The second match was already underway.

“That’s a pet beast I haven’t seen before.”

Qiao Sang remarked, observing the creature at the center of the arena. It had a blue body with a white belly, long blue whiskers, a thick upward-curving tail, and prominent front teeth.

“That’s a Marine Gnawer.” Xu Yixuan explained, adjusting her glasses.

“It’s a pet beast from the Guwu Region. Don’t be fooled by its small size, its teeth can gnaw through trees.”

Her thoughts drifted momentarily before she added, “You know, it’d be nice to have one around. Opening walnuts would be a breeze.”

Realizing she had gone off track, she returned to the topic at hand.

“Anyway, don’t worry. While the Marine Gnawer is a regional pet, it’s no different from any ordinary water-type pet beast. Just go about the fight as usual. Even He Dadao could win this round.”

No sooner had she spoken than the Marine Gnawer launched a Water Stream Jet straight at the opposing pet, a Blaze Gorilla. The gorilla didn’t dodge and responded head-on with Blazing Flames.

Just when it seemed the two attacks would collide, the Water Stream Jet unexpectedly spiraled around the fire attack, closing in on the Blaze Gorilla and striking it directly. The gorilla let out a pained roar.

Cheers erupted from Pinghai High School’s section.

Fortunately, the Blaze Gorilla’s thick hide prevented it from being knocked out immediately.

Xu Yixuan’s lips twitched. Was she being proven wrong already? Could He Dadao handle this or not? It was only the second match.

Qiao Sang, however, was more focused on the Marine Gnawer, replaying the earlier move in her mind.

Having trained Lubao in Water Stream Jet, she understood the intricacies of controlling the attack.

Redirecting its trajectory was already challenging, but making it spiral around another attack required immense precision and physical control.

This wasn’t something an average trainer could teach.

“She’s got skills.” Qiao Sang murmured, eyeing the Marine Gnawer’s trainer.

In the past two tournaments, Shengshui High School hadn’t gone up against Pinghai High, leaving He Dadao with limited information about their team.

Beyond knowing their names, pets, and water-training expertise, he was clueless, unlike his prepared approach against Fiqi Beast Taming High.

As the match progressed, He Dadao lost both the second and fifth rounds, earning only 12 points in total. With this score, he was likely to be temporarily removed from the top tier of contenders.

“Match A2: Shengshui High’s Qiao Sang versus Pinghai High’s Zhou Jing.” Announced the broadcaster.

He Dadao slumped into his seat, still recovering from his losses.

“No big deal. You lost two matches, I’ll win them back for you.” Qiao Sang said, patting his shoulder before heading toward the arena.

He Dadao snapped out of his funk and watched her walk away, grumbling internally:

This isn’t even a team competition! Your win doesn’t help my record at all!

Still, he relaxed his posture slightly. Deep down, he did feel a bit better.

But then Xu Yixuan’s voice chimed in.

“How did you lose two matches to Pinghai High? Especially against that Marine Gnawer. You made me look bad after I vouched for you!” She said, her tone icy.

“This wasn’t even a water-themed field. How could you lose? Didn’t the coach repeatedly remind you not to spam moves if you couldn’t gain an early advantage? Why don’t you listen?”

“And another thing…”

He Dadao sighed heavily. Never mind. My mood’s ruined again.

As Qiao Sang stepped onto the field, the crowd buzzed with speculation.

“Too bad we won’t see the Flame Hound this time.”

“Why not?”

“Pinghai High exclusively uses water-type pets. Qiao Sang wouldn’t send out the Flame Hound.”

“True. But maybe we’ll finally see her third pet. Nobody knows what it is yet, only that it’s water-type.”

“Relax. We’ll find out eventually. Even if she sends out her Treasure-Seeking Demon, it’s not like it can sweep the competition like the Flame Hound.”

“Fair point.”

As the chatter continued, the arena’s star formation activated, summoning a familiar figure.

“Yal!”

The audience fell silent, then erupted in confusion.

“What’s going on? Why did she send out the Flame Hound?”

“Didn’t she watch Pinghai High’s matches earlier? Zhou Jing’s pets are both water-type!”

“She has three pets! Why pick the one at a disadvantage?”

“Well… the Flame Hound does have psychic abilities.”

“That’s true, but water-type moves deal double damage to it!”

“Why are you so worked up? Are you from Shengshui High?”

“…Oh. Right.”

On the field, Zhou Jing gave Qiao Sang a wry smile.

“You know both my pets are water-type. Are you overconfident or underestimating me?”

She didn’t wait for an answer, issuing her first command. “High-Speed Spin!”

“Banban!”

The yellow-shelled, orange-spotted Star-Spotted Turtle retracted into its shell and began spinning rapidly, hurtling toward the Flame Howler.

Star-Spotted Turtle. A mid-tier pet beast, it prefers swampy grasslands. Each of its orange spots can spray water.

Qiao Sang recalled the pet’s details but didn’t issue any instructions.

The Flame Hound remained motionless, its gaze fixed on the spinning opponent.

Why isn’t it moving? Zhou Jing frowned, sensing something amiss.

Her expression shifted as realization struck. “Change direction, circle behind it!”

The turtle abruptly veered left, positioning itself behind the Flame Hound.

At that moment, the Flame Hound’s eyes glowed blue.

As I suspected, Zhou Jing thought, exhaling in relief. She had studied Shengshui High meticulously.

The Flame Hound’s psychic abilities were powerful enough to control advanced-level moves like Flame Burst.

Qiao Sang smirked.

This one’s got some skills.

“Yap!”

Realizing he couldn’t restrain the opponent with his psychic abilities, Yabao’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

My trainer was right!

The opponents are only getting stronger!