Chapter 265 - Zelsh's Ultimate Decision

Despite the badger's defenses, the fox still managed to break through the earth essence and clamp down on the badger's shoulder. The oozing life essence was concentrated in the fox's jaws. Then, the earth essence around the badger's shoulder began to fade as the life essence forcefully uprooted it, pouring out between the badger's skin and the earthen armor.

Claws were also thrown down to pin the smaller badger, allowing the fox to concentrate on creating a hole in the badger's defenses before going in for another bite. But pinning a badger wasn't so simple.

The badger's loose skin became more evident as it contorted and repositioned itself. Technically, two legs were still pinned. However, the badger's head torqued strangely and managed to clamp down on the fox's unguarded neck. 

As the battle entered a test of will, one more surprise came out that many had seen coming. 

The early-elder force coming out of the badger spiked abruptly. Its earth essence rolled and began to fight the intruding life essence even harder. Also, the badger hastily released the fox's neck only to chomp down once more with even more force and more impactful earthen spikes around its teeth. 

A whine creaked out of the fox's mouth as the badger began to take control. The trap had been set and there was no way to get back out. All the fox could do was fully commit to the plan he was now trapped in. Suddenly, the fox felt relief in its neck as the badger's teeth were retracted

"This battle is over."

Blinking, the fox had completely forgotten about the ref on the side. But the fox didn't complain as it relaxed its jaws.

Doing the same, the badger dispersed its essence while its open mouth breathed on the side of the fox's face. It only backed off after licking its teeth and eyeing the fox as if it got off easy. 

"Brak has won this round," stated Lady Inka, only getting sour faces in response. She then nodded to the contestants. "You two may go."

Nodding, the fox now realized what was about to happen. Feeling the badger's breath against the fox's cheek was enough to teach the fox of the imminent outcome. The fox promptly accepted the result with a bow to both Lady Inka and the badger before rushing back up the stairs. It had already begun healing his wounds via life essence, but the fox was still adamant in remembering what would've been.

As the badger returned to its waiting area, the next call was made. "Numbers 21 and 22, please."

Oli quickly took in a deep breath and shook his body. He stepped forward while bowing to Kraz. "Good lu--"

"Kraz! Don't disappoint me!"

Zelsh's next call left everyone perplexed. Oli froze where he stood as his head jolted around to see Zelsh's serious expression. All while Kraz bowed his head and rushed down to the arena, acting as if nothing special had just occurred.

"Hey, Zelsh, what are you doing?!" Brak roared. "Don't you dare--"

"I'll be sending you my best candidate for the mortal championship. He may seem weak now, but you'll regret underestimating him after he sweeps through the prefecture qualifiers," stated Zelsh, boldly defying the thoughts of all kings gathered around him. 

Though it was Kraz's moment to fight and show his skills, no one was looking at him. Everyone was fully focused on Oli and the shocked expression across Oli's face.

"Even he's surprised, don't tell me he's your--"

"What's done is done. I agreed to send you my best candidate and that's what I'm doing. Why are you complaining now?"

"A human?! A mid-adept human?! What lunacy has gotten into your thick skull this time?!" Fuming, Brak roared and pounded his fist in the armrest of his seat. "How dare you mock me! How dare you--"

"I've already told you. Oliver, that young human, is my greatest candidate for the mortal championship. It will become all the more evident after he cleans up the competition in three years. You'll see then, and you'll look back to today with my warning fresh in your mind," Zelsh boasted loudly. 

"Then, number 22, please?" Lady Inka moved the competition along as she got an intrigued nod from the prefecture lords. "Shraal, hurry and select your competitor."

Shraal glanced over the massive wyrm on the battlefield. He tried to imagine what Zelsh would be teaching his son, which only made him feel more uncomfortable. Apart from Brak, Shraal was now the only one still with his first seed. It was either he sent his first seed or his third seed to face the wyrm, which should have the third-lowest cultivation of the Rot Region's representatives. That being said, he would need to bet. Either show complete confidence in his top seed or send out his third seed who may not stand a chance… all while Shraal had been planning for Zelsh to send out his fourth seed this round.

"Shraal?"

"... Gaztin, you go."

Bowing to Shraal, the third seed promptly entered the arena. It was a chimpanzee almost two-krin tall. Scurrying down, the big chimp eyed its massive opponent and howled before smiling. 

"Please, don't hold back for my sake." Kraz calmly bowed his huge head.

The chimp bowed as well, gratefully replying, "Then let's have some fun!"

Oli was especially curious to see this match. It was the first time Oli had seen another beast among great ape species. The closest species up till then were the baboons. But seeing the chimp got Oli excited and curious about what other apes could do.

"Are you two ready?" getting another nod from each contestant, Lady Inka smiled. "Then you may begin."

Howling again, the chimp ran forward. Earth essence gathered and condensed with every step it took. The nature was quite different from Oli's, though, as the earth essence trembled and shook with every step the chimp made. On top of that, the dirt around the chimp began to change as the chimps essence poured into, loosely flowing over the ground and creating beads of sand.