The Arena Erupts
The moment the referee announced Jiang Chen's victory, the audience exploded with noise.
> "A mere Elite-tier beast… defeated a Commander-tier opponent?"
"No, look at that skull-faced ape—it's not normal. There's something terrifying about it."
Some students were still in disbelief. Others, however, felt a chill run down their spines.
The Skull Ghost Ape wasn't just a strong Elite-tier beast—it fought like a predator, calculating its opponent's weaknesses and striking at the perfect moment.
Han Feng clenched his fists as he recalled the battle.
> That moment… when its claws went for the throat…
For the first time, he had felt true fear from a battle.
His Wind Shadow Wolf lay on the battlefield, unconscious. The academy's healing team rushed in to treat it.
Han Feng gritted his teeth. He had underestimated Jiang Chen.
But he wasn't the only one who had noticed.
Eyes of the Strongest
In the special viewing stands, the highest-ranked students watched the battle's conclusion with sharp eyes.
One of them, a youth with silver hair, leaned forward with a grin.
Xu Rong.
Ranked #5 in the tournament.
> "Well, well… that was unexpected."
The girl beside him, a cold-looking beauty with a long spear resting beside her seat, scoffed.
Xue Qian, ranked #4.
> "It doesn't matter. That ape is still Elite-tier. It just caught Han Feng off guard."
Xu Rong chuckled.
> "Caught off guard? No… that wasn't luck. Jiang Chen planned every move."
He looked down at the arena, his grin widening.
> "That Skull Ghost Ape… I want to fight it."
Further back, another figure sat quietly, watching without a word.
A boy with jet-black hair and piercing blue eyes.
Rank #2. Bai Ye.
Unlike the others, he didn't speak. But his gaze was cold and assessing.
Jiang Chen had entered his radar.
The Mystery Student
As Jiang Chen left the battlefield, walking through the tournament corridors, a figure blocked his path.
A tall student, wearing a hooded cloak and a silver mask.
Jiang Chen's eyes narrowed.
> "You're in my way."
The masked figure chuckled.
> "No need to be so hostile. I just wanted to see you up close."
Jiang Chen remained silent.
The masked student took a step closer.
> "Your Skull Ghost Ape… it's more than just an ordinary Elite-tier beast, isn't it?"
Jiang Chen's gaze darkened.
The masked student chuckled again.
> "Relax. I'm not your enemy. Not yet, anyway."
Then, without another word, the figure turned and walked away.
Jiang Chen frowned, watching them disappear into the crowd.
> Who was that…?
The Plot Against Ghost
Elsewhere, in a dimly lit room within the academy, a secret meeting was taking place.
Several students sat around a table, their expressions serious.
One of them spoke.
> "That Skull Ghost Ape… we need to get our hands on it."
Another sneered.
> "You saw it yourself. It defeated a Commander-tier beast. If it's given enough time, it might evolve into something terrifying."
A third voice, calm and calculating, spoke.
> "Then we won't give it time."
The leader of the group leaned forward. His eyes gleamed with greed.
> "Prepare the plan. We're going to steal that beast."
The shadows around them deepened as their scheme took shape.
Jiang Chen's Next Opponent
Back in the tournament waiting area, Jiang Chen checked the matchup board.
His name had moved up.
His next opponent was listed.
[Jiang Chen vs. Wang He]
A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd.
> "Wang He? He's ranked in the top 30!"
"His beast is a Peak Elite-tier Silver-Eyed Viper… it's incredibly deadly!"
Jiang Chen scanned the name.
> Silver-Eyed Viper… A poisonous opponent.
The next battle wouldn't be easy.
But Jiang Chen didn't hesitate.
He turned and walked toward the battlefield.
Ghost followed, its hollow eyes flickering with cold light.
It was time for another hunt.