Dominion of The Beast Masters

Chapter 263: The Art of the Hunt



[Golden Cosmos: 19

Infinite Twilight: 15

Azure Blades: 1

Blazing Horizons: 0]

Spectators leaned forward, their eyes glued to the massive screens displaying the final.

Broadcasts of the match spanned the globe, with networks covering every angle.

On one popular channel, a commentator exclaimed, her tone filled with awe.

"Infinite Twilight is making an incredible comeback! Their strategy is bold and efficient, a perfect showcase of adapting to adversity."

Meanwhile, on another channel, a tactical expert analyzed the strategy in measured tones.

"They're targeting the easy bounties to rack up points quickly while skillfully avoiding confrontations with the Golden Cosmos. It's a masterclass in battlefield tactics."

In contrast, a third channel's commentator adopted a critical stance, his voice carrying a hint of disdain.

"And what about the Cosmos? They've allowed Infinite Twilight to dictate the flow of this final. It's overconfidence, plain and simple, and it might cost them everything."

Across the world, viewers tuned in to the broadcast with mixed reactions.

In the cozy living room of the Pandora household, Kian and Lila sat in anxious silence. The tension was palpable as they watched the battles unfold.

"Come on," Lila murmured under her breath.

Rowan, sitting in his study, observed the unfolding events with a pensive expression. His hand rested under his chin as she muttered.

"They need to turn this around soon, or it'll be too late. What's your play, Eratz?"

Among the Infinite Twilight staff, Eliza crossed her arms, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. "Perfect. This is truly art," she said, her tone brimming with pride. "My first year as a scout, and I'll be ending it with a miraculous victory. Everything is falling into place."

In stark contrast, Tamara's gaze was fixed on the big screen, showing brief flashes of Eratz still running at full speed through the forest, with Rex in hot pursuit.

Her brow furrowed in thought.

"Rex is the fastest on this battlefield, you won't escape him," she muttered to herself. "Is it really over? Did he intend to eliminate the others first but get caught off guard by the worst possible opponent?"

In the dense forest, Rex's frustration was reaching a boiling point. He darted between trees, his movements a blur, but no matter how fast he pushed himself, Eratz stayed just ahead, using the trees to hijack Rex's speed.

"Stop running, Eratz!" Rex roared, his voice echoing through the forest.

His aura began to swell, crackling with energy. "If you don't stop, I'll destroy this entire area! Is that what you want? I'll tear everything apart until there's nowhere left to run!"

But Eratz didn't stop. He barely glanced back, his focus seemingly elsewhere as his sharp eyes darted across the forest.

He slowed down slightly, his expression shifting from calculated calm to mild concern. His head tilted slightly as if listening for something. Then, without warning, he came to an abrupt halt. His boots skidded across the ground, leaving deep grooves in the dirt. He turned his head slightly, waiting.

Rex, unable to anticipate the sudden stop, shot past him like a bullet. His momentum carried him straight into a cluster of trees, splintering them on impact.

With a frustrated growl, Rex pulled himself free, shaking off the debris.

"So, you finally decided to stop running like a coward?" he snarled, his tone dripping with disdain.

Eratz stood motionless, raising a single finger in the air as if about to make a profound point.

"Two..." he said, his voice calm and measured.

Rex frowned, his fists clenching. "What?"

"No, one more..." Eratz corrected himself, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Before Rex could fully process the cryptic words, lightning erupted around Eratz, engulfing him in a radiant aura of crackling energy. In a flash, he was gone, the shockwave of his

departure sending leaves and debris spiraling into the air.

Rex's jaw tightened as he stared at the empty space where Eratz had stood. His fists trembled with suppressed fury.

"You..." Rex growled, his voice low and dangerous.

He slammed his fist into a nearby tree, splitting it cleanly in two. His gaze shot to the direction Eratz had vanished.

"You bastard!"

Fueled by his growing rage, Rex launched himself forward, dashing through the forest with even greater speed.

Trees blurred past him as he honed in on Eratz's presence, his mind consumed by the chase.

In the meantime, Mercury advanced steadily toward a ruined temple with steps light as she navigated the crumbling stone and overgrown vines.

The air was charged with a quiet tension, the distant echoes of battles elsewhere fading into the background.

Her gaze wandered with curiosity and a faint glimmer of amusement as observed the scene. She paused, her sharp eyes catching movement at the temple's peak. A smile spread across her

lips.

"There you are," she said softly, her voice carrying just enough to reach the top.

Standing on the highest ledge, Sia stared down at her, her stance firm yet composed.

"So, you did come," Sia replied, her tone even but edged with a hint of relief.

Mercury scratched the back of her head casually, her smile never wavering.

"Well, since you unleashed all that energy, it felt like you were calling problems over. So here

I am."

Sia nodded, folding her arms.

"I was expecting to reach you. I knew the Pharaoh wouldn't come, since Rex is using his power

so recklessly. It came down to a gamble between you and the Red Devil. I'm glad to see I got

who I wanted."

Mercury chuckled lightly.

"Flattering, really. But Sia, you sure you're ready for this? I'm not the same as before and you look a little hesitant."

Sia's expression hardened slightly.

