Lu Ran’s astonishment at Gale Swordsmanship paled in comparison to his initial reaction to the Sword Sovereign talent. On the surface, this species talent merely seemed to enhance Captain Doofus’ wind-attributed sword techniques with an additional buff.
Of course, this was just speculation for now. The true power of Gale Swordsmanship could only be revealed in actual combat. What surprised Lu Ran more than the newly awakened species talent was Captain Doofus’ species rank.
Superior-Champion Rank!
Captain Doofus had leaped directly from Superior-Transcendent to Superior-Champion! This was a massive jump across species ranks.
With the augmentation of Sword Sovereign, Captain Doofus could now rival even Low-King species! The magnitude of this evolution left Lu Ran momentarily shaken. However, he understood this wasn’t solely the result of the Nature Manipulation Trait.
While Nature Manipulation was among the top-tier traits with substantial evolutionary boosts, it alone wouldn’t have enabled such a significant leap. The key factor was undoubtedly the Treasure resource: King of Wind Fruit!
The King of Wind Fruit primarily enhanced a familiar’s wind control and affinity rather than its energy reserves. It had minimal impact on boosting a familiar’s level.
This meant that even with this resource, Captain Doofus didn’t experience a sudden surge to levels 30 or 40 like some creatures might after consuming compatible Treasure resources.
Instead, it dramatically improved Captain Doofus’ Wind-attribute potential, granting it control on par with a wind-attributed King species. In essence, it amplified Captain Doofus’ attribute potential.
After consuming the King of Wind Fruit, Captain Doofus’ species potential increased significantly. This, coupled with the evolution triggered by the Nature Manipulation Trait, elevated its species rank to Superior-Champion Species.
Lu Ran concluded that Captain Doofus’s original species’ foundation wasn’t particularly high. It lagged behind species like Zhou Mo’s Two-Headed Hellhound, a natural Champion Species. Captain Doofus’ strength lay in its exceptional comprehension.
Now, the King of Wind Fruit had compensated for these inherent weaknesses, making Captain Doofus’s innate species potential comparable to natural Champion species.
“With this, both Captain Doofus and Sudden Death King can easily secure spots on the Champion Heavenly Familiar Ranking!”
With Captain Doofus’ evolution complete, Lu Ran felt a surge of confidence. Whether it was facing the Tyrannosaurus Rex Squad or competing on the Champion Heavenly Familiar Ranking, he was ready.
Captain Doofus was clearly fascinated by its newfound strength. As a Gale Sword Dog, enhanced by Gale Swordsmanship, Captain Doofus could wield the Wind Blade on its tail with remarkable dexterity.
With a casual flick of its tail, it performed a dazzling sword flourish. When it threw the Wind Blade, Captain Doofus could effortlessly control its trajectory mid-air, making it twist and turn with agility far beyond human capability.
Previously, Captain Doofus’ sword control had been straightforward and somewhat limited. Now, its attacks seamlessly combined power, speed, and precision.
Furthermore, thanks to the boosts from the King of Wind Fruit and Nature Manipulation Trait, Captain Doofus’ energy compression technique had reached twentyfold compression. Its energy reserves and manipulation capabilities had undergone tremendous upgrades.
Lu Ran hesitated to call Captain Doofus the strongest Champion Species of the current era, given the existence of formidable species with time or space attributes. But if he targeted a less competitive area, securing the top spot on the Champion Heavenly Familiar Ranking wouldn’t be out of reach.
“Captain Doofus, familiarize yourself with your new form. We’ll teleport to Public Limitless City soon!” Lu Ran grinned.
Unlike the early days of the Limitless City, the teleportation functions to different countries’ cities were now operational. However, most nations treated their Limitless Cities as sovereign territories and generally didn’t permit foreign visitors without prior approval, except for specific circumstances.
Visiting for unique secret realms was allowed but required an application in advance. The Limitless City where the Tyrannosaurus Rex Squad was currently stationed was located at an international border, unaffiliated with any nation. Thus, teleporting there required no special permissions. Lu Ran planned to depart today!
