C28 Spiny Hedgehog

The examinees trickled into the vast Forest of Steel, their numbers a mere drop in the ocean, quickly swallowed up by the sprawling wilderness.

As soon as Feng Yixiu set foot in the forest, he was struck by a sense of vulnerability. The trees here were unlike any he had seen before—massive in both girth and height.

It was a testament to the desolate era that not only animals but plants too were evolving, reverting to primal forms. Nearly every tree required the embrace of three people to encircle its trunk.

The trio tread carefully through the Forest of Steel, yet the brittle leaves beneath their feet still crackled with each step. They encountered harrowing sights along the way, such as the decaying carcasses of Demon Beasts, reeking and repulsive.

More than once, they witnessed examinees paralyzed by fear at these gruesome scenes, some even screaming for help.

"We're only half an hour in, and it looks like a fair number have already been weeded out," Feng Yixiu remarked, his brow furrowed in concern.

Each examinee had been equipped with a signal flare to use if they chose to abandon the test. Within just thirty minutes, the sky was alight with flares, like fireworks celebrating the new year.

"The real aim of this exam is to sift out those unfit to be War Spiritualists. No matter how gifted, if someone freezes at the sight of blood, the academy won't squander resources on such failures," Han Xiao commented gravely.

"Exactly. If low-level Demon Beasts terrify them this much, imagine their reaction to senior or even lord-class Demon Beasts. They'd probably outrun their own battle spirits," Shen Ruyu added with a chuckle.

"For others, this exam might pose a challenge, but for us, it should be a breeze. After all, we're backed by a battle spirit with formidable offensive power like the fire spirit," Han Xiao said, exuding confidence.

"We should focus on finding a Demon Beast first. It's been nearly an hour, and despite all the roars, we haven't spotted a single one," Feng Yixiu grumbled, frustration evident in his tone.

"What on earth is that?!"

Out of nowhere, Han Xiao's scream pierced the air as he hopped around, clutching his foot. A mound of earth before him shifted, and a spiny hedgehog, far larger than any ordinary one, emerged, its body bristling with metallic, gleaming spikes.

Feng Yixiu's mind raced, cataloging the creature's details:

[Demon Beast Name]: Spiny Hedgehog

[Demon Beast Attribute]: Metal

[Demon Beast Class]: Low

[Demon Beast Skill]: Sharp Armor Defense, Spike Explosion

[Demon Beast Weakness]: Belly

[Demon Beast Special Characteristic]: When critically injured, the Spiny Hedgehog will eject all its spikes. Find cover to avoid injury!

"Watch out, everyone! We're up against a low-class Spiny Hedgehog. Beware its explosive spikes!" Feng Yixiu warned, ushering his companions to keep their distance from the metallic menace.

No sooner had they created some distance between themselves than all three simultaneously called forth their battle spirits. With a wary gaze, the trio of spirits eyed the Spiny Hedgehog before them, ready for any sudden moves.