A C-rank beast screeched as an orb of violet energy surrounded its body, pulsing with unstable magical force. Moments later, it exploded into particles of light—along with the few scraps that remained of the beast.This was the work of a duo.One of the figures stepped forward, lowering her hand with a satisfied sigh. “Void compression really gets the job done.”“Show-off,” her partner muttered, wiping greenish slime off his gauntlet. “If you didn’t steal all the fun, maybe I’d have gotten to use my spores.”“Oh no, poisonous fungus, how terrifying,” she replied dryly, spinning on her heel. “What would the poor beast have done?”He shot her a side glance. “It’s called elegance, Miri. Not every fight has to end in a purple fireworks display.”Miri grinned. “I’ll stop when your spores actually hit something that moves.”“Low blow.” He bent over and picked up a small orb from the beast’s remains. It turned out this one had a core—though not fully developed. “We’re each up to 260 points w

"Sir Fedinar. Most of the ribbons have been found, and over 90 percent of the beasts have been killed so far," a female dressed formally behind Fedinar spoke out. "So soon... They really are exceptional this year," Fedinar muttered. "Then we should be rounding this stage up.... Do it." She nodded slightly before making finger movements on the device in her hands. --- "What am I supposed to do now?" Art sighed with a tired expression behind the mask. He sat at the top of the tallest tree as far as the eye could see. Its branches were thick, sturdy, and rose higher than anything in the forest around it. The wind whistled gently across the canopy, carrying the mixed scents, probably due to their activities. Two red ribbons fluttered on his left wrist, each tied with the precision of someone who didn’t care for unnecessary flair. Proof of victories over fellow contestants. He’d also slain enough beasts to fulfill the requirement for this stage. Only one task remained—the finish l