Chapter 170: The New Prodigies
The selections were a showcase of talent for Milo and Colin. Both dominated their battles with ease, leaving little doubt about their potential.
Milo's second opponent underestimated him entirely. While he started off nervously, Milo's instincts quickly took over, and he began to adapt mid-fight.
Without summoning any of his beasts, he relied on clever tactics, speed, and instinct. By the end of the battle, his opponent was left unconscious as Milo executed a flawless counterattack, securing his second victory. Enjoy exclusive content from m-v l'e|m,p-y r
Colin, on the other hand, was all about precision and spectacle. She commanded her fire beasts with natural ease, creating attacks that were both overwhelming and awe-inspiring. Her mastery over fire left her opponent screaming for help, and her victory came with roaring applause from the spectators.
By the third fight, the crowd's eyes were firmly on the two.
Milo, still refraining from summoning his beasts, showcased incredible reflexes and strategy. Each movement seemed calculated, almost improvised but undeniably effective.
His ability to think on his feet and find weaknesses mid-battle earned him yet another win.
Colin's second fight, in opposite, was another visual marvel. With sharp commands and fluid movements, she unleashed a barrage of fiery attacks. Her beasts seemed to synchronize perfectly with her, creating an almost dance-like coordination that left the crowd mesmerized.
She finished her fight with a fiery finale, unleashing an enormous blast of flame that overwhelmed her opponent's defenses. The fire reflected in her confident gaze as her third victory was called, securing her perfect record.
Spectators murmured among themselves, impressed by both contenders but for different reasons. Colin's mastery of fire beasts and her confident, commanding style made her a standout, while Milo's unconventional approach left people amazed at his ability to win without summoning his creatures.
Zara, observing from the stands, had a quiet moment of realization. Watching Milo adapt mid-fight, she couldn't help but notice the similarities to Eratz's style, instinctive, powerful, unpredictable, and effective.
Meanwhile, Colin's elegance and precision mirrored Mercury's calm yet overwhelming approach. A smile crept onto Zara's face as she kept her thoughts to herself.
When the final names were called to receive their licenses, Milo and Colin were announced first, their perfect records earning them the highest recognition of the day.
Cassie couldn't hold back her tears, hugging Roger tightly as they celebrated their daughter's achievement. Mercury, standing nearby, wiped a tear from her eye as she glanced at Eratz.
"They finally did it," she said softly, a proud smile tugging at her lips.
Eratz chuckled, shrugging as if it were all expected.
"They didn't just do it, they crushed it. Now you won't have to worry about his tutoring anymore."
The two kids had not only passed but had done so in a way that left everyone in awe. As they stood holding their new licenses, Colin's calm composure masked her euphoria, while Milo grinned from ear to ear, basking in the cheers of the crowd.
Their journey was just beginning, but today, they had taken their first step toward greatness, and nothing could take it from them.
The event of Milo and Colin's success spread joy and sparks, and amidst the cheers, Zara had initially intended to approach them for a proper congratulations. However, in her euphoric state, she made the grave mistake of blurting out to Eratz.
"I'm done with the grown-ups! Today, I'm here for the unrippled fruit!"
The moment the words left her mouth, a stunned silence followed. Eratz stared at her with an arched eyebrow, while Mercury covered her mouth, trying to stifle laughter. The nearby staff, however, were less amused.
What followed was hours of explaining and clarifying to the staff, during which Zara tried to explain her vocabulary choice. By the time Victoria arrived to retrieve them personally, Zara was utterly drained.
Victoria, influential as ever, stepped in to defuse the situation. After assuring everyone that the incident was simply an unfortunate slip of words, she invited Milo, Colin, and their family to celebrate properly at the Golden Cosmos Agency.
The celebrations were held in the agency gym, a spacious room decked out for the occasion.
Despite the utilitarian setting, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The agency's aces were all present, Eratz, Mercury, Kaida, Catarina, Raya, and Ryder. Cassie and Roger had also been invited, both to celebrate and to officially sign Colin's contract.
Milo and Colin were immediately welcomed into the fold. The aces treated them like family from the start, showering them with congratulations and playful teasing.
Kaida ruffled Milo's hair, her grin wide and teasing.
