Beasts rushed forward towards the courtyard area. Elias—the same boy from the elemental magic class who had witnessed Wren, Michael, and Charlie leave—commanded everyone from near the front line, his voice carrying across the chaos.
"Everyone, utilize all your abilities! Don't hold back! Don't let fear consume you!" Elias shouted, his eyes blazing with determination. "Fight to your last breath! Fight to protect those who cannot protect themselves!"
Evelyn and her companions surged forward, their resolve strengthening with each step. Some wielded flaming abilities against blood-covered magical snakes, while others manipulated ice and gravity to battle skeletal creatures wreathed in shadows.
Wren sprinted forward when he spotted a gigantic wolf creature pinning down the very boy who had earlier dismissed him as a liability. Without hesitation, Wren activated Soul Step, passing through the boy to position himself near the monstrous wolf. The creature's jaws gaped wide as it prepared to unleash a devastating beam.
Acting swiftly, Wren grabbed the other boy and yanked both of them out of harm's way. The blast shot forward, striking another student instead—instantly incinerating flesh and bone, reducing them to ash.
"That beam looks lethal," Wren muttered, his heart pounding. "One hit and I'm finished."
He leaped toward the wolf creature as it bounded toward him. Ignoring the five-minute cooldown, Wren pushed beyond his limits and activated Soul Step again. The strain tore through his body—the cooldown existed for good reason. He passed through the beast entirely before collapsing, several bones fracturing from the excessive strain.
"Idiot," Solar remarked annoyedly in his mind.
"Why did you use the skill prematurely? Now you're broken and helpless," Solar chided.
"At least I'm alive," Wren retorted. "That claw attack would have killed me."
"You could have at least dodged," Solar protested.
"I was mid-air! Dodging wasn't an option," Wren argued. "Soul Step was my only defense or escape."
Solar fell silent, acknowledging the point.
Wren struggled to his feet as his body began healing—far quicker than anyone else, even those with healing abilities. His new body evidently possessed remarkable properties, recovering at an astonishing rate.
"Your body is in critical condition. You will heal," the system informed him.
"Wait, so my body only heals itself when I'm critically injured?" Wren asked, dismayed by the realization. "If I'm not at death's door, I'm essentially defenseless?"
The wolf creature lunged toward Wren again. He jumped upward, using Soul Step to let the beast pass harmlessly through him. Landing, he backed away while maintaining eye contact with the predator. He couldn't risk using Soul Step again—his body would shatter, rendering him useless in the ongoing battle. He couldn't count on the system healing him twice.
Suddenly, a fireball arced through the air, striking the beast squarely. The wolf rolled backward, howling as a massive burn mark appeared on its ribcage.
"Don't worry, kid. I've got you," a blonde boy called, rushing forward to help Wren to his feet.
"Thank you," Wren said gratefully, meeting the blonde boy's eyes.
"You're welcome," the boy replied with a quick nod before dashing off to confront more beasts.
Seizing the opportunity, Wren pounced on the injured wolf still lying on its side. He hammered his fists against the creature's chest and clawed at the burned area, causing the beast to howl in agony. The wolf flailed wildly, slashing with its claws at whatever was causing such torment.
Wren dodged each attack—some by mere inches—relying on instinct and luck as he continued his assault. He pounded the beast's head, ribs, and vulnerable areas with savage intensity. Finally, he smashed the wolf's skull repeatedly against the ground until the creature lay still.
A black soul—not blue like the others—emerged from the beast's chest and entered Wren's body. Instead of warmth, a cold sensation spread through him.
"You have killed a magical wolf beast. This is your first time killing a magical beast. 15 soul units awarded," the system announced. "You have killed a magical wolf beast. 5 soul units awarded."
Wren was astonished—a single magical beast had yielded 20 soul units. He retreated to a secluded corner of the courtyard, not wanting to be vulnerable while distracted.
In the shop, he found two skills priced at 20 soul points: Soul Punch, which would allow him to wrap soul energy around his fists for hardened, more damaging blows; and Soul Sight, which would enhance his vision and reveal the value of souls.
The decision was difficult but clear—in this life-or-death situation, knowing soul values wouldn't matter if he were dead. He selected Soul Punch.
"New skill available: Soul Punch," the system confirmed. "Description: Soul Punch allows the user to wrap soul energy around their fists to inflict more damage upon opponents."
"New soul concept unlocked: Soul Energy. Soul Energy resides within your heart and can be directed through mental training. It can be used to inflict damage, create soul beams, or be wrapped around body parts."
"This is fascinating," Wren thought, examining his hands with newfound appreciation. "A new concept and a new skill. Soul Punch will definitely help me against these monsters." His lips curved into a determined smile. "Time to get back to the fight."