Beast Taming Star Journey

Chapter 371 Preliminary Simulation Battle

Chapter 371

The footprints were shallow, almost obscured by dust; I would have missed them if I hadn't stopped to observe them closely. They were larger than human footprints and slightly different in shape, with three toes in front and one behind, their tips sharp, like the claws of some kind of bird of prey. How could such a thing exist in these ancient ruins? My doubts deepened, and a sense of unease arose within me.

"What's wrong?" Su Yao asked, seeing me stop, and followed my gaze to the ground.

I pointed to the footprints and whispered, "Look."

Su Yao also noticed the footprints, her brows furrowing slightly. "What is this?"

We couldn't identify the owner of these footprints, but their very presence here was eerie. Could it be that besides us, someone else, or…some other creature, had been here? What secrets does this ancient ruin hold?

At this moment, Instructor Jin Pa walked over. He glanced at the footprints on the ground, a hint of seriousness flashing in his eyes, but he simply said, "Let's go, the simulated combat arena is ready."

I suppressed my doubts and followed my mentor, who was skilled in using metallurgy and palladium, deeper into the ruins. Along the way, I constantly scanned my surroundings, trying to find more similar traces, but to no avail.

The simulated battle arena is located in the center of the ruins. It is a huge circular space with complex runes engraved on the surrounding walls, emitting a faint blue light that is exactly the same as the light of the crystal.

"Are you ready?" Instructor Jin Palladium looked at me with a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

I took a deep breath and nodded. To be honest, I wasn't entirely confident. Since coming into contact with the power of that crystal, although I could feel it surging within me, I couldn't fully control it. This simulated battle was also my first attempt to utilize this power.

The mentor activated the simulated battle arena, and the runes around me shone brightly, enveloping me in a light barrier. The next moment, I found myself in a virtual forest.

A virtual beast appeared before me; it was enormous, with sharp fangs, and exuded a dangerous aura.

The battle has begun! I mobilized the mysterious power within my body, which flowed through my meridians like a rushing river, eventually converging on my hands.

I threw a punch, and an invisible force slammed into the beast, knocking it back several steps. I was overjoyed; this power was even stronger than I had imagined!

The beast roared and pounced on me again. I dodged nimbly while continuously attacking with that mysterious power, and gradually, I gained the upper hand.

I even felt that I could somehow influence the behavior of the virtual beast, making it slow down, or even... fearful! It felt like... manipulation!

A surge of joy welled up inside me. The potential of this power far exceeded my imagination! Could it be... that I could control it, or even... surpass it?

"Attention, the strength of the virtual enemy is increasing!" Instructor Jinba's voice suddenly rang out, interrupting my thoughts.

I looked up and saw that the virtual beast was rapidly expanding in size, and its aura was becoming even more ferocious... Its eyes had even turned... blue! Exactly the same as those crystals!

“This…” A chill ran through me, and an ominous premonition welled up inside me.

The virtual beast's eyes turned a crystal-blue, radiating a chilling light. It roared to the sky, its deafening roar echoing throughout the simulated battle arena, even drawing a worried look from Su Yao outside. She clenched her fists tightly, her gaze never leaving me, silently cheering me on. Seeing the trust and admiration in her eyes, a warm feeling welled up inside me. I clenched my fists, telling myself I couldn't let her down.

The beast was incredibly fast, almost a blur as it pounced on me. I barely dodged its attack, but its sharp claws still grazed my arm, sending a searing pain through me. I looked down and saw my sleeve was torn, revealing a deep, bloody gash on my arm. Although it was a virtual battle, the pain felt strangely real.

"Nong Yu, be careful!" Su Yao's voice came from outside, tinged with anxiety.

I took a deep breath, enduring the pain, and once again channeled the mysterious power within me. However, I found that this power didn't flow as smoothly as before, as if it were encountering some kind of obstruction. Could it be because the virtual beast's eyes had turned blue? I wondered to myself.

The beast's attacks grew increasingly fierce, and I struggled to defend myself, gradually falling into a disadvantageous position. Each of its attacks carried destructive power, and I felt like a small boat in a raging storm, on the verge of being swallowed up at any moment.

"Nongyu, hang in there!" Su Yao's voice came again, full of strength, which gave me great encouragement.

I gritted my teeth, trying to stay calm. I couldn't give up; I had to win this battle, not only to prove myself, but also to protect Su Yao, and for our shared future.

I began to change my strategy, no longer resorting to brute force, but instead using agility and speed to outmaneuver the beast. I discovered that when I was fully focused, I could vaguely predict the direction of the beast's attacks, which allowed me to dodge them more effectively.

I gradually began to control the rhythm of the battle, deflecting the beast's attacks time and again. I was even able to seize the gaps in its attacks to launch counterattacks. Although my attacks inflicted limited damage, they effectively disrupted its rhythm, allowing me to gradually regain some initiative.

Just when I thought I was about to win the battle, a sudden change occurred. The virtual beast suddenly let out a sharp roar, its body began to swell, its size became even larger, and its strength multiplied.

My heart sank; I knew I was facing an even greater challenge. The strength of this virtual beast far exceeded my expectations.

"What's going on?" I heard my mentor's surprised voice from outside.

I dared not be distracted and could only focus all my energy on dealing with the beast's attacks. I felt my own strength being rapidly depleted, while the beast's power seemed endless.

I started to feel desperate. Was I really going to lose?

Just then, I heard a chaotic shout from outside, "Something's wrong! The Metal Erbium Beast Tamer has gone out of control!"

I was startled. Forgetting about the simulated battle, I opened my eyes abruptly and rushed out of the simulated battle arena... I saw the Beastmaster lying on the ground, convulsing. His beast, a giant flamingo, was frantically attacking everything around it...