Weakest Beast Tamer Gets All SSS Dragons novel Chapter 264

Yang resumed speaking, his stone-covered arms crossed over his chest as he surveyed the sea of students before him.

"For some, this is already known, but let me clarify for our misinformed novices: while victory brings glory and rewards, what we evaluate is your progress, your adaptability, your growth as tamers. A spectacular defeat can be more valuable than an easy victory."

His eyes seemed to rest briefly on Ren, though it might have been imagination. The weight of that glance carried unspoken expectations.

"For those who fail to advance in the main tournament," added Lin, stepping forward with feline grace, "there exists the Obstacle Trial. A specially designed challenge that allows even the eliminated to demonstrate their development."

Director Ignatius reclaimed the center of the stage, his phoenix's golden-red aura briefly intensifying around him to also reclaim the attention.

"The schedules are now posted. The first trials begin in one hour. Prepare yourselves."

The crowd surged forward as the professors retreated, eager students rushing to learn their assignments. The sound of hundreds of feet created a thunderous backdrop as almost all students jostled for position.

Ren and his friends hung back, knowing the tumult would subside shortly.

"Look at those," Liu pointed toward a group of older students. "Some second years and above already know that the true value of Battle Week isn't just winning and passing the year."

Ren followed his gaze. The older students were gathered in small circles, some demonstrating techniques with their beasts, others discussing strategy in low tones.

"It's the only time multiple years mix freely," Liu explained, his eyes bright with appreciation. "Sometimes you can learn more by watching an eighth-year student with your same type of beast than from a complete semester of battle classes."

"Speaking of which," interrupted Taro, straightening suddenly, "isn't that Zhou Liwei? The one with the Silver Steator Vulture."

Everyone turned to see a tall, slender seventh-year student surrounded by admirers. His skin had a subtle gray tinge.

"The echo prodigy," Liu confirmed, his voice dropping with reverence. "Rumor has it he already has offers to join the royal guard after graduation."

"Looks like you're quite interested in his fighting style," Min observed, nudging Liu with his elbow.

"He has a different beast than me, but… I have to see him fight," Liu whispered, nodding eagerly. "They say he can direct strong sound vibrations to strike any point around him without even moving from his spot."

The crowd at the board had diminished enough for them to approach. They scanned the lists, searching for their names among the organized chaos of schedules and brackets.

"There!" Min pointed excitedly, his finger tapping a section of the board. "Bronze Beast Challenge, Team Eight: Min, Taro, and Ren."

"We're not the first," Taro sighed with evident relief.

"Who opens?" asked Min, stretching his neck to see better.

Liu pointed toward the top of the list. "Ron Blackfire's team."

'The salamander boy from the invocation ceremony?' Ren remembered the event, the smile on the boy's face when his red egg had produced a respectable fire creature.

Ren remained silent, studying the other brackets with methodical precision. His mushrooms pulsed at a steady rhythm as he absorbed the information. Team One of Group B consisted of Roran, Mira, and Trent. Team Five had Klein, Astor, and Feng.

His gaze shifted to the Individual Tournament bracket. His first match would be against the same student he had recognized from Group A... Ron, likely with his beast still at iron rank. If he won that, he would face the winner between Hector and Cass.

The board also displayed the team pairings for the sixteen first-year teams. Ren, after a quick glance, noticed that his group would face the challenge in sixth place, right after Klein's team and before Luna's.