While Others Tame Beasts, I Level Up

Tranquility.

Even though Madness was a strong skill, I could only use it in certain moments, I needed skills that I could use whenever.

"We are even stronger now, Kas!" I tought entusiastically. "Let's prepare for the next round".

As the adrenaline from the second wave settled, I focused on the screen hovering in front of me, analyzing the options for evolving Madness. Each choice came with its own risks and rewards.

Ultimate Resort: A dangerous gamble. Insane power at the cost of control, but too reckless for a competition.

Tranquility: Balanced and versatile—a reliable boost without losing my mind.

Conquester: Interesting, but situational. It required large groups to shine.

I made my decision, tapping on Tranquility. A surge of energy coursed through me as the skill finalized, the information embedding itself in my mind.

[Madness evolved into Tranquility (Active)

Effect: Boosts user's stats by 3x for 2 minutes. Cooldown: 2 hours.]

Kas, coiled on my arm, hissed approvingly. "A wise choice. Stability is power."

I nodded. "We'll need it for what's next."

The announcer's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Competitors, prepare for the third wave! This one will truly test your resilience and adaptability!"

The ground trembled as the arena gates opened once more. This time, a massive horde of towering creatures stomped into view.

[Rock Golems]

These constructs of stone and earth were slow but devastatingly powerful. Each one stood nearly three meters tall, their hulking forms glinting with mineral veins.

[Rock Golem

Tamed Rank: D

Lvl: 18

HP: 500/500

Str: 28.0

Agi: 6.0

S.P: 14

Abilities: Earth Slam (lvl 5), Harden (lvl 7, passive), Stomp (lvl 4)]

The lead golem was even more imposing, its crystalline core radiating a faint glow.

[Crystal Core Golem (Elite)

Tamed Rank: C-

Lvl: 20

HP: 750/750

Str: 35.0

Agi: 8.0

S.P: 18

Abilities: Crystal Barrage (lvl 5), Harden (lvl 9, passive), Core Overdrive (lvl 4)]

The murmurs from the audience grew louder, mixed with excitement and doubt.

"Can the first-years even survive this?"

"Those are high-level constructs. This might be the end for Group 8."

I smirked, gripping my Mythril-Edged Sword. "Kas, looks like we're about to make another impression."

Kas hissed. "Heavy foes. Strategy needed."

"Exactly. Let's use their sluggishness to our advantage."

The wave began with a thunderous charge as the golems advanced. Each step sent tremors through the battlefield, and debris flew as they smashed their way forward.

"Spread out!" I shouted to the group. "Don't let them cluster together!"

The tamers scattered, their familiars darting in and out to harry the advancing constructs. A Flame Toad launched bursts of fire at one golem, only to have the flames fizzle harmlessly against its hardened exterior.

"Normal attacks won't work! Target the weak points—joints and cores!"

One golem swung its massive arm toward me. I dodged, activating Quick Dash to close the gap. My sword bit into the joint of its elbow, sending cracks spiderwebbing through the stone.

[-150 HP]

Kas darted around the same golem, striking with Erosion Spit. The venom hissed as it corroded the stone, weakening the structure further.

"Kas, finish it!"

With a hiss, Kas coiled around the golem's legs, his strength amplified by Coiling Dominion. The creature toppled forward, shattering into rubble.

[Victory! +3,000 EXP]

The battle raged on as the group followed my lead, targeting weak points with precision. Despite our efforts, the golems' raw strength made each encounter a deadly gamble.

Nearby, a tamer and his Wind Hawk were in trouble. A golem had cornered them, its massive fist raised for a crushing blow.

"Kas, cover me!"

I activated Double Jump, vaulting over a pile of debris and landing behind the golem. My sword slashed across its crystalline back, drawing its attention.

[-180 HP]

The golem turned, giving the Wind Hawk a chance to dive in and strike its core with razor-sharp talons. The combined assault brought it down.

[Victory! +3,500 EXP]

The Crystal Core Golem finally entered the fray, its massive form radiating power. It raised both arms, unleashing a devastating Crystal Barrage. Shards of glowing stone rained down, forcing us to scatter.

"That thing's a fortress!" one competitor yelled.

"Not for long," I muttered.

I activated Tranquility, the world slowing as my stats surged. Power coursed through my body, and Kas let out an excited hiss, his movements becoming sharper and faster.

"Kas, with me! We'll take it down together!"

The golem's glowing eyes locked onto us as we closed the distance. It swung its massive arm in a wide arc, but I leapt over it, landing on its shoulder.

"Now!" I shouted.

Kas launched himself at the golem's core, sinking his fangs into the glowing crystal. The creature roared, its movements becoming erratic as cracks spread across its surface.

[Critical Hit! -250 HP]

I drove my sword into the same spot, the Mythril-Edged blade cutting deep into the core.

[Critical Hit! -300 HP]

The golem staggered, its crystalline core glowing brighter as it prepared to activate Core Overdrive.

"Finish it before it detonates!" I yelled.

Kas wrapped around the core, squeezing with all his might. The crystal shattered, and the golem collapsed into a heap of rubble.

[Victory! +7,000 EXP]

The battlefield fell silent as the last golem crumbled. The announcer's voice rang out, filled with awe.

"Incredible! George Carter and his Chaos Snake have led Group 8 to yet another victory, dismantling the Rock Golems and even the Crystal Core Golem!"

The audience erupted into cheers, though I could still hear some skeptical murmurs.

"How is a first-year doing this?"

"He's not just surviving—he's dominating!"

I sheathed my sword, wiping the sweat from my brow. Kas slithered back onto my arm, his tongue flicking lazily.

"Stronger foes. But satisfying victory," he hissed.

I grinned. "And we're just getting started."

[George Carter: Level 24 → Level 26! (1,250/8,500 EXP)

Strength: 21.4

Agility: 22.8

Intelligence: 20.1

S.P: 26

Skills:

Animal-Stance: Unity

Tranquility (Lvl 1)

Quick Dash (Lvl 5)

Low-Level Swordsmanship (Lvl 7)

Double Jump (Lvl 2)]

[Kas: Level 22 → Level 24! (1,400/9,000 EXP)

Length: 106cm

Width: 7.4cm

Str: 32

Agi: 29.4

Int: 15.5

S.P: 26

Skills:

Language Speaking (Lvl 2)

Erosion Spit (Lvl 9)

Coiling Dominion (Lvl 5)

Venom Bite (Lvl 5)

Mana Resonance (Lvl 8)]

I glanced toward the far gate, already bracing for the next wave. The real challenge was yet to come.