The Grey Crow's sharp fangs, enhanced by Transcendent effects, pierced through the thick, resilient hide of the giant bear, plunging deep into its flesh, tearing a gash wide open. Blood and flesh splattered everywhere, instantly turning the scene gruesome.
Screams and cheers erupted in the venue, making the young girl standing to the side shake her head discreetly.
Although it was a registered amateur competition, it was still too crude and violent. The skill level was far from impressive, no wonder she had never heard anyone around her mention this event before.
Even back in high school, the companions of excellent students cultivated at Yuanting Academy were far superior to the two animals currently battling in the arena.
Both owners on-site barely gave any commands, relying purely on the animals' instinctive fighting. Their skills were limited.
The subsequent battles followed a similar pattern—flesh clashing against flesh, blood spraying everywhere. This seemed to resonate more with the audience, as they reveled in the thrill of beastly slaughter, screaming intermittently.
"Now it's Contestant 99, Zi Jin." Finally, after dozens of rounds, it was Tilan's turn to take the stage.
"It's your time." Suoga high-fived Tilan.
Tilan stepped into the arena after speaking, greeting the host and the contestant opposite her. The opponent was paired with a moose, its shoulder height reaching nearly three meters—a towering presence.
"So, where is Miss Zi Jin's pet? Why don't we see anything?" The host, noticing that Tilan had come alone, asked curiously.
"Here it comes." Tilan shook her head slightly, then turned her gaze to the night sky. A dark shadow dived down from above, and just before reaching Tilan, it spread its wings to slow its descent, eventually perching gently on her shoulder.
It was a Grey Crow, barely noticeable in the dense darkness.
"A crow? This small?" A bird of such diminutive size seemed entirely out of place in this competition.
"Yes. There weren't rules specifying that size mattered for eligibility, right?"
"That's true, there's no restriction. But are you really planning on using that tiny crow against your opponent? It barely looks like Sequence 4."
"I'm sure. You'll see in action." Tilan didn't bother explaining further, simply signaling to start the match.
"Alright then, the competition is about to commence. Contestants, please take your positions."
Tilan and her competitor retreated from the combat zone, leaving only the two animals behind.
"Where did this little girl come from, thinking she can win with just a bird?"
"Not even Sequence 5? What a joke bringing it here—it's wasting everyone's time."
"Let's get this over with so it doesn't drag on."
In the arena, after the match was declared underway, the moose stood calmly at first, only becoming slightly more attentive under its owner's command.
It stomped its hooves, and faint energy blades began to materialize around its crown-like antlers.
"Use Blade Strangulation!" The owner shouted fervently from behind.
The chaotic energy blades sliced through the air toward the Grey Crow perched on the ground. Judging by their precision, the moose was undoubtedly among the stronger competitors.
Tilan merely shook her head slightly, while the Grey Crow effortlessly dodged the attack.
"Since everyone is impatient, let's not drag this out."
"Hawk Form·Coiling Wing," she commanded from behind.
The Grey Crow spread its wings deftly, soaring into the sky before vanishing in an instant. Just as the audience's anxious cries filled the air, she directed again.
"Hawk Form·Rushing Wing Chainslash."
The Grey Crow dived from above, energy blades coating the edges of its wings—not launched outward but condensed and sharpened through rapid slicing of air currents. The result was narrow, razor-like edges.
The crow executed a mesmerizing series of rapid, rotating cuts, carving multiple wounds into the moose's body. Tufts of fur flew everywhere.
"Quick, use Tornado!" The moose's owner shouted frantically.
In response to the moose's shrill cry, a powerful storm erupted, surging upward into the sky. The spectators within tens of meters around the arena could barely keep their eyes open, feeling a sharp sting akin to sand slicing their faces.
Conditions around the arena were outrageous, and inside was even more chaotic. The gale made it impossible for the Grey Crow to maintain stable flight, carrying it uncontrollably upward.
Yet, this scene lasted only ten seconds or so. High above, as the turbulent air scattered, the Grey Crow regained equilibrium. Meanwhile, the moose below was visibly drained of Magic Power.
The Grey Crow swooped down once more, slicing relentlessly. The moose's owner ultimately had no choice but to concede and surrender.
"It's clear to me now: the agility of flying birds completely negates the moose's pride in its size and strength. The moose can only resort to spell-based attacks, which aren't its forte."
Someone in the crowd analyzed aloud, sparking realization among others. Was the young girl actually a skilled tactician, deliberately choosing an animal highly suitable for the contest? Many spectators seemed surprised.
The match ended unexpectedly, only for the crowd to quickly shift their attention to the next battle, treating this result as a mere anomaly.
However, surprises kept unfolding. In the subsequent rounds, Tilan maneuvered the nimble Grey Crow to repeatedly defeat oversized competitors, gradually making everyone aware that her abilities were far from ordinary. Through battles so fluid as if the crow was an extension of her own body, accompanied by strategies that instantly adapted to changing circumstances, Tilan's performance became a revelation.
"The finals are coming up—what a stunning turn of events." Suoga watched as Tilan stepped down from the stage, his gaze toward her completely transformed.
"You truly are an expert." After all, she had dominated the battleground with nothing but a Sequence 4 Grey Crow against various Sequence 5 beasts.
During the brief intermission, a man wearing sunglasses approached, patting Suoga on the shoulder before addressing Tilan.
"Hello, friend. May I have a word with you over here?" Suoga shot Tilan a look, signaling her to join him.