Chapter 273 - Closely Watchin the Competition

"Are you two ready?" getting nods from both predatory beasts, Inka nodded as well. "Then begin."

Both beasts snarled as they pounced forward. They didn't target each other but landed within striking distance to prepare their attacks. 

Flames erupted out of the jaguar, proving to not hold anything back against the low-elder wolverine. Static electricity coursed over the jaguar's claws as well, hoping to at least slow or numb the thick-skinned foe. 

But to the jaguar's surprise, the wolverine's claws dug into the dirt in place of attacking. That was until two jagged spikes burst from the ground to threaten the nearing, mid-adept jaguar.

The static around the jaguar did nothing to the wolverine covered in earth essence. But the same couldn't be said for the fire. While the jaguar nimbly dashed between the jagged spikes, his flames expanded and grew wildly. Flaming claws scr.a.p.ed against the wolverine's essence armor without fear and without mercy. 

Yet the wolverine didn't budge. Its hind legs pressed and braced against the ground on impact. Both forelegs were lifted and thrown to parry the jaguar's claws, making the attack a glancing blow with even more reduced impact. 

At the same time, the wolverine's powerful jaw opened wide to clamp down on the jaguar's arm. To the surprise of many, the jaguar didn't evade the crunching bite.

Crack!

Many winced as the jaguar's forearm cracked. Even more winced as the flames around the jaguar became concentrated around that same arm, and around the wolverine's head by default. 

The wolverine didn't hang on for long, releasing the fractured forearm to escape the torrent of flames trying to engulf the wolverine. Even with earthen armor, the increase in temperature was unbearable for the wolverine. It felt its hairs starting to singe and curl from the heat.

However, the jaguar's lightning essence wasn't going to make escape easy. 

The jaguar understood that his lightning wasn't very effective against the wolverine. If he didn't, he never would've qualified for the exhibition. Hence the jaguar's immediate dependence on fire and only using lightning for speed. Whenever the wolverine tried to back away, the jaguar was too fast to escape. It was hard to directly harm the wolverine but it wasn't impossible to defeat in a prolonged battle.

Sensing imminent demise, the wolverine changed strategies. It was forced to trust entirely in the ref and go for the quick yet gory win. 

Changing its footing, the wolverine lunged toward the incoming jaguar with fangs out and claws at the ready. Its densest earthen essence was adorned as the wolverine charged directly into the fire and aimed for the jaguar's throat. 

Despite controlling the tempo, the jaguar refused to let the wolverine attack such a vulnerable place. One claw protected the jaguar's throat while the others lashed out. Its second forepaw rake into the badger's face, which had latched onto the protective paw in front of the throat. Both hindpaws had claws at the ready to hook the wolverine and pin it to the ground. An eruption of flames cascaded over the two beasts as they pushed each other to the ground and were hidden in scorching flames.

"This match is over." 

Even through all the chaos of battle, both combatants heard that simple statement. They dispersed their essence and let go of each other without wasting a single breath. And both were covered in dried bloodstains. 

"Brak is the victor, though not by much," Inka chuckled, noticing the small piercing just below the jaguar's throat. "Great match."

A warm and soothing light fell from Inka's hands, washing over both combatants. They were still a mess and the badger still had singed fur everywhere, but at least they could move and return to their seats without issues. 

"Numbers 11 and 12, please?"

Zelsh didn't need to say a word before Tilgron stood up and walked down to the battle. The same went for Lymba, who could only shake her head while her second seed slowly prepared to enter the arena. 

Looking up, the hulking tiger bowed to his opponent. "I look for a good fight."

"You're more respectable than most predators…" laughed the broad-shouldered elephant. "Let the fight be fair and end as it may."

"Of course." Agreeing with a nod, the frost-blue tiger took one last breath and a second look over the elephant before bowing to Lady Inka. "I'm ready."

"I'm also ready," added the elephant.

"Then you may begin."

With a trumpeting cry, the elephant pounded both front legs into the ground. The floor shook and wobbled under the tiger's paws, making it more difficult for Tilgron to cover the ground in smooth ice. And the ground only continued to tremble as the elephant promptly charged the tiger with its thick, multi-horned tusks. 

Tilgron remained calm and repositioned himself further back, watching the elephant's every move.

For a moment, Oli was entranced by Tilgron's movements. He quickly understood why after hearing Vant chuckle from behind. 

It was the same as Vant in the first round against the bull. Just as Vant moved in tandem with the shaking earth, Tilgron did the same. Both could easily readjust to what would usually ruin the footing of many young cultivators, at least for a moment, yet neither had earth affinity. 

"How can you guys do that so easily?" Oli asked openly. 

Vant smiled back while using his thumb to point at Kraz. "We fight against earth essence every day, more so than almost every other essence. Do it enough, and you'll move like that whether you like it or not."

Oli continued to watch as Tilgron with great intrigue. He excitedly watched as Tilgron used his own strategy to counter the shaking ground. 

Water began to pour out of Tilgron's paws but wasn't hurled at the elephant. Instead, the water seeped into the greedy, dry ground below which had been remade from sand not too long ago. The solid ground they once stood on was speedily getting soggier and soggier, all while the trembling got weaker and weaker. This course of action was playing out on repeat for a short while as Tilgron evade the giant elephant's charges and focused on controlling the battlefield. But once control of the battlefield was Tilgron's, the battle was as good as over.