It had only been a few minutes since the tournament began, and there had already been a change in the unofficial rankings for the top kills.
Yes, the organizers had also decided to make an unofficial rankings to determine the best performing team.
The Landon Barony was now occupying the top spot of this ranking. If they could survive and hold this position until the end, they could very well be the winners and highlights of the tournament. This ranking was very important because it clearly showed that the top team had not only survived by luck but by skill and strategy.
Despite the changes in the rankings, however, the other barons and the duke remained calm, not panicked. After all, the tournament had just begun, and there was still plenty of time. They were confident in their teams making a comeback.
"The first to engage isn't always the winner, you know?" Duke Felix's slightly arrogant voice rang out from behind the curtain, causing the smirk to disappear from Lord Landon's face.
Just as it was displayed outside, a giant holographic screen flickered in the mysterious realm, displaying the Landon Team's current position for all to see, sparking determination in the hearts of everyone present.
Nox glanced at the ranking, but he wasn't as eager as the others; after all, there was still time. But there was a dilemma. Nox stroked his chin as he pondered which direction would lead him to the nearest team.
He couldn't even split the team. Why? Because the other teams could gang up against his and eliminate them. After hearing the rules of the tournament, Nox had already sworn in his heart to make sure everyone survived until the end.
'They need to take turns smashing that bastard's head into the ground, after all.' A deadly glint appeared in his midnight eyes as he pointed west.
"Let's head there," he spoke, and before anyone could say anything, he kicked off the ground and exploded forward. This was no skill—just pure physical stats.
"Well, what are you guys waiting for?" Nyx sneered as *she* dashed forward. Cole and Rab briefly glanced at each other with helpless expressions. How were they supposed to match that speed?
As he sped through the forest, Nox called out Astralux. A blue portal opened high above the trees, and the jellyfish flew out, taking an aerial view of the entire forest.
"T-this... is this allowed? Isn't this cheating?" one of the lords cried out in panic when he saw the scene. He was not the only one—even the other lords and the audience below became restless, and murmurs enveloped the entire arena.
'This kid could end everything with that elemental beast if he wanted.' Bridget's eyes twinkled strangely, her gaze fixed on the large screens. Though there were promising kids, none of them were strong enough to take down an elemental beast, even if it was just a level 1 wildling.
The shadow on Duke Felix's face grew denser as he saw what Nox had done. He shifted restlessly and was about to say something, but Nathan had already anticipated this, so he quickly spoke.
"This is not cheating," he said loudly for everyone to hear. "My grandson has a unique class that allows him to communicate with beasts and make them do his bidding. He's not violating any rules... if the mages are allowed to use their magic, why isn't he allowed to use a companion?!"
Everyone heard Nathan's booming voice and couldn't help but think it made sense. As if to reinforce his words, Bridget's pleasant voice echoed.
"Lord Nathan is right," she said. Even without the help of the amplifying crystal, her voice rivaled Klein's own. "Nox is free to use any skills related to his class, and this includes his pet as well."
Duke Felix clicked his tongue in irritation but said nothing further as he watched, clenching his armrest. The other lords and their citizens bit their lips, hopeless expressions crossing their faces. How would their youngsters contend with an elemental beast? This was not fair.
Seeing the crowd's reaction, Bridget, on the other hand, chuckled softly, her fingers lightly tapping the armrest of her seat. "Well, this just got interesting," she whispered to herself. Her eyes briefly scanned the surroundings, and she spotted some familiar faces in the crowd.
They were people from the other academies who had also come to scout for talents. She could already see the ravenous gleams in their eyes as they stared at Nox and the powerful elemental beast hovering above his head.
She already knew their intentions... if they could successfully poach Nox to their academy, they would gain not only a talented beast tamer but also an edge over the other academies in future events. The academy representatives exchanged meaningful glances, already planning how to approach the young prodigy.
"Hehehe, in your dreams." A chuckle full of murderous intent escaped Bridget's lips—it was pleasant, yet equally chilling. Zarek briefly glanced at her, then returned his focus, his fingertips twitching. Staring at Nox brought back... unpleasant memories.
At that moment, the commentator's voice echoed through the arena, pulling the audience back into the action.
"Ladies and gentlemen, there you have; it's officially fair play! No disqualifications today, folks."
"Dammit! No matter how I look at this, it's clear cheating!"
"Yeah, how are the kids going to fare against an elemental beast?"
"An elemental beast is practically invincible at this stage—it's like handing him victory on a silver platter!" another man hissed under his breath, drawing murmurs of agreement from his peers.
It was safe to say Astralux's appearance had greatly dampened the others' spirits.
The holographic display zoomed in on Nox, sprinting through the forest with his team in tow. Contrary to their thoughts, Nox wasn't planning on using his beast to fight the other teams... he was merely using it as a guide. After all, his goal was to show the nobles and everyone here how powerful the Cromwell Barony was!
Just then, Astralux communicated with Nox through their link. Nox raised his hand, causing everyone to halt on the spot, kicking up dust.
A deadly smile curled up on Nox's lips as he said, "Two teams are heading this way."
Back in the arena, the holographic display magnified the rival teams' approach, showing them moving blindly through the forest.
"And here we go, folks!" Klein shouted at the top of his voice. "Two teams closing in on Nox Cromwell's position! Are they about to pin him down, or is he two steps ahead as usual?"
The arena buzzed with excitement, and nobles leaned forward in their seats. Even Duke Felix's knuckles turned white from gripping the armrest too tightly.
A cold smile stretched across Nathan's face as he shouted, "Show them the might of the Cromwell!!!!"