As the commentatorâs voice fell, thunderous cheers erupted from the crowd.
Qiao Sang sat in the contestants' area and glanced toward the VIP section.
With her excellent eyesight, it only took her a sweep of two rows to easily spot the Vice Principal sitting among them.
"You should head backstage to prepare now." Pirite's voice suddenly sounded.
Tonight's match was a one-on-one battle, and the opponent had already been announced long ago, so there was no need to wait for the system to finalize the lineup.
Just as he finished speaking, Qiao Sang spotted a familiar staff member walking toward her.
âIâll be heading off then.â She said, standing up.
Pirite gave a slight nod.
Qiao Sang followed the staff member toward the backstage area.
At around the same time, Apollon Novitsky also left his seat.
Pirite tilted his head slightly and cast a deep glance at Apollonâs retreating figure.
Qiao Sang probably wouldnât win tonightâs match as easily as she had in the past few days.
But that was fine. This was exactly what he wanted to see...
---
Yulianton University.
Class 1 of the Freshman Beast master Department was brightly lit.
Evenings at Yulianton University included optional lessons, but students were free to choose whether to self-study in the library, classrooms, or dedicated training arenas.
Of course, skipping entirely was also acceptable, everything was up to the individual.
But for all the students in one class to gather in a single classroom, excluding Qiao Sang, this was the first time it had happened since the semester began.
A massive virtual screen occupied nearly an entire wall.
It was broadcasting the live coverage of the Beast Tamer Star Tournament finals.
Everyone was buzzing with excitement, speculating which two pet beasts Qiao Sang would send into battle tonight.
"I think itâll be Fire Qilu and Ice Aipalu."
"Same, itâs the finals today, so sheâs bound to send out her two strongest beasts."
"But Ghost Ring King isnât weak either, itâs a dual-attribute General-level pet with Ghost and Psychic types."
"Iâve watched her previous matches, Ghost Ring King is strong, but it mostly relies on Shadow Control. Its offensive power seems lacking. If it goes up against Apollonâs Steel Iron Dragon, itâll probably struggle. Flame Chilu and Ice Aipalu are better suited for a proper fight."
"Yeah, and Ghost Ring King is still too fragile. The earlier matches were easy wins mostly because it wasnât targeted much. Apollonâs offense will definitely hit it this time." The blond-haired boy analyzed seriously, clearly worried for Qiao Sang.
"Who cares if itâs Apollon or Apollo, Qiao Sangâs definitely gonna win." Said the spiky-haired boy.
The blond boy didnât argue, he just went silent in agreement, as if heâd never been a fan of Apollon to begin with.
---
26th District.
In a small alley at the bottom tier of a city, a thin-faced teenager walked into a noodle shop and called out: "Boss, one egg noodle bowl please."
He found a seat and sat down, eyes fixed on the color TV above.
Soon, the boss brought the bowl over and placed it in front of him. Then, following the boyâs gaze, he smiled and said, "Youâve been coming around this time lately, donât tell me itâs just to watch the tournament?"
Tim gave a little "mm" and admitted a bit sheepishly, "The channelâs locked at my house. It requires a subscription."
It wasnât that he couldnât afford the fee, itâs just that the Beast Tamer Star Tournament only lasted a few days. Subscribing wasnât worth it. This way, he could fill his stomach and catch the match too.
This noodle shop wasnât far from his home, and he visited often anyway. He just switched up the timing today.
"So? Got a favorite star in the match?" The boss asked, not heading back immediately.
Business wasnât great, so when a customer came in, he welcomed the chance to chat.
Timâs eyes sparkled as he looked at the screen.
"Qiao Sang. Sheâs my idol. But I donât think of her as a star."
Isnât the Beast Tamer Star Tournament only open to celebrities?âŠ
The boss, who didnât really follow current news, was confused.
Just as he was about to ask more, another customer walked in: "Boss, one beef noodle, no scallions."
"Got it!" With a new order, the boss immediately forgot what he wanted to ask and headed into the kitchen.
The match is about to begin...
Tim stared at the slender figure walking onto the field, unable to look away.
