Dominion of The Beast Masters

Chapter 89: Between a Rock and an Hard Place



The news of the upcoming finals spread like wildfire.

The finals were set to be the biggest event of the year at this level, and tension was high as beast masters from all over the region prepared for the elimination rounds.

The structure was brutal: 64 fighters, each facing two randomly chosen opponents.

The top 32 would advance to the finals based on their results, but the randomness added a layer of anxiety for everyone.

Some might be paired against two of the toughest fighters and be knocked out, while others could have an easier path. It was anyone's game.

At Crescent Moon Agency, the buzz was palpable. Fighters and trainees gathered around, watching the screens as the final spots were announced.

Only a few slots remained, and the pressure to make an impact was overwhelming.

The agency's stars had been performing well, but everyone was anxious to see who would make the cut.

Meanwhile, back at Genova Academy, the director stared at the screen displaying the list of fighters. With a deep sigh, she turned the device off.

The weight of the academy's reputation hung heavy on her shoulders.

She gathered them in the main hall for a public announcement. Her voice was calm, but the power of her words cut through the room like a knife.

"No student from Genova Academy will be participating in the elimination rounds for the finals."

A wave of disappointment rippled through the crowd. Students exchanged frustrated glances, some shaking their heads in disbelief.

They had known their chances were slim, but being outright excluded felt like a punch to the gut.

Slowly, the crowd began to turn, and all eyes landed on one person, Kenny.

The whispers grew louder. He could feel their stares burning into him, accusatory and disappointed.

Kenny had once been the academy's star, but now his name had become synonymous with the academy's failure.

They put everything on him, and ultimately, he couldn't succeed, and he made enemies on the way.

Kenny kept his head lowered, doing his best to ignore the looks of disdain from his fellow students.

The isolation was suffocating. He was alone, completely and utterly alone.

Even Julian, his closest friend, had begun to distance himself.

Kenny was now facing the same social exile that Eratz had suffered before his expulsion.

As he stood there, lost in the sea of murmurs, Kenny clenched his fists.

'I don't care about them. I don't need them,' he thought, grinding his teeth.

He had a goal, a purpose: Mercury. She was still his target, the light at the end of his tunnel. But lately, no matter how much he fantasized about her, it felt like she was drifting further away. He was powerless to make a move, stuck in his mediocrity.

'I need more power', he thought, 'but how?'

Absentmindedly, Kenny pulled out his phone and started scrolling through news feeds. His heart suddenly skipped a beat as he came across something that made his breath hitch.

Mercury's qualification matches will be held at Lugina Garden.

Kenny's face brightened. Finally, a chance to see her again.

Elsewhere in the winding streets of Lugina City, Rowan and Crystal walked side by side. Rowan seemed uneasy.

"You know," Rowan started, his voice careful, "maybe you should speak to Eliza instead. She's always had a way of handling these things."

Crystal glanced at him, a smile playing on her lips.

"Madam Eliza is preoccupied right now. She's dealing with someone important. Besides," Crystal added, her tone soft but deliberate, "I think you're underestimating your importance in all of this."

Rowan frowned, his brow furrowing.

"What do you mean?"

Crystal's eyes sparkled.

"You remember how close Eratz and I were, don't you? We had a good relationship... I took care of him at the academy. His expulsion was unfortunate, but I think fate had a hand in that."

Rowan's stomach churned.

"But Eratz got expelled because of you, Crystal. You said he attacked you. That's why..."

Crystal's face softened, and she placed a gentle hand on Rowan's arm.

"It wasn't entirely his fault, Rowan. Sometimes, people lash out because they're hurt. Think about it. His best friend, Kenny, took his childhood friend, Lisa, away from him. Eratz was angry, heartbroken... It was a tragic misunderstanding."

Rowan sighed, his gaze dropping to the cobblestone street.

"So you still keep your position."

Crystal leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper but soothing.

"I don't blame him. I never did. And when you see him again, you shouldn't either. Just be honest with him, Professor. That's all I'm asking. He'll be back soon, you know. His

qualification matches are in Lugina Garde... too."

Rowan nodded absentmindedly, feeling a mix of guilt and uncertainty.

"You're right... I need to talk to him."

Crystal smiled warmly.

"Of course you do. You were his mentor. You know him better than anyone."

She turned to leave but couldn't resist one final glance back, her smile turning sly.

"And when he comes back, you'll have your chance to make things right."

Rowan sighed deeply and walked away, unaware that Crystal's eyes followed him with a

calculating gleam.

As she watched him go, Crystal muttered under her breath.

"You're too eager, Professor. You missed the easiest way to find Eratz."

Crystal's gaze shifted toward Crescent Moon Agency headquarters, the tall building gleaming

in the noon's sun.

She pulled out her phone, scrolling through the list of Crescent Moon members, eyes

narrowing as she examined the roster.

"Which one of them can I use?" she wondered.

But her thoughts were interrupted as she spotted a familiar figure walking out of the agency

building.

Her eyes widened, and she quickly ducked behind a nearby pillar.

Mercury had just exited the building, wearing sunglasses and with a large hat in hands.

Crystal bit her lip, unsure of her next move.

'Eratz must be nearby,' she whispered to herself. 'He has to be.'

Without thinking, she decided to follow Mercury, slipping into the crowd and keeping her

distance. She had to see where this would lead.

