The scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meat filled the inn’s common dining area. Although not present, the meal was given to them by the Burrow Master – an extended sign of gratitude for defeating the giant serpent. Morning light streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the wooden table where Chase and Selena sat.

  Selena, seated comfortably with her tail curled around the chair’s leg, was fully focused on her meal. A satisfied hum rumbled from her throat as she tore into her breakfast, savoring every bite.

  Chase, however, had stopped mid-chew. His fork hovered in the air, his gaze locked on Selena—but not really at her. He was staring blankly, lost in thought, the food in his mouth completely forgotten.

  Selena’s ears twitched as she took notice. Her chewing slowed, golden eyes narrowing slightly.

  Selena (to self): I know that look...

  She swallowed, set her fork down, and leaned forward slightly.

  Selena: Chase! What are you thinking?

  Chase snapped out of it, nearly choking on his food before hastily swallowing.

  Chase: Ah—uh, just thinking about the Burrow Master’s terms before committing the tribe to an alliance.

  Selena tilted her head.

  Chase: So, I need to secure an alliance with other beast tribes first. I was thinking… the Lion Tribe might be a good place to start.

  A flicker of something—pride, amusement, curiosity—flashed across Selena’s face.

  Selena: You know they’re not exactly the most... welcoming, even if some of them did warm up to you. What’s on your mind, Chase?

  Chase straightened, his fingers idly tapping the side of his cup.

  Chase: Your tribe is one of the most formidable and respected among the beast tribes. If we could have them as a guarantor, then the others might be more open to an alliance.

  Selena folded her arms, allowing his words to settle. There was a distinct gleam in her eyes, one that spoke of both pride and challenge.

  Selena: Formidable and respected, huh? I can't argue with that.

  She let the moment linger, savoring the recognition, before her expression shifted—just slightly. A hint of concern crept in.

  Selena: Still, it won’t be easy. My people don’t give their loyalty lightly, and you’ve already seen how they test outsiders. Even with me vouching for you, they'd want to know exactly what we're bringing to the table.

  For a brief moment, she hesitated, as if weighing something in her mind. Then, her lips curled into a smirk.

  She leaned in just a little.

  Selena: Think you can handle another round of proving yourself? Or should I start making bets on how long you’ll last?

  Chase met her gaze, and instead of looking daunted, he smirked right back.

  Chase: I’ve faced worse, haven’t I? Besides, I’ve been talking to one for a considerable amount of time.

  Selena let out a small, amused huff, her tail flicking once behind her.

  Selena: Mm, tempting… (Smirk) This I’d like to see.

  Chase chuckled, shaking his head as he picked up his fork again. The weight of his decision hadn’t changed, but something about Selena’s confidence made it feel less like an impossible challenge.

  With breakfast finished, Chase and Selena went back to their room, feeling a little more settled about his plan. But before he could get too comfortable, a nagging thought crept into his mind.

  Travel expenses.

  Chase reached for his pouch, loosening the drawstring and peering inside. A frown immediately formed on his face. He gave it a little shake. The clinking of coins was… disappointingly light.

  Selena flicked an ear at the sound. Her eyes lazily shifted toward him.

  Selena: That doesn’t sound like the jingle of confidence.

  Chase sighed, closing the pouch and placing it on the bed.

  Chase: Our money won’t sustain our travel back to your tribe. We need to get some more funds first.

  Selena raised a brow.

  Selena: Not enough, huh? How much are we talking here?

  Chase: We still have enough for two days or less. But your tribe doesn’t have an adventurer’s guild, so staying there will just deplete our funds.

  She gave him a knowing look but didn’t comment further. Instead, Chase pulled out his map and unfolded it across the nearby table. His finger traced the roads leading away from the Hareveil Village, stopping at a town east of their location.

  Chase: Redwick Town is in the east. If we head there first, we can take on a few jobs and earn enough for the trip.

  Selena leaned over, glancing at the map. Then, her ears perked slightly in question.

