Dominion of The Beast Masters

Chapter 260: The Hunt Begins



After the beginning of the final, every fighter spread across Solaris Haven, each group adopting a different strategy. The randomized placements created unpredictable dynamics, forcing every team to adapt quickly to their surroundings.

Erynn, Lira, Dorian, and Maris moved together through the dense underbrush.

"Stay hidden, and merge into the wild," Erynn instructed, her sharp eyes scanning the terrain for potential threats.

"We're not here to pick fights," she continued. "We're here to survive. Let the others exhaust themselves first."

Dorian nodded silently, his movements deliberate as he stayed close to Lira, who seemed tense but focused. Maris kept glancing over his shoulder, ensuring no one trailed them. Elsewhere, Silver and Devak ran side by side, their pace steady but their expressions tense. "Let's focus on the easy targets," Silver said. "We pick them off before everyone else gets to them. It's the simplest way to rack up points."

Devak nodded.

"Yeah, what's about using a field spell in several locations and attacking randomly? These targets are weaklings; they'll fall easily."

Silver shot him a tired glare.

"You're crazy? Do that, and the Cosmos will locate us in seconds. We're weaklings to them, Devak. You want to get our asses kicked by this Pharaoh too?"

Devak shrugged, his smirk fading slightly.

"Fair point. Fine, your way it is."

In another sector, Iris summoned a flock of flying beasts that circled above the treetops. Their sharp cries echoed through the area as they scouted the terrain.

"This is the best way to scan the area," Iris said confidently. "We'll avoid unnecessary risks, and there's no way we'll get located like this."

Sia, standing beside her, adjusted her gloves and gave a dismissive glance at the beasts above. "I'm going on my own," Sia announced suddenly, turning to leave.

Iris flinched, her expression shifting to concern.

"What? What do you mean, on your own? Um... Sissy, we should stick together. It's safer that way."

Sia turned back briefly, her voice calm but cutting.

"If we stick together, it'll be worse."

"Why?" Iris asked, hesitant.

"Reason one," Sia said, raising a finger. "If we're attacked, it won't be by some weakling. It'll

be someone who knows they can take me down. So, someone like the Pharaoh."

Iris paled slightly but protested.

"That's more of a reason to stay together! If he comes, we can double-team him!"

Sia continued without missing a beat.

"Reason two, the Pharaoh is fast, powerful, and smart. You? You're easily deletable. If he comes, you'll be buried before realizing he's there."

"Wow," Iris muttered, sarcasm barely masking her unease.

"Reason three," Sia added, "We need points. If we stick together, we'll cover less ground. We can't afford that."

Iris sighed heavily, her shoulders sagging.

"So, you mean..."

"Grow up, you didn't come this far to be babysat," Sia interrupted bluntly before turning to leave. She paused, her gaze distant. "Besides, there's someone I need to face, and I'd rather do it alone." Without another word, she disappeared into the forest, leaving Iris shaking her head in exasperation.

Having started moving after the signal, Eratz had already begun navigating the dense forest. On his way, he encountered Colin and Catarina, who quickly joined him. Now walking together, they moved with a mix of caution and ease, their shared trust in their power setting a steady pace through the thick underbrush.

"So, what should we do now?" he mused aloud. "Maybe a big field spell?" He shook his head. "Nah, that's not very funny. I feel like doing a real hunt."

Catarina crossed her arms, her tail flicking.

"You're talking about fun? Are you serious? Just go the easy way, Boss. We're not here to mess around."

Eratz shrugged.

"I know, I know. I'm just being honest. It's like hunting, but humans." He grinned, his expression almost predatory. "And with this bounty system, I'm sure I'll have plenty of

predators after me."

Colin chuckled softly.

"No one smart will hunt you, Eratz," she said, her tone light but supportive. "But just in case, I'm here to help."

Eratz smiled and ruffled her hair affectionately.

"Thanks, Colin. We'll do fine." He turned his attention to the dense forest. "The problem with this rule is that it's not clear if there's a time limit or if everyone has to be defeated. The best strategy is to rack up as many points as possible now. After that..." He clenched his fists, his grin sharpening. "I'll go look for Rex."

