Category: I’m Surrounded by My Own Pets!

Chapter 33: Beyond Royal!!!

Virtual Battle Space, Team Room.

After the battle, Wind God Academy #2 and #4 were both kicked out of the Cloudtop Arena. They stood in the pale white room, facing each other. Although their expressions were hidden by masks, their complicated feelings were evident in their eyes.

After a long silence, #2 sighed, “I thought the Captain was…busy with her online girlfriend…”

“Me too…” #4 nodded in agreement.

“By the way, where did the Captain find that girl? Could she be a spy planted in Youlan Academy? I couldn’t even last a few rounds against her, even at full strength. It’s outrageous!!”

“…”
“…”
“So, Vice-Captain, are we still playing?”

“Let’s wait two minutes. I don’t want to be matched against them again—”

“Good idea…” #4 agreed wholeheartedly.

When she first encountered Strongest Moonlight Rabbit, she thought the opponent was just a casual player messing around with a gimmick lineup. Well, a gimmick lineup that could defeat the vice-captain of a top academy…that was quite something.

But…

Could the Captain really be in an online relationship!?

Meanwhile, in the team room with Strongest Moonlight Rabbit and Wind God Academy #10…

The silver-haired girl stared incredulously at Lian Xing, who was calmly checking her rewards and experience. She had just wanted to show off in front of the beauty, but…somehow, she had ended up witnessing her own vice-captain being utterly crushed.

An agility-focused, throwing-only Giant Moonlight Rabbit…

And a severely mutated Golden Wheel!!

“Speaking of which, is that thing…really still a Golden Wheel?” Silver Dragon wondered, looking at the Golden Leaf being chewed by the Moonlight Rabbit nestled between the golden-haired girl’s buns. She couldn’t figure out what had happened to the Golden Wheel to make it so much stronger in an instant.

“Heehee, beautiful, am I awesome or what?”

“Am I the strongest Moonlight Rabbit or what?” Lian Xing turned and asked with a boastful tone, striking a cute pose.

If an ordinary girl did this, it would just be cute. But with Lian Xing’s alluring face and starry eyes, it felt like a blatant seduction, tempting her to…buy her…

Silver Dragon swallowed hard, nodding dumbly. “Yes, yes, yes, you’re the most awesome. I can’t even handle it.”

“By the way, are you participating in the Academy League this year? Your Youlan Academy team should be quite strong this year, right?” Silver Dragon asked tentatively, her voice filled with anticipation.

If Lian Xing participated, they could meet in person at the league…

The Academy League?

Hearing this, Lian Xing frowned slightly.

“I probably won’t participate. The Academy League doesn’t offer any real rewards, and I need to earn money to support my precious babies.”

“Besides, the Academy League is just a bunch of weaklings pecking at each other.”

“And the Ten Greats are definitely just a bunch of…overrated…good-for-nothings who got to where they are through…unconventional methods~~~”

“After all, even a powerful expert like you is just a 10th substitute, while that Translucent Phantom Dragon owner is the 4th core member, making the entire Wind God Academy seem like a hotbed of…favoritism~~~”

“A pure and beautiful person like you shouldn’t be tainted by such…dirty dealings, beautiful~~~” Lian Xing criticized the entire Academy League with a condescending tone.

Silver Dragon’s expression beneath her mask became even stranger. She didn’t know whether she had been insulted or praised.

The Ten Greats were overrated good-for-nothings?

Wind God Academy seemed like a hotbed of favoritism!?

But, for some reason…

Instead of feeling angry and defending herself…

Being praised by Lian Xing as pure, beautiful, and a powerful expert made her heart race. Even her delicate face beneath the mask flushed slightly.

Well, to be fair, the Ten Greats were a bunch of…overrated…individuals who got to where they are through…certain means. But what did that have to do with her, the 10th substitute of Wind God Academy?

“Beautiful, although I agree with your point of view.”

“But…”

“Do you know that the advertising endorsements earned by star students in a single year can support the entire academy’s operations for three years?”

“And the Ten Greats…the resources they earn can fully support the development of four or five High-Tier main battle pet beasts.”

“…”
“…”
“How do I sign up?” Lian Xing asked flatly after three seconds of silence, as if she had completely forgotten her previous criticisms.

---

---

Youlan Academy East Side, Youxi Valley.

Time passed, and nine hours had passed since the beast tide domain appeared.

Only one hour remained until it officially opened.

The area in front of the golden barrier was crowded with Youlan Academy students in uniform. Lacking research in this area, even the lecturers and the Dean didn’t know what level of pet beast was inside.

However, judging by the aura, the creature within seemed even rarer than the academy’s prized trio, Void Spirit, Phoenix Melody, and Jade Extremity…

“It should be a Special Rare Species, not quite Super Rare…”

“Because a Super Rare Species couldn’t possibly appear in our Youlan Academy…” The High-Tier Beast Taming lecturers quickly reached a consensus.

Rare Species instinctively sought powerful protectors upon birth to ensure their early growth. The appearance of a Super Rare Species would indicate that a Royal-Tier pet beast had once resided nearby.

And a Royal-Tier creature couldn’t possibly appear near Youlan Academy, meaning this Special Rare Species must have simply wandered into this area.

As for the 72 Legends…

Heh…

In their dreams~~~

Meanwhile, as the lecturers announced their conclusion, Chi Yan, the red-haired girl in the crowd, scowled. Ye Zhuzhi’s expression also changed drastically, and she looked around nervously.

Chi Yan had revealed the information about the Legendary Rare Species to Hei Lan’s team to stir up trouble!!!

But only now did she realize how foolish she had been. Having never studied theory, she didn’t understand what the 72 Legends represented. According to the lecturers, a Super Rare Species was connected to a Royal-Tier.

Then what about a Legendary Rare Species…?

What was above Royal!?

Realizing her ignorance, Chi Yan’s stomach churned with regret.

Three days ago, what had attracted Star Sand…?

Chapter 32: Super Golden Wheel!!!

Virtual Battle Space, Cloudtop Arena.

Looking at the motionless Giant Moonlight Rabbit across the 200-meter expanse of clouds, Wind God Academy #2’s expression was grim.

She seemed to be…in trouble…

No, not seemed to be. She was in trouble!

If the golden-haired girl and the Moonlight Rabbit hadn’t suddenly spaced out, she wouldn’t have even had time to heal the Cloud Chariot Wheel before being torn to shreds by those absurd Golden Wheels…

“If it were before, I would have accepted it…”

“But with the Captain watching, I don’t want to lose face~~~” With a conflicted sigh, Wind God Academy #2 raised her hand.

In the next second, two magnificent silver wings unfolded behind her, their powerful aura shaking the entire cloud sea. The silver wings beat the air, but they weren’t connected to any physical body, as if they were mere decorations.

[High-Tier — Viral Species — Silver Dream]

As the vice-captain of Wind God Academy, Wind God Academy #2 naturally had more than one High-Tier pet beast.

As the silver wings flapped, a silver light enveloped the Cloud Chariot Wheel, making it look like a divine being bathed in holy light, radiating an unparalleled aura.

[Damage Immunity]
[Increased Movement Speed]
[Increased All Resistances (Elemental, Piercing, Impact, Weakening, Debilitation, Stun, Sleep, Suppression…)]
[Omnipotence (Dark Purple): Entrance Combat Skill, randomly applies three buffs to the team’s main battle pet beast upon deployment]

Although it was a bit embarrassing to use two High-Tier pet beasts against two Mid-Tier ones, Wind God Academy #2 was determined to win today. After all, the Captain was watching…

However, she didn’t notice the mutation happening to the Golden Wheels.

In the beast taming system, many pet beasts were inherently unsuitable for combat. Even with zero stats across the board, some pet beasts could single-handedly defeat ten opponents, while others would be the weak link even in a 10v1 situation.

Like the Giant Moonlight Rabbit, in most people’s perception, it had no combat ability besides its agile ears.

But…

That was only true for Mid-Tier!!!

Once they broke through level 30 and reached High-Tier, all main battle pet beasts would transform into combat forms, becoming more adapted to fighting. This transformation was subtle and natural, not reflected in their stats.

Beast Tamers called this a “Characteristic.”

Characteristics weren’t displayed on the pet beast panel but were unique combat styles specific to each pet beast. For example, if the Giant Moonlight Rabbit reached level 30 and evolved into the Dominating Demon Rabbit instead of the Moon-Embracing Jade Hammer, what would be the difference between them, assuming they had the same talent, combat skills, and Arcane Arts?

The answer was — Characteristics.

When a pet beast reached level 50 and unlocked its second talent tree, the difference in Characteristics would become even more apparent.

However, at this moment…

Lian Xing, standing behind the Giant Moonlight Rabbit, clearly saw…

Without warning, the two Golden Wheels on the Giant Moonlight Rabbit’s ears changed color. One turned into a black and yellow jade-like hue, while the other gradually took on a dark red glow.

This was…a Characteristic!!!

The Golden Wheel, at just level 10, had inherited two High-Tier combat Characteristics, one of which belonged to a Super Rare evolution path…

What would happen next!?

