Aricarr Region: Blackwood colony, 5th base
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The melodic calls of birds filled the air—some flitted through the skies without a care in the world, while others perched serenely atop the towering trees that dotted the landscape. Their song rose and fell in harmony, like a well-rehearsed orchestra performing just for the dawn.
This was the 4th base of the Blackwood Colony, named for the abundance of blackwood trees—tall and majestic trees with bark as dark as the armor of an iron calvary.
After the great reprieve from the Beast Wars, humanity had reorganized itself into five distinct regions: the Aricarr Region, the Western Region, the Eastern Region, the Northern Wastelands, and at the center of it all, the beating heart of civilization—the Dawn Continent.
The Aricarr region was divided into 4 colonies each having 5 bases and then the Central base where the top brass resided.
Far from the bustle of the base, in a modest apartment tucked away from prying eyes, the morning sun had already climbed high into the sky. Its rays streamed deliberately through an open window, casting warm light onto the face of a wheat skinned boy, still fast asleep.
He frowned, brows twitching in resistance, as the sunlight continued to prod at his dreams like a persistent hand shaking him awake.
Unable to bear it any longer, Adeon sat up with a scowl, the covers falling away as sunlight flooded his modest room.
He blinked at the wall-mounted time display. 10:25 a.m.
Thank goodness I told Mrs. Ola about the awakening last night… He exhaled in relief. And got her permission to be absent today.
Then, as if something suddenly clicked, a wide grin spread across his face.
I hope last night wasn't just a dream…
Sunlight streamed through the window, lighting the sky in hues of gold and blue. Without wasting another second, he freshened up and requested a standard land transport.
Since the advent of beast taming, much had changed. Beasts had replaced cars, trains, and even short-range aircraft. Why rely on noisy engines when living creatures could move smoother, faster, and even adapt mid-travel?
Soon, a normal-grade land transport pulled up in front of his home. The beast stood strong and broad-shouldered, its heavy breathing slow but even.
The moment Adeon laid eyes on it, a familiar rush of information flooded his mind:
> SPECIE: Ironhide Bull
BLOODLINE QUALITY: Normal
RANK: Normal, Level 9
CONDITION: Fatigued
EVOLUTION PATHWAYS: Bronzehide Bull → Vajra Bull
A slow smile crept onto his face.
So it wasn't a dream after all...
The same strange overlay had appeared when he looked at the neighbor's dog this morning—right before crashing into bed, mind overwhelmed with new knowledge and emotion.
Climbing aboard the beast's saddle-like carriage, he gave the driver a curt nod.
"Beast Avenue, please."
As they rolled forward, he leaned back slightly, watching the world pass by.
With this... my chances of getting a high-quality beast just got a whole lot better.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Aricarr Region: CENTER
"RYDER! RYDER! RYDER!"
The roar of the crowd thundered through the walls of the coliseum, the chant spilling like a wave into the waiting room.
Inside, the muffled cries were a distant hum, barely reaching the ears of those within.
A deep, rumbling voice broke the silence.
"Are you nervous?"
The question was directed at a girl no older than sixteen. The speaker: a stocky, bald, dark-skinned man whose unusual appearance paired with his tranquil gaze radiated an unshakable aura. Despite his comical look, his presence felt transcendent, as though the weight of the world could rest on his shoulders and he would not flinch.
The girl responded without hesitation.
"No, Master."
Indifference laced her tone. Her calmness, combined with her exquisite features, gave her the poise of someone far beyond her years. Her golden-brown hair fell in soft waves, framing skin the color of warm wheat. Her voice was cold, almost emotionless—yet her eyes burned with a fierce golden glow.
She wore a sleek black battle suit tailored to mobility and protection. Around each wrist, a golden bracelet shimmered faintly with runes.
"Sigh... I don't know if I should be worried or impressed by how calm you are."
The man's voice was low, laced with concern. "Your opponent isn't just anyone—he has a beast at the Commander level and years of battlefield experience... He even served in the North."
The girl gave no response. Not a word. Not even a flicker in her expression.
Just then, the massive door to the central arena groaned open. A blast of noise surged in like a wave. The roar of the crowd, deafening and wild, flooded the waiting room.
The black-skinned man glanced at her one more time but said nothing.
'This is also a test of your willpower,' he thought. 'Will your confidence remain unshaken when no one stands beside you? Or will you falter under the weight of their doubt?'
The coliseum, with a capacity of ten thousand, was packed to the brim. And not a single voice among them was calling her name.
Crunch. Crunch.
Her footsteps echoed against the stone floor, deliberate and unhurried. Step by step, she entered the arena. The cheers continued, but none of them were for her. Not even a glance in her direction. The crowd's focus was fixed entirely on the figure across from her.
She didn't mind.
She didn't need them.
Her eyes locked on her opponent.
Ryder—number ten on the Golden Ranking. A crowd favorite. Known for his Commander-level Thundermarked Wolf, his experience, his brutal victories...
And today, he would be her stepping stone into the Golden Ranking.
No one believed a sixteen-year-old girl could defeat Ryder.
He was a Leader-level Grimoirer, a veteran who had defended his rank for two straight years. He had experience, power, and popularity on his side.
But she didn't need their belief.