An explosion thundered in the distance, sending a ripple of tension through the forest. Catarina and Colin froze, their wide eyes betraying their apprehension, while Eratz's grin only widened.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Looks like the game's started," he said, his tone light but carrying a dangerous edge. Somewhere deeper in the wilderness, chaos erupted as hostilities began in earnest. Caius emerged from a dense cloud of smoke, panting heavily as his feet pounded the earth.

Beasts of varying sizes and ferocity pursued him relentlessly, their snarls and roars echoing through the trees.

Behind him, four figures emerged: Taryn, Kaelion, Lyric, and Jace from Blazing Horizons. Their focus was singular, claim Caius' bounty.

"All of this for two points?" Caius groaned under his breath, weaving through the dense

forest.

He summoned beasts of his own, desperately trying to slow them down. A wolf-like creature leapt at his pursuers, only to be incinerated by Kaelion's flame-wreathed fists. Another beast attempted to charge, but Lyric's spear-like claws tore it apart mid-leap.

The hunters were closing in.

Caius gritted his teeth as an explosion erupted beside him, throwing him to the ground.

Dazed, he pushed himself up, his body trembling.

"I need to find my team," he muttered. "These guys... aren't ashamed to go all out for two

lousy points."

A voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Got your back, man."

Relief washed over Caius for a fleeting moment before confusion set in. That wasn't a voice he recognized. He turned, and the forest around him lit up with an ominous yellow glow. Lightning tore through the area, striking down everything in its path. Trees split apart, and the air crackled with energy. Taryn, Kaelion, Lyric, and Jace skidded to a halt, panic seizing

them as they scanned the electrified battlefield.

"What... what just happened?" Taryn stammered, her eyes darting nervously.

From the clearing, Flinn stepped forward, standing next to an unconscious Caius. The static in the air danced across his body like tendrils of light. He smirked, his voice carrying over the

still-crackling forest.

"Six points in one go? Lucky me."

Taryn's lips trembled as she whispered,

"The Storm Bringer..." Then she screamed, "Run!"

They bolted, the forest blurring around them in their desperate flight. Yet nothing happened.

No lightning chased them, no blasts of energy struck from behind. They glanced over their shoulders, confusion replacing their fear.

Flinn remained in place, not even attempting to pursue. Instead, his gaze turned in the opposite direction, a bemused smile curling his lips.

"Ah... it's only been a few minutes," he murmured. "Can't you ignore me this time?"

Perched on a rock a short distance away, Kaida smirked.

"You're the genius who decided to show me your location."

In another part of Solaris Haven, Rex stood tall, his breath steady as he spread his arms gracefully. Nyx and Arin watched him intently, their focus unwavering. The air around Rex seemed to freeze, for a few seconds, it was as if the world was waiting for an event

And then, a blinding light erupted from his body, spreading outward like a tidal wave. The intense glow raced across the forest, swallowing everything in its path. Trees, boulders, and beasts alike were bathed in the radiant light, which reflected off every surface, creating a dazzling brilliance. Every fighter within the area was forced to shield their eyes, some crying out in shock as the overwhelming brightness blinded them momentarily. The entire forest seemed frozen under this artificial sun, its details etched starkly in the glare. "A field spell?" most of the fighters gasped, shielding their eyes.

Rex's field spell was unlike any other. While most increased the range and power of attacks, his served an additional purpose. It acted as a sonar, mapping the environment and pinpointing every movement within its radius.

Through the illuminated forest, Rex could see it all. Fighters hiding behind boulders, beasts

prowling the underbrush, even the faintest rustle of leaves as someone tried to stay hidden.

His field spell made evasion almost impossible.

But it wasn't just the spell, Rex's true horror, was his abnormal speed, turning this field spell

into a terrifying advantage.

In the blink of an eye, his feet touched the leaves.

He glared at the side and met Eratz's surprised gaze.