“Whirr——”

In the next second, the Giant Moonlight Rabbit began to spin the black and yellow Golden Wheel on one of its ears. The dark red Golden Wheel remained still. It seemed it wasn’t planning to use both wheels yet…

“Boom!!!!”

At the same time, the Cloud Chariot Wheel, unable to hold back any longer, erupted with scalding steam, charging forward like a raging torrent. Empowered by the Silver Dream, its speed had almost doubled.

Like a falling comet, it tore through the clouds, arriving before the Giant Moonlight Rabbit. However, before the Moonlight Rabbit could assume a throwing stance, the Cloud Chariot Wheel drifted and flashed, shifting to the side, making it difficult for the rabbit to aim.

Seeing the Cloud Chariot Wheel closing in, the Giant Moonlight Rabbit threw the Golden Wheel without aiming properly.

“Boom——!!!!!”

In the next second, a deafening whistling sound pierced the air, a black and gold flash streaking across the sky. The thrown Golden Wheel, like a supersonic lightning bolt, grazed the Cloud Chariot Wheel’s scalp.

Even though it wasn’t a direct hit, the Cloud Chariot Wheel still stumbled, its scalp tingling, a chill running down its spine.

“What…speed is that?” Wind God Academy #2 stared blankly as the black and gold lightning bolt pierced through the clouds.

The initial launch speed alone was more than three times faster than before.

If that thing had been aimed properly, how could anyone dodge it? It was just a Mid-Tier Weapon Species, but she felt like she was facing a powerful enemy of the same tier…

[First Speed Arcane Art]

[Topaz (Mutation): Greatly increases rotation speed when moving faster]

Greatly increases. This wording was rarely seen in early-stage Arcane Arts. Even many pet beasts with 5th or 6th level Arcane Arts only had “significantly increases.” “Greatly increases” was already exceeding expectations…

“But, luckily it missed…”

“This is the end!!!” Wind God Academy #2 wiped the cold sweat from her brow, sighing in relief.

The Cloud Chariot Wheel was now less than 10 meters away from the Giant Moonlight Rabbit, leaving no room for another throw.

The battle…was over…

“Boom!!!!!”

In the next second, a deafening roar, like a thunderclap, shook the sky. Under everyone’s incredulous gazes, the black and gold light descended from the sky, returning to the Giant Moonlight Rabbit’s ear even faster than before, its momentum like thunder and lightning.

The impact of the explosion sent the Giant Moonlight Rabbit sliding back four or five meters before it regained its footing, the ear holding the black and yellow Golden Wheel trembling slightly. The sheer power of that throw was evident, even the rabbit itself almost failed to catch it.

Then—

A moment passed.

With the Cloud Chariot Wheel as the center…

A black and gold arc bisected the entire cloud sea map.

[Topaz Double Wheel (Characteristic): Can change its trajectory once during flight by activating a burst of speed.]

Chapter 31: Golden Wheel, Mutation, Evolution!!

“Hoo~~~”

Standing on the boundless sea of clouds, the Giant Moonlight Rabbit exhaled slowly. Despite its unremarkable size and combat power among Mid-Tier pet beasts, for some reason, the Translucent Phantom Dragon opposite it instinctively retreated.

Seeing this, Wind God Academy #10 on Lian Xing’s side and Wind God Academy #2 on the opposite side frowned at Wind God Academy #4.

What was that?

Even for someone who had lost before, that was too embarrassing, wasn’t it?

Under the disapproving gazes of her captain and vice-captain, Wind God Academy #4’s expression beneath her mask was ashen. She knew she would be punished when they returned.

Pet beasts subconsciously learned from their Beast Tamers’ behavior and style. If a Beast Tamer was afraid of battle, even the strongest pet beast would eventually become useless.

However, the Giant Moonlight Rabbit didn’t even bother looking at the Translucent Phantom Dragon. It stared intently at the Cloud Chariot Wheel hundreds of meters away with intelligent eyes. A few seconds later, it instinctively lowered its ears to scoop up some rocks, but only grabbed a puff of cloud, which quickly dissipated.

The Moonlight Rabbit realized…

This map had no environmental objects!!!

“Boom!!!!”

With a cloud-bursting explosion, the Cloud Chariot Wheel on the opposite side made the first move. Its four cloud wheels spun rapidly, pulling a long trail of cloud vapor as it charged through the air.

Facing a Mid-Tier Giant Moonlight Rabbit, it didn’t bother testing the waters. No matter what path or enhancements the opponent had, it wouldn’t be a match!

“Bang!!!!!”

In the next second, under everyone’s bewildered gazes, the Giant Moonlight Rabbit suddenly swung its ears powerfully. The surrounding clouds churned.

Nothing happened.

But the force of that swing startled everyone…

What was it doing?

“Too bad, I can’t stack Combo with empty swings…?” Lian Xing sighed in disappointment after her test.

Empty swings didn’t stack Combo. She had to actually throw something to activate the Strength Arcane Art.

However, the fact that swinging each ear separately could stack Combo was already satisfying enough.

Meanwhile, having wasted precious time for a ranged attack…

As the Cloud Chariot Wheel closed in to within fifty meters, the Giant Moonlight Rabbit finally pulled its ears back.

[Golden Wheel]

In the next second, two golden lights flashed. Silver Dragon clearly saw two heavy, giant golden wheels hanging from the tips of the Giant Moonlight Rabbit’s ears.

However, obscured by the Moonlight Rabbit’s massive body, the two opponents and their pet beasts didn’t notice a thing…

“This is…”

“Boom!!!!!!!!!!!”

Before the silver-haired girl could react, her hair and clothes were whipped up by a violent gust of wind.

[Sand Toss]
[Flurry]
[Heavy Metal]

The two exploding Golden Wheels, like concentrated beams of light, shot forward in straight arcs. The force of the Giant Moonlight Rabbit’s throw caused the clouds behind it to collapse and dissipate.

Facing such incredible speed at such close range, the Cloud Chariot Wheel had no chance to react. It barely managed to twist its body at the last moment, narrowly avoiding the first golden beam.

But facing the second, unavoidable Golden Wheel, it could only brace for impact.

[Combat Skill: Skin Harden (Purple)]
[Combat Skill: All Attribute Enhancement (Purple)]
[First Defense Arcane Art: Fortify]
[Second Defense Arcane Art: Iron Wall]
[Third Defense Arcane Art: Shock Absorb]

“Boom!!!!!”

In the next second, the golden light pierced through, a deafening explosion obliterating the surrounding hundred-meter area.

Then…

Under everyone’s incredulous gazes, the defense-specialized Cloud Chariot Wheel, covered in blood, flew out of the dust cloud. After being knocked back over a hundred meters, it crashed onto the sea of clouds, tumbling and shedding parts like a broken machine, finally rolling past Wind God Academy #2 and collapsing, barely alive.

“It…didn’t block it…” Wind God Academy #2’s pupils constricted beneath her mask, her world view shattering.

The defense-focused Cloud Chariot Wheel, the renowned meat shield of Wind God Academy that had given countless academies headaches…

Couldn’t even withstand a single attack from the Giant Moonlight Rabbit!?

“Clack!”

Only when the Golden Wheels returned to the Giant Moonlight Rabbit’s ears, tracing a crescent moon trajectory in the cloud sea, did everyone clearly see their form.

This was…

The Mid-Tier Weapon Species Golden Wheel!?

A ring-shaped Weapon Species…used like this?

“An agility-focused main battle pet beast…” At this moment, only the silver-haired girl on Lian Xing’s side saw through the Giant Moonlight Rabbit’s trick, her eyes widening in disbelief.

An agility-focused main battle pet beast? What kind of new-age Beast Taming strategy was this? Even for throwing-type attacks, most Beast Tamers focused on Strength!

“…”
“…”
“Too bad I can’t stack Combo with empty swings. Otherwise, that would have been the end…” Lian Xing shook her head regretfully, looking at the barely alive Cloud Chariot Wheel.

Then, she glanced at the Golden Wheels on the Giant Moonlight Rabbit’s ears. After colliding with the High-Tier Cloud Chariot Wheel, the smooth blades not only showed no signs of damage but also gleamed with a dazzling golden light.

“Wait, this durability…”

“Something’s not right?”

Lian Xing suddenly realized that the Golden Wheel’s hardness seemed abnormal. After all, as a Mid-Tier Weapon Species under level 10, after clashing with a defense-specialized High-Tier pet beast, the greater its power, the greater the wear and tear should be.

But…

The Golden Wheel was completely unscathed. It was powerful, but it didn’t have any defensive properties.

This gave Lian Xing a bad feeling.

Could someone have tampered with her chip?

Would she be banned by the system…?

She quickly opened the pet status panel. After defeating the High-Tier Cloud Chariot Wheel, the Golden Wheel had gained 3 training levels.

Following her gut feeling, Lian Xing tentatively allocated 1 training point to Speed.

