C17 – Beginning Battle
When the trio from ss 7 arrived at the stadium, they found it already filled to capacity. Seated on the elevated tform were three individuals: the principal, Pei Dong, and two military officers donning their service caps.
Pei Dong introduced them with fervor, “These gentlemen are the captain and vice-captain of the Wolf Fang Special Ops Team from Krukshire. They represent the Krukshire military here to observe our event. Let’s give them a warm wee!”
All eyes turned to the two officers with curiosity. Jiao Yuanju was stunned to recognize Pei Xiaobo, whom he had just encountered the previous evening. “Brother Pei?” he eximed.
Jing Haokuo, puzzled, inquired, “Boss, who are you calling out to?”
“It’s nothing,” Jiao Yuanju dismissed.
With earnest gratitude, Jing Haokuo expressed, “Thank you.”
Jiao Yuanju responded with a smile, “I believe in you. Since you’re eager to showcase your skills, I’m here to help!”
Jing Haokuo was deeply moved, resolutely deciding to follow his leader’smands.
After Pei Dong’s lengthy speech, he finally dered, “Now, the ss representative will draw lots. In the first round, twenty sses willpete against each other, with the top ten emerging victorious.”
Jiao Yuanju drew the number eight.
“I will now announce the matchups: number one versus number six, number four versus number three, and number eight versus number eleven.”
Pei Chang spoke up in a panic, “Jiao Yuanju, we’re all relying on you!”
Without a word, Jiao Yuanju turned to Zhen Heyi and Jing Haokuo and said, “This is our first time working together. Tell me about your Combat Pets’ abilities.”
“My Earth Boar has incredibly thick skin,” Jing Haokuo exined. “It can execute a Sprint and Groundbreak.”
Zhen Heyi added, “My Lightning Leopard is swift. It can perform a Lightning Charge and unleash the Wrath of Thunder.”
Jiao Yuanju listened intently, then directed, “Haokuo, you lead the charge. I’ll be in the middle, with the Lightning Leopard providing support. Let’s move out!”
Both of them stared at the unusuallyposed Jiao Yuanju, astonished. “Aren’t you nervous?” they asked.
“Why should I be?” Jiao Yuanju replied coolly.
He was unlike those who had never ventured beyond the city limits. Compared to the life-and-death struggle of the night before, thispetition seemed trivial. Unbeknownst to him, overnight, Jiao Yuanju’s mindset had shifted; he was bing increasingly steady and nimble.
Jiao Yuanju’s ss faced off against the Fifteenth ss. As Jiao Yuanju casually stepped onto the stage, the indolent green snake draped over his shoulder sent the opponents into a collective frenzy.
“The Snake King has arrived!”
Jiao Yuanju was at a loss for words. Who had dubbed him with that moniker?
Despite their fear, the trio from the Fifteenth ss had no choice but to engage in battle.
Their Combat Pets were a fiery rooster, a ck cat, and a deer.
The System provided an automatic analysis:
Name: me Turkey
Attribute: Fire
Skills: Fire Launch, Sharp w
Evolution: Average
Name: ck Cat
Attribute: None
Skills: Steel w, Bite
Jiao Yuanju nced at Eoldrai, his rare-level Combat Pet, noting its formidable skills. In contrast, the others’ Combat Pets seemed no more threatening than farm animals.
“Haokuo, take the lead!”
Jing Haokuo was brimming with excitement. He pped his Combat Pet Bag, and out charged a massive brown boar, its fearsome tusks on full disy.
“Defeat them, Taddres!” Jing Haokuo cheered.
Hearing the name, Jiao Yuanju couldn’t help but draw parallels between Jing Haokuo’s robust physique and his boar—master and servant were indeed well-matched.
True to its strength, the Earth Boar barreled into the fray, sending the antler-wielding Combat Pet flying with such force it couldn’t rise again.
The crowd watched in awe as the ck cat lunged at Eoldrai.
Eoldrai darted out with the speed of lightning, outpacing the cat with ease!
With a swift bite, Eoldrai mped onto the ck cat’s neck and floored it!
“Don’t harm it—I surrender!” the owner cried out, knowing all too well the Snake King’s venomous reputation.
Meanwhile, the me Turkey made a beeline for Zhen Heyi, spewing mes in a fiery disy.
Zhen Heyi simply smiled as her Lightning Leopard crackled with electric might, surging forward in a Lightning Charge.
The me Turkey, looking rather foolish post-me burst, was promptly sent flying by the Lightning Leopard.
The defeated trio pleaded for mercy, their faces etched with despair.
“I can’t believe how strong I am!” Jing Haokuo eximed, his self-praise eliciting a collective sigh from the audience.
Jiao Yuanju and his team had indeed wrapped up their battle with remarkable speed.
Soon after, the remaining matches concluded, with the most surprising oue being Xie Ziyu of the third ss finishing her battles second.
Her status as an elite Combat Pet Master and her possession of a rare Combat Pet had everyone’s eyes on her. Yet, aside from her role as ss monitor, she hardly stood out. Could she possibly be stronger than Jing Dehai and his peers?
As the ten teams converged in the square, a palpable fighting spirit radiated from each group.
Pei Xiaobo scanned the crowd and his gazended on Jiao Yuanju. Surprise washed over his face. “Jiao!” he eximed.
Jiao Yuanju responded with a smile and a nod to Pei Xiaobo, choosing to remain silent.
The people on the stage were stunned. Pei Dong stared at Jiao Yuanju and Pei Xiaobo, his expression one of sheer disbelief. Pei Xiaobo knew Jiao Yuanju?
Jing Dehai and the rest were equally astonished as they looked at Jiao Yuanju. They hadn’t anticipated that he would be acquainted with the special forces captain from the Skysea Military District!
Jing Haokuo watched Jiao Yuanju with excitement. “Boss, you’re incredibly strong!” he dered.
The revtion sent a wave of shock through everyone on stage, followed by a sense of unease. Did Jiao Yuanju have some unknown influence behind him?
Zhen Heyi observed Jiao Yuanju with growing curiosity.