She would win—regardless.
---
"Grimoires ready!"
The commentator's voice boomed across the coliseum, projected through a sound-type insect beast clipped to his collar. He hovered high above the crowd, a speck in the sky, yet his voice rolled like thunder.
With a flash of light, both contenders summoned their Grimoires.
Ryder's grimoire gleamed pure silver, a brilliant aura signifying his cultivation at the Leader level.
In contrast, the girl's grimoire shimmered bronze, with streaks of silver light pulsing from its core—evidence that she was at the peak of Adept level, on the cusp of breaking through.
---
"Fight!"
The command cracked like a whip.
In perfect unison, they summoned their beasts.
A bipedal rabbit nearly two meters tall materialized beside her. It clutched a long, gleaming sword with a relaxed yet deadly grip. Every muscle in its body was honed, its stance disciplined, like a seasoned swordsman who had spent decades refining his form.
And it stood there, calm and ready, awaiting her signal.
""Wow... Is that the Fighting Rabbit? A rare beast that combines both Fighting and Spatial attributes. It also seems to have undergone sword training!" the commentator's voice rang out, filled with awe as he turned toward the other side of the arena.
"And across from it, we have the famous Thundermarked Wolf—a beast with both Beast and Lightning attributes. Known for its formidable strength and incredible speed."
The Thundermarked Wolf stood tall at three meters, its fur shifting between black and purple, colors rippling like stormclouds as the wind stirred its coat.
The aura of both beasts clashed in the center of the arena, a silent, invisible pressure that spread across the field. But it was clear to all who watched: the wolf had the advantage.
It was a Commander-ranked beast, while the rabbit stood at the peak of the Elite rank. The difference might be only a single layer, but that layer was an insurmountable wall, one that had withheld countless tamers.
"Young lady... how about we do this," Ryder said, his tone casual. "If you can withstand three moves from me, I'll concede. The rank will be yours."
It sounded like a noble offer, but for Ryder, it was calculated.
Among the Golden Ten, he was the oldest and the least talented. Even if he won today, this would be his final year on the rankings—twenty-five was the age limit. Surrendering now would not affect his standing much… and in doing so, he might plant a seed of goodwill in the heart of this rising genius.
But contrary to his expectations
"No.I don't need it, fight me with your best."
Ryder's relaxed smile faded.
"…As you wish."
His silver grimoire flared, arcs of lightning crackling around the spinning tome. His Thundermarked Wolf responded instantly, its muscles tensing, eyes glowing violet.
"Move!"
The girl's voice rang out like a command.In a flash, the Fighting Rabbit vanished.
A hush fell.
Then.
CLANG!
Sparks exploded as the rabbit's blade clashed against the wolf's claws—its body now at Ryder's left flank.
"Spatial step?" Ryder narrowed his eyes.
Boom!
The wolf retaliated with a sweeping paw crackling with electricity. The rabbit ducked low, pivoted, and slashed upward, forcing the wolf back a step.
The crowd gasped.
The commander-rank beast had moved.
A chill ran down Ryder's spine.
If it weren't for flash, that first strike would've ended the match...
His gaze hardened.
No more holding back.
His grimoire flared open again, and a second beast emerged from the pages—a Tempest Wolf. Though its presence lacked the dominating aura of the Thundermarked Wolf, it was still a commander-ranked beast—far stronger than the rabbit.
"Ohhh! Ryder has summoned the Tempest Wolf! Will our challenger respond with her second beast?"
The commentator's voice thundered across the coliseum, excitement building with every passing moment.
Ryder narrowed his eyes at the girl.
That rabbit is dangerous—its spatial attribute and speed are frustrating Flash. But she… she's worse. She's calm. Too calm. I need to finish this quickly.
He turned to the Tempest Wolf, placing a firm hand on its head.
"Cyan… lend me your strength."
Wind swirled. The wolf's form dissolved into mist, merging with his body. His muscles swelled, hair lengthened, claws sprouted from his fingers. In seconds, Ryder transformed—his Alpha talent activated.
"Ohhh! Ryder has chosen to use Alpha! Is this the final blow?"
"Wait—she's moving too!"
All eyes turned as the girl advanced… step by step… then,
She vanished.
What?!
Ryder's eyes darted left and right, scanning.
Whoosh—!
He raised his left arm just in time, blocking a brutal kick aimed at his temple.
Fast... Strong, he thought, teeth gritted.
Without hesitation, he gathered Auron into his right fist—air currents swirled as he punched.
She caught the hit with her arms, but the sheer force sent her flying across the arena. She crashed into the barrier, dust billowing as she slid down.
Ryder flexed his fingers—his left hand tingled from the impact.
No way she's matching me in strength. I've merged with a commander-rank beast.
That punch should keep her down.
He turned toward the beasts still fighting and launched himself into the fray, wind propelling his form forward.
But then—
FWOOOM!
The air screamed. A golden wheel sliced toward him from the side.
Ryder twisted his body, ducking just in time.
But.
Drip. Drip.
A line of blood trickled down his cheek.
She nearly took my head off...
Still stunned, he failed to register the shadow at his side.
WHAAM!
A crushing blow landed square against his ribs, sending him crashing into the ground, dirt exploding from the force.