[Speed: 9→10]

[Golden Wheel’s Speed attribute has reached 10 points. You can choose one Speed Arcane Art]

[Randomly generating Arcane Arts…]

[Diamond: Slightly increases hardness when moving faster (Cannot be selected)]

[Topaz (Mutation): Greatly increases rotation speed when moving faster]

[Amber (Mutation): Greatly increases weight when moving faster]

[Please choose two of the above Speed Arcane Arts]

At this moment, in the virtual battle, under the bewildered gazes of the other three, the stocking-clad, golden-haired girl stared blankly at her panel. This wasn’t an anime. The world wouldn’t pause while she was thinking.

So, Lian Xing had been standing there, frozen, for two whole minutes.

“Something’s wrong…” she finally muttered.

No wonder the Golden Wheel, at just level 9, could defeat the High-Tier Cloud Chariot Wheel with a single blow and remain undamaged…

It had unintentionally entered a mutated evolution path…

Mutated evolution occurred when a pet beast simultaneously fulfilled the final evolution requirements for two different paths at a specific stage. As a result, the pet beast would gain the power of both evolution paths.

Mutated evolution sounded wonderful, powerful, and dominant.

But the reality was tragic…

Because mutated evolution was actually a flawed path!

After the Golden Wheel evolved to High-Tier, there was a high probability…

That it would never be able to evolve again!!!

“…”
“…”

Something that was inherently flawed, an existence that shouldn’t have been born, how could it be allowed to evolve further? It was like being stuck between two evolution paths, trapped in a dead end, unable to move forward.

Countless mutated pet beasts had been stuck at their mutated state, watching their future evolution paths blocked, their progress forever halted.

“But, why?”

“Which two evolution paths did the Golden Wheel fulfill to become like this???”

“As far as I know, it only fulfilled one…” Lian Xing searched her memories but couldn’t find any clues.

However, if the requirements were already met, she could find out by checking the Golden Wheel’s information.

[Topaz Double Wheel, evolution requirements met]

[Defeat 2 High-Tier pet beasts before level 15]

Lian Xing first looked at the first line of text on the Golden Wheel’s information panel. This was indeed the answer she had in mind, the evolution path she had originally planned for the Golden Wheel. Although this condition was difficult for other Beast Tamers, it was perfect for Lian Xing, without any overly complex requirements.

But the other one…

What was it!?

Lian Xing anxiously scrolled through the Golden Wheel’s panel. A few seconds later, as lines of text filled the screen, the star patterns in her eyes froze.

[Rare — Amber Palace, evolution requirements met]

[Cannot equip any combat skills before High-Tier evolution]

[Defeat 2 High-Tier pet beasts before level 10]

[Cannot be defeated after battling before level 10, and must battle at least 3 times]

[The Beast Tamer must know the correct way to use ring-shaped weapons and must have instilled great fear in an enemy]

[The Beast Tamer’s resource investment in the Golden Wheel must exceed that of their main battle pet beast]

[The Beast Tamer must not have engaged in…selling or buying…themselves]

[The Beast Tamer’s hair and body hair must be golden]

[The Beast Tamer’s appearance must reach a certain level]

High-Tier — Weapon Species — Amber Palace!!

This didn’t exist in the Pet Beast Evolution Battle game.

So, it wasn’t that Lian Xing had forgotten, but that she simply didn’t know about it!!!

What kind of bizarre requirements were these?

What did the color of her body hair have to do with anything!!!

“Well, it’s mutated…”

“But at least one of the paths is a rare evolution. I’ll have to make do.” After much deliberation, Lian Xing let out a long sigh.

Once a pet beast entered a mutated evolution path, there was no turning back. Not only could the evolution path not be reset, but the contract with the pet beast couldn’t be terminated either. And the moment it reached level 30, it would be forcibly evolved into its true mutated form.

This meant…

Even if Lian Xing’s Giant Moonlight Rabbit reached Royal-Tier, the Golden Wheel would likely be stuck at High-Tier, forever—

[Topaz (Mutation): Greatly increases rotation speed when moving faster]

[Amber (Mutation): Greatly increases weight when moving faster]

Lian Xing stopped overthinking and chose both mutated Arcane Arts. Since it had already mutated, she might as well make the most of it, enjoying the benefits in the early game.

This way, the Golden Wheel would gain two Arcane Arts each time it activated…

At level 30, it would have 6 Arcane Arts.

At level 40, it would have 8!!

The claim that mutated evolutions could crush opponents of the same tier wasn’t an exaggeration.

Moreover, judging by the stringent requirements for the rare High-Tier evolution called “Amber Palace,” it clearly possessed a certain…powerful beauty.

In fact…

The reason Lian Xing could accept this so easily was because of a secret only she knew. Perhaps no one in this world, not even in Pet Beast Evolution Battle, knew this.

Mutated evolution…

Wasn’t truly a flawed path.

It was actually a pre-evolution requirement for one of the three special evolutions.

Alongside Ancient Species and Shining Species…

The Fallen Species!!!

Primordial, perfect, and…

The flawed, forbidden existence.

---

---

[Cloudtop Arena]

While the opponent was frozen for over five minutes, Wind God Academy #2 had healed the Cloud Chariot Wheel’s injuries with the help of another support-type Mechanical Species pet beast. The centaur with four wheels struggled to its feet, staring warily at the Giant Moonlight Rabbit.

Lian Xing didn’t move, and neither did her pet beast.

Just then, Lian Xing’s seemingly lifeless, dimmed starry eyes suddenly lit up. She looked around in a daze, gradually remembering what she was doing. Although she herself didn’t show any outward changes, Silver Dragon beside her clearly saw…

Without warning, the two Golden Wheels on the Giant Moonlight Rabbit’s ears changed color. One turned into a black and yellow jade-like hue, while the other gradually took on a dark red glow.

The mutation…had begun…

 

Chapter 30: The Astonishing Moonlight Rabbit!!

[Expert Mode: 2v2 Team Battle]
[Map: Cloudtop Arena]
[Reading data…]
[Wind God Academy #4 — Mid-Tier · Viral Species · Translucent Phantom Dragon]
[Wind God Academy #2 — High-Tier · Biological Species · Cloud Chariot Wheel]
[—VS—]
[Strongest Moonlight Rabbit — Mid-Tier · Biological Species · Giant Moonlight Rabbit]
[Wind God Academy #10 — High-Tier · Elemental Species · Wind Caller]

High above the ground, a boundless sea of clouds churned and stretched, a magnificent spectacle.

Cloudtop Arena, a massive battle map with no obstacles, only an expanse of clouds, the perfect battleground for long-range bombardment-type pet beasts.

As four figures materialized on either side of the cloud sea, three of them wore white, featureless masks. Only the stocking-clad girl with starry eyes and buns showed her face openly, without any disguise.

“…”
“…”

Seeing the information on the battle panel, Wind God Academy #4’s expression was a mixture of emotions. When she first saw Strongest Moonlight Rabbit, she thought she could finally get her revenge.

However, the next second…

Seeing the words “Wind Caller,” her burning fighting spirit was doused with cold water, turning into utter dread!!!

What was going on!?

Captain, why was she playing with Strongest Moonlight Rabbit!?

Meanwhile, Wind God Academy #2’s expression beneath her mask was also intriguing. Her surprised gaze darted between her captain and the golden-haired girl, occasionally letting out strange, cryptic exclamations.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk, no wonder~~~”

In fact, Silver Dragon had just received a message half a minute before the match. When Wind God Academy #4 and #2 logged on to train together, they accidentally discovered their captain’s alternate account online and, despite their fear of being punished, sent her a team invitation.

However, Silver Dragon declined, citing “something to do.”

And as fate would have it, they ended up being matched against each other…

“Heh, something to do…”

“Hehehehehe…” Wind God Academy #2 chuckled incessantly.

Silver Dragon’s expression beneath her mask was slightly unnatural.

But Lian Xing didn’t notice anything amiss, instead playfully ruffling the silver-haired girl’s hair and saying, “Beautiful, you’ve met your teammates~~~”

“Want to go easy on them?”

“No need. It’s just a virtual battle, not even a friendly match. We should give it our all—” Silver Dragon shook her head and said decisively.

“Then I’ll deal with #2. You take care of #4. I’ve encountered #4 before. She’s too weak, not much fun~~”

“O-Okay…” Silver Dragon nodded stiffly.

She wasn’t angry at Lian Xing for insulting #4, but she was slightly concerned…

#4 possessed the extremely rare Translucent Phantom Dragon and was still considered weak. Just how weak was she?

Perhaps this battle would provide the answer…

“Whoosh——!!!”

Silver Dragon extended her hand, and a silver hurricane staff materialized in her grasp. This time, she didn’t choose the High-Tier Wind Caller, but a support-type wind elemental weapon.

Mid-Tier — Weapon Species — Wind Scar!!!

Wind Scar was only around level 10. Since Silver Dragon was currently focusing on leveling up the Wind Caller, she had neglected her other pet beasts, leaving Wind Scar to gather dust in her inventory.

