature. The crimson eyes, an unyielding testament to their demonic essence, glowed fiercely within the humanoid countenance.

Each Emberfang Ironwolf possessed a unique set of Skills, and gifts bestowed upon them, thanks to their demonic inclinations that governed Labh Salem. Some wielded the power of shadow manipulation, allowing them to weave through darkness unseen, while others harnessed the ferocity of hellfire, engulfing their foes in searing infernos with a mere gesture.

Most Emberfang Ironwolves were only as strong as a D-Rank Adept. However, the squad leader of each squad was as strong as a B-Rank Master. Plus, the Emberfang Ironwolves who controlled multiple squads were as strong as A-Rank Grandmasters.

The humanoid avatars of the Emberfang Ironwolves were formidable adversaries, seamlessly merging the physical prowess of wolves with the arcane prowess of dark sorcery. Their ironclad claws transformed into wickedly sharp blades, capable of cutting through both armor and arcane defenses with equal ease.

The iron jaws, now belonging to humanoid visages, could unleash eerie incantations and unleash howls that disoriented the minds of their unfortunate victims.

The Emberfang Ironwolves' humanoid forms added a layer of unpredictability to their predatory strategies. This was because they were known to shapeshift mid-battle to destroy their opponents' carefully chosen strategies.

These half-beast creatures were one of the most preferred lackeys for the demonic cults because they were easy to breed and nurture. Plus, they were fiercely loyal.

Those who encountered these shape-shifting fiends knew that their doom was not only swift but orchestrated with a malevolence that transcended the boundaries between wolf and demon.

Unsurprisingly, there were at least three A-Ranked Emberfang Ironwolves present at the enemy lines. It was obvious that the test had interfered with the natural behavior of these half-

beast demonic creatures.

Otherwise, there was no way three A-Ranked Emberfang Ironwolves and their subordinates would work along with each other to target three enemies in such a coordinated manner. That too without there being a natural leader present within them.

Eren and the rest stood at a distance from each other and waited for their opponents to make a move. The possibility of a careless preemptive strike when they didn't know about the opponents' numbers or the traps they might have implemented forced them to go on the defensive.

"Well.. at least it's not those fucking Skarvenstalkers," Horen's awkward smile betrayed a hint of tension as they prepared for the impending battle. Eren and Vasco exchanged a silent glance, tacitly acknowledging Horen's sentiment.