Dominion of The Beast Masters

Chapter 53: The Regional League



Victoria stood in front of the assembled agents. The room was buzzing with murmurs.

After a moment, she raised her hand, and the room fell silent.

"Alright, everyone, let me explain what the regional league means for us." Her gaze moved across the room, her eyes meeting each one of them.

"The regional league is the official competition for the strongest beast masters of the region. It's the real deal, a level above anything we've faced before. The battles are more intense, the stakes are higher, and this is the first big step for those of you aiming to become professional beast masters."

She paused, letting the words sink in.

"This means that you'll be competing in some of the biggest arenas in the largest cities across the region. And depending on your results, you might even get the chance to participate in the regional tournament, a prestigious event where only the best of the best of each city get to fight."

The room filled once again with murmurs, some people exchanging nervous glances, others whispering with excitement. Victoria waited for them to quiet down before continuing.

"This level is above what you've seen so far in the Lugina arena. The challenges will be different, harder, and more demanding. You can expect opponents who are at an entirely different level than the average fighters here in Lugina." She looked around.

"Any questions?"

One of the trainee raised his hand, looking slightly confused.

"Uh, I thought we could already participate in tournaments? Now you're saying we couldn't until now? I'm a bit lost."

Victoria nodded, smiling kindly.

"Good question. Let me clarify that for you. You can participate in tournaments, but right now we're registered only in Lugina's league. That means our agents are limited to competitions within this city. With the regional league registration, you'll be able to compete in other cities across the region, opening up far more opportunities."

Zara raised her hand, and Victoria gestured for her to speak.

"Basically, anyone with enough point can participate to Lugina's tournament, but in the regional division you can go to others cities, and participate in regional tournament. Look, imagine a school tournament, that's what you can do now, but in the regional division it will be a... a majestic grand inter city tournament!

Her eyes movied across the room.

"If you pay attention to your professional card, you would notice that under your ID there's a title, Type D. It means that you're allowed to participate only in a specific town, depending on where you got your license. The type D means one city, but those we're talking about are type C, and it will allow you to compete in many town of the same region, then there's B for a whole country, A for a continent and at S you are a world star. The regional league is the highest level of the city tier. We're talking about competing against people who are like Eratz and Mercury, on average."

The room grew quiet, and several people swallowed nervously. Eratz and Mercury had set the standard for what a top-tier beast master looked like, and it was clear to everyone that this level wasn't for anyone's sanity.

Another one spoke up, his voice shaky.

"But is it a good idea for us to compete? I mean, we're no match for them."

Victoria nodded.

"It's not going to be everyone competing in the regional league, at least not for now. Only the agents who have proven they can handle this level will be selected. The two names currently on the list are Eratz and Mercury."

She looked toward Ryder and Adrian.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"There are others who are close, Ryder, you need to increase your match quota, and Adrian, you need to improve your performance level."

Ryder scratched his head, looking worried.

"... I didn't realize focusing on training would limit my chances."

Zara nudged him playfully.

"Just fight more, Ryder. You already have the skill level for it. You just need to get out there." Eratz listened intently, impressed. This was exactly what he wanted, a real challenge, the next step forward. He clenched his fists, determination building inside him. Mercury's eyes were shining with excitement, her gaze moving towards Eratz.

"We can't slack off anymore," she whispered.

Eratz nodded.

"The forest won't suffice anymore."

Victoria smiled, pleased with the energy in the room.

"I'm glad to see everyone so motivated. Keep doing your best, and let's show the regional league what Crescent Moon is made of."

The room erupted in chatter as everyone spoke excitedly about what was to come. The atmosphere was electric, Eratz felt the adrenaline running through his veins, he wanted to train now.

Mercury turned to him, nodding toward the fitness tools.

"Another competition?"

Eratz grinned.

"You speak my language."

Ryder perked up.

"Hey, count me in!"

Before he could take a step, Zara grabbed the whole surface of his head.

"Enough, you little brat. We did things your way, so now, we do it my way. We're going to the arenas."

She pulled him away, Ryder giving Eratz a helpless look as he was dragged towards the exit.

From behind, Adrian watched the group, the excitement, the camaraderie. He felt a tight knot in his chest, a growing sense of frustration. He watched as Mercury and Eratz walked towards the training area, chatting with each other. What had he done wrong? Why was he being left

behind?

Later that evening, Liora and Marcus sat in a police station, their expressions tense. Marcus's foot tapped against the floor impatiently as they waited. They were speaking to a pair of policemen, explaining their concerns about Cassie keeping Eratz away from them.

The policeman in front of them frowned slightly, glancing at his notes.

"We understand your concerns, Mr. and Mrs. Pandora, but from what we gather, you're the

ones who sent him to stay with Cassie."

Liora's face flushed with annoyance.

"We had to. It was because of his attitude, he was out of control."

The officer sighed.

"That may be, but you need to understand that Eratz is now eighteen years old. If he's not being held against his will, then he has every right not to return to you."

Liora and Marcus exchanged looks, this was a big complication to their plan. Before they could argue further, another policeman entered the room, a folder in his hand. He looked at

them, a strange expression on his face.

"I think you'll want to see this," he said, holding up the folder.

"You won't believe what we found."

Meanwhile, Rowan arrived back at the hotel, exhaustion etched across his face. Lisa was

beside him, her steps light, her demeanor almost carefree. Rowan glanced at her, his brow

furrowing.

"Lisa, your attitude lately has been... concerning. You're playing a dangerous game, and I

don't think you understand the consequences."

Lisa looked at him, her expression calm.

"I'm doing what I think is best for everyone."

They walked past a group of students huddled together, their heads bent over a tablet. Rowan

frowned, pausing for a moment, rubbing his temples. He could hear the muffled sound of an

arena commentator, and he sighed, muttering under his breath.

"It's not just the academy's environment, it's the people too..."

He stepped closer to the students, his arms crossed.

"Shouldn't you all be doing something useful as beast master apprentices?"

One of the students looked up, a bit hesitant.

"We are... sort of. We're watching some pro matches."

Rowan groaned, shaking his head.

"Fine, but make sure it's worth your time." He turned away, continuing down the hallway,

Lisa following close behind.

"Hey, wait, is that really him?" one of the students whispered, his eyes glued to the screen.

"Yeah, it's written right there," another student replied.

"That's Eratz."

Lisa froze, her eyes widening. Ahead of her, Rowan stopped, his body petrified. He turned

slowly, his eyes, his face pale.

"What did you say?"