I Acquired The Insect Evolution System

‎The air was thick with tension as Kai stepped into the hidden clearing, illuminated by softly glowing orbs that floated like fireflies. The chatter of the crowd, a mix of alumni and tamers, buzzed like a hive of restless insects. Despite the makeshift nature of the underground arena, the stakes felt higher than any battle Kai had faced before. 

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‎"Welcome, competitors!" boomed a voice from the center of the arena. A tall, broad-shouldered man with a scar running across his cheek stood at the edge of the ring, his aura exuding authority. "Tonight, we pit tamers against one another in a true test of power, skill, and will! No rules, no restrictions. Only the strong will walk away victorious!" 

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‎The crowd erupted into cheers, their enthusiasm infectious. 

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‎Kai took a deep breath as he scanned the other competitors. Each one looked seasoned, confident, and dangerous. There were no rookies here. These tamers had beasts that radiated power, and their sharp eyes made it clear they were ready to crush anyone who stood in their way. 

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‎"Alright, Tiny, Stinger, Glow," Kai muttered, glancing at his team. "This is going to be tough, but we've faced worse. We just need to stay sharp and stick to our strategies." 

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‎Tiny's mandibles clicked in response, its armored body towering beside Kai like a steadfast sentinel. Stinger buzzed, its wings vibrating with energy, while Glow shimmered softly, its golden light casting a faint halo around Kai's shoulder. 

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‎A chime sounded in his mind, the familiar voice of the system breaking through the noise. 

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‎**[Underground Tournament: Round 1]** 

‎**Objective**: Defeat your opponent and advance to the next round. 

‎**Reward**: 300 Gold Coins + 100 EXP 

‎**Opponent**: Marcus Grell (Beast: Ember Fang) 

‎**Risk Level**: Medium 

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‎Kai's eyes narrowed as the name of his first opponent appeared on the interface. Marcus Grell was a name he'd heard before—a notorious upperclassman known for his aggressive tactics and his bond with a terrifying fire-based predator. 

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‎"Marcus Grell, huh?" Kai murmured, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Guess we're starting off strong." 

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‎The announcer's voice rang out again, silencing the crowd. "For our first match, we have **Kai Anther**, the Rising Contender of Beast Dominion Academy, versus **Marcus Grell**, the Inferno Tamer!" 

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‎The crowd erupted into a mix of cheers and jeers. 

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‎Kai stepped into the ring, his heart pounding but his mind steady. Across from him stood Marcus, a towering figure with a cocky smirk plastered on his face. Beside him prowled his beast—a sleek, crimson-furred wolf-like creature with glowing ember-like patterns along its body. The beast's fiery eyes locked onto Kai, and its maw opened to reveal sharp fangs dripping with molten saliva. 

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‎"That's Ember Fang," Arden's voice piped up from the sidelines, just loud enough for Kai to hear. "A mid-tier fire beast. Fast, deadly, and loves to burn its prey alive. Good luck, bug boy. You're gonna need it." 

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‎Kai ignored him, focusing instead on the system's analysis. 

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‎**[Beast Identified: Ember Fang]** 

‎**Type**: Fire-Class Predator 

‎**Strengths**: High speed, lethal close-range attacks, fire-based abilities. 

‎**Weaknesses**: Low endurance, vulnerable to sustained ranged attacks. 

‎**Tip**: Avoid prolonged melee engagements. Exploit its stamina weakness to outlast it. 

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‎"Alright, Tiny," Kai said, his voice steady. "We'll play defense and wear it down. Stinger, you focus on hit-and-run tactics. Glow, keep the field illuminated so we can track its movements." 

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‎Tiny stomped its armored feet, ready for battle. Stinger buzzed, its wings a blur of motion, while Glow's light brightened slightly, casting a warm glow over the battlefield. 

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‎Marcus sneered. "You really brought an ant and a couple of bugs to fight Ember Fang? This is going to be quick." 

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‎Kai smirked. "We'll see." 

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‎The announcer raised his hand. "Let the match… BEGIN!" 

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‎Before the announcer's voice had even faded, Ember Fang lunged forward, its body a blur of red and orange as it closed the distance between itself and Tiny. The ground beneath its paws scorched with every step, leaving a trail of smoldering footprints in its wake. 

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‎"Flame Rush!" Marcus shouted. 

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‎Ember Fang's body ignited in a burst of fire, and it slammed into Tiny with explosive force. The impact sent Tiny skidding back several feet, its reinforced armor glowing faintly from the heat. 

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‎Kai gritted his teeth. "Tiny, **Iron Bulwark**!" 

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‎Tiny planted its legs firmly into the ground, a shimmering barrier forming around its body just as Ember Fang leapt in for another strike. The fiery beast's claws raked against the barrier, sparks flying, but Tiny held its ground. 