  Selena: Wait… why go there? If we just head back to Brookstead, we can take jobs there instead. It’s along the way, too.

  Chase tensed for a fraction of a second before resting his chin on his hand. His other hand gripped the edge of the map, his fingers pressing into the parchment.

  Chase: …Brookstead isn’t an option.

  Selena caught the shift in his tone and gave him a sharp look.

  Selena: And why is that?

  Chase exhaled through his nose, scratching the back of his head. He hesitated, gaze flicking away for a brief moment before forcing himself to meet hers.

  Chase: Remember last time we were there? I took the Ashenford mission… only to return without anything to show for it.

  Selena blinked before a slow, wicked smirk stretched across her lips.

  Selena: Ah! So that’s why you were so eager to leave town yesterday, huh?

  Chase groaned, running a hand down his face.

  Chase: I just… don’t want to show my face there… for now.

  Selena propped her chin up with one hand, thoroughly enjoying this.

  Selena: Hah. So the mighty Chase is too ashamed to return to his place of embarrassment, huh?

  Chase: Not embarrassed—just… aware of my pride.

  Selena: (Grin) Sounds like embarrassment to me.

  Chase shot her a flat look, but it only made her more entertained.

  Selena: (Chuckle) Alright, alright. I’ll let you have this one. East it is, then.

  With their course decided, Chase rolled up the map and stood. Selena stretched her arms, letting out a satisfied sigh before following suit.

  The Burrow Master’s Residence

  Chase and Selena made their way to the Burrow Master’s residence. The village had returned to its usual quiet bustle, now that the serpent no longer lurked by the riverbanks. Life carried on, though the weight of its past terror still lingered in unspoken ways.

  As they neared the entrance, the wooden doors creaked open, and the Burrow Master stepped out, greeting them with a calm yet knowing gaze.

  Thayren: Ah, I knew you two were coming. What brings you here so soon? Come, step inside.

  Chase: Actually…

  Chase wanted to say he was surprised on how fast information is being delivered to village. But he got already used to it and did not question it anymore.

  Chase: …we just wanted to thank you for accommodating us, Burrow Master, and to bid farewell.

  The Burrow Master studied them for a moment before letting out a thoughtful hum.

  Thayren: (Chuckle) You move as swiftly as you fight. I must say, after what you did to rid us of that serpent, the burrow finally feels safe again.

  Chase tilted his head slightly, sensing a shift in the Burrow Master's stance.

  Thayren: I’ve been reconsidering committing my people to your cause.

  For a brief moment, Selena glanced at Chase, curious as to how he would respond. But he didn’t hesitate.

  Chase: I appreciate that, Burrow Master, but you were right. If we’re to unite the beasts into this alliance, we have to prove that our cause is worth pursuing. That means convincing another tribe first.

  Thayren: Hohoho! That’s a very wise decision. Do you have one in mind, if I may ask?

  Chase cast a glance toward Selena before nodding.

  Chase: We're considering (gestures toward Selena) her tribe.

  Thayren: The lions, huh? Interesting choice… You two seem close. Why didn’t you consider her tribe in the first place?

  The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  Chase smirked slightly, rubbing the back of his head.

  Chase: We had other plans during that time.

  Thayren: (Chuckle) Ah! Right. That makes sense.

  His expression turned more serious, though still carrying a trace of intrigue.

  Thayren: The lions are a proud and powerful tribe. If you manage to win them over, others will take your cause more seriously. But that also means it'll be no easy feat.

  Selena crossed her arms, tail flicking behind her.

  Selena: I’m actually curious to see how this plays out.

  Thayren chuckled but didn’t argue the point.

  Thayren: Before you leave, I’d like to give you one more gift as a gesture of the tribe’s appreciation. I’ve already informed the guards at the southern entrance to hand it over to you.

  Chase: Oh! You shouldn’t have, Burrow Master. We are already grateful for the accommodation and the food you gave us.

  Thayren: Nonsense! No amount of gold can reciprocate what you two did for us. Please, take it.

