Chapter 355 - Surprising Their Parents

Immediately, Kraz began to do a death roll in an attempt to throw the fox off his back. Yet this only led to Netra circling along Kraz's large body in tandem. She attacked again and again without any delay or interference. 

Everyone watching was floored. The tiger and human beside Zelsh were startled by the battle, for multiple reasons they couldn't yet understand. Zelsh was on the edge of his seat as he enjoyed every second of the match. Puula and Jarrit were both astounded to see Netra keeping up with the mighty wyrm, showing confidence that neither had expected from the girl who had always secluded herself. Vloz, on the other hand, showed the same expression as before, confident and unfazed.

"That's enough!"

Both competitors hastily backed away from each other. Kraz recalled his stagnant death essence and dropped his earthen defenses, unable to ignore the various wounds dripping with blood. Netra shook off the thick, matte black darkness encompassing her. She then took a deep breath, glad to no longer deal with the death essence lingering in the air.

"The victory goes to Netra!" Zelsh exclaimed with a surprised laugh. "It was a great match and both of you should feel proud!"

"Thank you, Father."

"Father?" Tilting her head to one side, Netra finally realized who it was that she had faced. "Thank you, Kraz. You're my toughest opponent yet."

Chuckling, Kraz shook his head and bowed to the much smaller fox, "Please, don't patronize my loss. I've never faced someone so elusive that wasn't already a perennial. You were the clear victor."

"He's right!" Zelsh's booming laughter filled the area, not letting the fox act too humble. "That was spectacular! I didn't expect a shy girl like you to choose assassination techniques and arts. But I should've guessed it, considering your teacher."

Puula was speechless while everyone said a few words to congratulate her daughter. Eventually, Netra looked to her mother, forcing Puula to offer a few words. "Um… Netra, I had no idea that you were already so capable. Now I know for sure that you'll surpass me and leave me behind in terms of cultivation."

"Mom--"

"Don't worry, Netra. She says that as a compliment," Vloz explained, verbally catching the young fox by the tongue. "You've done well at making the arts your own. How are you feeling right now?"

"I feel… okay, I think."

"Here! Drink that and rest for a little bit. You'll need energy for the next sparring match!" Zelsh shouted, tossing a small, glass vial to Netra. "For now, we can chat and discuss things with our trainees. Vloz?"

"Of course…"

Both men leaped into the arena, each walking toward their student. While the tiger and human joined Kraz and Zelsh in their silenced barrier, Puula jumped down to enter the barrier surrounding Vloz and Netra.

"Netra, how--"

"She's been sparring with me and Rathe," Vloz answered, stunning the mother fox. "During the moon that Jarrit prepared the formation, she's been sparring with us, both in her chamber and on the lower floor of the stadium."

"You? How is that fair?" questioned Puula.

But Netra spoke up in defense of Vloz's method, "Mom, I'm fine, okay. This helps me grow faster, so why not? It also helps me hone my battle arts against someone using the same arts, only better than I can."

Nodding, Vloz continued, "Please, Puula. Don't be shocked by anything she's done so far or by what she'll do in the upcoming matches."

"Mom, he's very careful," added Netra. "He wouldn't be an expert assassin if he couldn't control himself or his attacks. And even though Rathe acts rough, he's more cautious than you'd expect. So stop worrying."

Jarrit laughed at the sight of the worried mother arguing with her unfazed daughter. Staying in his seat, he smiled while waiting to see the next bout.

Outside the palace, Ania dashed through the streets of Bore City. The traffic wasn't congested yet but she passed more and more people as Ania got closer to the city center. It helped that she was an Iron-body Gorilla, catching the eyes of many as she took advantage of any gap people left behind.

Soon, by the time the second sun was rising, Ania was in the city square. There, a vast market filled the entire area. There were no uncovered spots left as stands, tents, and shops were everywhere. 

But Ania didn't pay them any attention, even when most people were surprised to see a gorilla that wasn't the boastful chef they all knew. However, the crowds of people began to speculate the identity of the female gorilla as they spotted her rushing toward a certain, run-down shop at the edge of the market.

Without announcing herself, Ania jumped up the front steps and bounded her fist into the unlocked door. It swung wide open as she shouted, "DAD!"

"HUH?!! WHAT!!!" CRASH! CRACK!

Ania dashed through the dusty, old tavern and jumped onto the balcony of the second floor. She ignored the startled cries of her father, as well as the stumbling thuds and cracking of wood from his room.

"An… Ania?"

Before Ania reached the room at the very back, the door creaked open and a balding head peeked into the hallway. "ANIA!!!" 

"Dad, I--"

"ANIA! MY LITTLE GIRL!!" Instantly sobering up, Bradok leaped out of the doorway, breaking the door trim as he did so. He emphatically threw his arms around Ania with water welling up in his eyes. "ANIA!! I--"

"ENOUGH, DAD!"

THWACK! CRASH!!

Stopping her father from twirling her around like a little girl, Ania threw out an open hand and promptly slapped her father square in the jaw. He was thrown into another doorway, splintering the door and part of the wall in the process.

"My baby girl…" Bradok whimpered, cupping his injured cheek. "You've gotten so strong!"

"DAD! ... That's enough." Ania sighed, holding out a hand to help him back up.