"Today's bye goes to contestant Qiao Sang!" Nephthis announced loudly from the arena.
The entire venue erupted.
Qiao Sang stared blankly at the enlarged photo displayed on the giant virtual screen.
Wasn't the bye supposed to go only to whoever was most likely to become champion?
Even if no one could receive two consecutive byes, aside from Laifide, there was still Serana and Xia Huo, who could have five Pet Beasts at any time.
Even without them, she remembered several other highly favored contestants.
How had it ended up being her?
After the initial shock and confusion, Qiao Sang inevitably felt a little disappointed, a look of deep regret flashing across her face...
This was an interstellar competition, with more than a hundred thousand live spectators. Who knew when she would get another chance to compete on such a scale? She had wanted Little Seeker to absorb more White Energy while it had the chance, but now there was no match. The loss was simply enormous...
"Xun Xun..."
Little Seeker dropped to the ground, its claws touching the floor as it lowered its head, looking utterly devastated.
Its Beast Tamer had gotten a bye, so there was no match to fight. Then what had all those brutal training sessions with Fang Bao amounted to...
"Fang Fang!"
Fang Bao howled toward the sky, unwilling to accept reality.
No!
Hearing the cry, Qiao Sang gathered her thoughts and reminded them in a low voice, "We're still live."
"Xun Xun~"
Little Seeker instantly floated up, composed its expression, and flashed a toothy grin at the camera.
"Fang Fang..."
Fang Bao was grief-stricken and indignant. Its expression management was somewhat lacking, so it could only force itself not to cry out again.
Mikala Teacher looked at the enlarged photo in the arena, her expression