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Chapter 973: The Fifth Round
Chapter 973: The Fifth Round (Combined)
Becoming an A-Class Beastmaster... it still feels so far away... Qiao Sang felt a bit dazed.
A B-Rank Beastmaster is already a top-tier figure, a milestone that most ordinary Beastmasters strive for their entire lives. An A-Class Beastmaster, on the other hand, is a giant among giants, someone whose every word could become a famous quote.
Tao Yun Kai thought for a few seconds before saying:
"Sure."
After uttering these two words, she smiled. "Let's enjoy the food first. We can talk while we eat."
If Qiao Sang had attended any other top academy, Tao Yun Kai wouldn't have agreed so quickly. However, Qiao Sang was a student at the Imperial Beastmaster Academy, which ranks first in Blue Star.
The person in front of her was reportedly an honorary mentor at the Imperial Beastmaster Academy and an S-Rank Beastmaster.
For such a distinguished figure to accompany Qiao Sang to the Hollow Plains in Dragon Nation for the Regional Tournament, it was clear that the Imperial Beastmaster Academy placed a high level of importance on her.
Migala finally smiled, picked up her chopsticks, and took a bite of the dish in front of her.
"Delicious", she praised.
"Try the signature dish here. No one who comes here says it's bad", Tao Yun Kai said, pointing to a dish covered in a savory sauce.
As she spoke, she looked at Qiao Sang with a genuine smile.
"Give it a try."
Qiao Sang picked up a piece of the fish belly Tao Yun Kai had pointed to and put it in her mouth.
The texture was chewy and became more fragrant with each bite.
"Xunxun..."
Treasure Seeker appeared, staring at the dish of fish belly.
Qiao Sang noticed Treasure Seeker's gaze, picked up a piece, and placed it on an empty plate beside her, saying gently:
"Go ahead and eat."
"Xunxun~"
Treasure Seeker's eyes curved into a smile, mimicking her Beastmaster, and tried to pick up the food with chopsticks and put it in her mouth.
Tao Yun Kai saw this and a smile flashed in her eyes. She then turned to chat with Migala, occasionally bringing Qiao Sang into the conversation.
When the atmosphere at the table became warm and harmonious, she returned to the main topic: "It's fine for Qiao Sang not to train with the Beastmaster Battle Team, but there are many other Contestants in the National Beastmaster Bureau who are working hard to earn their spots. If she wants to secure a place as a main battler in the International Tournaments, she will have to beat out the others in the Beastmaster Battle Team first."
Everyone present was a seasoned veteran, able to understand the implications of her words with just a hint.
Migala, the teacher from the Imperial Beastmaster Academy, wanted to cultivate Qiao Sang herself and didn't want her to join the Beastmaster Battle Team just to be a sparring partner or a reserve.
After all, new members of the national team, especially young ones, have no seniority. Unless they have the strength to overpower others in the queue, they have to climb the ranks step by step, earning their spots through their own abilities.
Sometimes, even the reserves for International Tournaments have to go through unimaginable hardships to secure their chances.
Although she was a coach, she wasn't the head coach and didn't have the authority to designate a player as a main battler for international matches right away.
"Don't worry", Migala said, taking a sip of soup. "Qiao Sang will earn her spot as a main battler when the time comes."
As she spoke, she was calm and confident.
"Great", Tao Yun Kai smiled. "I'll have the contract drafted and send it over."
Joining any national team generally requires signing a contract, which is akin to having a formal position.
Professional Beastmasters need to invest a significant amount of money at each stage to enhance their strength. This contract not only ensures a stable income and career development during their active service but also provides security after retirement.
However, in return, they must undergo more rigorous training.
"I hope you can add a clause that allows for unrestricted activities and development, and does not require mandatory gatherings, training, or matches", Migala said as she continued to enjoy her meal.
Having Teacher Mikara around is great; there's nothing to worry about... Qiao Sang silently sipped her soup.
To be honest, even if she hadn't previously been involved with the Dragon Nation Beastmaster Battle Team, she knew that this requirement was a bit excessive. After all, the National Beastmaster Bureau's members primarily focused on training matches.
Tao Yun Kai looked at Qiao Sang, recalling her age, her Bonded Beast Companion, and her performance in the arena. He nodded and said:
"Fine."
Sometimes, when a prodigy reaches a certain level, some rules can be bent.
Qiao Sang was such a prodigy.
The meal was quite pleasant, and in the end, Qiao Sang even added Coach Tao's contact information.
"If you have any issues in the future, you can always come to me." Tao Yun Kai put his mobile phone back in his pocket and then thought of something, smiling as he added:
"You should aim to become an A-Class Beastmaster soon. I look forward to seeing you at the National Beastmaster Bureau."