At a café, Eratz sat alone, sipping his strawberry milkshake as the noise of the city buzzed around him. His eyes were distant, his thoughts elsewhere.

A man approached the table, looking nervous as he introduced himself.

"Hm, hello. I'm here for... for your request," the man said, his voice shaky.

Eratz's gaze shifted to the man, cold and unreadable.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Good, punctual, plus 10 points. Sit down, I need you for something."

The man sat down, clearly uncomfortable as Eratz reached into his bag and pulled out a small

sack. He placed it on the table with a soft thud.

"Inside, there are 4999 dyns."

The man blinked, confused.

"My parents owe you 700 dyns," Eratz continued. "Take that, and give them the rest. Tell

them you were moved by their story and wanted to help them with Kian and Lila's school

fees."

The detective's confusion turned to panic as Eratz's cold stare bore into him.

"I've put another detective on you, so I know where to find you. If you disappear with the

money... I'll make sure you disappear for real, ok?" He smiled.

The detective nodded quickly, his forehead glistening with sweat.

"I understand. I won't... I won't do anything stupid."

Eratz leaned back, satisfied.

"Good. Make sure they use it for their education. Nothing else, if you can do this you get a

bonus. Now get lost."

The detective grabbed the sack and practically bolted out of the café. Eratz stayed alone,

staring out the window, he sighed.

Meanwhile, inside one of Lugina's largest malls, Kenny wandered through the aisles, his hands full of supplies for another night spent training in the forest.

He moved quickly, his thoughts focused on his need for strength, for power.

He was determined to get stronger, to finally catch a monster. He was on a thread, he needed

to do it before the Academy's departure.

But as he approached the checkout, something caught his eye. Out of the corner of his vision, he noticed a figure moving stealthily through the women's clothing section.

It was Crystal, her posture rigid and her eyes focused intently on someone ahead of her.

She was hiding behind a row of clothes, moving cautiously, her gaze following someone who

was further ahead.

Kenny frowned, curious. He ducked behind a pillar, squinting as he tried to make out who

Crystal was tailing.

At first, he didn't recognize the person she was following, Mercury was wearing a large hat

and sunglasses, blending in with the crowd.

Her casual outfit made her nearly unrecognizable, and Kenny felt a flicker of confusion. Who was she? He leaned forward slightly, trying to get a better look.

But then, realization dawned. His eyes widened as he finally recognized her, Mercury.

His heart began to race. It was really her. What was she doing here? And why was Crystal

following her?

Kenny's curiosity burned, but he quickly realized he couldn't follow them. The two women had entered the women's clothing section, a space clearly off-limits to him.

He watched as they disappeared into the depths of the store, his mind swirling with

questions.

Frustration gnawed at him, knowing he couldn't pursue them any further without drawing

attention.

Meanwhile, inside the boutique, Mercury was browsing through racks of clothing, her fingers trailing along the delicate fabric.

The store was bright, its walls lined with mirrors and soft lighting that gave the space an airy,

luxurious feel.

Mannequins dressed in various styles stood on display, showcasing everything from elegant

dresses to casual wear.

But Mercury wasn't here for clothes. She had come to buy something far more personal. She stood in front of a row of lingerie, her eyes scanning the various sets on display. "Bold... or cute?" she muttered to herself, biting her lip as she examined two different sets.

One was a daring black lace set, the other a softer, pastel pink.

A store assistant appeared beside her, smiling politely.

"Having a hard time deciding?"

Mercury gave a small, embarrassed laugh.

"You could say that."

The assistant glanced down at the items Mercury was holding, then looked back up with a

smile.

"I get it all the time. But don't worry, I can help you with the sizes if you need."

Mercury sighed and scratched her head, feeling a little flustered.

"Yeah, that might help... I've been struggling with the size. Nothing seems to fit right."

The assistant gave her a once-over, nodding.

"You've got quite the catch of measurements," she said, her tone friendly. "It's not unusual

for someone with your frame to have a little difficulty finding the right size. But don't worry,

we've got plenty of options that will fit you perfectly."

Mercury rackled her throat slightly and nodded, feeling a bit self-conscious. She looked back at the two sets of lingerie in her hands, still unsure which one to go with. "Which do you think?" she asked the assistant, holding up the black and the pink.

The assistant tilted her head thoughtfully. "Well, it depends on what you're going for. The

black is bold, very light, definitely makes a statement. The pink... a bit more on the cute and playful side. What's the occasion?"

Mercury hesitated, she remembered Cassie's last advice: Ride that horse, girl!

She coughed at the memory, and quickly shook her head, trying to push the thought aside.

"... A rodeo?" she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

The assistant chuckled softly, her eyes narrowing.

"It's up to you. Do you want to feel confident and fierce? Or playful and sweet? I'm sure that

whatever you'll make, someone will always appreciate." Mercury glanced at her with big eyes, had she seen through?

Her mind raced, her heart pounding slightly, and with a defeated breath, she made her

decision.

"I'll take both," Mercury said, lowering her head and handing the items to the assistant. The assistant nodded approvingly.

"Good choice. Follow me, and I'll get you set up with the right sizes."

As Mercury followed the assistant to the fitting room, Crystal was still lurking nearby, her

eyes narrowing as she watched closely from behind a rack of clothes, and then, widened as she guessed the purpose of this buying.