Joaquin’s training was intense. He didn’t waste a single second and pushed his skills further.With Miguel’s help, he learned new techniques—moves he had never even heard of.It was during those sessions that he truly witnessed the greatness of a Dragon King. No wonder Miguel still held the title after all these years.Even with age creeping up on him, his movements remained sharp and precise.And finally, the day Joaquin had been waiting for arrived—The start of the Blue Tiger Ranking Competition.Winning this would not only skyrocket his rank, but it would also earn him an official title. And then there was the prize money. He’d be a

Joaquin’s breath hitched in his throat. His eyes remained fixed on the grotesque sight before him—a mass of long, writhing black tentacles snaking their way out from behind the man. They curled and stretched like they were alive, reaching toward him with eerie intent.He stumbled back, heart pounding against his chest. “What the hell are you?” he muttered under his breath.The man didn’t respond. He just stood there, still and unmoving, like some kind of twisted statue possessed by a dark force. His face was completely expressionless, void of any humanity. It was as if he wasn’t even really present—like the tentacles were controlling him.Joaquin’s eyes darted to the side. He could still run. He hadn’t gotten too close yet. Maybe if he turned around now, he could