Seeing Wind Scar appear, the two Wind God Academy members opposite them knew their captain wasn’t taking this seriously. Perhaps she just wanted to see their performance!?

Thinking of this, Wind God Academy #4 became nervous. Her body and mind tensed, and two familiar illusory figures materialized behind her.

Mid-Tier — Elemental Species — Storm Pupil!!

Mid-Tier — Viral Species — Translucent Phantom Dragon!!!

“…”
“…”

Seeing this, Silver Dragon almost choked on her own saliva, her delicate face flushing red beneath her mask. She had told them countless times not to deploy multiple pet beasts unnecessarily. The Storm Pupil was useless besides hindering the Translucent Phantom Dragon’s movements, and even if they won, it would split the training experience gained by the main battle pet beast!!!

This was why #4 hadn’t been able to evolve her Translucent Phantom Dragon to High-Tier even after half a year…

“Boom!!!!”

Meanwhile, a misty wave erupted behind Wind God Academy #2. As four giant, cloud-wreathed chariot wheels appeared, a centaur-like pet beast materialized, shattering the surrounding clouds with its powerful aura.

Upon closer inspection, its four limbs weren’t hooves but wheels emitting clouds of steam!!!

High-Tier — Biological Species — Cloud Chariot Wheel!!!

Looking at the Cloud Chariot Wheel’s powerful aura, Silver Dragon nodded with satisfaction. Good progress. It seems to be close to level 50, about to unlock its second talent tree.

In any case, it was definitely much stronger than White Maple Academy’s Thundering Violet Lightning. She wondered how Strongest Moonlight Rabbit would fight against a higher-level opponent this time.

“…”
“…”
“I wonder how many levels I can gain this time~~~” Like Silver Dragon, Lian Xing was also pleased with the quality of her opponents.

Soon, the weak Moonlight Rabbit behind her began to grow, transforming into a Giant Moonlight Rabbit over five meters tall, its thick, soft ears drooping towards the soft sea of clouds.

Compared to the imposing figures of the Translucent Phantom Dragon and Cloud Chariot Wheel, the Giant Moonlight Rabbit looked like a baby.

However, as it exhaled slowly, an astonishing pressure forced the Translucent Phantom Dragon to take a few steps back. Wind God Academy #4, already traumatized from her previous defeat, swallowed hard.

This incredible pressure…

In just two days—

Just how many levels had this Giant Moonlight Rabbit gained…!?

Chapter 29: Lian Xing’s True Strength!

[Wind God Academy #10 wins]
[Final score: 2-0]
[Battle concluded early]

“…”
“…”
“Huh???”
“??????????”

As the message appeared on the screen, the livestream chat was filled with question marks. The idea of one of the Ten Greats losing to an ordinary player was beyond their comprehension. After all, the title of Ten Greats represented more than just student-level combat power…

Their fame extended across hundreds of regions. They were practically regional rulers!!!

And that Wind God Academy #10 was just a substitute, wasn’t she!?

“Whoosh!!!”

While Xiao Kui was still in stunned disbelief, she was teleported by a beam of light. The next moment, she was back in the team space. Looking at the silent, chestnut-haired girl with braids standing nearby, Xiao Kui cried out in disbelief, “Captain, how could you lose?”

“Were you…tricked too?”

Facing Xiao Kui’s question, Aurora’s face was dark as thunder. Her troubled expression didn’t look like someone who had been caught off guard by some trick.

“Smurf…” After a long silence, she finally muttered two words with a complicated expression. 

*The term ‘smurf’ is used in gaming to describe a player in an online game that creates a new account to play against lower-ranked players*

Although Silver Dragon wore Wind God Academy’s signature featureless mask during battles and hadn’t revealed her newly acquired Wind Caller this year, she recognized the opponent based on their mannerisms. That person clearly rarely wore clothes, looking awkward and unnatural in the outfit they had equipped. And during the battle, they kept adjusting the folds of their clothing…

A smurf account…

Heh…

Hearing her captain’s exasperated comment, Xiao Kui, eager to uncover the truth, didn’t ask further questions but instead opened the battle replay.

“I understand, Captain. A cheater, right?”

“They must have secretly modified the data. Otherwise, how could I be instantly killed by a Moonlight Rabbit!?” Xiao Kui exclaimed, fiddling with the replay controls.

However, just as she was about to switch to her teammate’s perspective, the chestnut-haired girl grabbed her arm.

“C-Captain…?”

“Don’t watch it. Delete it—” With a dark expression, Aurora dragged Xiao Kui’s finger to the delete button.

Then, with a “click,” the evidence was erased. Aurora finally let out a sigh of relief. The league was about to start. Leaking a recording of her being defeated at this time would affect the morale of the entire White Maple Academy…

Aurora didn’t bother explaining, leaving the team. Her figure gradually faded into light.

Xiao Kui was left alone in the battle space, dumbfounded, the livestream chat filled with question marks and doubts.

What just happened?

How could one of the Ten Greats be defeated by an ordinary player…?

---

---

[Giant Moonlight Rabbit — Obtained 2 Training Points]

[Training Value 20→22]

[Golden Wheel — Obtained 4 Training Points]

[Training Value 5→9]

Back in the team space after the battle, Lian Xing reviewed her gains with satisfaction. Although leveling up before level 10 was relatively easy, the Golden Wheel jumping 4 levels at once was a huge boost~~~

Having successfully defeated a higher-level opponent, the Giant Moonlight Rabbit also gained 2 levels. Maintaining this pace, reaching level 30 within nine hours wasn’t impossible!!!

Looking at the cheerful, golden-haired girl with buns, Silver Dragon stared at Lian Xing’s figure with a bewildered expression, as if seeing her for the first time.

“What’s wrong, beautiful?” Noticing the silver-haired girl staring at her, Lian Xing looked down, checking her stockings, then looked up and asked, puzzled.

Hearing this, Silver Dragon’s expression became even stranger.

“Did you just single-handedly defeat the Thundering Violet Lightning, a core member of White Maple Academy?”

“By the way, wasn’t your Youlan Academy…defeated 3-1 by that Thundering Violet Lightning last year?”

“…”
“…”
“I’m not sure. I was still playing in the mud with my Moonlight Rabbit at home this time last year. I only enrolled six months ago~~~” Lian Xing rubbed her buns and explained nonchalantly.

In this world, people usually awakened their first companion pet beast around the age of 13 or 14, gaining the qualification to contract pet beasts and become Beast Tamers. Like most Beast Taming students, Lian Xing’s predecessor had awakened at 14 and enrolled at 15.

She didn’t pay much attention to Youlan Academy’s past performance, only vaguely hearing about it. In last year’s Academy League, after Hei Lan’s second team was eliminated in the qualifiers by the dark horse White Maple Academy, the first team, carrying all the hopes of the academy, was then defeated 3-1 by White Maple Academy in the group stage, a humiliating nightmare. Whenever Youlan Academy students recalled that scene, they felt ashamed of being part of the academy.

Usually, Youlan Academy students didn’t even dare to wear their uniforms while playing virtual battles. If they encountered students from White Maple Academy, they wouldn’t even dare to speak loudly, acting like timid mice.

However, this had nothing to do with Lian Xing. Indifferent and lazy by nature, she didn’t even care much about the league results and naturally wouldn’t be affected by such trivial matters.

After all, the regional Academy League was just…child’s play…

“Oh, I see. So, shall we continue playing!?”

“Mm-hmm, same expert mode as before~~~” Seeing Lian Xing’s nonchalant attitude, Silver Dragon blinked thoughtfully, a strange sense of anticipation rising in her heart.

Defeating the Thundering Violet Lightning, a core member of White Maple Academy, in her first year of enrollment…

It seemed Youlan Academy would be worth watching this year~~~

However, Silver Dragon couldn’t figure out how Lian Xing had managed to defeat the Thundering Violet Lightning with just a Giant Moonlight Rabbit.

But surely, her question would be answered in the next match…!!!

Chapter 28: The True Form of the Golden Wheel!!!

“Impossible!”

“What happened?”

“Everyone, did anyone see that…?”

Xiao Kui, now spectating after her defeat, asked repeatedly, bewildered. But the livestream chat offered no answers. 99.99% of the viewers were ordinary students. If even Xiao Kui, a core member under one of the Ten Greats, hadn’t seen clearly, these viewers had no chance.

“Wait, could she be cheating…?” Xiao Kui bit her finger anxiously and opened the battle replay.

Some players with advanced Mechanical Species pet beasts would try to hack the virtual battle data. Although they occasionally succeeded, they were quickly caught and banned by the officials.

So, could Strongest Moonlight Rabbit be a cheater?

Otherwise, how could she be instantly killed by a mere Mid-Tier Giant Moonlight Rabbit!?

With suspicion in her heart, Xiao Kui rewound the replay to a minute earlier, the moment when the Thundering Violet Lightning had just dispersed the dust with its ultimate skill.

“Boom!!!!”

In the replay, a shocking wave of lightning and thunder erupted, dispersing the wind and dust within a radius of several hundred meters. Xiao Kui and the Thundering Violet Lightning reappeared, like protagonists making a grand entrance in an anime.

