While Others Tame Beasts, I Level Up

A couple of hours later ...

"Up next: George Carter's Group 8 versus John Vilk's Group 4!"

The announcement sent a wave of excitement through the arena. The audience buzzed with speculation about this long-awaited clash.

John Vilk, my former friend, stood at the forefront of his team, his expression cold and determined.

His beast, the Horned Tiger, prowled beside him, radiating raw power.

Kas hissed from his perch on my arm, his tongue flicking. "A strong team. Tensions run high."

I nodded, gripping the hilt of my sword. "We've faced worse, Kas. Let's show them what we're made of."

Group 8 (George's Team):

George Carter (White-eyed Snake)

Lila Maren (Flame Toad)

Erik Kael( Ironback Armadillo)

Group 4 (John's Team):

John Vilk (Horned Tiger)

Mara Ven (Shadow Lynx)

Davin Holt (Storm Hawk)

The referee raised his hand. "Competitors ready? Begin!"

The moment the signal was given, John took the initiative.

"Razor, Horn Charge!"

The massive tiger roared and barreled toward the center of the battlefield, its horns glowing with a faint, menacing light.

"Spread out!" I shouted to my team.

Kas uncoiled from my arm, slithering toward the side.

Lila's Flame Toad leaped into position, spitting fireballs at Razor to slow its charge, while Erik's Ironback Armadillo braced itself with its Harden ability, forming a defensive wall.

[John's Perspective]

"Predictable, George," I muttered as Razor dodged the incoming flames with ease.

"Mara, flank them. Shadow Lynx, Shadow Leap to the left!"

The lynx vanished into the shadows and reappeared beside Erik's Ironback, swiping at its exposed side. Meanwhile, Davin's Storm Hawk took to the skies, sending a gale of wind toward Lila's Flame Toad to disrupt its aim.

"Razor, isolate Kas!" I commanded.

Razor shifted its focus, charging toward George's snake.

[Back to George's Perspective]

Kas darted around Razor's attacks with agility, countering with precise spits of venom.

"Kas, Coiling Dominion!"

[-99!]

Kas lunged, wrapping tightly around Razor's forelimb. The tiger roared, thrashing violently, but Kas held firm, sinking his fangs into its shoulder.

"Flame Toad, assist the snake!" Lila commanded, sending a burst of fire to Razor's side.

The tiger growled in pain but retaliated with Wild Swipe, forcing Kas to release its hold.

Chaos erupted as both teams clashed.

Erik's Ironback Armadillo held the center with its tank-like defense, weathering attacks from the Shadow Lynx.

The Storm Hawk harried from above, diving at Lila's Flame Toad, which struggled to maintain its position.

"Kas, we need to neutralize the lynx!" I yelled.

Kas nodded, launching himself toward the Shadow Lynx, which hissed in surprise.

The two beasts engaged in a deadly dance, their movements almost too fast to follow.

I could hear the crowd cheer our adversaries, but for some certain reason, I only felt excitement. Seeing Kas's progress made me feel proud of us, but this was only the beginning.

[John's Perspective]

"George has no chance," I thought, watching him direct his team.

But I couldn't afford to underestimate him.

"Davin, cover Razor! Mara, keep the pressure on George!"

The Storm Hawk swooped down, its claws grazing Kas, while the Shadow Lynx darted toward me, its claws extended.

"Razor, Feral Roar!" I commanded.

Razor roared, its muscles bulging as its strength and agility surged. It lunged at Kas again, this time with relentless ferocity.

[George's POV]

I activated Tranquility, feeling the rush of calm and focus sharpen my senses.

[Stats x3.2]

My stats surged, and Kas moved with renewed precision, countering Razor's onslaught.

"Kas, it's time. Erosion Spit at the lynx!"

The venom struck true, splattering across the Shadow Lynx's flank. The creature yowled in pain, retreating to its master.

[-120!]

"Erik, now!" I shouted.

The Ironback Armadillo charged forward, its spiked carapace slamming into Razor and knocking it off balance.

"Finish this, Kas!"

Kas darted toward Razor's exposed side, wrapping around its torso and delivering a decisive Venom Bite to its neck. Razor collapsed, growling weakly.

[John's Perspective]

"No!" I growled, clenching my fists.

I had underestimated George.

Razor struggled to rise, its strength fading fast.

"Razor, retreat," I said reluctantly.

The referee raised his hand.

"Winner: Group 8!"

The crowd erupted into cheers and murmurs of awe.

[George's POV]

I sheathed my sword, glancing toward John. His expression was unreadable as he recalled Razor.

Kas slithered back to me, his tongue flicking. "Hard fight. Good win."

"Yeah," I murmured, my gaze lingering on John.

For a moment, our eyes met, and I thought I saw a flicker of regret. But just as quickly, it vanished, replaced by a cold glare.

"Group 8 enters the semi-finals!"