  Chase hesitated, then nodded, understanding the unspoken meaning behind the gift.

  Chase: Then, thank you, Burrow Master.

  Selena: (Grinning) Heh. We’ll make good use of it.

  Thayren gave them a final nod before stepping back toward his home.

  Thayren: May you find favor in your journey.

  With that, Chase and Selena turned, leaving the Burrow Master’s residence behind as they set off toward their next destination. Despite the monetary reward they received, the two still travel east according to their original plan.

  Redwick Town

  Chase and Selena arrived few hours before lunch. The town of Redwick greeted them with a flurry of activity, its cobblestone streets alive with the chatter of merchants, travelers, and townsfolk. Stalls lined the roads, selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted wares, while the aroma of baked goods and sizzling meats filled the air. Overhead, colorful banners and flags swayed in the breeze, adding to the festive atmosphere.

  A sudden blare of horns and the rhythmic pounding of drums cut through the din as a marching band paraded through the streets. Selena’s ears flattened against her head, her tail flicking in irritation.

  Selena: (Grumble) Hah! The place sure is lively with all these banners and little flags... but do they really have to be this loud?

  Chase: (Chuckle) Looks like a fiesta.

  Selena: A fiesta?

  Chase: A celebration—usually for a town’s founding anniversary or an important event. It’s a time for feasting, games, and competitions.

  Selena titles her head.

  Selena: Hmm… I don’t remember my tribe celebrating like this.

  Chase: Maybe they should. It’s fun, you know?

  Selena: (Huff) We celebrate victories… but without all these loud noises!

  Chase: Haha! Sounds about right.

  His gaze wandered over the bustling streets before a thought struck him.

  Chase: Since it’s a fiesta today, I wonder if the Adventurer’s Guild is open?

  With that, they made their way through the crowded streets toward the guild. Fortunately, it was open—but mostly empty. A few clerks worked behind the counters, and a handful of adventurers lounged in the common area. The quest board, however, was sparse, with only a few low-ranked requests pinned to it.

  Chase scanned the board, clicking his tongue in disappointment.

  Chase: These quest rewards aren’t even enough to cover our expenses for a day.

  From the receptionist’s desk, Selena suddenly called out to him.

  Selena: Chase. Over here.

  He turned to find her smirking, a glint of excitement in her eyes.

  Chase: What is it?

  Selena: (Gestures to the Receptionist) She says there’s an ongoing registration for a tournament at this… “Lord Harric’s Mansion”, and most of the adventurers are there.

  Chase: And?

  Selena grinned as she held up a poster, tapping the prize section.

  Selena: What do you think?

  Chase’s smirk matched hers as he read the details. The prize money was enough to cover their expenses for three days.

  Chase thought about their options. They could leave for another town, hoping for better quests, but that meant travel costs, uncertain job opportunities, and wasted time. Here, in Redwick, they had a chance to secure a solid payout in a single day—twice the amount of what they usually acquire. And if Selena joined? She’d win this tournament easily.

  Seeing their interest, the receptionist gave them a direction.

  Receptionist: If you’re interested, registration is until before lunch. Just head north from here and you’ll see the mansion.

  Chase turned to the receptionist with a polite nod.

  Chase: I see… Thanks for the info.

  Then, he looks back at Selena.

  Chase: You’re right. Let’s do this.

  Selena’s tail flicked with excitement, and Chase had to admit—this was a good opportunity. Without missing a beat, he gestured for Selena to follow.

  Chase: Come on. Let’s go win this tournament.

  Tournament Registration

  The courtyard of Lord Harric’s grand mansion had been transformed into a colossal arena. High stone walls enclosed the battlefield, with banners bearing the Redwick sigil hanging proudly from the balconies above. A temporary stadium had been constructed to accommodate noble guests, while the common folk gathered in designated viewing areas, their excited chatter filling the air.