After parting ways with his life-saving benefactor last time, he thought heâd never get the chance to see her again. Who would've thought heâd see her so soon, on national television, no less, and in such a grand event.
Timâs eyes were full of admiration and longing.
He kind of wanted to go back out into the world againâŠ
---
3rd District.
Theo Film Base.
Makeup Room.
Sylvia sat on the couch holding her phone, watching the live broadcast of the match.
âWhat are you watching?â A stylishly dressed woman suddenly sat down beside her, leaned over, and peeked at her screen.
âThe Beast Tamer Star Tournament?â The woman raised an eyebrow.
âYou thinking of joining?â
Sylvia glanced at her.
âDo you think I could?â
âWhy not?â The woman laughed.
âI heard your movieâs premiering early. If it becomes a hit, who knows?â
Keep dreaming... Sylvia turned back to her phone, not bothering to respond.
The woman was about to say something else when a voice came from the phone: âAnd now entering the field are the two finalists who have fought their way here, Apollon and Qiao Sang!â
Qiao Sang?
The woman blinked at the name, looked at the screen, and suddenly remembered.
âYou're watching for Qiao Sang, arenât you?â
She had heard about Sylviaâs upcoming movie. It wasnât supposed to be released this soon, but due to the buzz surrounding a ghost-type pet beast featured in a cameo, the premiere got moved up.
The beastâs Beast master, as it turned out, was none other than Qiao Sang, the current focus of the tournament.
Sylvia gave a quiet âMmâ, a complicated expression on her face: âSheâs amazing⊠I canât not pay attention to herâŠâ
The last time they met, all her beasts were only at the High-level stage. And now, in such a short span, theyâd evolved to General-level. She held her own against Beast masters in their thirties and had advanced to the finals. Every part of it felt unbelievable to Sylvia.
âHer talent really is monstrous⊠but itâs a shame sheâs up against Apollon.â The woman said, watching the screen where a tall figure appeared.
Though she hadnât followed all the matches, she favored the already-famous Apollon.
Four-time champion of the Pet Beast Arena Tournament, that wasnât a title just anyone could earn.
---
1st District.
Outdoor Beastmaster Stadium.
VIP Section.
When Qiao Sang entered, Liu Yao didnât shout or scream like the other fans, but he still waved his cheering stick enthusiastically.
Sky Bat fluttered beside him, also waving a cheering stick.
Do your bestâŠ
Liu Yao silently cheered as he looked at the girl walking onto the field.
Then, a mechanical voice echoed across the arena: â3, 2, 1. Battle Start!â
---
On the Field.
Qiao Sang and Apollon rapidly formed seals with their hands.
Their hand speed was so fast that the average person couldnât keep up.
Two orange-yellow star arrays lit up almost simultaneously.
Even faster than yesterdayâŠ
Pirite's eyes lit up from the contestantsâ area.
Moments later, two powerful auras burst onto the field.
Dragon-type, Steel-type dual-attribute General-level pet beast, Steel Iron DragonâŠ
Qiao Sang looked at the towering opponent, nearly seven meters tall, standing upright on two legs, its body entirely made of metal, marked with curved black lines, and different-colored metals forming its hands, lower abdomen, and feet, and her heart tightened.
But more than that, she felt excited.
âYap!â
Yabao felt the same.
With a cannon-like tuft of hair shooting skyward, he stared at his opponent, blood boiling for the first time in a long while.
Steel Iron Dragon didnât hesitate. With a stomp, a powerful white shockwave burst outward, centered around it and rapidly collapsing the terrain toward Yabaoâs position.
Sensing danger, Yabao vanished instantly, reappearing high in the air.
A split second later, a massive crater, over a hundred meters wide, formed where he had just been.
Yabao disappeared again, then reappeared behind the Steel Iron Dragon, baring sharp fangs.
Blazing fire surged over his teeth.
Simultaneously, a giant, fire-shaped head of Fire Qilu formed from fire behind him.
Boom!
With a thunderous impact, Yabao bit down hard on Steel Iron Dragonâs head.
Flames erupted, and heatwaves blasted across the field.
âFire Qiluâs Fire Fang landed on Steel Iron Dragon!â The commentator shouted.
