"Physical enhancent," Doro growled, his voice low and fierce. His muscles surged, veins tightening as his body overflowed with power. His speed burst forth in an instant, and he charged straight at Cora.
The three Red Wolves, summoned from the crimson circle, didn’t move at first. They crouched low, eyes glowing, waiting for Cora’s command.
As Doro closed in, Cora cracked her whip. The magical weapon sliced through the air like lightning. Doro dodged once, then again, each movent sharper, faster. He weaved through her attacks, his eyes locked on her, his steps pounding closer.
But Cora wasn’t fighting alone. She gestured sharply, and the Red Wolves lunged at once, their fangs bared. Now he had no space to move—her whip struck forward while the wolves snapped at his sides, forcing him into a deadly trap.
The lash grazed his back, tearing flesh, and before he could recover, one of the wolves leapt high and sank its teeth into his leg. Pain exploded through him.
"Damn it!" he roared.
His fingers twisted, lengthening, becoming sharp claws. With one desperate swipe, he slashed across the wolf’s face, his claw raking across its eye. The beast yelped and released him, retreating with a furious snarl.
Blood stread down his leg. Doro stumbled back, grimacing. With one quick motion, he tore a strip from the hem of his clothes and tied it tightly around the wound, stopping the flow as best as he could. His chest heaved, breath ragged, sweat dripping down his face.
"The match hasn’t even truly begun," he thought bitterly. "And I’m already bleeding, panting, struggling."
He glared at Cora from across the arena, whip coiled in her hand, wolves prowling at her sides.
"If I could just get close, one punch would be enough to end this. That’s all it would take. But long reach... I hate fighters like her. With that whip keeping back, and those wolves guarding her, crossing the distance feels impossible."
"Wow, it’s impressive," Lyra said as she watched. "She’s actually capable of summoning monsters. And not just ordinary ones—rank C monsters. That’s a very big deal for any adventurer. And she’s only A-rank."
Nolan leaned back casually, a faint grin on his face. "Impressive, yes. But I’m ready for much more. Don’t forget, I’m capable of taming a Wyvern—or any monster that exists."
Lyra shook her head, her tone soft but firm. "Don’t compare yourself with normal people. There’s a very big difference between you and even a rank S adventurer. A massive difference. You could end fights like these anyti you wanted, just by deciding to. But tell —if you’re going to ta another beast, what’s next? You’re still building your army of monsters."
"I’ve thought about that," Nolan replied. "Orcs, for one. Not just ordinary Orcs either. I’ve already told you about Minotaurs too. But most importantly, I want to ta a Fenrir."
Lyra’s eyes widened. "A Fenrir? Now that would be a smart choice. Fenrirs are Divine Beasts—like . Though they’re in a lower category, not as powerful as I am. Still, they’re incredibly strong and wise. Have you even seen one before to know how to approach it?"
"Well, not face-to-face," Nolan admitted. "In my old world, I’d only heard of them in stories, read about them in manga, or seen them in gas. But here, in this world where they truly exist... I haven’t seen one yet."
Linda, who had been quiet at his side, finally spoke. "Master..."
Nolan turned to her. "Yes, Linda?"
"This Red Wolf reminds of sothing," Linda said softly. "It takes back."
"Why is that?" Nolan asked.
"You saved us from the bandits that night," Linda said, her voice trembling slightly. "On the way back, Red Wolves attacked us. They seed unstoppable. But you summoned that boar—Zuru—and wiped out dozens of them while we were sleeping. It was incredible. Watching you fight... it was the mont everything changed for . You were so heroic."
Nolan’s eyes softened as the mory surfaced. "Oh, I rember that too. That was the first ti we t."
Linda nodded, a bright smile spreading across her face. "Yes. And I’ve been grateful ever since. That day changed my life. I never imagined I’d eat until I was full, sleep in a proper bed, or wear clothes that weren’t tattered. I’m truly thankful."
Nolan smiled back at her warmly. "I’m glad to hear that, Linda."
Both Nolan and Lyra turned their eyes back to the arena, where Cora and Doro faced off.
"Hey! Why do you keep your distance?" Cora shouted, a grin spreading across his face as he taunted her. "You’ve been running all along. Why are you running? Don’t tell you’ve already given up. The match has just started!" He raised his arms, drawing cheers from the crowd, playing to their excitent.
"Stand still then," Cora added coolly. She snapped her whip forward, and her three summoned Red Wolves charged toward him.
Doro stepped back as the beasts rushed in, their speed far greater than he had expected. He clenched his fists. Fine... if I can’t outrun them, I’ll take them head on.
The first wolf lunged. Doro slipped past its snapping jaws and drove a heavy punch into its jaw, the force sending it crashing onto the ground.
Another wolf leapt at him, fangs bared. Doro twisted and struck midair, his fist slamming into its ribs and sending it flying aside.
The last wolf was faster, sinking its teeth deep into his elbow. Doro grimaced, then let out a growl as his fingers hardened into claws. With a sharp swipe, he raked across its eye, blinding it. The wolf yelped and released him.
Breathing hard, Doro pushed himself back, putting distance between him and the beasts. Blood trickled from the fresh bite wound on his arm, but he held his ground.
Cora’s eyes narrowed as she watched him. He’s actually weakening my wolves... I didn’t think he had this much brute strength. They should have overwheld him by now...
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