Dominion of The Beast Masters

In the Cosmos Agency, the aces were pursuing their training session like any other day, but this time, they decided to add a new exercise to spice things up for its conclusion.

Kaida stretched her arms, fiery energy already crackling around her.

"Alright, Eratz! You haven't had a real battle since the final. Let's see if you're still kicking."

Eratz stood in the center of the battleground, arms crossed, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Hm? Have you asked permission from your good sense before testing this?"

Milo, bouncing on his toes, pointed a playful finger at Eratz.

"Ha! Nonsense! Today is the day we take down our King, and to do that, we will do like wise people and cowardly attack you, all versus one, with Raya and two healers. You have no chance!" He made a dramatic punching motion, which looked more adorable than intimidating.

Eratz's jaw dropped slightly as he watched Milo. For a moment, he thought.

Seriously, this kid is trolling us all from the beginning... he knows exactly what he's saying.

Raya, standing gracefully to the side, bowed her head slightly.

"It is an honor to witness your strength, Eratz."

Ryder smirked, his hands on his hips.

"I'm not a liar, I know you will kick my ass, but I want to see how badly. I've got to be ready for the Continental League."

Catarina stood back, her arms hanging loosely at her sides, her gaze distant and filled with resigned amusement.

Memories of her and Kaida being utterly wiped out by Rex flashed through her mind, that same Rex that Eratz destroyed before ascending to a new level.

Her lips curled into a wry smirk as she crossed her arms.

"We're so cooked," she muttered under her breath, earning a chuckle from Raya. Explore more adventures at empire

"Alright," Eratz said, rolling his shoulders. "Let's make this interesting. I'll give you a handicap: no field spell."

Kaida's grin turned mischievous.

"Don't regret it."

The moment the words left her mouth, the team sprang into action.

They moved as one, a perfectly coordinated assault aimed at overwhelming Eratz.

Colin's fire ignited the air with blazing streams, Kaida charged with her wings spreading wide behind her, and Milo darted around like a whirlwind.

Catarina joined in, summoning Mystimara immediately. Raya's katana materialized, shimmering with spiritual energy, while Ryder leapt into the fray, his wings spreading out as he soared overhead to flank Eratz.

For a few moments, it looked like they had him cornered.

But then, Eratz's eyes glowed purple.

Minutes later, the dust settled. Around Eratz, the battlefield was littered with spent energy and exhausted teammates. Beasts disintegrated into glowing particles as their summons ended.

In the center, the Terrakrus let out a growl, while Cinderblaze roared in victory beside it.

Eratz stood calmly, brushing dust off his hair with a grin.

"Good, you almost made me use 2% of my actual full power. I'm proud of you." he teased.

From the side, Ryder groaned as he stared at the shattered turtle shell on his back.

"That's a lie, you demon!"

Milo, on his knees, raised a hand toward Eratz, his expression a mix of awe and frustration.

"How… how are you so strong?"

Eratz glanced at Milo with mock seriousness, then looked at the palm of his hand.

"Sorry, son, but you've got to be at least six feet tall to hit me."

Milo gasped dramatically.

"So size does matter!" he cried, clutching his chest as if in despair. Then, with a sudden burst of energy, he began a passionate monologue. "We are doomed! Absolutely doomed! He's unstoppable now! 6 feet? It means that he has evolved to the point of being only reached by a giant. He is no longer a human, but the king of beasts! The conqueror of champions! The invincible machine!"

Eratz posed dramatically, fist clenched, looking above.

The group burst into laughter, the tension of the battle dissolving into lighthearted camaraderie.

Kaida, still catching her breath, stood up.

"Alright, fine. You're still the king. But next time, you're going down."

Eratz's smirk widened.

"That's all I'm asking."

Colin, wiping sweat from her brow, smiled softly.

"I think you're ready for it, Eratz. For 'that' match."

Eratz's expression shifted, his confidence tempered by a quiet determination. He glanced at his fist, clenching it slightly as his thoughts turned inward.

"I have to be," he said, more to himself than anyone else. "For the first time, I'm fighting not just for me, but for everyone. Even my opponent."

As the group began to regroup, chatting and teasing each other, Eratz took a moment to step back and observe them.

His gaze softened as he watched Colin's quiet determination, Milo's boundless energy, Kaida's fiery spirit, Catarina's quiet strength, Raya's ethereal focus, and Ryder's unwavering support. They had come so far, each of them growing in their own way.

He thought about the journey that had brought them here, the challenges, the triumphs, and the bonds they had forged along the way. A small smile tugged at his lips as he called out to his team.

"Alright, enough lounging around! Let's get back to it. We've got a hunt to plan, I want each of you to join us on the world tier next season."

Their groans and laughter filled the air as they rallied, their voices harmonizing into a resounding and united.

"Alright!"

As the new season began, Eratz's focus sharpened like never before.

Each training session, every beast he honed his bond with, was all preparation for the monumental event awaiting him: his debut match as a world-tier fighter.