Seeing this scene from the spectator’s perspective, Xiao Kui was almost mesmerized by her own heroic figure. Her livestream chat must be going wild, right?

She became even more convinced that Strongest Moonlight Rabbit was a cheater. How could the powerful and invincible Thundering Violet Lightning be instantly killed by an ordinary player with a lower-level pet beast?

“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh——!!!!!”

The replay continued.

The Thundering Violet Lightning, transformed into a purple arc of electricity, flashed across dozens of meters in an instant, stopping directly above the Giant Moonlight Rabbit. As lightning energy crackled in the air, the Giant Moonlight Rabbit looked pathetically helpless. It couldn’t even move, paralyzed. How did it defeat her!?

Seeing this scene replayed, not only Xiao Kui but also the livestream viewers held their breath. Everyone focused on the golden-haired, stocking-clad girl with a calm expression, trying to determine if she was genuinely skilled or just a despised cheater.

Finally, the replay reached the final moment before the battle ended. To see how Strongest Moonlight Rabbit cheated, Xiao Kui had set the playback speed to 0.5x.

“—”
“—”
“Boom!!!”

In the next second, as the purple lightning was about to strike, two rapidly spinning golden wheels descended from the sky, intercepting the lightning’s path and landing steadily beside the Giant Moonlight Rabbit’s drooping ears. Instantly, the paralysis on the Giant Moonlight Rabbit disappeared, and it quickly grabbed the two Golden Wheels with its ears.

Then, its ears spun powerfully, throwing the wheels with an explosive force, creating a shockwave.

“Boom!!!!!!!!!!!!”

The 0.5x speed replay clearly showed what happened in that instant. As the Giant Moonlight Rabbit threw the Golden Wheels, its heels dug deep grooves into the ground, and the surface beneath its feet shattered from the impact.

[Sand Toss]
[Flurry]
[Combo]
[Heavy Metal]

“Whoosh——!!!!!”

In the next second, two earth-shattering golden beams, like high-speed laser cannons, pierced straight through the purple lightning, leaving parallel golden lines in the white chamber. From the spectator’s perspective, it looked as if the entire chamber had been sliced in two…

After piercing through the end of the map, the two Golden Wheels flew back even faster, taking less than three seconds.

“Clack!”

The Moonlight Rabbit easily caught the rapidly spinning wheels. A shockwave rippled behind its soft ears, but its massive body remained motionless, not even swaying.

Looking up again, all the pillars and obstacles in front of it had been cleanly bisected.

End of replay…

After watching the entire replay, Xiao Kui sat frozen in silence, as if her soul had left her body.

But the livestream chat exploded.

“Huh?”

“???”

“????????????”

“What was that? Aren’t those Golden Wheels?”

“Wait, wasn’t Xiao Kui watching at 0.5x speed? Why couldn’t I see clearly? Is this actually a 2x speed replay?”

“What the hell kind of power is that!?”

“A Moonlight Rabbit Biological Species evolution using Weapon Species…this is the first time I’ve seen this. This is insane!!!!?”

Xiao Kui, a core member of the White Maple Academy team, had been defeated by an ordinary player with a lower-level pet beast…

This result was unacceptable.

Xiao Kui lowered her head, her eyes unfocused, her mouth slightly open, unable to utter a word.

If the opponent had used the Golden Wheels from the beginning…

Forget getting close, she probably wouldn’t have even survived the first attack!!!

The Golden Wheels, thrown with the Moonlight Rabbit’s full power and enhanced by their own high-speed rotation, were on a completely different level compared to ordinary rocks and debris!

Xiao Kui realized that even at 0.5x speed, the Thundering Violet Lightning likely wouldn’t have been able to dodge!

Let alone at the actual, impossible-to-see speed…

Acknowledging the gap between them, Xiao Kui quickly adjusted her mentality and explained with a trembling voice, “I…I lost…”

“It’s…it’s fine. Winning and losing are common in battles. I don’t mind at all!!!”

“And everyone, don’t worry. Even if I was defeated, Strongest Moonlight Rabbit won’t have it easy~~”

“She’ll soon face the legendary Ten Greats, Captain Aurora of White Maple Academy~~~~”

“The Captain will avenge me!!!”

As if in answer to her forced reassurance, a prominent message appeared on the screen.

[Wind God Academy #10 wins]

[——]

[——]

[Final score: 2-0]

[Battle concluded early]

“…”
“…”
“Huh?????????”

Chapter 27: Instant Kill! 

“Strongest Moonlight Rabbit! It’s Strongest Moonlight Rabbit!!!”

“Everyone, it’s time for revenge!!!”

2v2 Virtual Battle, preparation phase.

Seeing the battle information, Xiao Kui, the orange-haired girl in black stockings, shouted excitedly. Yesterday, during the 100-Pet Battle Royale, she had been thoroughly humiliated by Strongest Moonlight Rabbit in front of tens of thousands of viewers. Not only had the opponent mocked her for shouting her pet beast’s combat skill names, but she had also been forced to eat dirt thanks to the annoying ranged throwing tactics. And most importantly, after Xiao Kui finally got close, the opponent had shamelessly quit!

“Everyone, the Death Chamber is a small to medium-sized duel map. Let’s see how she’ll try to cheat this time. I’m going to crush her and make her pay!!!”

“…”
“…”
“Xiao Kui sure holds a grudge. You used a High-Tier pet beast in a casual Battle Royale, what did you expect?”

“I vaguely remember, that Strongest Moonlight Rabbit seemed quite…alluring?”

“Alluring indeed. More like…alluringly bankrupting.”

“Xiao Kui, don’t get careless. What if the opponent has a hidden High-Tier pet beast? There’s no limit on the number of pet beasts in this mode.”

“Unlikely. Didn’t you see the power of that Giant Moonlight Rabbit!? It’s clearly her main battle pet beast…”

As Xiao Kui declared the start of the battle, the livestream chat erupted in arguments. Some criticized the rage quitting, others were annoyed at Xiao Kui for dominating casual mode. Some viewers suspected that Strongest Moonlight Rabbit had a hidden High-Tier pet beast.

However, this speculation was unlikely. Based on the Giant Moonlight Rabbit’s power and performance, it was clearly the main battle pet beast, consuming most of the team’s resources. If Strongest Moonlight Rabbit had a hidden High-Tier pet beast, her second pet beast wouldn’t be a combat type, but rather a support or defense type, or perhaps a suitable Weapon Species. This was common sense.

Seeing the endless arguments in the chat, Xiao Kui adjusted the camera angle, focusing on her teammate.

[White Maple Academy Captain]

A chestnut-haired girl in a light yellow robe, two plain braids hanging over her shoulders. She looked ordinary, even slightly unremarkable. Neither her appearance nor her demeanor was particularly striking, but the moment she appeared on screen, the arguing fans went wild.

“Captain Aurora, I’m your dog!!!!”

“Wuwuwu, I endure watching that bitch Xiao Kui’s livestream every day just for a chance to see Captain Aurora’s heroic figure!!!”

“When will Captain Aurora start streaming? If not streaming, some daily selfies would be nice!!!”

“I want to be trampled under the Captain’s feet and insulted~~~~~”

White Maple Academy Captain, ranked 9th among the Ten Greats, codename: Aurora. Her current virtual battle account had over 4 million followers.

She had single-handedly transformed the once obscure White Maple Academy into a popular prestigious school in just one year. Although still far from established powerhouses like Wind God Academy, as long as Aurora was enrolled, it was enough for White Maple Academy to reap substantial benefits.

At this moment, the somewhat plain-looking girl with braids ignored Xiao Kui and the frenzy in her livestream, simply standing quietly at the entrance of the chamber, waiting for the battle to begin.

The Death Chamber was a duel map. After entering, players would be randomly teleported to face an opponent of similar level. If both members of a team won, the battle would end immediately. If the results were one win and one loss, the two winners from the first round would fight to determine the final victor.

[Countdown complete, battle begin, please enter the chamber]

“Let’s go…” Aurora said softly before stepping into the portal leading to the chamber.

Xiao Kui quickly followed.

“…”

“Whoosh——!!!”

Inside a white, enclosed palace hall, filled with towering stone pillars, the illusory figures of the two girls began to solidify. Seeing the iconic buns and starry eyes opposite her, Xiao Kui let out a sigh of satisfaction.

Strongest Moonlight Rabbit…

It was her!!

The Death Chamber map, for balance, would automatically match players with similar levels from the two teams. Therefore, according to the system mechanics, Wind God Academy #10 would definitely be matched against the captain.

And Strongest Moonlight Rabbit was her prey~~~~

Finally, time for revenge!!!

“Boom!!!!”

As Xiao Kui’s thoughts raced, purple lightning crackled behind her. A purple humanoid figure, radiating intense light and electricity, materialized behind Xiao Kui.

High-Tier — Elemental Species — Thundering Violet Lightning!!!

