Dominion of The Beast Masters

Chapter 102: Eve



The town hosting the Greenridge League finals sprawled like an oasis of color and life, bordered by lush forests and vast fields, with the ocean lapping gently at its edge.

Exotic markets buzzed with activity, lined with stalls displaying rare beast-mastery gear, fragrant spices, and herbal remedies from distant regions.

The scent of roasted meats and local delicacies wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and spirited chatter.

Streamers hung from every lamp post, and banners displaying the faces of the tournament fighters fluttered in the breeze, adding to the festival ambiance that filled the streets.

Towering above the town, the tournament arena gleamed with grandeur.

Its stone architecture blended with natural elements: vines snaked around pillars, and lush plants bloomed along its pathways.

The arena's design, with tiers rising toward the sky and surrounded by gardens, felt as if it had been plucked from another world.

This was a place where fierce battles would unfold, but its beauty and elegance lent it an almost sacred atmosphere.

As the day wore on, competitors began to arrive. In groups and alone, some walked with quiet confidence, while others marveled at the spectacle around them.

The crowd grew denser, and a palpable excitement hung in the air as fans and fighters mingled.

Eratz and his family were among the newcomers. They paused at the edge of the bustling square, taking in the surroundings.

Milo's face was practically glued to every stall they passed, his eyes wide with wonder as he gawked at charms, colorful potions, and stalls stacked with beast-taming tools.

"Whoa, look at this!" Milo's voice rose as he took a feathered pendant from a nearby stall. "This is supposed to make you super fast!"

Colin, beside him, tilted her head skeptically.

"That thing? Probably just a decoration, Milo."

"Maybe... but father told me that if I imagined it enough, I could do anything, so I'll imagine this thing is magic!" he said, grinning as he handed it back to the vendor.

Colin rolled her eyes.

"If only you could imagine having good grades."

Cassie and Roger shared an amused glance, taking in their children's excitement with a quiet pride.

For a moment, they were just travelers enjoying the beauty and energy of this place. Meanwhile, Genova's contingent had arrived near the town's western gate. The director led the group, her face composed but her eyes sharp, absorbing every detail of the place.

Behind her, Rowan walked with an expression of deep thought, his gaze occasionally drifting toward the surroundings but mostly focused inward.

"Alright, everyone," the director announced, "take in the sights if you must, but remember why we're here. Be cautious, stick together, and don't get distracted."

Rowan, walking beside her, sighed.

"This place is incredible, though. Hard to keep everyone from getting distracted."

"Distraction is not a luxury we have," she replied briskly. "You are here to learn from the best, so behave and observe."

Crystal lingered at the back of the group, her gaze sweeping over the town with a sly smile playing on her lips.

They had freedom of movement for a little time, making her 'hunt' more enjoyable.

Her smile widened.

Around her, the Genova students whispered among themselves, a mix of awe and trepidation in their voices as they took in the surroundings.

Throughout the town, arriving fighters made their way, each captivated by the town's lively energy.

Among them, Kaida turned heads as she strode through the streets.

She observed the beauty of the place, but her mind was elsewhere, already calculating strategies.

Not far away, Ryder and Catarina wandered in together, Ryder's nervous energy evident as he glanced around, absorbing the thrill of being here.

"This place is something else, huh, Ryder-nya?" Catarina said, nudging him with a playful grin.

Ryder chuckled, though his eyes still darted nervously.

"Yeah, more than I expected. Kind of makes it all feel... big."

"Still feeling nervous? Ryder, remember, inside of you, there are two wolves. One is a furry, the other likes furry, you are a furry." she teased.

He rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling.

Catarina's confidence had always been infectious, and he felt a little lighter with her beside him as they navigated the bustling streets.

A little later, Eratz, Mercury, and their family continued down the main avenue, they reached a modest yet cozy inn near the center of town.

Cassie and Roger checked in and secured two rooms, one for themselves and another for Milo and Colin.

They all gathered outside for a moment, the excitement giving way to a quieter, more reflective mood.

Cassie hugged Eratz tightly, then turned to Mercury and, with a warm smile, hugged Mercury then placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"You've got this," Cassie said, her voice soft. "We're proud of you, both of you."

Roger gave Eratz a hearty clap on the back, a grin on his face. "Go make us proud, alright?"

Milo beamed up at Eratz, his admiration clear. "You'll win for sure!"

Colin gave a shy nod, though her eyes were filled with determination. "Good luck, both of

you."

Eratz and Mercury shared a glance, absorbing the support of their family before finally saying their goodbyes and heading toward their own accommodations at the challenger's hotel.

As they walked away, Mercury cast a look back at them, feeling an unexpected surge of

warmth.

In that simple moment, she realized she was more than just a friend to Eratz's family, for everyone, she was part of their family, she and Milo had a real family and the thought brought a small smile to her face.

The challengers' hotel was simple yet elegant. Its stone facade was decorated with modest engravings, and tall glass doors opened into a clean, polished lobby.

A single reception desk was manned by a discreet staff, ready to assist the selected fighters.

Soft lighting cast a warm glow, and the place was quiet and calm.

Outside, the rest of the Crescent Moon team gathered beneath a street lamp.

Zara and Victoria were already there. Mercury and Eratz reached the meeting point and joined the others under the soft yellow glow of the lamp.

Victoria looked at each of them, her gaze sharp and determined as they stood together under

the soft glow of the street lamp.

"Listen," she began. "You've all worked and sacrificed to reach this point. Tomorrow, it's not about Crescent Moon. It's not about agencies, teams, or names." She let that sink in, her eyes moving from one face to the next.

"This is about each of you, as individuals. Every ounce of strength, every lesson you've learned, everything that makes you, you. That's what will be tested out there."

Her voice was calm but held a spark that lit a fire in each of them.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Tomorrow, the only person you'll answer to is yourself. Whether you win, or lose, it will be

you facing your own limits, your own fears."

Ryder took a deep breath, nerves still simmering, but he nodded, squaring his shoulders.

Catarina gave a small grin, her usual playful confidence shining through.

Mercury and Kaida exchanged glances, their expressions calm and focused, while Eratz simply met Victoria's gaze with his own, unwavering.

Victoria's voice softened, but her words could still pierce them.

"There will be noise, there will be crowds, and there will be challengers who'll push you to

your edge. But when you're out there, remember why you came. What drove you to this point.

Let that drive carry you further."

She smiled, a rare, small one, but it was genuine.

"And I know each of you will show everyone something unforgettable."

They shared a moment of silence, letting her words sink in, feeling the anticipation in the air.

Then, with one final nod, Victoria said.

"Now rest up, and tomorrow... make yourselves proud."

Under the quiet night sky, they each felt the resolve growing within, ready for the battle of the

next day.