Nylon County is about fifty miles from Microglow City. On the way there, the group camped out for the night in the wild, but on the way back, they traveled nonstop, heading straight for the city gates.
In addition, all the students and instructors from Saint Stone High were traveling together, making for an imposing sight. No monsters dared to provoke them, and even if some unlucky ones did, they were instantly killed.
Such a powerful force was enough to easily overpower even King-level monsters in a direct confrontation.
It's important to mention the classification of monsters' levels here:
Levels 1-9: Ordinary monsters.Levels 10-19: Elite monsters.Levels 20-29: Leader-level monsters.Levels 30-39: Lord-level monsters.Levels 40-49: King-level monsters.
The Giant Bear and Knife Scales Blood Serpent were both King-level monsters, ruling over their territories with enough strength to match a small mercenary group. If they commanded a few other monsters, a mercenary team of about a hundred would have to flee at the sight of them.
Therefore, unless a 50-59 level Emperor-level monster appeared, Kent's group would not face any danger.
However, in the vicinity of human cities, strong monsters had mostly been cleared out. Even King-level monsters were rare, unless one had wandered into the area by accident.
With a smooth journey and the efficient use of supplies and tents, the return trip was much easier. They also used some beast control abilities, and by evening, all of the Saint Stone High team had arrived at the city gates.
At this point, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Looking back at the road behind them, they felt a bit dazed.
"Professor, can you wait for a few minutes? Let the other professors lead the team in first."
At this point, a look of excitement flashed across Kent's face, and he hurried to stop Professor He.
"What's the matter?" Professor He was about to lead the first group into the city, enjoying the privilege of going in first.
Leng Zimu, noticing the commotion, said, "Kent, what are you up to now?"
Kent shrugged and sneered. "None of your business."
The sudden reply took Leng Zimu by surprise, and he clenched his fists, challenging, "What's it to you? If you're not happy about it, we can fight. Be careful, I might kill you."
At once, all the students turned to look at them.
Zhao Mengxi furrowed her brows but didn't speak. The two had already formed an unresolvable enmity. Anyone trying to interfere would only be asking for trouble, so she decided to let them handle it themselves.
As Kent's strength grew, his temper became sharper. He couldn't tolerate such blatant provocation and immediately retorted, "Fine, let's see how long you can last under my hands."
Leng Zimu's face darkened further. Normally, his family was of high status, and ordinary people would avoid him, showing him respect. But now, Kent, without any fear, was mocking him openly.
If they could fight right there, it would have been fine, but with so many instructors present, Leng Zimu wasn't bold enough to disregard their authority and fight in front of them.
That was why Kent felt confident enough to counter him without fear.
Leng Zimu felt his chest tighten with frustration. He wished he could rip Kent apart but had to hold back. Once inside the city, the law would be in place, and if he wanted to deal with Kent, he could only resort to methods like assassination.
But such actions wouldn't bring him any satisfaction. What he truly wanted was to teach Kent a lesson himself, hands-on.
Professor He, seeing the tension between the two, had enough. His face hardened, and he displayed his authority as an instructor. "You two better behave. If you cause trouble while I'm leading the group, don't expect any favors from me. No one will benefit."
At his words, both Kent and Leng Zimu immediately fell silent.
Although Professor He wasn't particularly strong, his position as a mentor with years of experience and a network of former students was more than enough to keep students like them in check. In Earthstar, respecting teachers was highly valued. If someone went against a mentor, they would have made enemies with many others.
"Kent, why did you want me to wait?" After they calmed down, Professor He asked.
Kent glanced at the discontented Leng Zimu and puffed out his chest. "Professor, I still have some unfinished business with Leng Zimu and Zhao Shi. It's time to settle the score."
"Kent, what are you talking about? This is your business with them. Can't you handle it privately when we get back to the city?" Professor He said, sounding displeased.
"Please be patient, Professor. This is also related to you, as you are a witness. Once I win the bet, I'll make sure you get your share," Kent smiled.
Leng Zimu and Zhao Shi exchanged uneasy glances. This didn't bode well—Kent's beast… had it really reached level 30?
Impossible.
Absolutely impossible.
Both were filled with disbelief.
Then, Kent casually raised his hand, and they heard a loud meow. A beast over three meters long appeared and happily trotted toward them.
"Is that Garfield?"
Many people turned to look, recognizing the large feline beast. It seemed to be Kent's pet cat from a few days ago that had been released.
But something was off—it had grown several times in size. What used to be a two-meter-long cat was now over three meters, incredibly sturdy and powerful.
As it drew closer, everyone could sense its powerful aura—this was a Lord-level monster.
At this, Leng Zimu and Zhao Shi's expressions changed dramatically, their faces turning grim.
"How could this be? In just a few days, it went from level 22 to level 30? That's impossible!" Leng Zimu yelled in disbelief.
Zhao Shi's eyes fixed on the giant cat, and he gritted his teeth. "No, this can't be your beast. It just looks like it. Don't try to fool me."
However, Kent ignored their doubts, waving his hand as Garfield happily trotted over, rubbing around his legs in an affectionate manner. The cat's size had grown so much that it now reached Kent's chest, looking almost large enough to serve as a mount.
Kent immediately read Garfield's stats.
Beast Name: Golden Cat King
Beast Rank: Golden Upper Class
Beast Level: 30 (Lord-level)
...
Although there were no new abilities, its existing ones had grown significantly, and its battle power was approaching a thousand. It was likely that most Lord-level monsters wouldn't be able to match Garfield in a direct fight.
Kent mentally communicated with Garfield, and the beast roared at Leng Zimu and Zhao Shi. The powerful sound rattled them, leaving them dumbfounded.
The Lord-level aura was fully released, making other bronze- and silver-tier beasts around them retreat in fear.
"Professor, I believe my beast, Garfield, has now reached level 30, Lord-level.
Now, we can check the beasts of Leng Zimu and Zhao Shi. If their beasts haven't reached level 30, then according to our bet, they should have lost. Since you're the witness, please make a ruling."