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‎"Stinger, now! **Poison Sting**!" 

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‎Stinger zipped through the air, its glowing stinger launching a venomous projectile toward Ember Fang. The projectile struck the beast's flank, causing it to snarl in frustration as it tried to shake off the venom. 

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‎Marcus's eyes narrowed. "Ember Fang, **Inferno Howl**!" 

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‎The crimson wolf threw its head back, releasing a deafening howl that sent rippling waves of fire across the battlefield. The flames scorched the ground, forcing Stinger to retreat and Glow to take to the air. Tiny, protected by its **Iron Bulwark**, remained unscathed, but the heat was starting to take its toll. 

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‎Kai's mind raced. Ember Fang was fast, and its fire-based attacks were devastating. But the system's analysis had been clear—its stamina was its weak point. If Kai could outlast it, victory would be within reach. 

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‎"Glow, **Radiant Flare**!" Kai commanded. 

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‎Glow's wings pulsed with golden light, releasing a blinding flash that momentarily disoriented Ember Fang. The beast staggered, its fiery aura flickering as it tried to regain its bearings. 

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‎"Now, Tiny! **Mandible Strike**!" 

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‎Tiny charged forward, its massive mandibles snapping shut around Ember Fang's hind leg. The crimson wolf howled in pain, thrashing wildly to break free. 

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‎"Don't let go, Tiny!" Kai shouted. 

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‎Marcus growled. "Ember Fang, **Blazing Tail Whip**!" 

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‎Ember Fang's tail ignited, and it lashed out with a fiery whip-like motion, striking Tiny and forcing it to release its grip. Tiny stumbled back, its carapace scorched but intact. 

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‎"Stinger, hit it again! **Blitz Dive**!" 

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‎Stinger dove toward Ember Fang at high speed, its stinger glowing with energy. The attack struck the wolf's side, eliciting another pained snarl. 

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‎The battle raged on, each side trading blows in a fierce and relentless clash. Ember Fang's speed and fire-based attacks kept Kai's team on the defensive, but Tiny's durability and Stinger's agility allowed them to hold their own. Glow's light provided crucial visibility, ensuring that Ember Fang couldn't use its speed to disappear into the shadows. 

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‎As the fight dragged on, Kai began to notice the signs of exhaustion in Ember Fang. Its movements were growing slower, its fiery aura dimming. The venom from Stinger's earlier attack was taking effect, sapping the beast's stamina and leaving it vulnerable. 

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‎"Now's our chance," Kai muttered. "Tiny, go for the legs! Stinger, keep up the pressure! Glow, stay on it with **Radiant Flare**!" 

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‎Tiny charged forward, its mandibles snapping at Ember Fang's weakened limbs. Stinger buzzed around the wolf, launching venomous stingers and darting out of reach before it could retaliate. Glow's light pulsed rhythmically, further disorienting the beast. 

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‎Marcus clenched his fists. "Ember Fang, don't give up! **Flame Burst**!" 

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‎Ember Fang unleashed a final burst of fire, forcing Kai's team to retreat. But the attack drained the last of its energy, leaving the crimson wolf panting and unsteady on its feet. 

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‎Kai's eyes gleamed. "Finish it, Tiny! **Acid Spit**!" 

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‎Tiny reared back, launching a stream of corrosive acid toward Ember Fang. The acid struck the wolf's side, sizzling as it ate through its fur and armor. Ember Fang let out a final, pained howl before collapsing to the ground, defeated. 

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‎The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as the announcer's voice rang out. "The winner is… KAI ANTHER!" 

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‎Kai exhaled heavily, his heart pounding as he stepped forward to check on Tiny, Stinger, and Glow. All three were battered but triumphant, their combined efforts earning them a hard-fought victory. 

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‎"Not bad, bug boy," Marcus muttered as he recalled Ember Fang into its beast core. "You got lucky this time." 

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‎Kai smirked, extending a hand. "Maybe. Or maybe I'm just better than you think." 

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‎Marcus hesitated for a moment before shaking Kai's hand. "Don't get cocky. The tournament's just getting started." 

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‎Kai nodded, his determination unwavering. This was only the beginning. 

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‎As he left the arena to prepare for the next round, the system chimed softly in his mind. 

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‎**[Round 1 Complete: Victory Achieved]** 

‎**Rewards:** 

‎- **300 Gold Coins** 

‎- **100 EXP** 

‎- **Title Progress: Rising Contender (2/5)

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‎Kai smiled to himself. With each battle, he was one step closer to paying off his debt—and proving to everyone, including himself, that the "bug boy" was a force to be reckoned with. 

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