The Greatest Beast Tamer of Earth

Rishi woke up and practiced a bit before going to the battle arena for finals; today he will battle against Kajal Agastya. "It's interesting how she is helpless against me in a fight without contract beasts while I am also at a disadvantage against her in a fight with only contract beasts; why in the world does she have a lightning element contract beast? It is very deadly against Vakar, while Sheru is also at a disadvantage against her."

"I am now regretting giving her that contract beast," he said before moving again and saying, after shaking his head, "There is no reason to feel bad about the spilled milk; I should focus on the fight for now. I will at least make it hard for her, and even if I get bullied a little, I will get my revenge on the next exam. I hope she will also go easy on me."

He walked towards the battle arena and took a seat, waiting patiently for his turn. He saw the fights in all the categories; the other guild members also performed well. Most of the guild member's first contract beasts were mounts, which they severely lacked while fighting against combat-type contract beasts.

"What about Vinay? I have not heard about him. Did he succeed in saving his contract beast? I should ask Ajit to investigate more about him," said Rishi before focusing again on the battle arena.

A boy came from behind and sat next to Rishi; at first, Rishi thought it was another student, but when he saw him looking at himself, Rishi looked back. They made eye contact, Rishi saw a boy with long black hair tied in a ponytail; his eyes were like small black holes that would devour any sunlight that entered them.

His lips curled up as he laughed and said, "Long time no see, Rishab."

Rishi was even more confused now; he found the face a little familiar but was not able to remember clearly, so he asked, "Do I know you?"

He laughed again, saying, "It looks like you have got anemia in the past week when I was not here."

"It's not that; I have a good memory; I remember everything, and I even remember your face a little; have you changed your hairstyle and eye color?" said Rishi.

"Oops, I forgot about that.  Now it makes sense that you can't remember me; take a guess who I am." said the strange boy.

Rishi thought for a second before saying, "What happened to you, Vinay? You have changed completely. Your looks, your face, your skin color, your voice, the way you talk—everything is different. What were you doing for the past week? And what will happen to your result, since you missed two exams?"

"I was going through hell; I have gotten so used to it that now I even miss it. You will not believe I was not able to eat or sleep for the past week, but in the end, it was all worth it," said Vinay.

"As for the exam, I will be in Section F," he added without any reaction.

"Don't worry; you will be able to advance fast when you perform well. Is your contract beast all right?" asked Rishi.

"He is doing pretty well; I am waiting for you to evolve him," said Vinay.

"I will see it again after I finish my exam," said Rishi.

"Oh, you have a fight today; I will cheer for you," said Vinay. When the names of Kajal and Rishab were announced, Rishi stood up and said, "Thanks for your support, but I am not that confident about this battle."

Rishi started approaching the battle arena and stood on his spot. Kajal also stood on her spot and looked at Rishi with her lips curled up in a lovely smile, but this was the first time when Rishi didn't enjoy her smile.

He said, "Kajal, you know the next exam is Duel, so if you try anything stupid, I will get my revenge on the next round; this time, I won't be gentle."

Kajal continued to smile before she said, "Is this a threat? Everyone look! This shameless guy is threatening a helpless girl like me."

"Kajal, I am serious; it's not time for jokes," said Rishi.

"Take out your 'Book of Contracts,' " the referee said.

Kajal poured mana into the tattoo of her left hand and summoned the 'Book of Contracts.' It was the black book shining in a pink aura.

Rishi also took out his 'Book of Contracts,' which was shining in a blue hue.

"All the best," said Rishi.

"You need it more," mocked Kajal.

"Summon your contract beasts," said the referee.

Kajal summoned Daisy; it came out and wagged its two fluffy tails. Rishi also called out Sheru, who again roared when it came out.

"Daisy, remember me," said Rishi.

Daisy looked at Rishi and turned its head in confusion before waging its tail very fast and jumping cutely. Kajal saw it and said, "Daisy, focus on the battle."

"Why so jealous?" said Rishi.

"You are overthinking; I am just serious about the battle," said Kajal.

