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  Chapter 4: Clash of Titans

  The sun dipped low, casting long shadows over the rocky wasteland where Garon and his summons stood. The air was thick with tension, and the ground vibrated with an ominous hum. This wasn’t just another fight—it was the trial that would determine Garon’s growth, both as a summoner and as a warrior.

  Flarecub, still small but fierce, circled around Garon’s feet, its fiery mane glowing brightly. Terracera, the giant earth-type tank, stood stoically nearby, its massive frame casting a long shadow. The ground beneath them seemed to shift slightly—something was coming. Garon had felt it for a while. The Mountain Scorpio was near.

  A deep, rumbling sound echoed across the valley, sending rocks tumbling. Suddenly, the earth cracked open with terrifying force, and from the depths emerged the Mountain Scorpio. Its massive pincers snapped, the sharp claws gleaming ominously in the dying light. The creature's exoskeleton was thick, impervious to most attacks, and its size dwarfed anything Garon had fought before. This wasn’t just a battle—it was survival.

  The Mountain Scorpio's eyes glowed, its mandibles clicking menacingly as it surveyed the battlefield. Garon gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, his mind racing. This was no ordinary beast. It was a Unique-grade threat, a creature capable of devastating destruction. He needed to be smart.

  “Terracera, take the lead,” Garon ordered. “Set up a defensive perimeter. Flarecub, you’re with me—stay agile.”

  Terracera, with its massive triceratops-like head, let out a powerful roar and stomped its foot onto the ground. The earth shuddered beneath its weight, and from the cracks, enormous stone spikes erupted, forming a jagged barrier between them and the Mountain Scorpio.

  “Flarecub, keep moving—don’t let it trap you!” Garon shouted, his voice firm and focused.

  Flarecub responded instantly, darting around the battlefield with remarkable speed, igniting small fire traps that flared up at strategic points. Each flash of fire sent shadows flickering across the ground as the beast prepared its next move.

  The Mountain Scorpio hissed, disoriented by the flares. It burrowed into the earth, disappearing from sight. The ground beneath them began to tremble violently. Garon’s heart raced. It’s going underground.

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  “Flarecub, stay close!” Garon shouted. “Terracera, brace for impact. We’ll need a counterstrike as soon as it emerges!”

  Terracera planted its feet deeper into the ground, its body stiffening as if preparing for a massive impact. But even with the preparation, the Mountain Scorpio was faster than they had anticipated. In a single moment, the creature burst from the ground beneath them, its pincers aiming straight for Garon.

  Terracera reacted instantly, charging forward with all its might to intercept the blow. The force of the collision sent shockwaves rippling through the earth, but Terracera didn’t waver. Its thick armor absorbed most of the strike, though it staggered back under the weight of the attack.

  “Terracera!” Garon cried, his heart in his throat. The beast was exhausted, but still standing. He needed to end this fight quickly.

  “Terracera, Spike Ground again—focus on defense!” Garon ordered.

  Terracera complied, slamming its foot down. This time, the stone spikes erupted with greater force, surrounding the Mountain Scorpio like a cage. The creature struggled, its massive claws scraping at the stone, but the jagged rocks held it in place.

  Garon’s eyes narrowed. This was the opening they needed.

  “Flarecub, now!” Garon shouted. “Use everything you’ve got!”

  With a mighty leap, Flarecub bounded forward, its fiery mane blazing brighter than ever. It landed with precision, its claws glowing as it generated a massive wave of flame that engulfed the Mountain Scorpio. The fire burned brightly, crackling through the night, as the beast writhed in pain. Its thick exoskeleton absorbed most of the flames, but the heat was overwhelming.

  For a moment, it seemed like victory was at hand, but the Mountain Scorpio wasn’t finished yet. In a desperate move, it unleashed a seismic shockwave from its tail, sending tremors through the ground. The force of the attack dislodged several of the stone spikes and sent both Terracera and Flarecub stumbling back.

  “Get back!” Garon yelled, his voice urgent.

  Terracera, though dazed, planted its feet firmly again, while Flarecub quickly darted out of range, keeping its distance. The Mountain Scorpio hissed, its massive pincers snapping wildly as it struggled to free itself from the rocky trap.

  Garon knew this was their final chance. He didn’t have much time. If they couldn’t end this now, the Scorpio would break free, and there would be no stopping it.

  “Terracera, Quake Charge—full force!” Garon commanded, his voice fierce.

  Terracera’s body glowed as it slammed its foot down once more, sending a shockwave through the ground. The impact created a massive rift in the earth beneath the Mountain Scorpio, causing the creature to lose its footing. The beast tried to retreat, but its movements were sluggish, and the stone spikes continued to ensnare it.

  Flarecub, sensing its moment, let out a war cry and leapt onto the back of the Scorpio, its claws embedding into the creature’s flesh. With a surge of fiery energy, it unleashed a devastating Inferno Burst, the flames coursing through the Scorpio’s body with searing heat.

  The Mountain Scorpio let out one final, ear-piercing scream before its body convulsed and fell limp, defeated by the combined strength of Garon’s summons.

  Garon stood, breathing heavily, his heart pounding. The battle had taken its toll on both his summons. Terracera, though still standing, was covered in scratches, and Flarecub seemed exhausted, its flames dimming.

  “You did well,” Garon said, his voice soft but sincere. He approached Terracera first, placing a hand on its rocky exterior. “Both of you.”

  Terracera’s massive form groaned as it lowered its head in acknowledgment. Flarecub jumped up and down excitedly, its fiery mane flickering as it circled Garon, the last traces of battle fading from its body.

  But despite the victory, Garon couldn’t shake the feeling that the worst was yet to come. The Mountain Scorpio, though defeated, had been a fierce challenge. If there were creatures like that in the world, what else awaited him?

  Suddenly, a low rumble echoed across the valley. Garon’s gaze snapped to the horizon, his senses on high alert. Something was coming—something bigger.

  Garon's eyes narrowed. “We need to move. Get ready, both of you.”

  The ground began to tremble again, and this time, Garon knew it was no simple aftershock. The true challenge was just beginning.

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  End of Chapter 4

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