Dominion of The Beast Masters

Chapter 117: Frozen Waves



The aftermath of Mercury's defeat settled heavily over the arena. Cassie and Roger were frozen in their seats, their expressions a mixture of surprise and sadness.

Roger placed a comforting hand on Cassie's shoulder as her eyes misted.

Between them, Colin sat wide-eyed, murmuring Mercury's name in shock, barely able to process what had happened.

Milo shook his head slowly, a look of utter disbelief, his small fists clenching as he struggled to hold back tears.

Around the arena, the crowd seemed to share the same stunned silence, no one quite sure how to react.

But then, almost as one, they started to clap, softly at first, then louder, until the arena erupted into a standing ovation.

Sia put one knee on the ground to catch her breath, looking out over the cheering crowd. The public roared for her victory, but many wore expressions of sadness for Mercury's defeat. In the Genova section, a few students looked around uncertainly, caught between their past fear of Mercury and an unexpected sense of admiration.

She had fought as fiercely as any of them could have hoped, perhaps even more.

Crystal let out a quiet sigh of relief, a smirk forming as she watched Mercury's defeated form. "Finally..." she muttered.

But her short satisfaction was interrupted by the sound of one student standing up and cheering for Mercury.

Crystal shot them an annoyed look, but then another person joined in, followed by a few more, until a large part of the crowd was chanting Mercury's name.

Crystal gritted her teeth, annoyed, her fists clenched as she glanced around, watching the admiration Mercury received even in defeat.

In the locker room, Catarina, Kaida, and Eratz watched in silence. After a beat, Catarina nodded, clapping her hands softly, her eyes soft with respect.

Kaida joined in, her gaze focused and proud. Eratz, watching the screen, nodded slowly, a small, approving smile breaking through as he, too, clapped softly.

On the battlefield, Mercury was freed from her ice prison. She lay on the ground, her body battered and cold, but her eyes were open, still conscious, though dazed.

For a moment, she seemed lost, her gaze distant as she processed the weight of the battle.

But then, she noticed Sia sitting beside her, and it all clicked.

With a slight, almost amused smirk, Mercury murmured.

"So... I lost, huh?"

Sia nodded.

"Yes, you did."

Mercury sighed, a wry smile tugging at her lips as she closed her eyes.

"Guess I should start getting used to it."

Sia tilted her head, a rare hint of warmth in her stoic demeanor.

"You won't," she replied softly. "With the power you have, you'll go far. You fought incredibly well, Mercury."

Mercury chuckled weakly, rolling her eyes.

"That's the worst thing to say after beating someone, but it's my bad. I'll take it."

Sia's expression softened, and she gave Mercury a small, thoughtful nod.

"A fighter's strength isn't just in winning. It's in how they carry themselves, how they respect the battle and their opponent. And you did all of that and more." Her voice was calm, almost gentle. "I've won today, but I wanted you in the finals. It would've been an honor to face you again there."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Mercury stared at her, taken aback by the sincerity in Sia's words. She felt a rush of unexpected gratitude, her chest tight with a mixture of pride and humility.

"Thank you... Sia. I didn't expect a compliment to come from you."

Sia stood slowly, extending a hand toward her.

"Come on. This isn't over yet."

Mercury looked at the offered hand, raising an eyebrow.

"You're serious? If I could stand up, it'll look like I could have keep fighting."

Sia gave a small nod.

"Consider it your last stand for this tournament. The standing ovation... it's for you, and I think you should take it on your feet."

With a quiet nod, Mercury took Sia's hand. The two fighters rose slowly, supporting each other as they stood side by side.

Sia lifted Mercury's hand high, and the crowd erupted, their cheers thunderous as they celebrated the two remarkable warriors.

The stadium pulsed with energy as the crowd chanted both of their names.

In the stands, Crystal bit her lip in anger, her eyes narrowing as she watched Mercury bask in the admiration of the crowd, even in defeat.

Later, Mercury and Sia walked slowly down the corridor leading out of the arena, the adrenaline fading as they settled into silence.

Sia broke the quiet, her tone reflective.

"Your control over water is remarkable. I don't think I've ever faced someone who could manipulate it so precisely. You're really a genius in your style."

Mercury chuckled, the sound a bit rough from fatigue.

"Coming from my assassin herself? I'm flattered." She paused, glancing at Sia with a hint of curiosity. "So... why the sudden compliments?"

Sia's gaze grew thoughtful, her steps slowing.

"I meant what I said earlier. I think your style is unique... powerful. And I don't say this often, but..." She took a deep breath. "I'd like to make you an offer. To join my agency."

Mercury blinked, momentarily stunned by the proposition. Sia's agency was renowned, one of the top organizations on the continent, a place only the elite could dream of joining.

"Sia... your agency... I mean, it's... it's a huge honor," Mercury stammered, a mix of excitement and uncertainty in her voice.

Sia nodded, her tone serious.

"And so are you. I see potential in you that goes beyond this fight. You're skilled, disciplined, and your spirit... it's rare. I'd like to work alongside you, to see what we could achieve together. Think about it. With the resources, training, and support my agency offers, there's no telling how far you could go."

Mercury looked down, processing Sia's words. After a moment, she took a deep breath and

met Sia's gaze.

"Thank you, really. That means more than you know. And your offer... it's incredible."

Sia waited, sensing there was more.

"But... I already have a team, and they're more than that. They're my family, and I wouldn't leave them for anything. If I have to be in a top agency, I would rather make mine one."

As if on cue, Kaida, Catarina, and Eratz appeared at the end of the corridor. They paused as

they saw them.

Sia looked at them, then closed her eyes in understanding.

"It's a shame," Sia said softly, "but that's also a good answer."

With a gentle nod, she handed Mercury over to Eratz, their eyes meeting in a brief but

respectful exchange.

Kaida and Catarina moved closer, concern visible across their faces as they assessed Mercury's

condition.

Sia turned to walk away, her voice echoing behind her.

"I'll be waiting for you, Pandora."

The group watched her disappear down the corridor, then turned their attention back to

Mercury. Kaida's hand rested lightly on her shoulder.

"Sis... You alright?" she asked.

Mercury smiled reassuringly, leaning against Eratz as he supported her weight.

"I'll live," she murmured, then glanced up at him.

For once, Eratz's usual teasing grin was nowhere to be seen. Instead, he looked at her with an expression of sadness, his gaze somber and sincere.

"Looks like I couldn't make it, sorry," she murmured, trying to lighten the mood. "If I had to

lose, I'd have wanted it to be to you."

Eratz shook his head, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth as he muttered.

"You're insane. Who goes into a fight planning to lose?" Leaning closer, he adjusted his grip

to support her better. "And now I have to take revenge for you."

Mercury chuckled softly, allowing herself to relax against his shoulder.

"You'd better... it's hard to lose, but it's harder to watch someone you love lose."

They walked together down the corridor, Mercury leaning her head against his shoulder, surrounded by the warmth of her friends and the quiet strength they shared.