In the world of beastmasters, Eratz's rise to prominence had been meteoric, and with it came opportunities that few could ever dream of. The new season had started, and as a world-tier competitor, he faced a unique schedule, a single match per week.

This deliberate pacing gave him ample time to prepare, hunt, and just enjoy life. But this time, his upcoming match wasn't just any battle. It was the most awaited match in the world, a clash so highly anticipated that it already felt like a final.

Eratz's opponent was none other than Tamara.

The fans had christened the match "The King of Beastmasters," and for good reason. This was no ordinary fight. It was Tamara's final match before retirement, a revelation she had shared during a heartfelt interview.

Though the announcement brought a wave of sadness from her legions of fans, it was met with resounding applause and admiration for the legacy she had built. Tamara, the best of her generation, now stood ready to face Eratz, the best of the new generation.

For many, this wasn't just a battle; it was a symbolic passing of the torch. Tamara represented the pinnacle of the past, a monument to the glory of beastmasters. Eratz embodied the future, the unrelenting force of a new era.

Together, they were about to create a moment that would echo through history.

The world buzzed with anticipation. Across continents, fans, beastmasters, and commentators couldn't stop talking about the upcoming clash. Media outlets ran endless features on both fighters, analyzing their strengths, contrasting their styles, and speculating on the outcome.

Social media exploded with debates, predictions, and tributes.

Every corner of the globe felt the ripple of excitement. Interviews with retired legends spoke of Tamara's unmatched tenacity and skill, while younger fighters marveled at Eratz's dominance and adaptability.

The beastmaster community was united in its awe, this was a fight that transcended competition, a duel that symbolized the spirit of their craft.

The stadium chosen for this iconic battle was none other than the Alpha Empire, the largest and most advanced arena ever built for beastmaster matches. It was a marvel of architecture, capable of holding over 150,000 spectators, with state-of-the-art facilities designed to showcase every moment of the battle in breathtaking detail.

Giant screens loomed over the arena, ensuring that no matter where one sat, every roar, every strike, every move would be vividly displayed.

On the day of the match, the atmosphere around the stadium was electric. Fans from every corner of the world had gathered, their excitement palpable. Streets leading to the arena were flooded with people clad in team colors, waving banners, and chanting names.

Vendors sold merchandise ranging from plush versions of iconic beasts to replica weapons wielded by the fighters. The air buzzed with conversations in countless languages, united by a shared anticipation for what was about to unfold.

Inside the coliseum, the stands were filled to capacity hours before the match was scheduled to begin. The roar of the crowd reverberated through the stadium, a symphony of cheers, chants, and claps.

Flags from different nations were waved proudly, and fans held up signs professing their allegiance to either Tamara or Eratz.

The media presence was overwhelming. Commentators from every major network were stationed in dedicated booths, their voices booming as they shared insights and predictions.

Cameras scanned the audience, capturing the energy of the crowd and the luminaries in attendance. From veteran beastmasters to high-ranking officials, the event had drawn everyone who was anyone in the world of beastmasters.

The center of the coliseum, the battleground, gleamed under the spotlights. It was vast, adaptable to any terrain or setting the match might require, a green canvas awaiting the artistry of two of the greatest fighters to ever grace the stage.

As the crowd's anticipation built to a fever pitch, the energy in the arena became almost tangible, a living thing that pulsed with every heartbeat.

In the locker room, the hum of excitement from the packed stadium outside was faint but palpable. Eratz sat on a bench, Mercury standing behind him, deftly tying his white hair into a ponytail with a ribbon.

The ribbon was a patchwork of various fabrics, each piece stitched together with care and love. Cassie, Roger, Mercury, Milo, and Colin had all contributed to its creation, intending it as a lucky charm for Eratz, a symbol of the family he had built.

Mercury paused, studying her handiwork.

"You know," she said with a teasing lilt, "I doubt this will stay intact the whole match. It might not be a good idea to wear it against Tamara."

Eratz turned his head slightly, smirking.

"You shouldn't have said you worked together on this then. Now I've got to wear it. You'll all see me win with this."

Mercury rolled her eyes playfully, tying the last knot with a bit more force than necessary.

"Stubborn."

"Determined," he corrected, the smirk growing wider.

She leaned forward, resting her chin lightly on his shoulder, her voice softening.

"A world-tier should be a model, stop being a little brat."

"Doesn't that mean I'm your superior, miss Continental-tier?" Eratz shot back with a grin.

Mercury's eyebrows shot up as she pinched his cheek.

"Whose fault is it that I'm still continental-tier, huh?"

He winced exaggeratedly.

"Alright, alright, I surrender!"

They both laughed, the sound filling the room with warmth. For a moment, the tension of the upcoming battle melted away. Mercury's hand lingered on his shoulder as she looked at him, her gaze soft and reflective.

"You've changed," she said quietly. "The old Eratz, the one I first met, felt like he wanted to lose to have a challenge. But this Eratz… the one who wants to win, who knows he will win... he's very… exciting." She winked at him, her playful side surfacing.

Eratz smiled, rising an eyebrow.

"Rinse and repeat?"

