Legendary Beast Master: Starting with Contracting SSS Rank Dragon-Chapter 28: The Human Finally Appears

Kael stood on a rock protruding from the cliffside as he observed the battles happening at the bottom. Unlike what Kiona assumed, he couldn't find the human.

He had searched all around the area and still couldn't find any traces of the man. It seemed as if he had vanished into thin air.

By the time he came back from his search, Kiona and her brothers had already started fighting. He was also itching for a fight, but his opponent had already run away.

'Or maybe he's just laying in ambush to attack her again.'

His target was definitely Kiona, and he had gone to great lengths to get her. That much was clear, so it was unlikely he would retreat just because he sensed some danger.

After all, he was pretty powerful and could probably win against Kiona on his own. So why would he escape?

[Because of you? You're most likely underestimating how rare naming is for beasts, especially a powerful one like the kind you did. That human might've seen her evolution and guessed you're some powerful being.]

"A powerful being doesn't go around assassinating those weaker than him," Kael muttered, shifting his focus to the twin lions' fight.

It was mostly a stale battle, with nothing exciting for him. The Fanged Lions stood no chance against the truck-sized Flameclaw Lions and their fire-based attacks, so they were using a harassment strategy to keep themselves safe and wear the big lions down. freёnovelkiss.com

It was a good strategy, one that could frustrate opponents and create openings but it was a futile effort in this case.

The twins didn't lose their cool and fought smart, maintaining a calm approach that didn't exhaust them unnecessarily. They also had higher stamina, so it was bound to end in their favor.

'It's different in her fight. She'll most likely be in an exhausted state after this. That's the right time to strike or capture her.'

Kael frowned, seeing Steve enter his boosted state, and asked aloud, "Alpha, are you sure the human isn't around here?"

[You've checked yourself and I can't be sure. He has higher-ranked artifacts like that cloak so maybe he's hiding from us nearby.]

"Then, we have no way of finding him," Kael said, not pleased with that answer. He thought about it for a moment, still keeping his gaze locked on the battle between Kiona and Steve.

He smiled when he saw Kiona take the hit from Steve's shoulder to interrupt his critical strike.

A critical attack usually dealt twice or maybe even three times the damage. If Steve had landed the bite, it wouldn't just have wounded her. It would've inflicted a much stronger version of the erosion effect.

'She didn't get complacent just because she had good healing on her. Good girl!'

His eyes lit up as an idea came to mind. He stood up and stealthily made his way down the valley. He didn't want anyone to sense his presence just yet.

'Sorry, Kiona, but I'll have to use you as bait.'

Since the human had targeted her specifically, he would surely make a move once she was in a weakened state. Kael would use that moment to lure him out and kill him.

His descent made no sound, especially since the two battles below muffled everything with their chaos.

Just as his feet touched the ground, a loud explosion lit up the entire valley. He quickly stabilized himself on the shaking terrain and turned toward the source of the light.

He could see the red sun drowning on the horizon, but it was completely overshadowed by the towering pillar of flames reaching as high as the hill itself.

As the searing shockwave slammed into his body, threatening to push him back, Kael remained still and scanned the area, activating his [Beast Sense]. But he didn't have high hopes.

'Come on! Where are you? This is the perfect opportunity for you to attack her!'

He kept one eye on Kiona, who had collapsed on the ground. The toll of her skill had clearly weakened her. Yet even then, she wore a satisfied smile as she watched her enemy burn in her flames.

But in the very next second, her eyes widened in shock.

From the heart of the flames, a figure leapt toward her with terrifying speed. She barely had time to react before it lunged.

She saw death flash before her eyes.

But it never reached her.

Another figure appeared before her and slashed at the attacker mid-air.

She couldn't understand what was happening, but she instantly felt the familiar presence of the one who had saved her. A warmth washed over her, calming and assuring.

Her master was with her now.

"Thank you... Master..."

That was all she could whisper before her strength gave out. She remained conscious, but her body had hit its limit.

Meanwhile, Kael stood between her and the attacker, his sweet smile etched onto his face.

Karl had fallen into his enemy's trap technically, but it didn't matter now.

The human stood up and stared at Kael. He was no longer wearing his cloak, and Kael could finally see his appearance clearly.

He was a middle-aged man, short and wiry, with a crooked face and sharp cheekbones. His head was completely bald, and his body didn't look like it belonged to a fighter.

Kael shielded Kiona behind him and smirked. "Damn. Was the bald look part of the plan, or did Kiona's fire give you a free makeover?"

The man frowned, but didn't say anything.

"You have my respect, though. Sacrificing your hairline for ambition? That's commitment." Kael gave him a thumbs up, amused.

Unfortunately, the man didn't seem in the mood to chat. He just kept staring at Kael and asked coldly, "You're human... so why side with a beast?"

"Why should I answer?" Kael shrugged. "You tell me why you're after her then maybe I'll consider talking."

"Why should I tell you that?" the middle-aged man echoed, a small smirk appearing on his face. He raised his hand, revealing a black glove with a glowing purple gem embedded into its palm.

Kael's aura flared up immediately as he grinned in anticipation. "Then I guess I'll just beat the answers out of you."