Savage Ascension: Arena Cultivation Book II by Atlas Kane

Author:Atlas Kane [Kane, Atlas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Amazon: B091L7HMXH
Goodreads: 57806608
Publisher: #PrB.rating#4.69
Published: 2021-04-21T00:00:00+00:00

17

Dog and Pony Show

T ry as I might, I couldn’t rid myself of Serai’s haunting words.

Even as I found my seat in the staging area, my friends were jabbering on excitedly around me about the women whose favor they now held.

The elven tradition had more merit than I’d first given it credit for.

By allowing the men to meet the women before it was time to choose, a great deal of decisions had already been made. A poor match, especially one sanctioned by the Enean kingdom, wouldn’t suit anybody.

“What about you, Dagon? I saw you speaking with two beauties, though it was that red-haired lass who gave you her favor,” Sherwood pointed out, his cheeks flush with excitement. “Which do you fancy more?”

I sighed and pictured the fervor burning in Serai’s gaze. “I am not quite sure fancy is the right word for it.”

The thief let out a long and dramatic ooh, giving me a punch to my shoulder. “Smitten, then! Look, everyone, The Beast of Bermanwood is in love!”

“Thrice over,” I added, indulging my friend. “But it was Serai who won my heart. If anyone else attempts to take her, expect a formal challenge to be issued at once.”

More muttering and shouts burst from the challengers.

Somehow, surviving our encounter in the Chevalier Bout and engaging with the women had erased many of the distinctions between us.

The dwarves and orcs were giving one another shit now, and the Kazamari and Arbonese men no longer gave one another sidelong glances.

Even Preston, an elf I had been sure would become an enemy, smiled as he enjoyed our good humor indirectly.

Soon, however, the herald announced the beginning of the next phase of the Third Trials.

In a voice as smooth as silk, he exclaimed to all, “Welcome back for the third and final day of the Shirgan Trials! Prepare to be amazed as the challengers enter the Beast Challenge!”

The crowd’s normally subdued clapping seemed louder than before.

The Shirgans had waited long for this day and, considering how much of their reputation resided in the supposedly magnificent beasts that would be presented, I could understand why.

My fellow challengers all seated themselves and waited with even more anticipation than the crowd.

It was our necks and futures on the line, after all.

After jawing on for a time, the herald introduced the first monster into the arena.

“Shipped across the Harsham Straits, from the forge-hot plains of the Ruwani Steppes, may I present the cackling rimhorn!”

A large gate opened in the back of the arena, and five large beasts trotted out.

Not only had I never heard of the monster, but I’d never seen another beast that could compare.

Moving easily on four legs, the rimhorn beasts almost reminded me of dogs, but their limbs were longer and leaner by far. With broad chests and agile feet, their strength was apparent to see.

Each beast was covered in dappled white and beige fur.

Standing eight feet or more at the shoulders, the monsters had long heads with the jagged fangs of a carnivore.

They sniffed the air with their snouts as one, showing off their most distinct feature.

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