Whether in the early or late game, Elemental Species were universally recognized as a strong choice. Their bodies were formless, difficult to capture, highly mobile, and their attack range was incredibly wide. Their only noticeable weaknesses were the difficulty in finding suitable Weapon Species support—

And the limitations on their combat skill types…

For example, Thundering Violet Lightning could only equip lightning-type combat skills. Even if it equipped ice or fire-type skills, it couldn’t use them~~

Meanwhile, the Moonlight Rabbit also grew in size behind the golden-haired, bun-wearing girl, quickly transforming into a massive snow-white creature.

Mid-Tier — Biological Species — Giant Moonlight Rabbit!

Lian Xing smiled at Xiao Kui and her Thundering Violet Lightning in the distance. In the previous Battle Royale, each player could only deploy one pet beast, so the Moonlight Rabbit was naturally no match for the Thundering Violet Lightning.

But in this mode, things were different…

“Crack—”

The Giant Moonlight Rabbit casually pulled a piece from a stone pillar, crushing it into fine, sharp dust with its powerful grip, then assumed a throwing stance, aiming at the Thundering Violet Lightning a hundred meters away.

Seeing this, Xiao Kui, already wary, didn’t have time to explain to her viewers, quickly climbing onto the Thundering Violet Lightning’s shoulder.

Then, with a “Whoosh,” a flash of purple lightning streaked across the arena. The Thundering Violet Lightning moved like a bolt of lightning, tearing through the space in the blink of an eye, creating a deafening roar of thunder.

At the same time, the Giant Moonlight Rabbit swung its ears, throwing all the crushed stone.

[Sand Toss]
[Flurry]

“Boom, boom, boom, boom!!!!”

With a loud explosion, a rain of debris covered the entire area. Dust and wind swept through the arena, stone pillars collapsing into ruins, the ground riddled with holes.

Facing such a wide-ranging AOE attack, the Thundering Violet Lightning dodged with difficulty, weaving through the debris like an agile arc of electricity. If it were alone, it could easily break through the barrage.

Unfortunately, it was carrying Xiao Kui, whose larger hitbox made it much more difficult to dodge. A single hit would be devastating…

Seeing that the Thundering Violet Lightning couldn’t escape for the time being, the Giant Moonlight Rabbit threw another handful of debris.

[Sand Toss]
[Flurry]
[Combo]

“Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!!!!!”

This time, with Combo activated, the power and noise of the falling debris were significantly greater. Almost the entire arena was covered in dust, making it impossible to see the opponent’s location.

But it didn’t matter. The Giant Moonlight Rabbit, energized, continued to break off pieces of the stone pillars and throw them with all its might, bombarding the area indiscriminately. Soon, an entire pillar was demolished.

The Moonlight Rabbit moved to the next pillar, continuing its relentless barrage.

[Sand Toss]
[Flurry]
[Combo]

With the endless barrage of debris, the dust became thicker, and the noise grew louder. Lian Xing’s eardrums ached, but she had finally figured out the limit of Combo.

Ten stacks. That was the maximum number of stacks for Combo.

By throwing five times with each ear, she could max out the stacks, doubling the damage of each subsequent throw.

“The actual combat effect is far beyond expectations…”

“So, do pre-battle swings count towards the stacks?”

“I’ll try it next time…” Lian Xing muttered to herself, standing at the foot of the Giant Moonlight Rabbit, tapping her chin.

Meanwhile, seeing the screen filled with dust and hearing the constant explosions, the viewers in Xiao Kui’s livestream were stunned.

“That Moonlight Rabbit…it’s become so much stronger in just one day. Is Xiao Kui going to lose!?”

“She has such a level advantage, why can’t she crush her opponent? Xiao Kui, you useless…!!!”

“Can’t Xiao Kui use some ranged attacks to harass the opponent before they attack? Don’t let them attack so easily…”

“A High-Tier Thundering Violet Lightning can’t beat a Mid-Tier Giant Moonlight Rabbit? Whose fault is that!?”

Frustrated viewers started criticizing Xiao Kui.

Meanwhile, hiding in the dust and constantly being bombarded, Xiao Kui was also furious, barely holding on with the Thundering Violet Lightning’s lightning shield. But after several rounds of bombardment, the lightning shield dimmed, cracks appearing on its surface.

“You’ve got to be kidding me, this is a Purple Quality defensive combat skill…”

“It seems I have to use that…”

“Damn Moonlight Rabbit, forcing me to reveal this before the league! Now all the other teams will be prepared!!!”

“Die!!!” With Xiao Kui’s furious scream, the Thundering Violet Lightning received its new command. It brought its hands together, forming a crackling purple sphere of energy that expanded in all directions.

“Super Thunderstorm!!!!”

“Boom!!!!!!!!!!!!”

In the next second, with a deafening roar, a purple ring of lightning swept through the entire battle space. Instantly, all nearby dust and debris turned to ash, the surrounding pillars charred black, the entire hundred-meter arena cleared.

The Giant Moonlight Rabbit, hit by the attack, stopped throwing, its body stiff, electric arcs coursing across its fur.

[Super Thunderstorm (Dark Purple): Based on Spirit attribute, consumes a large amount of energy, indiscriminately clears the surrounding area, paralyzing all enemies]

Seeing the Giant Moonlight Rabbit paralyzed, Xiao Kui finally smiled with satisfaction.

This was the end…

“Flash Thunder!!!!”

“Boom!!!!!”

With a deafening roar, a flash of lightning streaked across the battlefield. The Thundering Violet Lightning descended from the sky like a demon god, its body wreathed in electricity, landing before the Giant Moonlight Rabbit and Lian Xing.

In close combat, the Giant Moonlight Rabbit, which relied on throwing attacks, had no chance.

However, too worried about the opponent rage quitting again, Xiao Kui didn’t even have time to taunt, immediately ordering the Thundering Violet Lightning to kill.

But facing the incoming lightning, Lian Xing simply chuckled.

“Boom!!!!”

Just as the purple lightning was about to strike the Giant Moonlight Rabbit—

Two golden lights descended from the sky with a buzzing sound!!

In that instant, the entire screen was engulfed in golden light, and no one could see what was happening.

Three seconds later…

A clear message appeared before everyone.

[Strongest Moonlight Rabbit wins]

[Please wait for the results of the other battle]

“Huh?”

Not only were the livestream viewers dumbfounded…

Xiao Kui, now spectating after being defeated, was also completely bewildered and confused, her teeth gritted. In that instant, she hadn’t seen what happened, only feeling as if she and the Thundering Violet Lightning had been pierced by golden light.

What just happened?

She had been instantly killed by a Mid-Tier Giant Moonlight Rabbit?

How…!?

Chapter 26: Star Sand

One of the 72 Legends, Star Sand.

Born as a High-Tier Elemental Species, its movements were unpredictable, and it was extremely difficult to capture. Its near-immortal nature even led some to question whether it could even be defeated.

However, obtaining Star Sand came with the burden of fulfilling its evolution requirements. The evolution requirements of Legendary pet beasts were…well, let’s just say they were incredibly demanding, bordering on impossible.

[1. Defeat a Royal-Tier pet beast.]
[2. Equip three Gold Quality combat skills.]
[3. Equip one control-type Gold Quality combat skill.]
[4. Kill one thousand pet beasts within three seconds.]
[5. Drink no more than one liter of water per day.]
[6. Star Sand must sleep for 16 hours per day and cannot battle during this time. The required sleep time will gradually decrease with each tier increase.]
[8. Cannot…”engage” with…a Beast Tamer who possesses a Water-type Elemental Species pet beast.]
[9. Must offer a crystal mineral vein equivalent to the energy of a Commander-Tier pet beast every month. Failure to feed within the time limit will increase Star Sand’s sleep duration. Failure to feed for three consecutive months will force Star Sand into a 100-day slumber.]

Youlan Academy, student dormitory.

After showering, the golden-haired girl, her body covered in glistening water droplets, sat at her desk with a towel wrapped around her, one fair leg crossed over the other, diligently writing down all the information she knew in a small notebook.

Star Sand’s Commander-Tier evolution requirements weren’t just demanding, they were beyond the comprehension of a normal Beast Tamer. It was just a Commander-Tier evolution, why was a Royal-Tier involved!?

Even more terrifying was the last requirement.

Offering a crystal mineral vein equivalent to the energy of a Commander-Tier pet beast every month…

Even if she didn’t eat or drink and worked…25 hours a day, she couldn’t afford that, right?

“However, although the evolution requirements are difficult, it’s also advantageous for me…”

“After all, the less people here know, the less likely Star Sand is to choose them.”

“Legendary Rare Species aren’t just about first come, first served…”

“There are nine hours until the beast tide opens. Just enough time!!”

After quickly organizing the information, Lian Xing, without even drying her hair, logged into the virtual battle space.

Normally, it would take two or three months for a Mid-Tier pet beast to level up from 20 to 30. But for Lian Xing, making the Giant Moonlight Rabbit jump 10 levels in these short 9 hours wasn’t impossible.

“Connect!!!”

“Whoosh——!!!”