  Within the courtyard, participants milled about, stretching, sparring, or preening for the gathering crowd. Makeshift fences lined the perimeter, keeping the flow of spectators and combatants organized. To one side, a long table stacked with registration papers sat under the watchful eyes of stern-looking officials, carefully vetting the hopefuls.

  As Chase and Selena approached, the crowd’s murmurs shifted. Some looked at Chase with disinterest, but when their eyes landed on Selena, the atmosphere changed. Whispers spread—some excited, some nervous. The idea of a beast competing was… unexpected.

  Selena ignored them, stepping up to the registration table. But the moment she reached for the pen—

  Selena: What? What do you mean I can’t participate?

  The registration officer, a middle-aged man, shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

  Registration Officer: I’m sorry, but… you’re a beast, and—

  Selena’s ear twitched.

  Selena: And what? There’s nothing on this rules saying a beast like me can’t participate.

  The officer swallowed hard, glancing at his colleagues for support.

  Registration Officer: Miss, please understand… this event was made for human participants. No one expected a beast to enter, so we didn’t consider it when setting the rules. And… it might be unfair to the other competitors seeing how the rules for the competition are made.

  Selena’s claws tapped against the table.

  Selena: (Growl) Unfair? Are you saying you humans are too weak to fight me?

  The officer leaned back instinctively.

  Chase sighed, stepping in before things escalated.

  Chase: Selena, it’s fine. I’ll join instead.

  He reached for the quill and signed his name. Then, he glanced at the officer, smirking.

  Chase: You know, this is your fault. You should’ve considered this possibility before finalizing the qualifications.

  As he finished signing, another official, seemingly higher-ranked, approached.

  Senior Official: What’s going on here?

  The first officer quickly explained the situation. The senior official furrowed his brows, then exhaled through his nose.

  Senior Official: It’s true… there was no rule against beasts participating. We simply never expected one to enter. But if there’s no rule forbidding it, then denying her would be unfair.

  He turns to Selena, evaluating her.

  Senior Official: Miss… lioness?

  Selena: What?

  The official flinches but regains his composure.

  Senior Official: I apologize for the misunderstanding. If you meet the same conditions as the other participants, we welcome your entry.

  Selena smirked, flashing a fang.

  Selena: Good. I thought I’d have to rip your throat out before—

  Chase: (Chuckle) That’s enough, Selena.

  He nudged her aside.

  Chase: You got what you wanted.

  Then, he gave her the pen to register herself but changed his mind in an instant.

  Chase: On second thought, let me register your name instead. You stay away from the officer. Don’t want you scaring them into quitting their jobs.

  Selena huffed but let him do it. Chase absentmindedly wrote their names down, confident that at least now both of them were competing.

  Chase: Well, now at least the two of us are participating. That means, the two of us are now going to…

  Something felt off.

  He glanced at the tournament structure, his smirk faded. His eyes darted across the lists, tracing the organization of the competition.

  He registered their names in the same tournament pool.

  Chase: …compete…

  Selena, catching his shift in tone, leaned in, her ears flicking with curiosity.

  Selena: Hmm? What’s wrong?

  Chase turned to her, hesitant.

  Chase: So, uh… we… might end fighting each other.

  Selena’s gaze shifted to the registration paper. Then, a slow, knowing grin spread across her face.

  Selena: (Chuckle) Well, well… can’t wait to hunt you again. Make it worth my while, Chase.

  Chase exhaled sharply, rubbing the back of his head.

  Chase: That’s supposed to be reassuring?!

  Then, Selena just laughs at their situation.

  Combatants’ Quarters

  After registering, Chase and Selena were guided to their Combatants’ Quarter—a spacious tent set up specifically for participants. An usher accompanied them, explaining the tournament rules and instructing them to wait and prepare until the event officially began.

  Usher: The tournament requires participants to use designated weapons to prevent unnecessary fatalities. While we have healers on standby for any injuries, we ask that all combatants adhere to the safety guidelines.