"Not bad, little guy! Three wins in a row? You're tougher than you look."
Milo puffed out his chest, clearly proud. But before he could bask in the moment, Catarina's voice chimed in, her cat-like tail flicking lazily.
"Yeah, yeah, don't get cocky, kitten. You're still miles away from Boss level."
Milo's chest puffed up even further as he declared boldly.
"Because I'm a miniboss! I take half of everything father take!"
Kaida and Catarina burst into laughter, their voices mixing with the lively atmosphere. Catarina nearly doubled over, swishing her tail in amusement.
Milo, grinning at their reaction, suddenly noticed Raya standing nearby, tilting her head slightly to the side. Her uneven eyes seemed focused on him, her expression calm but curious.
"Uh… why are you looking at me like that?" Milo asked hesitantly.
Cassie and Roger stiffened slightly, exchanging a glance, but the rest of the group didn't react. For them, Raya's blindness wasn't a limitation, it was part of what made her one of the most respected and feared fighters in the agency.
At worst, mentioning a handicap was an insult to the woman who had nearly single-handedly eliminated Crescent Moon from the finals.
Raya nodded to Milo.
"It's only an impression," she said softly, a faint smile on her lips. "But I like the memory of your soul."
Milo blinked, unsure whether to feel flattered or confused.
"Oh... you too dream of fairy sheep?" he asked, scratching his head.
Ryder, standing nearby, turned his attention to Colin.
"I'm glad to finally meet Eratz's cousin. I heard what you did, and I'm amazed. If you ever need anything, you can count on me. From now on, I'm your big bro."
Colin gave him a polite nod.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
The group's chatter continued, their camaraderie growing as the newest members were welcomed with warmth and humor.
Eratz and Mercury stood back, watching the scene unfold. Cassie and Roger, meanwhile, looked positively radiant as they mingled with the group, their pride in Colin clear.
After the festivities began to wind down, Victoria stepped to the front of the room and called for everyone's attention. The chatter quieted, and all eyes turned to her.
"Thank you all for coming tonight," Victoria began, her tone calm but full of warmth. "Today, we celebrate not just the success of two exceptional young talents, but the growth of our family. Colin and Milo, you have proven yourselves capable and determined, and it is my honor to welcome you both to the Golden Cosmos Agency."
A round of applause erupted, with Mercury giving Milo a playful shove, while Eratz gave Colin an approving nod.
Victoria continued, her tone shifting slightly.
"Now, some of you may be wondering why we chose to hold this celebration here in the gym rather than at a restaurant, or with a larger audience." She paused, her sharp eyes scanning the room before resting on Eratz.
"Because this isn't just about celebration. The selections were only the first part, and now, we can proceed to the main focus of our meeting. Eratz, the floor is yours."
All eyes turned to Eratz. He let out a breath, straightened, and stepped forward. He stopped a few paces from the center of the gym.
Energy began to gather around him, faint at first, like a low hum in the air. It grew rapidly, crackling louder and brighter until, with a sudden surge, a burst of lightning illuminated the room.
With a thunderous flash, Raijinara materialized, its massive wings crackling with yellow energy and its piercing gaze sweeping over the room.
Everyone watched with attention, their eyes locked on the magnificent beast. Then, a fiery heat began to radiate through the room. The air shimmered, ash swirling in the glow of an ember-red light.
Then, with a sudden surge of flame, Cinderblaze emerged.
The sleek, rabbit-like creature landed gracefully on the gym floor, its ember-red patterns glowing fiercely as flames flickered and danced across its fur.
The room fell into stunned silence.
Ryder froze mid-step, his usual grin wiped away as his gaze locked onto the fiery beast. Kaida's arms fell to her sides, her sharp eyes widening in disbelief. Catarina's ears flicked forward, her tail stiff as she took an instinctive step back. Even Raya tilted her head slightly, her uneven eyes seeming to follow the intensity of the heat radiating from the creature.
Mercury remained steady, though the faint curve of her lips betrayed her satisfaction. Cassie and Roger exchanged quiet glances.
No one spoke, the weight of this new mastodon's presence holding the room in a breathless moment of awe.
Eratz stepped forward once more.
"It's time," Eratz began, his voice steady and firm, "to share something I've discovered with everyone here."