Mercury laughed in surprise, her eyes sparkling. She poked his cheek.

"Like to see my belly dangling around that much? Well, if you insist..."

Eratz's teasing smile deepened.

"I was thinking about training in the forest, hanging out, honeymoon one day... but I like the way you're thinking."

Mercury's cheeks heated slightly before she burst into laughter, playfully smacking his back.

"Why you little…"

They shared another laugh before Mercury straightened, her expression softening.

"I'm going back to join the others," she said. "Good luck, Eratz. You're the best." She leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips.

As she pulled back, Eratz's gaze was steady, filled with determination.

"Look attentively. I'm going to fight for our house."

Mercury nodded, her smile warm and full of pride. She turned to leave, and Eratz instinctively got up to accompany her to the others. As they walked, his steps slowed slightly, his eyes widening as a thought struck him.

"You know…" he began, his voice trailing off. Mercury turned to look at him, curious.

"What?"

"I just realized… I've never fought you in a real battle."

Mercury's brow furrowed in surprise before her expression softened into one of intrigue. She tilted her head, considering his words.

"Hm?.... Oh... Wait, that's true. We haven't, have we?"

They looked at each other, a spark of playful challenge passing between them.

Eratz grinned, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

"It mean... We are meant to be a duo. So, let's tag team to beat Undertaker when he will be born and make him a beast."

Mercury rolled her eyes, a laugh escaping her as she punched his shoulder softly.

"You idiot. This is why you're forbidden from naming him."

They shared one last laugh before they left the locker room.

The energy in the arena was electric, the air thick with anticipation. Every seat was filled, the crowd a sea of excited faces, flags waving, and chants echoing throughout the massive stadium.

In the VIP box, Mercury sat with Cassie, Roger, Colin, and Milo. Sia had joined them, sitting next to Mercury, her calm demeanor contrasting with the bubbly excitement of Milo, who couldn't stop bouncing in his seat.

In another section, Victoria watched with Zara by her side. Ryder, Kaida, Catarina, and Raya were seated nearby. Rex sat next to Arin, his arms crossed, his eyes focused on the arena below.

Among the crowd, a familiar woman with dark gray hair and a mask enjoyed the show. The emeralds embedded in her attire glimmered under the bright stadium lights.

At home, the other members of Infinite Twilight crowded around a large screen, their expressions a mix of awe and nervous energy. The Pandora household was unusually quiet, save for the commentary on the television.

Liora, Kian, and Lila sat together, their eyes glued to the screen. Liora's hands were clasped tightly in her lap, her lips pressed together in silent prayer. Marcus, however, had found an excuse to repair his car in the garage.

Elsewhere, in a cozy cafe, Lisa and her friends were gathered around a table, watching the broadcast on a mounted screen. Lisa's bright smile reflected her joy and admiration, her eyes never leaving the screen.

In his office, Rowan leaned back in his chair, rubbing his beard thoughtfully as he watched. A small smile played on his lips.

Back in the arena, the corridor leading to the battleground stretched ahead of Eratz. The overhead lights cast a stark glow, each step he took echoing faintly. For a moment, the corridor seemed to transform, each light illuminating a fragment of his past.

With each step, memories surfaced: the day everything begun, the betrayal at Genova Academy, the nights spent training in solitude, and the unwavering support of Cassie and Roger.

He glanced up at the light above, and for a brief second, it reminded him of the stars that had guided him, the dreams that had driven him forward.

Closing his eyes, he pushed forward, the flash of his battles with his Aces playing in his mind. He saw the Thunder Lycaon's ferocity, the Aetheri's delicacy, and the unyielding strength of the Terrakrus. A small smile tugged at his lips as he opened his eyes, the roar of the crowd growing louder with every step.

The corridor ended, and the announcer's voice boomed through the stadium.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've all been waiting for! Introducing the challenger, the Legend, Eratz Pandora!"

The stadium erupted into cheers as Eratz stepped into the arena, greeted by an ocean of sound. He paused for a moment, taking it all in. The faces in the crowd blurred into a tapestry of support and admiration.

His gaze flicked upward, catching glimpses of his friends and family in the stands. He couldn't exactly see them, but he could feel every single one of them. Mercury, Cassie, Colin, and Milo waving energetically. He caught Ryder and Kaida cheering loudly, Catarina describing the scene to Raya who smiled softly.

Finally, his eyes settled on the center of the arena. There stood Tamara, one hand resting on her hip, a confident smile playing on her lips.

Their eyes met, and a silent understanding passed between them. Eratz walked forward, his steps steady, his posture relaxed but ready. He stopped a few feet from her, the noise of the crowd fading into the background as their world narrowed to just the two of them.

"You ready for this?" Tamara asked, her voice carrying a playful edge. "Today might be the day your winning streak ends."

Eratz smiled, the corner of his lips twitching upward.

"Sadly, you've just pronounced the forbidden words."

Electricity crackled at his fingertips, and his eyes glowed a deep, vibrant purple.

The crowd roared, the anticipation reaching a fever pitch as the two legends faced each other, ready to make history.