With a flash of particle light, the real world before Lian Xing blurred. A few seconds later, when she opened her eyes again, she was in the virtual battle’s character space.

She quickly opened her friends list.

[Wind God Academy #10 — Online, 2v2 Mixed Battle Mode]

[Tao Wan — Offline]

[Yu Bo — Offline]

[Ding-dong!]

[Strongest Moonlight Rabbit: Want to play together after you’re done?]

Lian Xing sent a message to the silver-haired girl she had met earlier.

The next second, system notifications popped up.

[Wind God Academy #10 has logged off]

[Wind God Academy #10 has logged on]

[Wind God Academy #10 — Online]

[Wind God Academy #10: Sure, I just forfeited the last match.]

[Strongest Moonlight Rabbit: …]

“No need to be so eager, right?” Lian Xing was slightly puzzled but didn’t think too much about it, sending a team invitation.

A few seconds later, a graceful, illusory figure materialized in Lian Xing’s training room, taking the form of a naked, silver-haired girl. They stared at each other, dumbfounded.

“Whoosh!”

Instantly, the silver-haired girl quickly opened the outfit system on the system panel, covering her…exposed form.

On the other hand, Lian Xing remained unfazed, seemingly unaware that she was only wearing a bath towel. Looking at Lian Xing’s alluring appearance, her golden hair cascading down her shoulders, Silver Dragon swallowed hard and nervously explained, “Don’t misunderstand. I was lying in bed playing virtual battles. I had an outfit equipped, but it seems to have been reset when I joined the team.”

“Mm…” Lian Xing nodded subtly, understanding the other girl’s predicament. To fully control the High-Tier Wind Caller came with restrictions, such as limited clothing time each day, often unable to even leave the house. Once she contracted Star Sand, the situation would be just as challenging. Even when thirsty, she might not be able to drink water.

“By the way, what about you? Your hair isn’t even dry, is it?” After staring at the golden-haired girl with her hair down for half a minute, Silver Dragon reluctantly looked away, subtly hinting.

Lian Xing looked down, finally realizing…

She had entered the virtual space wearing only a bath towel, her hair still wet and reaching her waist. But she showed no embarrassment, casually opening the system settings and equipping her previous virtual appearance.

As mentioned before, in Lian Xing’s mind, as long as she was wearing stockings, she wasn’t naked. And the white bath towel she was currently wearing was slightly translucent, revealing the curves of her body.

So, it could barely be considered…stockings~~~

If she were wearing a thick towel, she would feel like she was wearing nothing at all.

After changing her appearance, Lian Xing rubbed her virtual bun hairstyle.

“So, what now? Want to play 2v2? You should be a high level, right?”

“I’m trying to level up quickly. Can you carry me in expert mode?”

“…”
“…”
“Expert mode?” Silver Dragon hesitated, hearing Lian Xing’s request.

Expert mode was different from casual mode. In expert mode, all matched players had pet beasts of similar level to the highest-level pet beast in her lineup.

She was more than willing to carry Lian Xing, however…

Glancing at her own level, which was over 80, the silver-haired girl nodded stiffly.

---

---

[Expert Mode: 2v2 Team Battle]

[Map: Death Chamber]

[Reading data…]

[White Maple Academy Captain — High-Tier · Weapon Species · Sky Measuring Arrow]

[Nimble-Fingered Xiao Kui (Contact for Private Lessons) — High-Tier · Elemental Species · Thundering Violet Lightning]

[—VS—]

[Strongest Moonlight Rabbit — Mid-Tier · Biological Species · Giant Moonlight Rabbit]

[Wind God Academy #10 — High-Tier · Elemental Species · Wind Caller]

Unexpectedly, their first match was against the main team of White Maple Academy, home to one of the Ten Greats…

This was Lian Xing’s speed leveling plan!

At a normal pace, it was impossible for a pet beast to jump from level 20 to 30 in a few hours. But…

If she constantly fought against higher-level opponents, it might just be possible!!!

During the pre-battle countdown, as the characters loaded, a black-stockinged girl with orange hair shouted in surprise, “Strongest Moonlight Rabbit! It’s Strongest Moonlight Rabbit!!!”

“Everyone, it’s time for revenge!!!”

Chapter 25: Awakening!!

“Sob, sob, sob, sob, sob~~~~”

In broad daylight, the golden-haired girl in white suspender stockings lay on the ground, crying and wailing, tears and snot streaming down her face, her face flushed red. The key to throwing a tantrum was choosing the right time and place, understanding priorities.

Just like when Lian Xing first transmigrated, she kept crying about the Ancient Species but never mentioned the word “transmigration.” This time was the same. No matter how frustrated and aggrieved she felt, she couldn’t reveal the information about the Purple Quality combat skill chest.

So, Lian Xing considered herself relatively rational. When she threw tantrums while playing games in her past life, she would at most break a few keyboards, never punching through the monitor.

What did everyone think?

Type 1 to resurrect Lian Xing’s keyboard.

At this moment, looking at the golden-haired, bun-wearing girl rolling on the ground, Ye Zhuzhi, the green-haired woman in the high-slit cheongsam, covered her mouth with her hands in amazement, as if her deepest desires had been awakened.

“Wow, such a beauty…”

“What happened?”

“…”
“…”
“It’s obvious she lost something valuable. What else could it be~~~” Chi Yan rolled her eyes impatiently.

The thought of her captain about to capture the Legendary Rare Species made her skin crawl. She wanted to rush back into Youxi Valley and cause chaos.

However…

At that very moment!

As if sensing something, Chi Yan’s impatient expression suddenly changed.

“Fire Armament!!!”

“Whoosh——!!!”

In the next second, the giant bat with purple flame patterns descended from the sky, its wings covering Chi Yan and Ye Zhuzhi.

At the same time, Purple Smoke, the portal guardian, also sensed something was wrong. It buzzed, spewing dense smoke in all directions, covering the surrounding students.

“Boom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Without warning, an explosion like a nuclear bomb detonated.

The entire eastern Youxi Valley was engulfed in golden flames, and all nearby buildings were blown away. The terrifying shockwave made it impossible to open one’s eyes.

A giant golden vortex rose into the sky, shaking the surrounding area for dozens of miles, soon reaching the entire Youlan Academy.

“…”
“…”
“This is…awakening…” Amidst the screams and roars of small beasts, her vision covered by the golden wave, the golden-haired girl who had been rolling on the ground slowly stood up, her expression serious, covering her mouth thoughtfully.

The violent wind broke through the purple smoke barrier, whipping Lian Xing’s hair and skirt. But she stood motionless, her eyes fixed on the center of the golden vortex.

“Whoosh——!!!!!”

After a dozen seconds, the dust settled.

Under the incredulous gazes of everyone nearby, a golden sphere of light covered the Youxi Valley area, enveloping the night sky for dozens of miles. The surface of the sphere was covered in dazzling nebula patterns, resembling a small star!!

What’s going on? The impact seemed so powerful, but there’s no real damage…? Everyone checked themselves for injuries, but surprisingly, they found no wounds or even scratches after being hit by the golden nebula’s energy wave. It was as if only the wind had been strong.

But what the hell was this sphere of light!!!

“The Captain is still inside. I hope she’s okay!” Ye Zhuzhi said worriedly, wanting to investigate but afraid to approach.

Meanwhile, looking at the golden nebula barrier, Purple Smoke, the guardian, frowned in disbelief.

“Beast tide…”

“Has a Super Rare Species been born!?”

“…”
“…”

“There’s a high probability of a beast tide occurring a dozen hours before a Super Rare Species awakens.”

“And a Legendary Rare Species will definitely trigger a beast tide!”

As everyone stood in shock and confusion, the golden-haired girl with dust-covered white stockings muttered to herself, walking towards the surface of the golden nebula. The star patterns in Lian Xing’s eyes twinkled like never before, her expression almost demonic as she reached out her hand.

“Don’t touch it—!!!” Tao Wan shouted, her face pale.

However, as soon as she finished speaking, Lian Xing’s hand touched the surface of the golden barrier, creating ripples but causing no other reaction.

A beast tide referred to the awakening phenomenon of a pet beast, a self-preservation mechanism for Rare Species. The golden shockwave earlier hadn’t harmed them because it was just a ripple of energy released during awakening. The real danger was yet to come…

Awakening was a special combat form, independent of the evolution path!!!

Only Super Rare Species had a chance of awakening. After awakening, their previous combat style and form would change completely, like a second evolution on top of their current tier.

And all wild pet beasts within the beast tide’s radius would temporarily become companion beasts of the Rare Species, protecting it from approaching Beast Tamers until it fully awakened. Because in the world of pet beasts, Rare Species held a status akin to emperors.

Especially the 72 Legends. Even dominant pet beasts two tiers higher would feel the urge to kneel and submit before them.

However, the chance of a 72 Legends being born in this remote corner of Youlan Academy was practically zero.

Lian Xing, holding onto that 0.0000001% possibility, glanced at the worried green-haired girl, Ye Zhuzhi.

“She said their captain was still inside…?”

