14: Bai Sheng and the Blue Thunder Bear

The little fatty walked away dejectedly, not even looking back.

He had fought many times before, but this was the first time he had been beaten so badly.

His fervent dream of becoming a Beastmaster seemed to have shattered after this battle.

Lin Shu had no choice when he saw this.

After all, that was just how Shadow Mantis was.

Its Talent was entirely focused on speed and attack power.

Moreover, its role was that of an assassin, specializing in burst damage.

Combat was that simple and brutal; there was nothing that could be done about it.

Next, several more battles took place.

Each battle lasted no more than three minutes.

Overall, there was no pressure, and the battles were relatively easy.

However, it left the new Beastmasters feeling quite miserable.

“We’re all new, so why are you so fierce?”

After resting, the time was 11 o’clock.

He checked the time and realized there was only one hour left.

Today’s battles were about to end.

“Last one, we’ll go back after this,” Lin Shu said to Shadow Mantis beside him.

Shadow Mantis was still very excited after battling all morning.

Its entire body radiated an unconcealable joy.

Perhaps it was because it hadn't had enough fun.

It still wanted to continue.

In Shadow Mantis’s eyes, battling other beasts was much more fun than playing with wooden stakes.

Without much waiting, the familiar broadcast sound soon appeared.

“Number 15 Lin Shu, Number 36 Bai Sheng, please proceed to Arena Number 12.”

The announcement was broadcast three times consecutively.

Upon hearing it, Lin Shu also got up and walked towards the arena.

Arriving at the arena, he found his opponent, Bai Sheng.

He wore a black hat, light-colored clothes, had well-defined features, and a serene expression.

A gentle smile graced his face.

Just by looking at him, one could tell he was extraordinary.

The two nodded to each other in greeting.

After the all-too-familiar procedure, the match officially began.

Bai Sheng waved his hand, and a summoning array emerged.

A half-grown Blue Thunder Pattern Bear appeared in the arena.

This bear had an unusual appearance; its fur was neither black nor white, but light blue.

There were circles of patterns on its abdomen.

At first glance, it resembled mosquito coils.

Its fist-sized paws involuntarily flickered with electric arcs.

Emitting subtle crackling sounds.

Upon seeing the appearance of this beast, Lin Shu felt it was extraordinary.

He didn't know what species it was.

The panel appeared.

【Name】: Blue Thunder Pattern Bear

【Level】: Lv8 (25/80)

【Level Cap】: Lv76

【Status】: Healthy

【Quality】: Perfect

【Attribute】: Thunder

【Talent】: None

【Skills】: Basic — Arc (Passive) - Minor Accomplishment (12/30) - Bite - Minor Accomplishment (8/30)

Intermediate — Thunderfist - Novice (3/40)

Seeing these attributes, Lin Shu frowned slightly; it was a bit troublesome.

It could be said that this was the strongest opponent Shadow Mantis had ever encountered.

It had a Perfect quality, possessed two basic skills and one intermediate skill.

Its level was also the same as Shadow Mantis.

It could be said that Shadow Mantis was at a disadvantage in all aspects except for skill proficiency.

If Shadow Mantis were to be struck by a punch from the Blue Thunder Pattern Bear during the battle.

Given Shadow Mantis’s defense, the battle would basically be over immediately.

After all, it was a Thunder attribute known for its powerful attacks.

Coupled with its bear lineage, this combination made its damage even more terrifying.

Seemingly noticing Lin Shu’s seriousness, Shadow Mantis was no longer as sluggish as before.

It entered a hundred percent battle-ready state.

At this moment, he was a poised assassin.

“Match start!”

In a flash of thought, the battle had already begun.

“Don’t be greedy, make sure not to get hit, and if necessary, you can use that.”

Lin Shu cautioned Shadow Mantis.

Shadow Mantis also recognized the formidable nature of the opposing little fat bear; his combat intuition was very high.

“That” naturally referred to his Talent, the Void Walk that had never been revealed.

Although the opponent was very strong, Lin Shu still had a chance to win.

The scales were not tipped completely to one side.

“Thunder, the mantis on the other side is not ordinary; don’t take him lightly.”

Bai Sheng was not arrogant; instead, he began to give instructions.

The Blue Thunder Pattern Bear nodded with a simple and honest expression.

Then, it took large strides towards Shadow Mantis.

Although bears are generally not fast, the Blue Thunder Pattern Bear’s speed far exceeded that of its average counterparts.

Its fist-sized paws swung fiercely, with electric arcs constantly flickering above them.

If struck, there was also a chance to trigger a paralyzing effect.

It was a breeze to deal with melee-type beasts, but Shadow Mantis was an exception.

Its speed was even faster, moving like a floating shadow.

It quietly arrived behind the Blue Thunder Pattern Bear and delivered a heavy slash.

“Hmph!”

The previously invincible Assault and Heavy Strike tactics were now only moderately effective.

After a muffled grunt, the Blue Thunder Pattern Bear swung a paw backward.

Its thick, tough fur blocked most of the damage.

However, the Perfect proficiency Assault was also extraordinary in power, causing fresh blood to flow and leaving a gash.

Seeing this scene, Lin Shu felt relieved.

As long as he could break through its defense, he could slowly wear down the Blue Thunder Pattern Bear.

After landing a hit, Shadow Mantis retreated to the side.

Searching for the next opportunity to attack.

Bai Sheng’s face showed surprise.

He had thought he had already given this Shadow Mantis enough credit.

He hadn't expected its strength to be even more astonishing.

An Assault of this power must at least be at the Grandmaster level, right?

The speed of improvement in skill proficiency like this was simply too exaggerated.

Then his brows furrowed; this match was going to be a bit difficult.

Wasn't he here to fish? How was he about to be fished by the fish?

He pondered over a solution.

Soon, a method appeared.

That was to stall!

Let him attack, and once his stamina was largely depleted.

He would seize the moment his speed dropped and take him out with a Thunderfist.

Once he made up his mind, the situation on the field instantly became one-sided.

The Blue Thunder Pattern Bear merely stayed in place, resisting Shadow Mantis’s attacks intentionally and unintentionally.

It tried its best to conserve its stamina, not caring even if its body was covered in bloodstains.

Seeing this, Lin Shu understood most of it.

He knew the reason.

But there would be no problem; if it weren't for Void Walk, this plan might have worked.

The Blue Thunder Pattern Bear endured attacks for a full three minutes, and seeing Shadow Mantis’s movement speed becoming increasingly slow.

It understood the meaning from Bai Sheng’s gaze.

“Roar.”

With a roar, the bear paw, flickering with lightning, was about to strike down the damned mantis.

Suddenly, the mantis, which had been in an attacking stance, vanished in an instant.

It instantly appeared behind him and began a series of continuous attacks.

Its previously stable body swayed slightly.

The Blue Thunder Pattern Bear couldn’t hold on any longer; it had already been attacked for so long.

No matter how tough its hide was, it couldn’t withstand so many attacks.

Bai Sheng patted his forehead.

He felt a bit ashamed.

He had never lost since contracting this Blue Thunder Pattern Bear.

He hadn't expected to lose so frustratingly this time.

“Lin Shu wins!”

As the referee’s voice fell, the battle concluded.

Shadow Mantis stood on the stage, also panting heavily.

The violent fluctuations in its chest indicated that he was also nearing his limit.

After all, in terms of stamina, he was still far inferior to the Blue Thunder Pattern Bear.

Lin Shu gave Shadow Mantis a thumbs-up.

“Shadow Mantis truly is my ace.”

Hearing such praise.

Shadow Mantis gave a proud look.

His mouth slightly open, as if saying, “I will always be your ace...”