Weakest Beast Tamer Gets All SSS Dragons novel Chapter 300

The team battles ended with enough time for Lin to announce the continuation of individual combats, just like the day before.

Of the initial 96 students, only 48 remained in competition, and this number would be reduced by half again after this next round.

"The following confrontations will determine the 24 finalists of the individual tournament," Lin explained, her voice carrying across the arena with authority.

Kai managed to advance to the next round, much to Min and Taro's visible displeasure, as did Cass. But not all was bad news… Luna and Liu also succeeded in moving forward.

The battles involving Larissa, Liora, and Klein would be postponed to allow their complete recovery.

♢♢♢♢

Min, fresh from his own victory, rejoined Ren and Taro at their usual spot in the stands.

Although he had won using his now "classic" invisibility strategy against a wind element tamer, his expression suggested a certain dissatisfaction.

"Another boring victory," he muttered, dropping onto the bench beside his friends. "I couldn't even show off much, and almost nobody applauded. Being invisible is..."

But his apparent bad mood transformed instantly into genuine concern when the next combat was announced:

"Ren Patinder versus Taro Terragon. Present yourselves in the arena in three minutes."

"Wait, so soon?" Min looked alternately at his two companions, eyes widening. "Today? But that means..."

"That one of us will advance and the other won't," Taro completed, resignation but also determination in his voice. His hands flexed unconsciously, the subtle markings of his beetle shifting across his skin.

Ren remained silent. His thoughts about this confrontation were complex; he knew Taro's capabilities better than almost any other opponent, but that worked in both directions.

"Don't be too hard on me," commented Taro with a slight smile as he stood up. "Though my defense might surprise you."

Ren nodded, returning the smile. "I won't underestimate you. In fact..."

As they walked toward the arena, Ren mentally evaluated the situation. Taro's defense was formidable: a 90% increase with each layer of his dual armor effectively meant 180% protection. This was superior even to the 160% strength that Ren could generate with his hydra, his fungus, and the ring together.

Taro's advantage didn't end there. His synergy between the Living Tunnel and the Hunter bug was more versatile and adaptable than the single standard defensive structure of Ren's hydra, which, although enhanced by the light of his mushrooms, had more limited options in terms of physical manifestation.

Of course, he had a powerful option, but...

Firing the light beam against Taro would be excessive and potentially dangerous in a friendly combat. His best option was to try to overcome that formidable defense with his increased strength of 160%, with his attack of 140% and depending significantly on the ring to match Taro's capabilities.

The arena was ready, freshly repaired after the earlier battles.

Lin positioned herself between them, her professional expression barely disguising the genuine interest in this particular confrontation.

"The rules remain the same. Are you ready?"