Silas pocketed the brass token and gave Morgaine a curt nod. Diog sensed the tension and his ears perked up. Silas took a deep breath and turned away from the registration desk and moved deeper into the hallways of the Hexgear Cup Arena.

Competitors of all ranks moved about, some with their creatures, others deep in conversation with their teams. Silas navigated through the crowd, his mind focused on the challenge ahead.

Diog trotted beside him, alert and ready.

Silas nodded and smiled.

They had trained hard for this moment. They were here to prove themselves and earn the gold needed to save their estate.

In places, competitors warmed up, stretched, and practiced last-minute techniques with their creatures.

Silas found an unoccupied bench near a corner and sat down, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. Diog jumped up beside him, resting his head on Silas's lap.

He stroked Diog's fur absently, feeling its softness.

"Alright, buddy," he murmured softly. "This is it. Our first real test."

Diog looked up at him, understanding every word.

For just a moment, Silas felt nervous.

He crouched down.

"Diog," he said softly, scratching behind the pup's ears. "I know you're still small, but I can feel how strong you're going to be."

Diog leaned into Silas's hand, letting out a pleased growl as Silas ran his fingers along his neck.

"We're going to stick to what we've been working on," Silas continued. "Use your speed, keep them guessing, and when the time's right, hit them with Frost Fang."

Diog barked playfully, tail wagging faster now.

"That's right," Silas chuckled. "I've got your back, and you've got mine."

For a moment, it was just Silas and Diog sharing a quiet moment of trust and understanding.

"You ready?" Silas asked, giving Diog one last pat on the head.

Diog responded with a bark.

《System Notification: Bond Strengthened》

《Minor boost to combat performance in the upcoming match.》

«Meeting Veon Gelory»

Silas glanced around the waiting area, the reality of the competition hitting him like a ton of bricks. There were tamers gathered in small groups, talking quietly and casting glances at their respective creatures. Silas decided to wander over to one of the nearby groups, hoping to get a sense of what kinds of monsters they were fielding.

The first tamer he approached was a grizzled veteran with a scar running down his face. At his feet stood a hulking Iron Golem, its body made of jagged metal plates, arms as thick as tree trunks. It stood perfectly still, but Silas could feel the raw power emanating from it.

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Silas stiffened as he took in the sight of the Iron Golem. The creature loomed over its tamer, every inch of its metallic frame hardened and powerful. Silas could almost hear the clash of metal on metal that would follow once it started to move.

"First time, kid?" the veteran asked, a knowing smile on his scarred face. "That there's my Iron Golem. He's a slow brute, but when he hits, nothin' stands in his way."

Silas nodded stiffly, swallowing hard. "Yeah, first time."

The veteran's gaze softened a fraction. "Got yourself a pup there, huh?"

"Yeah," Silas replied, glancing down at Diog who looked back up at him.

The veteran leaned in closer. "Look, if you think that pup of yours can't make it, pull out," he said, lowering his voice. "I've seen too many wide-eyed kids like you come in shooting for the moon and end up having to carry out the body of their beast."

Silas grimaced.

He knew the stakes were high, but hearing it spelled out so bluntly made it all too real.

His hand instinctively went to Diog's fur.

"Thanks for the advice," Silas said quietly.

The veteran's gaze softened even more, seeing the determination in Silas's eyes. He knelt down, bringing himself to eye level with Diog.

"Sometimes all the heart in the world, all the fight in the dog, and the bond between you and your monster, can't overcome a wall of overwhelming power," he said quietly. "Just… don't get sucked in too deep. If you need to pull out, ain't no shame in it. I ain't telling you to discourage you, just I been in your shoes before."

Silas nodded, appreciating the veteran's bluntness. He knew that there would be battles he couldn't win, but the idea of retreating was foreign to him. Still, he understood the wisdom in the veteran's words.

"Thanks," Silas replied, his voice steadier than he felt. "I'll keep that in mind."

The veteran stood up, giving Silas a firm pat on the shoulder before turning back to his Iron Golem.

The massive creature didn't move, but its presence was undeniable, a reminder of the kind of walls him and Diog would have to come up against in the future.

Silas looked up at the veteran, curiosity getting the better of him.

"What's your name anyways, old timer?" he asked.

The veteran grinned, revealing a row of teeth that had seen better days. "Name's Veon Gelory," he replied. "And this big guy here?" He patted the Iron Golem's arm. "That's 'Man-O-Steel.' Named him meself."

Silas was impressed. "A-Ranked Tamer, right?"

Veon nodded.

"It's been a hard-earned experience. Been at this for more years than I care to count," he said, leaning back slightly. "Man-O-Steel and I have seen it all—victories, losses, close calls. Ain't much that surprises us anymore."

Silas glanced at Diog, who was watching Man-O-Steel closely. "Well, I hope we can make it through like you did," he said honestly.

Veon chuckled, "You got spirit, kid. Just remember what I said earlier. Know when to push and when to pull back. You'll get the hang of it."

Silas nodded, feeling a bit more grounded after the conversation. He stood up and extended his hand to Veon. "Thanks for the advice."

Veon took his hand in a firm grip, shaking it once before letting go. "Anytime," he said with a nod. "Now go on, me and Man-O-Steel have to get ready for our match."

«Heading to the Arena»

Silas took a deep breath and went to get ready.

It was almost time for his first match. He led Diog toward the waiting area, weaving through clusters of other tamers and their creatures.

《System Notification: First Match Scheduled: Report to Arena Gate 3.》

Silas glanced at the overhead signs, spotting the one pointing toward Gate 3. With Diog at his side, he moved with purpose. The hallway narrowed, and the noise of the crowd grew louder with each step.

They reached the gate where an official stood with a clipboard.

"Silas Beckham?" the official asked without looking up.

"That's me," Silas replied

The official nodded and made a note on his clipboard before opening the gate.

"Good luck out there," he said just before Silas passed by.

Just before he stepped through, Silas caught sight of a young tamer kneeling behind a heavily damaged Staglet. The creature's sides heaved with labored breaths, and its eyes held a pained, glassy look as it tried to raise up splintered and damaged antlers.

The tamer wept openly.

Silas hesitated for a moment.

He wanted to offer some words of comfort or help but knew he had his own battle to face and he needed to focus on that battle to avoid the same kind of outcome.

Diog nudged him forward. They couldn't afford to get distracted now.