Fire Qilu, a dual-type Fire and Psychic pet beast, was strong in both power and mobility, with teleportation for surprise attacks. Steel Iron Dragon, while possessing light-metal resistance, still struggled against Psychic-type abilities.
Apollon, mentally reviewing all of Qiao Sangâs previous battles, noted Fire Qiluâs signature strategy, teleporting close and striking with Fire Fang. He immediately issued an order: âAttack!â
Steel Dragon didnât scream in pain like most beasts. Instead, it grabbed Yabaoâs tail with one claw.
âSteel Iron Dragon caught Fire Qiluâs tail! Is it immune to pain?!â The commentator shouted excitedly.
The audience roared, especially Apollonâs fans.
Of course, Steel Iron Dragon felt pain, but it was still tolerable.
While it gripped Yabaoâs tail in one claw, the other paw opened. A solid ball of white energy formed above it.
Itâs not resisting?
Apollon was puzzled.
Most furry beasts are sensitive about their tailsâŠ
Just then, Qiao Sang's voice rang out: âExplode!â
Steel Iron Dragon slammed the energy ball into Yabaoâs stomach.
At the same time, a golden-red energy sphere shot from Yabaoâs throat, already prepared in advance, still latched onto Steel Iron Dragonâs head.
BOOM!
Like a high-explosive blast, the fireball detonated at point-blank range. Shockwaves tore through half the arena, blasting the ground apart.
âYap!â
âTiiiron!â
Yabao and Steel Iron Dragon both screamed as they were blown away, one upward, one backward.
It landed the hitâŠ
Qiao Sang frowned.
Fire Fang was a mid-tier skill, even at peak mastery, she wasnât confident it would do much against a Steel Iron Dragon.
Thatâs why sheâd planned this: Fire Fang + point-blank Exploding Bomb combo. She was sure even a Steel Iron Dragon would suffer.
She hadnât expected the opponent to seize the same moment to counterattack.
âBoth Steel Iron Dragon and Fire Qilu are down!â The commentator shouted with excitement.
âWHOA!â
The crowd erupted.
This kind of intense, high-impact showdown was exactly what the fans lived for.
If I strike before Fire Qilu recovers⊠itâs a chanceâŠ
The moment Steel Iron Dragon finished tumbling, Apollon barked, âCannon!â
Though still reeling from pain, Steel Iron Dragon immediately obeyed. Its body glowed white, then the light condensed into a straight beam targeting the falling Yabao.
Thatâs some insane defense. Even after taking a Exploding Bomb point-blank, it recovered fast enough to launch Cannon LightbeamâŠ
Qiao Sang blinked, then nodded in respect.
âSteel Iron Dragonâs up! Itâs using Cannon Lightbeam!â The commentator narrated.
Cannon Lightbeam, an advanced Steel-type skill, concentrates light into a powerful blast that can also reduce the opponentâs defense.
âDodge!â Qiao Sang shouted calmly.
Yabao wasnât as durable, but he could still teleport away with enough presence of mind.
The white beam zipped upward at breakneck speed, just as it was about to hit-
Yabao vanished, reappearing a hundred meters away on the ground.
âYAP!â
Excited, Yabao tilted his head back and gave a triumphant shout.
Suddenly, hundreds of identical Fire Qilus appeared!
On the ground, in the air, midair, filling the entire field!
Apollonâs expression shifted dramatically.
Forget the attack, just the visual impact of hundreds of Fire Qilus was terrifying enough.
All of them opened their mouths, hundreds of rotating fireballs formed.
The crimson glow lit up the whole arena.
!!!
The crowd stared wide-eyed, heartbeats racing, holding their breath.
âMetal Sound!â Apollon didnât hesitate.
The massive wave of fire rushed toward Steel Iron Dragon.
âTIIIIIRON!!â
Facing the fiery barrage, Steel Iron Dragon didnât flinch. It opened its mouth and unleashed a shrill, piercing screech.
Soundwaves rippled across the arena.
All the Fire Qilu clones disappeared.
So did the hundreds of spinning fireballs.
The searing red light faded, and silence returned, as if none of it had happened at all.