Malrik's POV
The moment the roar rang through the trees, everyone stopped in their tracks. Even the breeze seemed to hold its breath.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
Heavy, deliberate footsteps echoed through the forest underbrush, each one louder than the last.
And then—it leaped.
A massive black wolf burst through the foliage, taller than any of us, fur like smoke and eyes glowing red. A growl rumbled from deep in its throat as it locked onto a target.
Asia.
"Prepare for battle!" Rias ordered.
Everyone tensed, weapons or spells at the ready. Aika flared her gravity magic. Mittelt raised her light orbs. Even the Slime-girl bounced in front of Issei like a half-useful shield.
But before anyone could strike, the little lightning dragon-girl—still perched protectively on Asia's shoulder—let out a burst of electric light and lunged toward the wolf.
It hit.
And did absolutely nothing.
The wolf shrugged her off with a twitch of muscle, tossing her aside like a buzzing fly. She tumbled mid-air and caught herself, wings flaring with sparks.
Asia gasped as the beast advanced.
I moved.
In one stride, I was between them.
Then I punched.
My fist crashed into the wolf's ribs. The impact cracked like thunder as the beast was sent flying, crashing through several thick trees before skidding across the forest floor.
The whole world seemed to pause.
I turned back to Asia, gently placing a hand on her head.
"You're okay."
She blinked up at me, wide-eyed, her body trembling. Then she realized—she hadn't been harmed. Her breathing slowed. "T-Thank you, Malrik-san…"
Behind me, the beast stirred.
Of course it wasn't down yet.
Aika and Mittelt landed beside me.
"We've got Asia," Aika said, gripping her staff.
I nodded and stepped forward, my eyes now on two other figures—Issei and Saji, standing awkwardly just behind Rias and Sona.
I pointed at them both.
"You two. With me."
Issei blinked. "W-Wait, what?"
Saji stiffened. "Huh? Me?"
Before either could say another word, I grabbed both of them by their collars and hurled them toward the recovering wolf.
They screamed the whole way.
As they tumbled to the ground, I turned toward Rias and Sona, who were both watching with thinly veiled amusement.
"I'm going to train them a little. Hope you don't mind."
Sona adjusted her glasses. "If they survive, I'll consider it an effective method."
Rias crossed her arms. "Just don't break them too badly."
I smirked. "No promises."
Ahead, the wolf rose again, growling low and furious. Issei and Saji scrambled to their feet, panic in their eyes as they turned to face the towering beast.
"W-Why do I feel like we're bait?!" Saji cried.
"Because we are!" Issei yelled back.
And training… began.
———
Malrik's POV
The black wolf snarled, its crimson eyes locked onto Issei and Saji. The ground trembled beneath its massive paws as it advanced, muscles coiled like springs ready to unleash devastation.
"Stay sharp," I called out, stepping back to give them space. "This isn't just a fight—it's a lesson."
Issei gripped his spear tightly, the weapon humming with gravitational energy. He took a deep breath, focusing his magic to adjust the spear's weight, making it lighter for swift strikes.
Saji activated his Sacred Gear, the Absorption Line, which manifested as dark tendrils extending from his arm. They writhed in anticipation, ready to latch onto the beast.
The wolf lunged.
Issei reacted first, sidestepping and swinging his spear in a wide arc. The enhanced speed from his gravity manipulation allowed the spear to slice through the air, aiming for the wolf's flank. But the beast twisted mid-air, evading the attack with uncanny agility.
Saji seized the opportunity, launching his Absorption Lines toward the wolf. The tendrils wrapped around its hind leg, pulling taut. With a grunt, Saji attempted to drain the creature's energy, but the wolf roared, yanking Saji off his feet and slamming him into the ground.
"Focus, Saji!" I shouted. "Use its momentum against it!"
Groaning, Saji rolled to his feet, adjusting his stance. He redirected his lines, aiming for a nearby tree. The tendrils latched on, and with a heave, he swung himself around, using the tree as a pivot to launch a flying kick at the wolf's side.
The impact staggered the beast, but it quickly recovered, snapping its jaws at Saji, who barely managed to dodge.
Issei re-entered the fray, his spear now weighted heavier for a more forceful blow. He slammed it down toward the wolf's back, but the creature spun, its tail whipping out and knocking Issei off balance.
"Adjust your gravity mid-swing, Issei!" I advised. "Surprise it with a change in speed!"
Nodding, Issei recalibrated his magic, making the spear lighter mid-strike. The sudden shift caught the wolf off guard, the spear grazing its shoulder and drawing blood.
The wolf howled, enraged, and retaliated with a swipe of its massive paw, sending both Issei and Saji sprawling.
"Asia!" I called. "Heal them!"
Asia stepped forward, her hands glowing with healing light. She focused on Issei first, mending the bruises and cuts, then turned to Saji, restoring his stamina.
The others watched intently from the sidelines. Rias and Sona observed with critical eyes, analyzing every move. Aika and Mittelt exchanged glances, while the Familiar Master, Towji, nodded in approval.
"Again!" I commanded. "This time, coordinate your attacks!"
Issei and Saji exchanged a determined look, then charged together. Issei feinted to the left, drawing the wolf's attention, while Saji circled to the right, his Absorption Lines ready.
As the wolf lunged at Issei, Saji's tendrils wrapped around its legs, pulling them out from under it. The beast crashed to the ground, and Issei seized the moment, driving his spear toward its exposed underbelly.
But the wolf rolled, avoiding the fatal blow, and kicked out, sending Issei flying.
"Don't let up!" I urged. "Adapt and overcome!"
The battle raged on, each exchange pushing Issei and Saji to their limits. Sweat poured down their faces, their breaths ragged, but their eyes burned with resolve.
This was more than a fight—it was a crucible, forging them into true warriors.
And I wouldn't let them falter.