Actually, if you had invited me, I could have visited the National Beastmaster Bureau tomorrow... Qiao Sang inwardly complained but maintained a positive demeanor, saying:
"I'll work hard!"
...
Qiao Sang and Migala walked out of the Emperor Hotel.
"Your Dragon Nation coach is pretty easy to talk to", Migala said with a smile.
She had expected some back-and-forth, but the coach had agreed so readily.
Qiao Sang looked up at the sky and sighed:
"Maybe I really am a talent."
Migala: "..."
"Ya Ya!"
Fangy called out, agreeing with her Beastmaster's statement, affirming that it was definitely the case.
At that moment, a passerby nearby shouted in surprise:
"Qiao Sang!"
Almost everyone's gaze instantly focused on them.
Treasure Seeker was already prepared, appearing and casting a blue light to teleport Qiao Sang and Migala away.
...
Suburban villa.
Guardfur Tiger opened the door.
Qiao Sang and Migala entered the living room.
Although Treasure Seeker could teleport directly into the house, out of politeness, they always entered through the door.
Yu Ke, hearing the commotion, put down her mobile phone, turned around, and her eyes lit up with surprise:
"You're here!"
Qiao Sang hummed in acknowledgment.
"I just saw someone say they saw you at the Emperor Hotel", Yu Ke said.
It really feels like being a celebrity; my whereabouts are always known... Qiao Sang sighed inwardly and responded:
"I just came from there."
"Did you change your living place?" Yu Ke asked.
Qiao Sang replied, "No, I just went there to eat."
Yu Ke was about to say something else when Migala called from the glass door leading to the outdoor arena:
"Let's start training!"
"Coming!" Qiao Sang said, quickly heading toward the outdoor arena.
Yu Ke had to hold back what she was about to say.
She picked up her mobile phone again, opened it, and stared at the photo of Coach Tao Yun Kai from the National Beastmaster Bureau walking out of the Emperor Hotel for a few seconds before putting it down.
...
Open Training Ground.
Migala asked:
"What are your thoughts after this round of matches?"
Qiao Sang replied earnestly:
"B-Rank Beastmasters are indeed much stronger than C-Class Beastmasters."
Migala: "..."
"You could have won the match against Ice Emperor Ram more easily", Migala said.
Qiao Sang was taken aback and quickly adopted a curious attitude:
"How so?"
From her perspective, winning that match was incredibly difficult. If not for hitting the Iron War Dragon's mouth, she felt she wouldn't have been able to break through its defense at all.
"Ice Emperor", Lulu looked at her Beastmaster's teacher.
"Frost Haven, Icy Domain Skills. In this domain, any ice skills you know can be released faster", Migala explained.
"In the later stages, it can even achieve the effect of instantly condensing and releasing."
"Of course, Ice Emperor Ram still has a considerable distance to go before reaching that level."
"However, in this domain, some offensive Ice Skills can be used from any position, unlike the usual method where Ice Emperor Ram can only condense them through a specific part of its body and release them at close range."
Qiao Sang pondered for a few seconds:
"Are you referring to the Ice Spike attack aimed at Iron War Dragon's mouth during the match?"
"Exactly." Migala nodded slightly:
"Ice Emperor Ram could have condensed and attacked with several dozen Gigantic Ice Spires from a few meters away from Iron War Dragon. This would not only increase the attack speed but also allow for a higher attack frequency without needing to refreeze Iron War Dragon's mouth repeatedly."
"Moreover, with your proficiency in Frost Haven and Gigantic Ice Spire, you could have Ice Emperor Ram condense Ice Spikes from different angles to attack various parts of Iron War Dragon simultaneously."
"I get it!" Qiao Sang felt as if a veil had been lifted from her mind, and she was eager to try it out.
She turned and called, "Lulu!"
"Ice Emperor!" Lulu understood her Beastmaster's intent, and with a stomp of her left front paw, a visible chill aura spread from her entire body.
Everything in the open arena, except for the people and familiars, instantly condensed into a layer of ice.
"Xunxun..."
Treasure Seeker extended its claws in the air, placed them in front of its mouth, and exhaled.
In the next second, six Ice Spikes, each several meters long, appeared simultaneously above, below, to the left, right, and in front of and behind Treasure Seeker.
"Xunxun!"
Treasure Seeker was startled, its entire body trembling.
Soon, the Ice Spikes and the icy landscape disappeared.
"Xunxun..."
Treasure Seeker sighed in relief, wiping away the nonexistent sweat from its forehead.
"Qingqing?"
Qingbao appeared beside it, showing a worried expression, and called out, "Are you okay?"
