The days passed quickly as Lu Fan and Buck trained diligently in preparation for the upcoming Beast Combat Tournament. Each morning, they were up before dawn, pushing themselves to the limit. Lu Fan was determined to unlock Buck's full potential, knowing that the tournament would be their first real test as a team.
But the academy wasn't just about combat. There were also lessons on beast care, strategy, and the theory behind taming and evolving spirit beasts. Today, Lu Fan found himself sitting in one of those classes, listening to Instructor Chen as he lectured on beast evolution.
Instructor Chen was an older man with years of experience in the field. His lessons were filled with insights that most students wouldn't find in any textbook.
"Remember," Instructor Chen said, pacing in front of the class, "the key to evolving your beast isn't just about feeding it the right materials or training it in the right way. It's about understanding your beast's nature and its potential. Only then can you guide it along the correct path."
Lu Fan listened intently, taking notes. He had already reviewed Buck's growth paths—War Ram and Ironclad Titan—but he wanted to be sure he wasn't missing anything. He knew that if he made the wrong choice, it could hinder Buck's growth in the long run.
As the lesson continued, Lu Fan's mind drifted to the upcoming tournament. He knew that Zhang Wei and his wolf would be competing, and they were the clear favorites. But Lu Fan had something they didn't: the ability to identify hidden potential. It was this ability that had led him to choose Buck, and he was confident it would give them an edge.
After class, Lu Fan decided it was time to test Buck in a more challenging environment. The training grounds were useful, but they were too controlled. He needed to see how Buck would perform in a real-world situation.
With that in mind, Lu Fan led Buck to the academy's combat arena. The arena was an expansive area designed for students to practice and test their beasts in more realistic combat scenarios. It was filled with various obstacles, mock enemies, and terrain challenges.
"Alright, Buck," Lu Fan said as they entered the arena. "This is where we put all our training to the test."
He wasn't alone. Other students were scattered throughout the arena, training with their beasts. Some were sparring with each other, while others were focused on overcoming the various challenges the arena presented.
Lu Fan set his sights on a section of the arena designed to mimic rocky terrain. The uneven ground and large boulders would be perfect for testing Buck's agility and combat skills.
As they approached, a voice called out, "Hey, Lu Fan! How about a friendly match?"
Lu Fan turned to see Zhang Wei approaching, his wolf at his side. The wolf growled lowly, its red eyes glowing with an intense focus.
Zhang Wei smirked. "I've seen you training with that ram of yours. How about we see what it's really made of?"
Lu Fan hesitated for a moment. He knew that Zhang Wei's wolf was powerful—one of the strongest in their class. But he also knew that facing strong opponents was the only way to grow.
"Alright," Lu Fan agreed, determination flaring in his eyes. "Let's do it."
They moved to an open area of the arena, drawing the attention of other students who quickly gathered around to watch. This was an impromptu match, but everyone knew it would be a good one.
Zhang Wei wasted no time. "Wolf, use Shadow Claw!" he commanded.
The wolf blurred into motion, its claws glowing with dark energy as it leaped toward Buck.
"Buck, use Shielding Charge!" Lu Fan countered.
Buck lowered his head and charged forward, meeting the wolf's attack head-on. The two beasts collided with a thunderous impact, each trying to overpower the other. Buck's dense frame absorbed much of the wolf's attack, but the force still pushed him back a few steps.
"Not bad," Zhang Wei said, clearly impressed that Buck had withstood the attack. "But we're just getting started. Wolf, use Shadow Step and attack from the rear!"
The wolf vanished into a shadowy blur, reappearing behind Buck with lightning speed.
"Buck, counter with Crushing Horns!" Lu Fan shouted.
Buck reacted instantly, spinning around and delivering a powerful headbutt just as the wolf lunged. His horns connected with the wolf's side, sending it skidding across the arena floor.
The spectators gasped in surprise. No one had expected Buck to land such a solid hit against Zhang Wei's wolf.
Zhang Wei narrowed his eyes, clearly not expecting such resistance. "You've got some fight in you, Lu Fan. But it won't be enough. Wolf, use Dark Howl!"
The wolf reared back and let out a bone-chilling howl that reverberated through the arena. The sound waves hit Buck, staggering him and leaving him momentarily stunned.
Lu Fan knew this was a critical moment. "Buck, shake it off! You can do this!"
Buck's legs trembled as he struggled to recover from the wolf's sonic attack. But then, something remarkable happened. The mark on Buck's forehead, the one that symbolized their pact, began to glow faintly. Lu Fan felt their bond strengthen, a surge of energy passing between them.
"Buck, use Shielding Charge again!" Lu Fan commanded, his voice steady and confident.
This time, Buck charged forward with even greater determination. His body seemed to glow with a faint aura as he barreled toward the wolf, who was still recovering from its own attack.
Buck's charge hit the wolf squarely, knocking it off its feet and pinning it to the ground. The wolf growled and struggled, but Buck held firm, refusing to let up.
"Enough!" Zhang Wei called out, realizing that the match was over. He walked over and helped his wolf back to its feet. "You win this one, Lu Fan."
Lu Fan let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. Buck stepped back, panting but victorious.
The spectators erupted into applause, impressed by the unexpected outcome. Lu Fan had just beaten one of the top contenders in their class, and he had done it with a beast that most had underestimated.
Zhang Wei approached Lu Fan, offering a respectful nod. "Looks like your ram's stronger than I thought. But don't get too comfortable. The tournament's still ahead, and I won't go easy on you next time."
Lu Fan nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
As Zhang Wei and his wolf left the arena, Lu Fan knelt down next to Buck, who was still catching his breath.
"You did amazing, Buck," Lu Fan said, rubbing Buck's head affectionately. "We've got a long way to go, but I know we're going to be great together."
Buck let out a satisfied bleat, nudging Lu Fan's hand with his nose