The Thunderflare Tyrant Dragon was not to be outdone. In that instant, vast quantities of nanotech equipment gathered within its mouth. Powered by its lightning energy, the devices transformed into a devastating plasma beam that collided head-on with the Skycleaver Blade Tiger's plasma blade, detonating with thunderous booms.
Rowan watched the ferocious clash with growing confusion.
He turned to Hawk. "Why were monsters of different ranks matched together?"
Hawk answered respectfully, "Master, arena matches are not based solely on rank. Pairings depend on combat records and rankings. The Skycleaver Blade Tiger has already won four consecutive matches and has no suitable opponents at its own rank, so it was matched against a higher-ranked monster."
"When a lower-ranked monster faces a higher-ranked one, it does not need to defeat the opponent outright. It only needs to survive ten minutes to be declared the winner. The higher-ranked monster, however, must win within ten minutes to claim victory."
"To maintain fairness and excitement, matches between different ranks are limited to ten minutes instead of thirty."
Rowan nodded inwardly. The rules were complex but undeniably fair. They made outcomes unpredictable, which explained why gamblers flocked here.
Hawk smiled. "Just as you said, Master. Fairness is why so many gamblers gather here."
The battle intensified.
Knowing it had to end the fight within ten minutes, the Thunderflare Tyrant Dragon grew increasingly aggressive.
It unleashed lightning beams relentlessly, attacking with tail and limbs in a frenzied assault.
Though gravely wounded, the Skycleaver Blade Tiger refused to fall, fighting back stubbornly.
Ten minutes might mean nothing to beings that had lived for countless eras, but in a life-or-death battle, every second felt endless.
As time ticked away, the Tyrant Dragon grew anxious. Its attacks became more reckless.
The Blade Tiger seized the opening.
With a final surge, it drove its plasma blade into the Tyrant Dragon's chest.
The Tyrant Dragon blocked with its arm, but the blade still tore through, spraying dark green blood.
At that moment, the ten-minute limit expired.
A voice echoed across the arena. "Time's up. Skycleaver Blade Tiger survives ten minutes undefeated. Victory!"
The crowd erupted in thunderous applause.
Those who had bet on the ninth-rank monster clutched their chests in despair.
The battered Blade Tiger raised its head and roared in triumph.
"Interesting," Rowan said with satisfaction.
Such brutal, high-intensity battles were perfect for unlocking a monster's potential.
Within the Beast Control Ring World, Babata projected the battle for viewing.
The Azure Dragon of the Eastern Sea watched eagerly, its fighting spirit ignited.
"Master, I want to fight!"
Once a king on Earth, the Azure Dragon now yearned for greater challenges.
"Very well," Rowan laughed. "You'll have your battle."
He led the Azure Dragon straight to the registration area.
Thousands of counters lined the hall, crowded with participants and their monsters.
When Rowan's turn finally came, a planetary ninth-rank beastman with silver-black fur greeted him politely.
"Sir, the registration fee is five hundred Black Dragon Coins. Please record your name and your monster's name, then proceed to the testing chamber."
Rowan wrote his name without hesitation.
Traveler.
It suited him perfectly.
The beastman paused at the unusual name but recorded it anyway.
The Azure Dragon's name was entered as usual.
A staff member then guided the dragon into a colossal machine over twenty kilometers tall, expandable up to a hundred.
Swarm-like drones flew out, scanning the Azure Dragon with multicolored light.
The results caused visible surprise.
"Universe first-rank monster. Physical strength and mental power both at universe first-rank. Capable of challenging universe second-rank opponents. Classified as second-tier rare."
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"A psychic monster!"
"Only about thirty in the entire arena!"
Babata floated to Rowan's shoulder and explained the rarity.
Among monsters, psychic abilities were extraordinarily rare.
Rowan finally understood the excitement.
After paying the deposit and choosing a wager of 150 billion Black Dragon Coins, Rowan and the Azure Dragon were led to the waiting zone.
The area was luxurious beyond expectation, more like a grand gathering than a battlefield.
Servants catered to every need.
The Azure Dragon was fed freshly prepared monster meat from fallen combatants, devouring it eagerly.
Less than an hour later, a servant approached Rowan.
"Sir, your match is ready. Your opponent is a stellar second-rank monster, the Starburst Primal Ape. Do you accept?"
Rowan smiled.
"Of course."