Weakest Beast Tamer Gets All SSS Dragons novel Chapter 877

Chapter 877: Chapter 877 - Taming the Fifth Year - Mysteries Enjoyment - 2

When Min stepped back after ensuring Taro was better, he looked at Ren with a smile that was unmistakably mischievous.

Ren recognized that expression. Years of friendship had taught him to read Min’s faces, and this one meant scheming. Preparation of something involving a surprise during tomorrow’s battle.

Not malice. Never malice with Min... But definitely mischief.

The kind of planning Min enjoyed because he liked seeing reactions when revealing unexpected twists. The joy wasn’t in winning necessarily, though he certainly wanted that, but in moments where the opponent realized something they’d assumed was wrong.

Min loved that moment... Lived for it.

And tomorrow, apparently, Ren would be on the receiving end of that love.

Ren laughed when catching Min’s look. Genuine sound of amusement at his friend’s expression transparency.

But he didn’t say anything. Didn’t ask what specifically was being planned. Didn’t attempt extracting information about what tactics had been prepared.

He would wait until tomorrow to see what his mischievous friend was plotting. Would allow surprise to develop naturally rather than ruining it with premature curiosity.

Even if he was REALLY curious...

It was part of a game they’d established during years of friendship.

Ritual of friendship transcending the simple competition.

"So," Taro said from his seat, "are we going to talk about how Ren used ice against Liora or are we pretending that didn’t happen?"

"I thought we were pretending," Liu offered. "Seemed polite."

"Very polite," Min agreed. "Much more civilized than acknowledging Ren’s been holding back for the entire exam."

Ren shrugged without particular embarrassment. "Seems like I have enemies so I need a good secret to keep."

"Until Luna forces you to reveal the last one," Taro pointed out.

"Well, if so... Until that," Ren acknowledged. "But that’s why the battle with Liora and you was good. She and you pushed hard enough to make me regret it... And sorry, but I wasn’t holding back out of pity in the first place."

"Ready for tomorrow?" Liu asked from a position near the window, his voice carrying genuine curiosity without the competitive edge he might have had if still participating in the exam.

"As ready as I can be," Ren responded with honesty not needing exaggeration. "Luna and Min are likely going to be difficult even using ice."

"We’re going to be cool," Min said cheerfully.

"Probably," Ren agreed without particular concern.

"Wait, you’re supposed to argue that point so I can play with the word choice!" Min protested.

"Why? You might win. You’re both strong like Liora and Taro. Luna’s wolf is especially strong and weird in ways I don’t understand. And you’re obviously planning something based on that expression. Today I learned that two versus one when being of the relative same rank and power is really a big disadvantage."

"But you’re not going to "win no matter what"?" Taro asked with curiosity that seemed genuinely interested.

Ren considered the question. Shook his head.

"Not really. Either I win or I don’t... Anyway it’ll be an interesting fight."

"That’s very zen of you," Liu observed.

"Lin’s been teaching me about not obsessing over outcomes. Focus on execution. Results follow from doing things correctly rather than from wanting results."

"Wise teacher," Taro said.

"Very wise... Probably just echoing grandma Selphira," Ren agreed. "Wise and still terrifying, but that’s unrelated."

They talked for another hour... About the future battle.

About past battles.

About what came after the exam ended and they returned to their normal academy schedule.

Easy conversations... Comfortable.

Ren returned to the balcony after they fell asleep.

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