  Chase approached a nearby weapon rack and picked up a sword, testing its balance in his hand. Running his thumb along the blade’s edge, he let out a small hum.

  Chase: So, they’re issuing training-class weapons, huh? The edge is too dull to cause any real harm... but it’ll still hurt.

  Hearing this, Selena turned to the usher with a question of her own. She called him over with a simple gesture, and though he hesitated, he complied.

  Selena: Am I required to pick a weapon? You see, I don’t use one. I prefer to...

  She raised her hand, and with a slow, deliberate motion, extended her claws. The usher flinched, his composure briefly faltering.

  Selena: (Smirk) …use these instead.

  The usher swallowed hard before answering.

  Usher: Y-you may opt not to take a weapon, miss. Just... be mindful not to inflict serious injuries on your opponent.

  Selena withdrew her claws, offering him a satisfied nod.

  Selena: I see. Thank you.

  As she returned to Chase’s side, he glanced at her with a smirk.

  Chase: You just love intimidating people, don’t you?

  Selena: (Grin) I don’t know what you’re talking about.

  With that, the two settled in, waiting for the tournament to begin.

  The Tournament Begins

  As the tournament begins, Lord Harric Redwick—the ruler of this land and the host himself—sits upon an ornate chair at the highest balcony, overlooking the entire arena.

  A man of wealth and influence, Harric was well-known for his shrewd mind and pragmatic rule. Dressed in fine yet practical garments, he observed the gathering crowd with a calculating gaze. To some, he was a generous patron, offering opportunities to those with ambition. To others, he was a man who saw power as a currency—one he intended to secure before the storm of war arrived.

  Rising from his seat, goblet in hand, he raised his voice for all to hear.

  Lord Harric: Welcome, warriors and spectators alike! Today, we gather not only for sport but to witness the strength that shapes our future. In times of peace, such contests remind us of our resilience. And in times of war... they remind us of the champions who shall rise. May this tournament forge bonds, awaken potential, and reveal the mightiest among us! Let the battles begin!

  The crowd erupted into cheers, their anticipation reaching its peak. With the formalities done, the announcer took the stage, his voice booming across the courtyard.

  Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen! Combatants! The tournament is about to begin!

  He laid out the tournament structure: eight arenas, each hosting its own pool of fighters. Every pool would go through elimination rounds, followed by the semifinals and a final match. The victor would claim the grand prize, while the runner-up would receive a consolation reward.

  At his signal, mages activated their light magic, projecting a massive tournament board above the arena.

  Selena’s ears twitched at the sight, a flicker of intrigue in her golden eyes.

  Selena: Oh? I never thought light magic could be used like this.

  Chase: (Smirk) That’s human ingenuity for you.

  Chase scanned the tournament board.

  Round one—his name was listed first.

  Round four—Selena’s.

  He raised an eyebrow. If they both kept winning… they'd meet in the finals.

  Before he could dwell on it, a familiar voice purred at his side.

  Selena: (Grin) Hope you’re ready to make it to the finals, Chase.

  Chase: (Chuckle) You think I’d come all this way just to lose early?

  Selena purrs, her eyes gleaming.

  Selena: Of course not! But I’d be very disappointed if you did.

  Their exchange was cut short as the announcer's voice rang through the arena once more.

  Announcer: The rules are simple! Matches will be held simultaneously across all arenas! To win, you must either force your opponent to surrender, knock them unconscious, or push them out of the ring!

  The crowd quieted for a beat as the announcer took a dramatic pause.

  Announcer: Spiritual abilities are strictly forbidden! Combatants must rely solely on martial skill!

  Then, with a booming voice that sent the stadium into a frenzy—

  Announcer: ARE YOU READY?!

  The crowd erupted, their cheers echoing through the courtyard like rolling thunder. Fighters exchanged glances, some eager, some tense, as the reality of the competition set in.

  A brief moment of silence followed, anticipation hanging thick in the air. Then, with a dramatic wave of his hand, the announcer signaled the start.

  Announcer: Let the tournament... BEGIN!