Chapter 26: Blaze Tiger

Brandon's patience shattered in an instant under the weight of Vargus's mockery. Fueled by a mix of humiliation and rage, he shouted across the arena, "This is all your fault! If it weren't for your interference, everything would have gone according to plan!"

Vargus, unfazed by the outburst, met Brandon's anger with a calm, confident smile. "The blame isn't mine to bear," he retorted, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. "The real issue here is your weakness. That's why your plans failed, not because of any actions of mine."

Overcome with fury, Brandon couldn't contain his outrage. "How dare you label me as weak!" he bellowed, his voice echoing with a mixture of anger and disbelief.

With determination etched on his face, he made his way towards the arena, his resolve hardening with each step. Upon reaching the center, he called out to Vargus with a defiant tone, "Come down here, Vargus, and witness my strength firsthand!"

Not stopping there, Brandon's voice rose with conviction as he declared, "I rank as the third strongest among the inner members of our sect! You'll regret mocking me once I've shown you the true extent of my power!" His challenge was a testament to his status and a warning of the consequences of underestimating him, setting the stage for a confrontation that promised to be as much about pride as it was about proving one's mettle.

Upon hearing Brandon's challenge, Vargus couldn't help but smile, intrigued by the prospect of showcasing his own strength. He made his way into the arena with a confident stride, his eyes locking onto Brandon's. "Well then," Vargus said, his smile broadening, "I'm quite eager to witness this so-called strength of yours."

The girls on the sidelines buzzed with excitement, their anticipation palpable. They had always known Vargus to be a formidable mentor, but the opportunity to see him in action, to gauge the extent of his prowess firsthand, was something they hadn't experienced before.

Brandon's resolve crystallized into action as he prepared to summon his beast. With a commanding shout, he called forth his companion, "Come out, Blaze Tiger!"

The creature that emerged was a magnificent sight, its presence far more intimidating than the flame tiger previously seen. The Blaze Tiger, with its fur alight with roaring flames, exuded a fierce aura, its fire blazing around it, painting a picture of raw power and untamed ferocity.

Vargus, undeterred by the display, stepped forward to meet the gaze of the imposing beast. Locking eyes with the Blaze Tiger, he allowed a smile to play across his lips, an expression of both respect for the creature's strength and confidence in his own abilities.

Brandon, observing Vargus's lack of action, couldn't contain his impatience and confusion. "What are you doing? Why haven't you summoned your beast?" he demanded, his tone a mix of challenge and disbelief.

Vargus, with a confident smirk, responded calmly, "I don't need to summon my beast to defeat your Blaze Tiger."

Taken aback but undeterred, Brandon retorted, "I see. If that's the choice you're making, then don't come to me with regrets about what happens next." His words were a warning, laced with the certainty that the battle would not go in Vargus's favor without the aid of his beast, setting a tense stage for the confrontation ahead.

Without a moment's hesitation, Brandon issued a command to his Blaze Tiger, his voice echoing with authority, "Blaze Tiger, rip him to shreds. Use your Blaze Claw!"

Upon receiving the command, the Blaze Tiger's claws ignited with an intense, fiery glow, a clear manifestation of its readiness to unleash its power. With a surge of energy, the majestic creature charged towards Vargus, its blazing claws at the ready, aiming to execute Brandon's command with lethal precision.

As the Blaze Tiger's claws, alight with ferocious flames, bore down upon him, Vargus remained motionless, an embodiment of calm in the face of imminent danger.

The girls and Eliora, witnessing the scene unfold, instinctively closed their eyes, unable to watch what they believed would be a devastating outcome for Vargus.

Caught up in the moment and confident in the power of his beast, Brandon couldn't help but shout with a voice filled with excitement and anticipation, "Tear him apart!" His command echoed across the arena, a testament to his belief in the Blaze Tiger's victory and his eagerness to witness Vargus's defeat.

The next moment unfolded in a way that left everyone in the arena stunned. Eliora and the girls, who hesitantly opened their eyes, were met with a sight they hadn't dared to hope for. Vargus was not only unscathed but standing defiantly, having caught the Blaze Tiger's ferocious claws in his grasp.

With a confident smile, Vargus looked directly at the beast before him and taunted, "Is this all you have?"

Brandon, witnessing this turn of events, was overcome with disbelief and frustration. "How is this possible?" he exclaimed, unable to comprehend the scene before him. His shock quickly turned into a desperate command, "Blaze Tiger, muster all your strength! Attack him again!"

Despite Brandon's urgent command, the Blaze Tiger, straining with all its might, found itself unable to advance its claws any further against Vargus's firm hold. The beast's efforts to push forward proved futile, as Vargus remained an unmovable force.

With a smile that spoke of his superiority and control over the situation, Vargus lightly taunted, "Still too weak." His words cut through the tension, underscoring the gap in strength between him and the creature.

Then, in a display of sheer power and to the astonishment of all who watched, Vargus effortlessly lifted the Blaze Tiger, still locked in his grip.

Vargus, holding the Blaze Tiger aloft, turned his gaze towards Brandon, who watched from the other side of the arena in disbelief. With a commanding presence, Vargus shouted across the distance, a warning laced with defiance, "Don't underestimate a barbarian!"

No sooner had the words left his mouth than Vargus, showcasing his remarkable strength once more, hurled the Blaze Tiger directly at Brandon. The trajectory was perfect, the tiger's body becoming a living projectile that collided with Brandon with unyielding force.

The impact was immediate and decisive. Brandon and the Blaze Tiger, caught in the aftermath of Vargus's throw, were both knocked to the ground, the collision leaving them unconscious. The arena fell silent, the audience stunned by the swift turn of events and Vargus's demonstration of power, leaving no doubts about his prowess and the folly of underestimating him.