Weakest Beast Tamer Gets All SSS Dragons novel Chapter 302

Klein Goldcrest observed his reflection in the mirror while a medical auxiliary applied the final treatment to the burn marks that still persisted on his arms.

Liora's darkened flames had left scars that were taking time to completely disappear, but his general condition was remarkable considering the intensity of the combat he had faced.

Kassian's words resonated in his mind like an inescapable mantra, each syllable etched into his consciousness.

"At least your image won't be completely ruined," his brother had told him during his visit to the infirmary, his tone mixing contempt with a hint of reluctant approval. "Your strategy against the Ashenway and the Dravenholm was decent this time. I suppose father would be... less disappointed than usual."

Coming from Kassian, that almost qualified as praise.

"But now," he had continued, leaning in so only Klein could hear him, his breath hot against Klein's ear, "you must prove your individual worth. You cannot afford another failure. The Goldcrests do not accept mediocrity, do you understand?"

Klein had nodded, the weight of family expectations bearing down on his shoulders again with greater intensity as he felt minimally supported.

"Don't worry, brother," he had responded with confidence. "Kai will be barely a minor obstacle."

Now, as he prepared for his individual combat, Klein mentally reviewed his techniques. The additional power of the adaptation potion still circulated through his system, a subtle but significant reinforcement that made his muscles feel denser, more responsive.

"Would you like to be a double too?" Kassian had murmured when Klein opened his eyes wide. "But all in good time, little brother. All in good time."

The roar of the crowd from the arena broke his reflections.

It was time.

♢♢♢♢

From the stands, Min and Taro observed with evident interest, both animated by the prospect of seeing one of Jin's followers or Klein eliminated, regardless of who emerged victorious it would be a gain.

"Who should we support?" asked Taro, though his tone suggested the question was merely rhetorical. His fingers tapped nervously against his knee, still feeling the phantom impacts from his earlier battle with Ren.

"Whoever loses," replied Min with a mischievous smile. "Personally, I hope they somehow eliminate each other."

Ren, seated between them, maintained his usual analytical expression while observing Klein enter the arena with a slightly strange countenance.

"Klein will win easily," he commented, surprising his friends. "His beast is not only of superior rank, but his technique has improved considerably from what we saw in his previous team encounter."

"Are you praising Klein?" asked Min, feigning horror. "Are you feeling alright?" He dramatically placed a hand on Ren's forehead as if checking for fever.

Ren sketched a slight smile. "Recognizing an opponent's capabilities isn't praising them, it's basic knowledge."

The combat began with Lin's signal. Kai, evidently nervous about facing Klein, immediately activated his green scales. His skin acquired that characteristic stone texture while adopting a defensive posture.

Klein, in contrast, seemed almost bored. He partially fused with his golden lion, his eyes acquiring that supernatural glow while his hands transformed into the now-feared claws that could launch phantom cuts. His posture was relaxed, confident… the stance of someone who considered the outcome a foregone conclusion.

"I hope you haven't forgotten the hierarchy of our groups like your friend Jin did upon reaching bronze this semester by pure luck," commented Klein. "Though I suppose you haven't increased rank so the success hasn't gone to your head... Being still iron this will be even quicker though."

♢♢♢♢

The next combat generated a completely different expectation. The battle between Liora and Larissa wasn't just another tournament confrontation; it was a clash between cousins, friends, and most importantly… Representatives of two of the city's most powerful families.

"I expected this to happen later in the tournament," commented Larissa as they entered the arena together, her tone full of resignation.

Liora nodded, a tense smile on her lips. "Bad luck with the pairings. But don't expect me to hold back." Her will-o'-wisp flickered around her fingers, the blue flames casting dancing shadows across her face.

"I never would," replied Larissa, returning the smile with one of her own. "In fact, I'd hate it if you did."

Lin, perceiving the unique tension of this confrontation, studied them briefly before giving the usual instructions.

"Begin," she announced finally, stepping back to give space to the combatants.

Unlike most confrontations, neither immediately launched into attack. Instead, they began to circle slowly, studying each other with the intensity of someone who perfectly knows their opponent's capabilities. As if in a dance they had practiced countless times.

Liora was the first to move, her will-o'-wisp manifesting in a sky-blue flash. She executed a quick spatial jump, reappearing behind Larissa in a blur of blue light.

But Larissa, having anticipated the movement, was no longer there. She had executed her own jump, materializing exactly behind where Liora had reappeared. The golden glow of her transport lingered for a moment where she had been, like an afterimage of pure light.

"They know each other too well," observed Min, genuinely fascinated by the dynamic. His eyes darted back and forth, trying to follow the rapid spatial jumps.