"Don't underestimate me just because you got stronger, Mercury. I intend to defeat you here. And I'm not sure I can go easy on you. Therefore, think carefully. You should consider giving

up, given your condition."

There was a moment of silence between the two women.

Mercury tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly, though her smile remained.

"Ah, so that's what this is about," she said gently. "It's because I mentioned yesterday that I'd forfeit if things got too serious, isn't it?"

Sia's silence was telling, and Mercury's expression softened further. She placed her hands on

her hips and sighed softly.

"Sia, I'll say this as clearly as I can. My presence here is my choice. No one else's. Not yours, not anyone's. You think I'm powerless? You think I'd risk anything without knowing my

limits?"

Sia's eyes widened slightly, but she said nothing as Mercury continued, her tone firm yet

warm.

"The baby is fine. I am fine. And now, I'm here for something important. A round 2. What happened at the Greenridge Finals I can't forget that and I want another chance to do better. And I want to take that revenge against you, Sia, at your full potential. And if you're not ready to give your max, I'll crush you here and I'll go help my teammates to slowly torture yours."

For a moment, silence settled between them, broken only by the faint rustling of the wind through the ancient temple.

Sia closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh. When she opened them again, a soft smile curved

her lips.

"Mercury... you're remarkable," she said, her voice carrying genuine admiration. "I was out of line to treat you like someone fragile. You've proven over and over that you're far from it. I apologize for being... well, annoying."

Mercury's grin widened slightly, her hands resting lightly on her hips as she waited for Sia to

continue.

Sia's gaze sharpened, her resolve evident.

"You deserve my best. I promise to give you everything I have."

Mercury nodded, her smile now tinged with determination.

"Good. I wouldn't want it any other way."

The ominous clouds above rumbled with distant thunder.

Eratz skidded to a halt at the entrance of an ancient castle, its crumbling towers silhouetted

against the darkening sky.

He stood there for a moment, gazing at the horizon with an almost serene expression. "Come on, man," he murmured, his voice barely audible over the brewing storm. "Come on, man, just one... I'm respecting you here. Don't leave me hanging."

A deafening blast erupted further behind, shaking the ground and sending ripples through the

still air.

Eratz turned, his eyes indifferent as they fell upon Rex, who emerged from the debris, his

chest heaving with exertion and rage.

Rex's face was a twisted mask of fury, his exhaustion barely contained as he stomped forward.

"Enough!" he roared, his voice echoing through the ruins. "Are you going to keep running forever? Is this your plan? To make me chase you like a fool?"

Eratz fully turned to face him, his expression calm, almost amused.

"No," he replied smoothly. "Now, it's fine. I don't need to run anymore."

Rex froze for a moment, his fists trembling at his sides as he glared at Eratz.

"You..." Rex began, but his voice cracked with frustration.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

He let out a guttural growl and started pacing, his words spilling out in an angry torrent.

"You think this is some kind of game, don't you? You humiliated my team, destroyed them,

injured them. You made them cry! And for what? What did you gain from it?"

Eratz raised an eyebrow, his posture relaxed.

"Why are you so angry?" he asked, his tone calm but cutting. "Don't you trust your teammates to get their own revenge? Or do you think they're not capable?" Rex's steps faltered. His fists clenched tighter as he took a threatening step forward.

"You... won't be so confident in two minutes," he hissed, his voice low with menace. Eratz's eyes glimmered with something unreadable as he gestured toward the castle. "Oh, I will. Because now, everything went as planned."

Rex paused mid-step, his brows furrowing.

Somewhere in the forest, Nyx stood over the unconscious body of Kiora, her expression one of

irritation.

She glanced behind her, her annoyance growing as Ryder emerged from the trees, his gaze

locked on her.

Back at the ruins, Rex's confusion deepened.

"What do you mean?" he asked, his voice wary.

Eratz's smile widened slightly.

"For you," he began, his tone almost conversational, "the day I destroyed your team was a

tragedy. A humiliation. For me? It was just Saturday."

Rex flinched, his fists trembling as Eratz continued. "You're strong, Rex. Terribly strong. So strong that you can see the gap between yourself and your teammates. And this gap, I know exactly how to exploit it." Elsewhere in the forest, Arin stood facing Raya, the tension between them palpable.

Nearby, Kaida prepared for a showdown with Finn. Milo squared off against Silver. Mercury

and Sia stood in a ruined temple. Catarina faced Devak with her characteristic, while Colin glared down Iris, her determination burning bright. Ryder was facing Nyx.

Raising a hand toward Rex, Eratz's voice broke through the stormy air. "Thanks to your... flashy moves, everyone knew I'd be busy. That's when your teammates'

started taking risks and use more firepower, and generously offering their locations."

Rex's eyes widened, realization dawning.

"And thanks to that," Eratz continued, clenching his fist in front of his face, "my teammates

could track them down. Now, the most optimal matchups are done." Rex's breath hitched, his body stiffening as the truth of Eratz's words settled in.

"... You were after them... from the beginning," Rex muttered, his voice trembling. Eratz nodded slowly, his tone devoid of mockery but filled with certainty. "Exactly. We let you have the easy baits, because we were after the big fish." Lightning cracked around his fist.