The battlefield fell silent.
The golden dragon descended from the clouds with overwhelming majesty, its wings covering the sky above the Royal Beast Academy.
Standing casually upon its head was the old fisherman, still carrying the same worn bamboo fishing rod.
He yawned.
"I leave for a few days..."
"...and a bunch of rats starts causing trouble."
The Shadow Cult members immediately froze.
Several of them recognized him.
"It's..."
"It's the Fishing Immortal!"
Mordecai's face darkened.
"I knew you'd interfere."
The old man smiled.
"Of course."
"My future disciple is inside that tower."
"You really thought I'd ignore this?"
The hooded man looked at him calmly.
"So..."
"The legendary Fishing Immortal."
"I've heard your name."
The old man scratched his beard.
"Good."
"It saves introductions."
The hooded man slowly removed his hood.
For the first time...
Everyone saw his face.
He appeared to be a man in his early thirties.
His long silver hair flowed behind him.
A crimson mark stretched across his forehead.
Most frightening of all...
His eyes were completely black.
No pupils.
No whites.
Only endless darkness.
Principal Evelyn gasped.
"...The Black Monarch."
The Fishing Immortal sighed.
"So you've finally shown yourself."
The Black Monarch smiled.
"I came personally for the Beast Tower."
"And the boy."
The old man twirled his fishing rod.
"Then you've wasted your trip."
The Black Monarch raised one hand.
Darkness gathered around him.
"Let's see."
Without warning—
He disappeared.
BOOM!
The Fishing Immortal instantly blocked a punch with his bamboo rod.
The collision shattered the clouds.
The resulting shockwave flattened hundreds of trees surrounding the academy.
Students hiding underground felt the entire city shake.
"What was that?"
"Two monsters..."
"They're monsters!"
The Fishing Immortal laughed.
"You're stronger than I expected."
The Black Monarch calmly replied,
"And you've grown old."
The two vanished again.
Only explosions filled the sky.
Neither ordinary Beast Tamers nor students could follow their movements.
Meanwhile...
Inside the Beast Tower...
Kai and Nova reached the Eighth Floor.
The doors opened slowly.
Unlike the previous floors...
This floor resembled an enormous floating arena suspended in outer space.
Stars glittered in every direction.
Nova looked around in amazement.
"It's so pretty."
A deep voice interrupted.
"It won't stay beautiful for long."
A giant figure landed before them.
He was over four meters tall, wearing black armor decorated with dragon scales.
A massive greatsword rested on his shoulder.
"I am Darius."
"Guardian of the Eighth Floor."
Kai bowed respectfully.
"It's an honor."
Darius nodded.
"I've watched your progress."
"You've earned my respect."
He planted his sword into the ground.
"But respect alone..."
"...isn't enough."
The System immediately displayed a message.
Eighth Floor Trial
Trial of Power
Objective:
Defeat the Guardian.
Restrictions:
None.
Kai smiled.
"So this is a real battle."
Nova jumped onto the arena.
"We're ready!"
Darius released his aura.
Unlike the previous Guardians...
He didn't suppress himself immediately.
The pressure alone made cracks spread across the arena floor.
Then—
His aura rapidly decreased.
Level 50...
30...
15...
Finally...
Level 8.
The same level Kai would face fairly.
Darius pointed his sword forward.
"Come."
Kai summoned Nova.
Golden light connected them.
Absolute Beast Link!
Immediately, their thoughts merged.
Kai activated Sovereign Step.
The world slowed.
He rushed forward.
Darius swung his greatsword.
Kai narrowly dodged.
BOOM!
The arena split apart where the sword landed.
"What incredible strength!"
Nova leaped into the air.
"Origin Flame!"
Golden fire shot toward Darius.
He slashed once.
The flames split into two and disappeared.
Kai appeared behind him.
"Now!"
Nova's nine tails glowed brilliantly.
"Origin Burst!"
A massive explosion engulfed Darius.
Smoke filled the arena.
When it cleared...
The Guardian remained standing.
Only a tiny scratch appeared on his armor.
Nova blinked.
"...He's tough."
Darius smiled.
"Good."
"My turn."
He vanished.
Kai's eyes widened.
"So fast!"
The Guardian appeared directly before him.
Kai barely raised his arms in time.
BOOM!
The punch sent him flying across the arena.
He rolled several times before stopping.
Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth.
Nova rushed over.
"Master!"
Kai slowly stood.
"I'm alright."
The System suddenly chimed.
Combat Analysis Complete.
Suggestion:
Fuse Skills?
Yes / No
Kai's eyes lit up.
"Skill Fusion..."
He smiled.
"Yes."
Golden light surrounded him.
The System Creation Workshop activated automatically.
Fusion Options
Shadow Flash
Sovereign Step
=
New Skill Available
Phantom Sovereign Steps
Rank: Mythical
Kai accepted immediately.
Knowledge flooded his mind.
His aura changed.
Darius noticed and smiled.
"So..."
"You've evolved during battle."
"Excellent."
Kai looked up confidently.
"Round two."
He disappeared.
This time...
Even Darius' eyes widened.
"Impossible."
Kai's movements became completely unpredictable.
Every step created an illusion.
Ten Kai's surrounded the Guardian simultaneously.
Darius laughed loudly.
"Wonderful!"
The battle had truly begun.