The arena stretched wide before them, a broken wasteland of floating rock platforms and shimmering debris. Spectator avatars flickered along the edges, translucent figures watching eagerly.
Comment bubbles popped up in live stream.
"He's only got two beasts? He's toast."
"Wait, that's Professor Olivia! She's my favorite teacher!" a young boy's avatar shouted.
His father nodded. "Mine too, though not as a professor."
His wife punched him. Hard.
The man yelped. "Ow! I meant her research papers!"
Jax smirked faintly, ignoring the chatter. He glanced at his two beasts.
The Verity Fox sat beside him, tail swishing, eyes gleaming with mischief.
The Hydroglider Bear stood tall, water droplets still clinging to its dark fur.
Across from him, Professor Olivia raised her hand.
Three beasts materialized beside her.
A Rune Owl floated overhead, wings spread wide, eyes glowing with geometric patterns.
