MTLNOVEL Chapter 30: Chapter 29:After the Storm (continue)
Kai leaned back, trying to steady his breath as the adrenaline from the last match continued to drain from his body. His mind was still racing, replaying every close call, every moment where the match could have gone the other way. He glanced at Tiny, Stinger, and Glow again, his team that had endured so much.
But Glow wasn't like Tiny or Stinger. Glow was a **tamed creature**, not a bonded beast. It didn't share a direct link with his system, which meant it wasn't as deeply connected to him as Tiny and Stinger. That also meant Glow didn't benefit from the passive buffs that his bonded beasts received, making it more vulnerable in prolonged battles. And yet, Glow had held its own, its flickering light a constant source of hope during the chaotic fight against the Frost Hydra.
"Glow," Kai muttered, reaching out to the Luminous Silk Moth as it perched tiredly on the edge of the bench. "You really went above and beyond out there. Thanks for having our backs."
Glow fluttered its wings weakly in response, its golden light pulsing faintly.
"Still," Kai added, his tone soft but firm, "I need to figure out a way to keep you safer in these fights. You're not built to take hits like Tiny or Stinger, but you've been putting yourself on the line every time."
Tiny clicked its mandibles in agreement, and Stinger buzzed faintly, their version of backing up Kai's words.
Kai opened the system interface to reassess his position and determine his next steps.
---
### **[System Interface – Kai Anther]**
**Name**: Kai Anther
**Title**: Rising Contender (3/5)
**Level**: 6 (EXP: 0/3,000)
**Beast Taming Points (BTP)**: 550
**Gold Coins**: 1,300
---
#### **Skills:**
1. **Swarm Commander (Passive)** – Boosts coordination and effectiveness of all bonded beasts in battle. (+10% speed, damage, and defensive response when commanding multiple insects.)
2. **Luminous Shield (Active)** – Creates a glowing barrier of light that absorbs damage for a short time. *(Cooldown: 5 minutes.)*
3. **Pack Tactics (Passive)** – Enhances teamwork among bonded beasts, increasing their synergy and effectiveness during coordinated attacks.
4. **Radiant Flare (Active)** – Releases a blinding flash of light, disorienting nearby enemies and improving visibility in dark environments. *(Cooldown: 3 minutes.)*
5. **Tactical Coordination (Passive)** – Grants a small boost to reaction time for both tamer and bonded beasts during combat.
6. **Iron Resolve (Passive)** – Increases the durability and stamina of all bonded beasts during extended battles.
7. **Beast Synchronization (Passive)** – Allows temporary synchronization between the tamer and bonded beasts, enabling enhanced coordination and shared instincts during battle. *(Cooldown: 1 hour.)*
---
#### **Bonded Beasts:**
1. **Fortress Ant (Tiny)**
- **Level**: 3
- **Condition**: Moderate Damage (Armor integrity at 75%)
- **Skills:**
- **Iron Bulwark (Level 1)** – Temporarily grants immunity to all physical attacks for 10 seconds. *(Cooldown: 7 minutes remaining.)*
- **Harden (Level 2)** – Temporarily increases durability, reducing incoming damage. *(Cooldown: Ready.)*
- **Mandible Strike (Level 1)** – A powerful melee attack using its razor-sharp mandibles. *(Cooldown: Ready.)*
- **Acid Spit (Level 1)** – A ranged corrosive attack that melts armor and flesh. *(Cooldown: Ready.)*
2. **Blitz Hornet (Stinger)**
- **Level**: 2
- **Condition**: Fatigue Reduced (Speed restored.)
- **Skills:**
- **Blitz Dive (Level 1)** – A high-speed attack that deals critical damage to a single target. *(Cooldown: Ready.)*
- **Poison Sting (Level 1)** – A venomous projectile that weakens enemies over time. *(Cooldown: Ready.)*
- **Aerial Dash (Level 1)** – Increases speed and evasion in midair. *(Passive.)*
---
#### **Tamed Creatures:**
**Luminous Silk Moth (Glow)**
- **Condition**: Energy Restored (Light output normalized.)
- **Skills:**
- **Radiant Flare** – Releases a blinding flash of light, disorienting nearby enemies. *(Cooldown: Ready.)*
- **Luminous Shield** – Creates a glowing protective barrier around an ally. *(Cooldown: Ready.)*
---
Kai frowned as he studied the screen. His bonded beasts were functional, but Tiny's armor wasn't at full strength, and Stinger's energy reserves were still somewhat depleted. Glow, for all its resilience, was a tamed creature and lacked the raw durability of bonded beasts like Tiny.
The **Beast Synchronization** ability was new, and it intrigued him. If he could share instincts with his bonded beasts during a fight, their coordination could go to another level. It was the kind of edge he'd need for the next round, especially if it was as dangerous as Arden had hinted.
But Kai also knew that abilities alone wouldn't guarantee victory. He needed a strategy—especially if he wanted to keep Glow out of harm's way.
As Kai closed the system interface, a new figure entered the resting area. It was a tall, wiry man with unkempt silver hair and a long scar running diagonally across his face. He wore a black cloak with the emblem of Beast Dominion Academy embroidered on the chest—a symbol of his alumni status.
The man's gaze was sharp, predatory, and it locked onto Kai like a hawk sizing up its prey.
"So," the man said, his voice low and gravelly. "You're the bug boy everyone's been talking about."
Kai straightened, forcing himself to meet the man's gaze. "And you are?"
"I'm your next opponent," the man replied, a cruel smile tugging at his lips. "Name's Dren Varus. You've probably heard of me. If not, well…" He gestured toward the faintly glowing core hanging from his belt. "You'll remember me soon enough."
Kai's eyes narrowed as he studied the core. It radiated a faint but ominous energy, the kind that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
"What kind of beast are you using?" Kai asked, his tone even.
Dren chuckled darkly. "You'll find out soon enough. Let's just say it's not something your little bugs are equipped to handle."
With that, Dren turned and strode out of the room, leaving Kai alone with his thoughts.
The system chimed softly, displaying the countdown for the next round.
**[Next Match Begins in 10 Minutes.]**
Kai clenched his fists, his mind racing. Dren was dangerous—anyone could see that. And whatever beast he was using, it wasn't going to be something ordinary.
"Alright, team," Kai said, glancing at Tiny, Stinger, and Glow. "This next fight is going to be the toughest one yet. But we've faced worse, haven't we?"
Tiny clicked its mandibles in agreement. Stinger buzzed sharply, its wings vibrating with renewed energy. Glow's light pulsed faintly but steadily, a quiet show of support.
Kai took a deep breath, his resolve hardening. "Let's show them what we're made of."
As the announcement for the next round echoed through the arena, Kai stood and made his way to the gate, his team close behind. The crowd's cheers grew louder with each step, and the weight of the moment settled heavily on his shoulders.