"Are you both ready?" asked the referee. Rishi and Kajal nodded, and the referee announced the start of the battle.

Kajal didn't waste a second and commanded, "Daisy, use the 'Lightning Ball.' "

Daisy's right tail started shining white before the lightning element concentrated and formed a small ball of lightning and launched it toward Sheru.

"Sheru, use 'extreme speed' and 'dash' skills to dodge and approach it before attacking it with a claw attack," commanded Rishi.

Sheru used 'extreme speed' to dodge the 'Lightning Ball.' The ball made of lightning followed Sheru and was about to hit it when Sheru dodged it again by using 'dash' skill and approached Daisy. Sheru was just about to hit Daisy when Kajal commanded, "Daisy, use 'Lightning Dash' and dodge it."

Daisy used 'Lightning Dash' to jump back to dodge Sheru's attack, which made it unable to control its earlier spell and disappear in the thin air as if it was never present there.

Rishi's lips curled up into a mocking grin as he said, "These tricks will not work on me, Kajal."

"Don't be so cocky; I have not even started attacking," said Kajal.

"It looks like Rishab has prepared well; despite being at a disadvantage, he is handling things very well. He is one of the smartest beast tamers who always has a way to come out of situations," said the commentator.

"You are right; I was also impressed by what he did tomorrow; despite facing an opponent with 'Soul Link' for the first time, he was able to win, but we should also not forget that Kajal also knows about the abilities of Rishi's contract beast. It is almost impossible for Rishab to win, but if he plays his cards right and Kajal doesn't have any other hidden cards, the tide of the battle can shift at any time," said Anjali.

Kajal commanded, "Daisy, use 'Lightning Shock' before using one more 'Lightning Ball.' "

"Sheru, use Harden," said Rishi.

Daisy followed her master's command and used 'Lightning Shock,' A bolt of lightning came out of the air above Sheru and paralyzed him. Daisy then used another 'Lightning Ball' to attack Sheru.

"Sheru dodge it," said Rishi. Sheru tried, but he was unable to move. The 'lightning ball' hit Sheru and injured him while also paralyzing him for two seconds.

"Daisy, use 'overload' skill," commanded Kajal without a trace of concern.

"This is dangerous for Rishab's contract beast; I never knew Kajal would have such a trick in her hands. Advanced Lightning Bolt is a very fast spell with a sure-hit effect; when it hits, it deals some damage and stuns the opponent. The damage it does is very low, but the ability to paralyze an opponent makes it a very useful spell," said the commentator.

"What type of mutation is it? I researched on the internet the whole night, but I was unable to find anything. How does this contract beast have so many advanced version spells that are very rare and difficult to learn? From the situation, Sheru will remain stunned until Daisy's spell lands on him; poor Rishab, I feel bad for him," said Anjali.

"I don't know why, but I have a gut feeling that Rishab will be able to come out of this situation. I know many of you will laugh at me, but I have seen this guy in trouble many times; he always has a way," said the commentator.

Rishi clenched his knuckles, and his breaths became long. He started thinking of solutions but soon realized that he could do nothing but take that spell head-on.

"Sheru, don't worry; just be prepared to dodge," said Rishi.

"You will not get that chance," said Kajal as she commanded, "Daisy, use 'Lightning Punishment.' "

The Spark Fox, surrounded by lightning, opened its two big eyes filled with electricity and made a huge roar before casting the Lightning Punishment spell.

A big magic circle appeared above Sheru, and soon a bolt of lightning came out of it. The spell was about to land on Sheru and eliminate him when a cunning smirk appeared on Rishi's face, and he commanded, "Sheru, use the 'Shield of the Emperor.' "

"It looks like you have gone mad due to losing Rishab; your contract beast is paralyzed; how will he be able to use any skill?" mocked Kajal. Others also laughed and made fun of Rishi.

A light started shining above Sheru and formed a big silver-colored shield. The lightning bolt hit the shield, and a small explosion took place.

"Impossible; how can it move in the paralyzed state," said Kajal as she stared at the shield with wide-open eyes.

Rishi just smiled, continued looking at the battle, and started thinking of other ways to win the battle.