"Xunxun~"
Seeing Fifth One appear, Treasure Seeker quickly lowered its claws and put on a "I'm fine, how could anything happen to me?" expression.
On the other side.
"Ice Emperor."
Lulu's eyes lit up with surprise.
Qiao Sang's eyes sparkled as she said:
"Then let's focus on this direction for training."
"Ice Emperor."
Lulu wagged its tail, looking serious, and immediately prepared to start training.
A visible chill aura enveloped its body, and the temperature around the arena plummeted, forming another layer of ice.
"Xunxun!"
Treasure Seeker, who was boasting to Qingbao and even showing off its muscles to demonstrate its strength and fearlessness, was startled and quickly teleported to its Beastmaster's side.
Qingbao: "..."
...
The next day.
Noon, 12:00 PM.
Beastmaster Center.
Room 2603.
After reading the contract, Qiao Sang handed it to Coach Mikara.
Migala read through each clause, confirmed that the requirements she had proposed were included, and placed it on the table, smiling:
"Good, the requirements I mentioned are indeed included."
Tao Yun Kai said, "Regarding this matter, our coaching team has had serious discussions, and the Head Coach has reviewed Qiao Sang's records. They believe her talent is truly unprecedented, so they are willing to meet your demands."
"However", she continued, pointing to a clause in the contract, "I'm sure you've noticed this part."
The clause stated that the party B must achieve A-Class Beastmaster status within twenty years. If this is not achieved within the specified time, party A can require party B to return to the Dragon Nation Beastmaster Battle Team for training... Qiao Sang glanced at the content but did not feel overly restricted by it.
Twenty years seemed like an eternity to her.
"State Resources are limited", Tao Yun Kai continued. "We can't afford to invest indefinitely in a Professional Beastmaster who might not participate in a match for an unknown period. That wouldn't be fair to the other team members."
I understand, I understand... Qiao Sang nodded repeatedly as she looked at the clause in the contract stating that the party B would receive a monthly salary of 2 million Alliance Coins.
That's 24 million a year, and she could collect it for 20 years without needing to participate in any training matches.
To be honest, she wasn't opposed to being a reserve.
"I see", Migala nodded slightly. "This isn't a problem."
In her view, with Qiao Sang's talent, it wasn't impossible for her to become an A-Class Beastmaster within twenty years.
"That's good", Tao Yun Kai said with a smile, then turned to Qiao Sang.
Migala also looked over.
Under the watchful eyes of both, Qiao Sang signed and affixed her seal.
Tao Yun Kai took one copy of the contract, then pulled out a Red Badge featuring a Dragon-type Beast Companion from his bag and handed it to her.
"This is your work permit from the National Beastmaster Bureau. You can use it to enter the bureau in the future. Additionally, your personal file will now include the information that you are an active Professional Beastmaster with the National Beastmaster Bureau."
Qiao Sang extended both hands and solemnly accepted it.
...
The next morning.
Sky Beastmaster Arena.
"Last night, five contestants were brought back to life, joining the 27 contestants who advanced smoothly. Today, we will see which of the 32 contestants will be paired together and how they will perform. Who will successfully advance to the top 16? Let's wait and see", the reporter said into the microphone, facing the camera.
In the audience stands, fans waved their cheer batons and banners, shouting at the top of their lungs for their favorite contestants.
At this stage of the match, only B-Rank Beastmasters remained, each with a significant fan base, all of whom were convinced their supported contestant would win.
In the contestant area.
Qiao Sang watched Zeng Feitian, who had re-advanced through the Revival Match, standing not far ahead. She felt no surprise.
Given his strength, making it to the top 32 was to be expected.
After all, in the Revival Match, C-Class Beastmasters still made up the majority.
"Ya Ya."
Fangy, wearing dark green sunglasses, looked incredibly cool in her arms.
Since the last match where she had summoned Fangy, Qiao Sang had been carrying her around outside.
Several contestants' gazes were drawn to her.
"Xunxun..."
Treasure Seeker appeared silently, draped in a black cloak.
A gentle breeze suddenly blew, causing the black cloak to flutter gracefully.
When did Qingbao start being so cooperative with Treasure Seeker? Qiao Sang's eyes flickered with surprise as she looked at the direction of the black cloak.
The host, standing on a Flying Beast, appeared in the air at the center of the arena, microphone in hand, and announced loudly:
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Regional Tournament! After the previous rounds and the Revival Match, the top 32 contestants of this year's Regional Tournament have been determined! Please look at the big screen!"
As she spoke, a giant holographic screen appeared on the field.
On it were 32 photos.
Qiao Sang saw herself in the second photo of the last row.
The entire arena erupted in cheers.
The host continued, "And today, we will see 16 contestants advance from these 32 to the next round!"
(End of Chapter)
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