Weakest Beast Tamer Gets All SSS Dragons

Chapter 792 - Taming the Fifth Year - Immovable - 10

Liu saw the first beamʼs trail...

It had passed very close to grazing the hyenaʼs side, yes. But it had also passed dangerously close to where Liu was standing behind his beast in the designated tamer position.

If Ren had aimed more centrally toward the hyenaʼs mass, the incredibly fast beam would have connected from the initial shot...

If Ren had targeted directly instead of forcing the hyena to dodge laterally...

The second beam would have passed through the hyenaʼs body and potentially reached Liu standing behind as well.

It could have been lethal for Liu if the beam maintained coherence... He was standing too close to the impact zone. The beam would have dispersed somewhat after piercing through the hyena. But it would have been extremely dangerous regardless.

The second beamʼs trajectory...

Liu reconstructed the entire sequence in his mind with growing realization. The hyena had dodged laterally in response to the first threat. Moving toward the right from Liuʼs perspective behind it.

Which meant that when the second beam fired with precision...

Liu was no longer positioned directly behind the hyena in the line of fire. He was displaced to the side. Outside the danger zone completely.

ʼThe first beam was undoubtedly failed on purpose to avoid hitting me,ʼ Liu thought with his hypothesis growing into certainty. ʼThatʼs why it didnʼt connect from the start despite being fast enough. It forced the hyena to move so that I would be safe when the second attack connected with full power.ʼ

And Liu hadnʼt shown that same consideration in return.

When his hyena had launched the concentrated sonic attack toward the hydra earlier...

Ren had been standing directly behind his beast. In the direct line of potential fire. If Ren hadnʼt possessed some method of defending himself adequately...

It would have ended badly for him because of Liuʼs carelessness.

Liu hadnʼt thought about that danger at all. Hadnʼt adjusted his attack strategy to protect his opponent and friend from collateral damage in a battle that was supposed to involve only the beasts themselves.

Heʼd simply attacked with maximum force toward his target without considering any consequences.

Liu sighed heavily. The weight of that realization settled over him like a physical burden.

He felt more thoroughly defeated in that moment than when the light beam had struck his hyena with its devastating force.

Because one thing was losing because your opponent was stronger and better prepared.

Something completely different was realizing that your opponent had been actively protecting you even while defeating you, and youʼd been acting like a thoughtless fool in comparison.

Ren had limited his own attack capability. Had made things more difficult for himself. Had created a two-strike sequence when he probably could have ended the battle with a single beam if he didnʼt care about Liuʼs wellbeing.

But he had cared enough to take precautions.

And Liu...

Liu hadnʼt thought about that consideration at all during his own assault.

”I surrender,” Liu announced loudly so Lin could hear clearly.

Teacher Lin raised her hand, confirming the declaration. ”Victory: Ren Patinder.”

Ren had been waiting patiently to give Liu space to make the decision himself...

The hydra didnʼt attack again despite having a clear advantage. Didnʼt pursue its overwhelming superiority. Simply remained motionless in position, waiting for Liu to decide whether to attack desperately or withdraw his beast.

Liu did so slowly and carefully. Calling the hyena back to him. Avoiding the sharp pain that would have transmitted through a broken bond, thankful that Ren had stopped his attacks before that threshold.

And he was very grateful for that mercy as well.

Gold-rank beasts hurt significantly more than Silver or Bronze when the mental bond was damaged or severed. If Ren had continued attacking relentlessly, if heʼd broken the link completely through overwhelming the beast...

The pain would have been considerable. Potentially requiring a full day of recovery time before being functional.

But Ren had stopped his assault. Had given Liu the opportunity to surrender with dignity. Had allowed Liu to withdraw the hyena with their bond still intact.

ʼPerhaps he considered this aspect as well,ʼ Liu thought while walking toward the center of the field. ʼTo avoid cutting my bond unnecessarily and causing me suffering.ʼ

Because even though Liu was going to lose regardless of what happened next. Even though he wouldnʼt have to compete further in this particular exam.

Ren hadnʼt wanted to make him suffer without good reason.

GRATITUDE

Liu approached with a complex expression as it was mixing multiple emotions. Frustration at the decisive defeat, respect for the superior skill demonstrated, and something deeper than either.

Genuine gratitude that transcended simple sportsmanship.

He extended his hand when he reached Ren standing calmly.

Ren took it without hesitation or awkwardness.

”Thank you,” Liu said simply with sincerity.

Ren blinked, slightly confused by the unexpected gratitude. ”For winning the match?”

”For the power youʼve given me,” Liu responded with weight behind the words. ”The cultivation method to reach even Gold rank with my beasts and the double-bonding potion. The advanced techniques you shared freely... I never would have reached Gold rank, much less achieved it this year without your assistance. Probably wouldnʼt have reached even Silver if Iʼd continued following traditional methods.”

He paused, tightening the handshake slightly to emphasize his point.

”But also thank you for not letting me become... complacent with that power. For not allowing me to feel drunk on strength just because I reached Gold rank and became stronger than most students and even adults.”

He smiled with some self-deprecating irony.

”Feeling like the king of the world... With Ren Patinder as a friend, experiencing that delusion is impossible. There will always be a reminder that no matter how strong you think youʼve become, someone stronger exists. And if that someone helped you reach where you are now…”

Renʼs expression softened slightly at the heartfelt words.

”Iʼm happy you didnʼt need to learn that lesson my way… And you worked hard for that power,” he said quietly. ”The methods I shared were just tools. Youʼre the one who put in the effort.”

Dagzo