From the mist emerged the Nightmare Beastscreatures that combined physical power with psychic attack.
The Ink Serpent, black as oil, eyes burning crimson, moved through the mist, leaving trails of hallucination in its wake. Students saw visions of failure, past mistakes, even loved ones turned monstrous.
The Stone Ravager, massive and hulking, swung fists that could shatter platforms, each impact shaking the arena and sending debris flying.
Shadow wolves multiplied unnaturally, forming pack tactics against unsuspecting students.
Lyra's mark pulsed. Her shadow chains lashed in every direction, binding serpents and wolves alike. Mira's wind blasts deflected debris, Tarin's lightning arcs zapped approaching nightmare beasts, and Joran's fire carved paths through walls of shadows.
Eryndor watched from above, his expression unreadable. Occasionally, he gestured, and subtle changes in magic shifted the battle platforms rotated faster, traps emerged, illusions became more aggressive.
Every student was tested simultaneously: skill, focus, courage, and teamwork. Those who hesitated were punished by illusions or falling debris.