At the same time in Beastmaster Square in Xia’s Limitless City 3, some beastmasters noticed something unusual. The long-standing names of Pedestrian A and the Sword-Bearing Dog, who had dominated the Transcendent Heavenly Familiar Ranking, had disappeared!
Of course, compared to the buzz surrounding the freshman competition and the Tyrannosaurus Rex Squad, this minor event barely caused a ripple.
Public Limitless City #4, Beastmaster Arena.
By now, the Tyrannosaurus Rex Squad had been holding their arena challenge for several hours. From the first match to the most recent, they had remained undefeated. Each battle saw their Tyrannosauruses easily crushing their challengers.
“Is there no one who can beat them?”
“They’re just too strong. These Tyrannosauruses are incredible!”
The massive arena was now packed with tens of thousands of beastmasters from various countries. They came with different backgrounds and purposes, all gathering to witness the spectacle.
Among the crowd were fourth-generation beastmasters from Xia. Even some competitors from the freshman competition, after finishing their matches, rushed over to watch.
These freshmen were visibly displeased. The Eagle Federation had mocked their competition, claiming it was mediocre and that they could effortlessly secure top-ten spots if they joined.
But after watching the Tyrannosaurus Rex Squad display their overwhelming strength, the freshmen had no choice but to admit that the Tyrannosauruses were indeed terrifyingly powerful. Even some who initially planned to challenge them began to hesitate.
“Does anyone else dare to challenge us?”
On the main stage of the arena, a young man in a gray tactical suit stood alongside a hulking beast. The creature was a Tyrannosaurus, its massive body stretching over ten meters. Its muscular limbs, powerful tail, and rows of razor-sharp teeth exuded raw savagery.
The beast’s breath reeked of blood, stirring up sandstorms with every snarl. Its violent gaze alone deterred many fourth-generation beastmasters from even considering stepping onto the stage.
The earlier battles had made it clear that the Tyrannosaurus didn’t even need to use skills. Its sheer physical strength was enough to obliterate common Champion Species familiars in seconds. Fight? What’s the point?
“Hmm? Someone’s stepping up?”
Just as the youth issued another challenge, a new challenger teleported onto the stage. The crowd quickly noticed the man’s rugged appearance as he wore hunting gear, his hair messy, and his expression icy.
Beside him stood a three-meter-tall white-furred bear-like familiar. It was a Polar Bear. The arrival of the challenger caused a stir among the tens of thousands of spectators.
“That’s Ship from the Snow Federation in Limitless City #2!”
“They’re rivals with the Eagle Federation.”
“What’s Ship’s background?”
Upon hearing the challenger’s background, both the Tyrannosaurus Rex Squad members on stage and those watching from the sidelines couldn’t help but smirk. Finally, we’ve reeled in a big fish.
Defeating the weaker challengers who only sought to display their strength and join the Eagle Federation hadn’t truly showcased their power. Facing a strong opponent was far more exciting.
“Ship is one of the top fourth-generation beastmasters in the Snow Federation! His polar bear is a natural Champion Species. After fusing with two traits, it’s on the verge of becoming a King Species. It’s currently ranked ninth on the Champion Heavenly Familiar Ranking in the Snow Federation’s Limitless City #2!”
As some informed spectators revealed Ship’s identity, the crowd buzzed with anticipation. Ninth on the Champion Heavenly Familiar Ranking? If it had been tenth, one might dismiss it as a lucky or barely-earned placement. But ninth meant genuine strength!
The audience grew increasingly eager. Surely, Ship wasn’t here to join the Eagle Federation, was he? No, his purpose was clear. He was here to defeat the Tyrannosaurus Rex Squad! The battle promised to be thrilling. After all, the challenger was a fierce warrior from the snowy lands.
And yet... Barely a minute into the match, a thunderous roar shook the arena. The massive Polar Bear was ruthlessly bitten by the Tyrannosaurus, its neck snapped as it was flung several meters away and rendered completely incapacitated.
