Previous Chapter Reminder = In the previous chapter, we saw that Manu became the leader of Team Falcon. Manu also encountered a mysterious girl. Now, next...
NARRATOR VOICE = Manu's entire body was soaked with sweat. A dagger rested against his neck, right on a vital point.
Manu = I... am... sorry...
Nyra = Oh, it's you. I thought you were some stalker. Why are you following me?
Manu = You already know how weak I am. If I enter the competition like this, I'll be eliminated in the first round. Now I'm your leader, whether it happened through luck or not. I need to fulfill my responsibility as a leader. I need help choosing a beast.
Nyra = You're right. You're not capable of carrying a leader's responsibility yet. Normally, I wouldn't help you... but we don't really have another option.
NARRATOR VOICE = Manu and Nyra head toward a pet shop. They pass through Sun Academy and arrive at Center Plaza.
Despite its fancy name, Center Plaza was filled with thieves, scammers, merchants, and all kinds of shady people.
The two stop in front of a building.
It was a dark brown structure with a cone-shaped rooftop, resembling something straight out of an old fantasy kingdom.
The signboard read:
"Guttu's Beast Shop"
Manu (disgusted expression) = This is where beasts are sold? Are you sure this isn't some scam shop?
Nyra = Just come inside. You'll get your answers soon enough.
NARRATOR VOICE = The two enter the shop.
A bell hanging near the wooden door rings.
Ding~
A middle-aged man immediately rushes out.
Guttu = Arr... arr... is that Nyra? Looks like you've finally accepted my proposal! Sure, I'm far more handsome than you, but your figure is amazing too. Your long legs, your pink cheeks, and those short black hairs reaching your shoulders...
Manu (thought) = Did he completely forget that I came here too?
Guttu = Nyra, who is this boy?
Nyra = Leader.
Guttu = But I thought Lyra was the captain.
Nyra = Temporary leader. He needs a beast.
Guttu = Ah, I see.
He dramatically places a hand over his chest.
Guttu = Guttu darling, your simplicity and my gorgeous looks... truly a match made in heaven!
NARRATOR VOICE = A helper walks out from the back of the shop.
He wore a blue cap and had a lean body.
Helper = Oh Guttu sir... this market may be full of wild beasts, but a rare specimen like my flawless face and a clueless soul like yours? Pure magic. You should pay me just for letting you look at me.
Guttu = Stop talking nonsense and show the customer the beasts.
Manu = I'm a newbie. I need a beast that can help me in the long term and during the competition.
NARRATOR VOICE = Guttu takes Manu deeper into the shop.
Three glass cages stand in front of them.
Inside each cage was an egg.
The first egg was brown.
The second egg was green.
The third egg was red.
Guttu = These are the three eggs.
The brown one contains a Rock Golem. After a special evolution, it can gain Electric-type abilities.
The green one is a Verdling Egg.
The red one is an Embercore Egg.
Personally, I'd recommend the Embercore Egg. It's powerful and easy for beginners to control.
All three have special evolution routes.
Nyra (thought) = He may flirt with every girl he sees... but when it comes to beasts, he's a true professional.
NARRATOR VOICE = Scene shift.
Lyra visits Aria in the hospital.
Lyra = Doctor, will Aria fully recover?
Doctor = Her ribs are cracked, and the poison hasn't completely left her body yet.
She needs rest.
If she participates in the competition, her condition could become much worse.
Lyra = I understand.
Doctor = Then make sure Aria understands too.
NARRATOR VOICE = Lyra leaves the hospital.
The scene shifts back to Manu.
Manu = I want the Verdling Egg.
Guttu = Are you sure?
It's the weakest egg here.
Just a normal Grass-type beast.
Manu = Yes.
I don't know why, but it feels like this egg is calling me.
Guttu = Hmm...
Interesting.
Little boy, the price is 1000 Soap.
And here's a bonus piece of information.
To hatch this egg, you'll need to reach Level 15.
Manu = I don't have 1000 Soap.
Actually... I have zero Soap.
I'm only Level 7.
Can you give me the egg now? I'll pay you later.
Guttu = Nyra... did you really bring this boy here to become a Beast Tamer?
Fine.
Because of Nyra, I'll give you the egg for free.
I'll even help you reach Level 15.
But I have one condition.
Manu = Tell me.
I accept.
Nyra = No! Don't agree before hearing the condition!
Guttu = Too late.
The deal is already made.
My condition is simple.
You must take me with you to the competition.
And if you win...
You must say this line in front of everyone:
"Oh Guttu sir... this market might be full of wild beasts, but a rare specimen like my flawless face and a clueless soul like yours? Pure magic. You should pay me just for letting you look at me."
Manu = That's it?
Deal done.
Guttu = Good.
Let's go.
Manu = Go where?
Guttu = See for yourself.
NARRATOR VOICE = Guttu pulls a hidden lever behind the glass cages.
A secret staircase appears.
The wooden stairs look incredibly unstable.
Manu = You expect me to go down there? Look at those stairs!
NARRATOR VOICE = Without warning, Guttu pushes Manu down.
Scene shift.
A dark room.
A man sits calmly on a chair.
A table stands before him.
He snaps his fingers.
A man wearing a long black coat enters.
A snake symbol is stitched onto his chest.
He kneels.
Kaizen Drath = What's the news, my pawn?
Pawn = Sir, Manu is currently training in the underground basement of that middle-aged man.
Kaizen places a finger against his lips.
Kaizen Drath = Interesting...
A chicken is trying to learn how to fly.
NARRATOR VOICE = Scene shift.
Manu finds himself in the basement.
But at first glance, it doesn't look like a basement at all.
It resembles a beautiful beach.
Suddenly, the ground begins to shake.
Dozens of Dune Stalkers emerge from beneath the sand.
Manu = Mommy...
Guttu = Guttu darling, your simplicity and my gorgeous looks... truly a match made in heaven!
Enjoy, boy.
Nyra = Is this safe?
Guttu = Of course, beautiful lady.
This is a semi-virtual reality training ground.
You can feel pain.
You gain experience.
But you can't die.
NARRATOR VOICE = Manu spends two entire months training inside the basement.
Eventually, the competition day arrives.
When Manu finally comes out...
His level is still only 14.
He meets the Falcon Team and shows them his egg.
All Falcon Team = That's the beast you picked?
It looks so normal and weak.
Manu = Fine.
Now listen carefully to my plan.
And follow it exactly.
NARRATOR VOICE = Manu explains his strategy.
The entire Falcon Team looks at him with disbelief.
Aria won't be participating in the competition.
Manu and the Falcon Team head toward the competition arena.
Manu = Let's play a game...
as a turtle.
Coming Soon...
Which part did you find the most interesting?
Keep commenting because your support gives me motivation to continue writing.
First of all, sorry family.
The chapter couldn't be uploaded on time.
I've been in the hospital recently.
After returning from my holiday, my nose hasn't been working properly.
It's constantly running, and I haven't been able to sleep well at night.
The doctor told me to get proper rest.
Once my condition improves, regular chapters will return.
See you on TTS days.
Okay, bye...