“That means their team must have seen it…”

“Judging by the scale and nature of this beast tide, it should be an initially High-Tier Elemental Species. If it’s a 72 Legends, there are only four possibilities.”

“Let’s test it out—”

With that, Lian Xing turned and walked towards Ye Zhuzhi.

Meanwhile, seeing the golden-haired, bun-wearing, stocking-clad girl approaching her, Ye Zhuzhi’s heart skipped a beat, forgetting even her captain trapped inside the barrier.

“Beauty, what can I do for you?” Ye Zhuzhi asked, practically drooling, a perfect picture of a simp.

“…”

“Senior sister, I heard you say your captain is still inside, right?” Facing the smitten green-haired girl, Lian Xing twirled a strand of hair and smiled sweetly.

“Yes, beauty, our captain and another team member didn’t get teleported out for some reason…”

“Mm, that means they were near that thing at the time, right?”

“What thing?” Ye Zhuzhi was confused by Lian Xing’s probing questions.

With her limited knowledge of pet beasts, she didn’t even know about beast tides or awakening, let alone that someone could guess the presence of a Super Rare Species just by observing the beast tide.

“Is it the Moonwalker?”

“Or…the Black Sun?”

“Or perhaps…the Golden Paradise!?”

The golden-haired girl listed a series of names that Ye Zhuzhi didn’t recognize, assuming it was some kind of code for…certain services.

However, hearing these names, Chi Yan realized something was wrong.

She wanted to interrupt, but it was too late.

“Star Sand?”

“…”
“…”

As expected, the moment Lian Xing said that, Ye Zhuzhi’s expression changed drastically. Chi Yan, although somewhat prepared, was still shocked, unable to control her expression. Ye Zhuzhi opened her mouth slightly, wanting to explain or deny, but no words came out.

“I see. I have my answer…” There was no need for further words. Lian Xing turned and left.

A few seconds later, under the pale gazes of Ye Zhuzhi and Chi Yan, the golden-haired girl with buns walked further and further away, soon disappearing from sight.

From wailing and rolling on the ground to quickly escaping, the entire process took less than a minute. Her dramatic shift in behavior was seamless.

The others were puzzled. Tao Wan scratched her head, confused by Lian Xing’s sudden change of heart.

However, unnoticed by anyone, after walking a short distance…

Lian Xing clenched her fists so tightly that her knuckles turned white, the star patterns in her eyes twinkling like stage lights.

“I didn’t expect a 72 Legends to appear here!!”

“The outer barrier of the beast tide can only last for ten hours. Once it’s gone, Beast Tamers can enter freely!!!”

“Against Star Sand, one of the 72 Legends, the Mid-Tier Giant Moonlight Rabbit is no match. I need to reach the High-Tier evolution path…”

“And then, whether it’s the purple combat skill chest or Star Sand…”

“I want them both!!!!”

Chapter 24: Return to the City

“Holy shit, a Purple Quality random combat skill chest!!!”

“Why the hell isn’t it using it itself!?” Seeing the purple treasure chest attached to the High-Tier Mechanical Species Crystal Arrow Turret, Lian Xing’s eyes almost popped out of her head, and she couldn’t help but curse.

A combat skill type selection chest, as the name suggested, allowed one to choose a specific combat skill type from all available options and then randomly receive a skill of that type. Although it was still random in nature, its greatest value lay in fulfilling the extremely specific evolution requirements of certain pet beasts…

Throwing, Sword, Dual Wield, Heavy, Combat, Support, Special Effect, Burst, Resistance, Comprehensive.

Any type or category could be chosen. It was a dream come true!

Suddenly, Lian Xing felt the urge to…use the restroom…

But, come to think of it…

Treasures of this level were usually opened immediately. Why would the Crystal Arrow Turret keep it until now?

Oh, it’s a Mechanical Species, that explains it… Recovering from her shock, Lian Xing quickly figured it out. A wild High-Tier Biological, Elemental, or Weapon Species pet beast, or even a Beast Tamer, wouldn’t hesitate to open the chest immediately.

But Viral and Mechanical Species were a different story.

Especially a High-Tier Mechanical Species. Without a master’s guidance, it might not even know what type of combat skill it needed, so it kept the chest until now.

However, the fact that it carried the chest with it meant it knew how valuable it was!

“Buzzzzzzzz——!!!”

The Crystal Arrow Turret, its eight wheels whirring, sped towards the Giant Moonlight Rabbit like a rocket. It charged forward, flashing ice-blue lights, like a police siren.

[Combat Skill: Overload Deployment (Purple) — Deploys a large number of single-use Mid-Tier Crystal Quivers around itself]

“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!!!!”

In the next second, with flashes of white light, countless crystal spheres materialized on the Crystal Arrow Turret, quickly covering its entire body in dozens of layers. Then, all the Crystal Quivers aimed at the Giant Moonlight Rabbit, and the Crystal Arrow Turret itself began to glow brightly.

“Such power and firepower, worthy of a High-Tier…” Lian Xing looked up at the intensifying blue light, impressed.

This seemed to be her first time facing a High-Tier pet beast head-on since arriving in this world!

Meanwhile, facing the hundreds of Crystal Quivers on the Crystal Arrow Turret, the Giant Moonlight Rabbit showed no signs of backing down. It used its ears to crush the crystals on the cave walls, grinding them into fine, sharp shards with a crunching sound.

“…”
“…”
“Boom——!!!”

An explosion erupted.

Hundreds of Crystal Quivers surrounding the Crystal Arrow Turret detonated simultaneously, a torrential rain of ice shards raining down on Lian Xing and the Moonlight Rabbit. Shockwaves rippled through the air, shattering everything in their path.

Just as they were about to be engulfed by the icy wave, Lian Xing commanded, “Bunny, counterattack!!”

The Giant Moonlight Rabbit was already in a throwing stance, ready to retaliate. Lian Xing looked on with anticipation. She couldn’t wait to see if the Giant Moonlight Rabbit could block a High-Tier pet beast’s full-power attack with Sand Toss!

But in the next second…

Lian Xing’s starry eyes widened, and her expression turned strange.

“What’s going on?”

Suddenly, she and the Giant Moonlight Rabbit’s massive bodies began to blur, enveloped in a white light. Even the Crystal Arrow Turret seemed distorted in her vision.

“What, what’s happening…”

“Is this the main city’s forced teleportation function?”

“Wait, wait a minute!”

“I haven’t gotten my purple selection chest yet! Hey!!!!”

“Don’t teleport me!!!”

“Whoosh—”

Lian Xing and the Giant Moonlight Rabbit vanished in an instant.

The next second, the spot where they had stood was engulfed by a wave of crystal shards, the storm of icy projectiles tearing through the cave.

Soon, as the ice dust in the air settled…

The entire cave was in ruins, the ground covered in ice shards, leaving no space to stand.

“…”
“…”

The enemy had disappeared. Looking at the devastated cave, the emotionless Crystal Arrow Turret stopped moving. Its eight blue-flaming wheels extinguished, and the Crystal Quivers on its body dimmed and shattered.

And the precious purple combat skill chest remained securely placed on top of the turret.

---

---

Youlan Academy East Portal Area.

With flashes of white light, a dozen figures were teleported back one after another. Ye Zhuzhi, Chi Yan, Hei Lan, Tao Wan, Yin Huomei, and the other two team members were all present. Even a few solo players who had been training in Youxi Valley exchanged bewildered glances, completely unaware of what had happened.

“The wilderness’ forced protection mechanism has been activated…”

“What happened? Why didn’t the Captain and the others come back?”

“…”
“…”

Ye Zhuzhi and Chi Yan, core members of the first team, exchanged glances, their expressions grim.

Ye Zhuzhi was worried about her captain’s safety.

Chi Yan was afraid that her captain had already contracted the Legendary Rare Species. If so, she would have no chance of competing for first place.

As everyone stood in shock, the High-Tier Viral Species, Purple Smoke, the portal guardian, explained, “Don’t panic. There seems to be an energy fluctuation exceeding High-Tier. The wilderness will reopen once the academy investigates the source.”

“Until the cause is identified, the wilderness will remain closed.”

Hearing this, all the members of Hei Lan’s team looked at Ye Zhuzhi and Chi Yan in disbelief.

What were those first team members up to?

How could there be an energy fluctuation exceeding High-Tier…?

If they encountered a Commander-Tier pet beast, even the top-ranked Supernova wouldn’t last three seconds, right?

However, as everyone exchanged bewildered glances in the dead silence, a faint cry suddenly came from the side.

“Sob, sob, sob—”

“Sob, sob, sob, sob, sob~~~~”

A golden-haired girl in white suspender stockings lay on the ground, sobbing and covering her face with tears and snot streaming down her face. Her delicate face was flushed red, her nose so stuffed that she could barely breathe.

Gone. The purple treasure chest that was almost within her grasp…gone…

Lian Xing wanted to wail and roll around on the ground, but she forcibly suppressed her emotions, preventing herself from accidentally revealing the information about the purple treasure chest.