The raging sandstorm that followed blasted Ship off his feet, sending him crashing heavily into the arena wall. The scene was nothing short of tragic.
The arena fell into an eerie silence. Xia’s fourth gens, who had hoped to see the Snow Federation warrior crush the Tyrannosauruses, were left frozen in shock. They hadn’t expected such a crushing defeat.
“How could this happen!? exclaimed a group of Snow Federation fourth-gens, who had been rooting for Ship.
Beastmasters from the Eagle Federation erupted into laughter, visibly relieved and brimming with smugness.
“And we thought he was tough. Turns out he’s just weak!”
“Oh Lord, was he here to entertain us?”
“A polar bear, seriously? We’ve already said modern species are no match for a Tyrannosaurus!”
“To defeat a Tyrannosaurus, you’d need at least a familiar from a fantasy or myth!”
The beastmasters from the Eagle Federation laughed as their national pride swelled. Even those who weren’t members of the Tyrannosaurus Rex Squad began to envision a future where every Eagle Federation beastmaster possessed a Tyrannosaurus.
With its dominance in economics, military, and technology, the Eagle Federation now cemented its absolute superiority in the beastmaster field. The feeling was exhilarating.
Having defeated a top-tier challenger from the Snow Federation, the Tyrannosaurus Rex Squad member smirked as he recalled his Tyrannosaurus and turned to leave for a rest. Soon after, another squad member stepped forward with their Tyrannosaurus.
The members of the Tyrannosaurus Rex Squad were evenly matched in strength. Their familiars’ traits and their own beastmaster skills were standardized.
It didn’t matter who took the stage. They all exuded the same overwhelming power that left challengers hesitant. For foreign fourth-gens who wanted to take them on, it was a dilemma. They longed to try, but the fear of losing and becoming a stepping stone held them back.
“Damn it,” muttered a group of Xia fourth-gens from the stands.
“These guys really know how to pick their timing. All our strongest fighters are busy preparing for the freshman competition. Who has time to challenge them now?”
“I bet the girl with special abilities could take them down easily.”
“I’m rooting for the Spear Intent Sister.”
“Lu Ran already responded to them. With his strength, he definitely could do it, but the competition schedule is just too tight. If he fights the Tyrannosaurus Rex Squad, it’ll likely affect his upcoming matches...”
“I heard Lu Ran’s next opponent even said that if Lu Ran challenged the Tyrannosaurus Rex Squad, no matter the outcome, they’d forfeit their match to give Lu Ran more time.”
“What a thoughtful move. It’s probably because they know they can’t beat him anyway.”
“But still, who knows if Lu Ran will show up today...”
As Xia’s fourth gens speculated, Ian, the Tyrannosaurus Rex Squad member who had given the infamous interview, stepped onto the stage.
With a smile, he spread his arms and taunted, “Alright, anyone want to fight me? If you perform well, there’s a chance you’ll receive an invitation from the Eagle Federation and even get your own dinosaur familiar.
“Of course, if you overestimate yourself and think you can beat a Tyrannosaurus, you’re welcome to try. But the result might be unpleasant.”
As soon as he finished, the teleportation light on the stage flared up, signaling a new challenger.
Ian turned to look at the newcomer, his brow furrowing slightly. He wasn’t the only one. Most of the audience reacted similarly. The challenger was wrapped head to toe in a black mask and cap, leaving their face and nationality obscured. However, their familiar was instantly recognizable.
It was majestic and confident, with luxurious fur that seemed to blend harmoniously with the wind. Its regal demeanor captivated onlookers. Indeed, it was a Siberian Husky.
What left the crowd, even the Tyrannosaurus Rex Squad, stunned was the weapon in the doofus’ mouth. It was a massive, ice-blue greatsword!
While the sword enhanced the Husky’s already imposing image, the bizarre combination of a dog wielding a sword left many dumbfounded.
“What the heck?” Ian blurted out, voicing the confusion of many.
Meanwhile, several beastmasters from Xia rubbed their eyes in disbelief. The familiar species... The eccentric setup... It all clicked.