Divine Beast Ascension

Some contestants spent more time chatting, mainly those that had lost, while others focused on regaining their expended essence. Many were confused as to why Oli was cultivating but they had no reason to interrupt him and ask. At the same time, the prefecture lords chatted away in their own silenced space along with their assistants.

Very quickly, the time came for the next round to begin.

Lady Inka hopped back into the arena, stealing everyone’s attention without a moment wasted. Those that were cultivating were promptly alerted and the kings bowed to Lady Inka before they returned their tiles in exchange for new ones. Each king was given new tiles in correspondence to the order of the first round’s victories. Then, the kings returned to their seats to oversee the imminent pairings.

“It’s time for the second round. Numbers 1 and 2, please,” Inka asked, spotting the two kings with hands raised.

Jeminine held number 1 and nodded pointed to her first seed. “Korvik.”

In response, the human man bowed and rushed into the arena below. He showed no hesitation as he looked up to the king holding the number 2 tile.

.....

The fourth king of Tempest Prefecture, Kirsdyn, took an extra moment to think. But he soon nodded and sent out his number one seed to follow the prefecture’s plan. A long-bodied, bright yellow salamander slithered down the steps to approach Korvik, following orders.

Seeing both contestants silently bow their heads, Lady Inka smiled softly. “If you two are ready... then begin.”

Sparks of electricity burst out of the salamander as it rushed forward, jaws open. But it didn’t deter Korvik in the slightest. Korvik took out a shortsword and allowed water to wash over the blade, instantly freezing. As the salamander spat out a bolt of lightning, the icy sword cleaved it in two. Neither competitor showed hesitation. Both dashed in head-first.

But as the cold sword cut through the lightning, a second sword appeared in Korvik’s other hand. Fire roared as the blade heated up and swung toward the salamander. The attack missed but it tilted the battle’s tempo in favor of Korvik, for the moment at least.

They said nothing to each other as the speedy salamander zipped past between both blades and slammed its tail into Korvik’s side.

However, the numbing effect of the tail was offset by the frost protecting the swordsman. It didn’t reduce the impact too drastically, but the static electricity wasn’t able to paralyze to any degree. And the arm holding the frosty blade hastily wrapped around the tail before it could escape. Having failed to paralyze the human, despite landing a heavy blow, the salamander paid for the exchange with its tail as the heated blade cut through the tail like butter.

But the salamander didn’t seem worried or concerned. White light rushed out of the salamander’s body and gathered around the nub. Oli was amazed to see the salamander regrowing its tail at a visible speed as the fleshy nub healed and gradually stretched back to its former length.

While pulling back its tail, the salamander spat more lightning as well, forcing the tempo to reach a standstill after having evaluated its foe.

Both combatants eyed their foes carefully.

Korvik quickly started circling the salamander as he came closer. Finally, ice began to spread over the ground as he ran.

The salamander didn’t seem to mind, using its claws to maintain its footing despite the shift in temperature.

A dragged-out fight wasn’t what Korvik wanted, and it wasn’t what the spectators wanted either. He decided to challenge the quick salamander head-on without delay or stalling. The ice hadn’t spread out very far but that didn’t matter. Korvik understood that the salamander would need to use close combat if it wanted to win, so why regard the beast’s weaker long-range abilities at all?

Accepting the challenge, the salamander spat more lightning. But following the instantly-deflected lightning was a blinding flash of light.

Korvik shook his head and avoided the worst. However, he failed to evade the full effects of the stunning attack. That was evident as a set of claws tore into Korvik’s heated arm while the light faded. He blinked and regained his sight to spot the blood trickling off his arm and down the salamander’s claws, which were now being retracted.

Yet Korvik chased instead of backing off to heal. Korvik used both arms regardless of the pain and cut down into the salamander’s side. It allowed the salamander to spit a bolt of lightning directly into Korvik’s chest, but Korvik accepted the trade. Since he had already been injured, why not at least share the pain, he thought.

“The match is over.” Lady Inka came forward, instantly convincing both contestants to cease their efforts. “The winner is Korvik.”

No one complained or asked for an explanation. The only explanation they needed was the layer of ice protecting Korvik’s chest, which had negated most of the salamander’s point-blank attack. On the other hand, two slashed had been carved into the salamander’s side. One was frozen and chilled half the salamander’s body and one was nearly flaming as it drastically heated up the other half of the salamander’s body

The salamander was shaking in response to its body’s drastic changes in temperature. Regardless of will, the salamander nodded in concession to the swordsman. Fighting such conditions would get worse by the second, especially for a beast species like the salamander.

“Thank you. It was an honor.” Korvik bowed his head without pause, showing respect to the salamander and then to the rival king. He promptly walked out of the arena while Lady Inka provided immediate care to help regulate the salamander’s body temperature. Before crossing his legs to sit and rest, Korvik finally bowed to Jeminine.

After taking care of the salamander’s immediate health needs, Lady Inka let the salamander leave. “Next, numbers 3 and 4, please.”