Chapter 25: The Girls Crushing Victory
Gery stood frozen in disbelief, his confidence shattered as he processed the sight of his flame tiger bested by the Flame Fox. The unexpected defeat sent ripples of shock through the onlookers, especially affecting Brandon and Eliora, who were well aware of the formidable strengths and reputations of both the flame tiger and the Flame Fox.
Brandon's expression, typically composed, now reflected a mix of surprise and contemplation, as he reassessed his understanding of the two beasts' capabilities. Eliora's eyes also widened, her initial shock slowly giving way to a newfound respect for the Flame Fox's prowess.
Just moments before their anticipated clash, the Flame Fox executed a maneuver that caught everyone off guard. In a strategic twist, it deactivated its skill and reduced its speed, moving with deliberate precision rather than rushing forward.
As the flame tiger leapt forward, anticipating a direct confrontation, the Flame Fox cleverly ducked below its opponent. In this critical position, at the precise moment when it was directly beneath the tiger, the Flame Fox reactivated its Flame Claw with a surge of power.
With a swift, upward strike, it targeted the flame tiger's neck—a vital and unprotected area. The attack was executed with such precision and timing that the flame tiger had no chance to react or defend. Overwhelmed by the sudden and intense pain, the flame tiger lost consciousness almost immediately, succumbing to the unexpected and cleverly executed move by the Flame Fox.
Eliora approached Vargus, curiosity etched on her face, and whispered, "This is unexpected. How...?"
Vargus, with a knowing smile, responded, "The beasts of the girls have always possessed strength. The issue in the past was the lack of courage of the tamers."
He continued, his voice filled with a hint of pride, "What we focused on was fortifying their mental resilience. Now, they can maintain a calm mind in the heat of battle, allowing them to strategize and identify the most effective way to overcome their adversaries."
Eliora nodded thoughtfully, absorbing his explanation. "I see," she said, her voice reflecting a mix of admiration and understanding.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the arena, frustration boiled over as Brandon struck the table with a forceful smack, his displeasure clear for all to see.
Turning his attention to the next contestant from his team who was gearing up for the arena, he fixed a stern gaze on him. "You better win this," Brandon commanded, his voice sharp with urgency and expectation.
The man, undeterred and full of resolve, responded confidently, "I will. They must have been lucky earlier. This time, I'll ensure she's utterly humiliated." His words were a mix of assurance and a promise of retribution, signaling his determination to not only win but to avenge the previous defeat and restore the pride of their team.
As the next round of the competition commenced, the arena once again became the focal point of anticipation. This time, a stout man made his way to the center of the arena, his presence a stark contrast to the graceful figure of one of the beautiful girls from the opposing team who also stepped into the spotlight.
With a smug look, the stout man taunted, "Your friend's victory was nothing but sheer luck earlier. This time, I'll ensure you face humiliation."
The girl, unfazed by his words, chose not to engage in verbal sparring. Instead, she silently summoned her beast, her actions speaking volumes about her confidence and focus.
Mirroring her actions, the stout man also called forth his beast to the arena. The stage was set for another clash, with both sides ready to prove their might not through words, but through the strength and strategy of their companions.
As the two beasts clashed in the arena, the outcome of their battle took everyone by surprise. Against all odds, the girl emerged victorious once more, marking another defeat for the men's team.
This unexpected turn of events only served to fuel Brandon's anger further. Watching another one of his team members fall to the seemingly unstoppable girls intensified his frustration, casting a shadow of disbelief and irritation over him.
As the battles continued, a pattern emerged that seemed almost scripted in its repetition. Each subsequent contest ended in the same way: with the men facing overwhelming defeat at the hands of the girls.
One by one, the male contenders who stepped into the arena were met with a resolute and unyielding force, their efforts crumbling under the strategic might and bond between the girls and their beasts.
This series of defeats cast a heavy pall over Brandon and his team. His frustration boiled over into outright anger, a stark contrast to the earlier confidence with which he had overseen his team's preparation. The men, for their part, could do nothing but lower their faces in defeat, their morale shattered and their pride deeply wounded.
In a state of disbelief, Brandon voiced his shock, "What on earth happened to those girls to make them so powerful in such a short time?"
His question hung heavily in the air, met with silence from his men. They too were at a loss, unable to comprehend or explain the sudden surge in strength and strategy displayed by their female counterparts. No one could offer an answer or even a theory that could satisfy Brandon's demand for understanding.
From across the arena, Vargus caught Brandon's eye, along with that of his demoralized team. With a commanding presence, he raised his voice so it carried across the silent expanse, laden with a mix of mockery and challenge. "To think that all of you were defeated! If you can't even overcome the girls, what chance do you believe you have against me?"
His words, sharp and laden with scorn, cut through the tension in the arena, directly questioning the competence and strength of Brandon and his men. Vargus stood tall and confident, his demeanor reflecting not just his own prowess, but also his faith in the girls' abilities, further highlighting the gap between the two factions.
Upon hearing Vargus's taunting words, Brandon's gaze snapped towards him, his expression darkening further into a mix of anger and resentment. The mockery from across the arena seemed to ignite a deeper fury within him.
Under his breath, but loud enough for those nearby to hear, Brandon spat out, "Vargus, this is all your doing. You've turned the tables on us," his voice seething with accusation. The blame was squarely placed on Vargus, as Brandon attributed the unexpected prowess of the girls and their beasts to his influence, suggesting that without his intervention, the outcome of the battles would have been vastly different.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone