Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess

Chapter 40: Chapter 39- Catastrophe(3)Rhea was near Rudolph during the initial minutes of the assessment, given they targeted the same beast at the same time.

Although Rudolph backed out soon after, given Rhea stabbed the beast, which Rudolph failed to do, they remained close by for the next few minutes...

until the catastrophe appeared.

Rhea and Rudolph were in the top five strongest students from the Apex Circle, which explains why, unlike many other students, they didn't fall to their knees and were able to hold their stance.

Rhea was the first one to respond to the danger, as she dashed toward the border of the forest which was near to the Academy.

Her heart was beating rapidly, not only because she was moving her body rapidly but also because she was quite nervous.

This was the second time she had felt such an ominous aura from a being—the first time was when she faced the berserk Valerie back in Parkinson's room.

Although this presence was quite tamer in comparison to what Valerie radiated at that time, it was an irrefutable fact that this beast was not something that should have been present here.

"Rhea, you need to first assess the situation," Rudolph called out which made Rhea frown, "What's there to assess?

We need to take care of the danger before anyone could get harmed.

" Rudolph clicked his tongue; this girl was always so hot-headed.

"Listen, why do you think there has been no interference from the instructors until now?

" The taller one interrupted Rhea, much to the latter's annoyance.

"What do you mean?

Just say it!

" She couldn't waste her time here, and let her classmates get harmed.

She knew Valerie would be able to handle the situation so Rhea must help the others to evacuate.

However, Rudolph's following words made her frown in confusion, "Can't you feel it?

The sudden magical field surrounding us—it's a barrier; I have sensed and attempted to exit the forest.

But as I thought, there is indeed someone who chanted this barrier to keep us within the forest.

"Rhea asked, "Then shouldn't teachers have already sensed the situation and tried to break the barrier?

"Rudolph shook his head, "I don't know but there is nothing they are doing.

As such, the first thing we should do is to take care of the barrier, or the students won't be able to evacuate.

"Rhea clenched her fist, as she said, "Then go and search for that chanter while I look for the beast.

""But Valer-""I don't think she can do it all on her own," Rhea added, and in the next instance, a pink blur weaved through the forest.

Rudolph remained standing there for a few seconds before he heaved a sigh turned toward his left.

As he dashed forward, a few words escaped his lips,'Let's find this fucker first...

'-------**------Illusion Monkey is an S-rank beast that was born with the ability to create illusions, divert the attention of its prey, and lure them into its trap.

These kinds of beasts, which possess intelligence, generally love to play with their target before devouring them.

The beast Valerie was facing at the moment was no bigger than a teenager, in their terms; as such, although it would be easier to deal with it considering the lack of experience, Valerie needed to counter the short temper of the beast as well.

Just like how a single punch it all took and the Beast already bubbling with anger, the aura of the inhumane making the ground tremble and steam erupting from its body.

Valerie had her eyes trained on the beast; her Shard held firmly in her hand as she awaited its next move.

She could tell that there were no beasts around, thankfully, because of the presence of this hulking monster.

**THUMP** **THUMP**The beast slammed its fist on its bulging cheats before it lunged into action.

Valerie frowned upon seeing that the beast was not creating any mirage anymore rather charging head on.

Valerie leaped from her position, her spear slicing through the air with a sharp whistle.

Her aim was true, the spearheaded straight for the monkey's chest—Until it wasn't.

At the last moment, the Illusion Monkey vanished, leaving behind a faint shimmer where it once stood.

Valerie's spear struck empty air, embedding itself into the ground with a resounding thud.

Her instincts screamed too late.

The beast reappeared at her side, its fist already in motion.

BAM!

Valerie's body flew like a ragdoll, crashing through a cluster of trees.

She winced as she landed hard on her side, her grip still tight on her Shard.

"Damn it!

" she spat, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.

She forced herself to her feet, her eyes blazing with determination.

The monkey was on the move again, its body a blur of speed and malice.

Valerie slammed her Shard into the ground, summoning a wave of jagged ice that erupted like spears from the earth.

The air chilled instantly, her ice magic surging with lethal intent.

But the beast was already gone, leaving only afterimages in its wake.

"Stay still, you monkey!

" Valerie roared.

She thrust her hand forward, and a torrent of frost shot out, the air crackling as the freezing spell expanded outward.

**THUD**Suddenly, she heard the sound of two forces clashing from behind, urging the girl to twirl on her feet and witness her Lord protecting her, using his elongated Shard as a shield.

"A-Austin?

" She was too startled to respond to his call immediately.

But soon her ears picked,"ABOVE!

"Her body moved on instincts as she stabbed her spear above her head, and this time, it definitely connected.

**SQUELCH**The Monkey growled as it found its blood freezing by the effect of the weapon.

Valerie gritted her teeth and enlarged her spear.

"*GRUOOOEEGH*" The monkey cried in agony as the whole spear went through its stomach, penetrating from its back.

However, then, much to her shock, the Monkey turned into mist, and the being that appeared from behind the mist was...

"...

Rhea?

" Her eyes widened as she found that the monkey had tricked her and she ended up stabbing Rhea.

"khuk!

" Austin groaned as the monkey he was facing was the real one.......

and the beast ended up breaking Auatin's Shard.

---------**--------A/N:- If you didn't understand, Rhea jumped to help Austin, but the Monkey used its Illusion, and then you can follow.

Thanks for reading.