Chapter 831: Steel Sword Falcon

Read at: https://blogspot-translatedstories.blogspot.com/?m=1 

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The previously cheerful audience fell instantly silent.

Everyone stared in stunned disbelief at the blinding white light on the stage, their expressions filled with shock and confusion.

Eloti, who had been waving her hand, ready to celebrate her victory, looked at the dazzling white light. Her joyful expression slowly turned to one of astonishment. She murmured to herself: "You've got to be kidding..."

The Light of Evolution.

Nearly every person present was a Beast master, and they were more than familiar with this kind of light.

Just one glance, and they all instantly recognized it, the radiant light every Beast master wished would shine on their own pet beast.

To be honest, pet evolution wasn't a particularly rare or earth-shattering event.

Especially in the early stages, as long as you provided enough resources and put in the time, evolution was bound to happen.

Even high-tier evolutions to the General-level were just a matter of resources and talent, the only real difference was how long the process took.

That said, evolutions that occurred during a battle were much rarer, and within coordination battles, they were practically unheard of. 

But it wasn't entirely unprecedented, there were even online compilation videos showcasing pets evolving mid-battle.

Each of those clips was far more intense than the current scene on the stage, because those evolutions happened in the middle of combat, and the fights continued afterward. 

The unpredictability and thrill made them incredibly exciting and emotionally stirring.

But now... the match was already over.

Even if evolution occurred, it wouldn't change the outcome.

And yet, the white light before them was far more shocking than any evolution that had ever taken place mid-battle.

Because only now, after learning what kind of being the Steel-Slash Giant Falcon was, could they understand the true weight of this evolution.

"Did the Steel-Slash Giant Falcon just evolve? Am I seeing this right?"

From the audience, someone asked in disbelief.

"That is evolution. That's definitely the light of evolution..." A companion answered dreamily.

"But... I thought the reports said the Steel-Slash Giant Falcon had just evolved a few months ago?"

"No, no, no, the real question is, wasn't the Steel-Slash Giant Falcon supposed to be in a brand-new form already? How did it evolve again? Did something just happen?"

No one answered, because at that moment, the white light finally faded.

And everyone stood frozen, stunned by the massive form now revealed before them, a creature the likes of which they had never seen before.

Its body was over ten meters tall, it was so enormous, it was hard to estimate the exact size. Its entire body was encased in armor as hard as silver steel, making it appear incredibly heavy. 

Its massive wings were composed of blade-like feather segments. Beneath the armor, hints of violet feathers peeked through. Its armored head only exposed a black lower beak and piercing dark-red eyes.

It radiated a sense of calm and overwhelming power, so much so that no one dared look at it directly for long.

This... was the evolved form of the Steel-Slash Giant Falcon.

Everyone widened their eyes, breath catching in their throats.

A few seconds later...

The entire arena exploded in excitement.

"The Steel-Slash Giant Falcon really evolved! How did it happen? Someone tell me!"

"Oh my god! Its evolved form looks insanely badass! I LOVE IT!"

"If Qiao Sang had been in a Beast Combat tournament instead of a Coordination Battle, just this evolution alone would've let her fight for 300 more rounds!"

"I have a totally unproven theory, isn't it said that the Steel Guardian Falcon, the pre-evolution of the Giant Falcon, also evolved through a Bond Evolution? Could this be another bond-based evolution?"

"Holy crap, you might be right! The Steel-Slash Giant Falcon evolved right after Qiao Sang shouted 'Gangbao', maybe that triggered some kind of mysterious bond power!"

"No way! Bond evolution isn't that easy! Nothing even happened just now, they just lost a match!"

"Qiao Sang herself is already outrageous, and the Little Steel Falcon species evolving through bond evolution again is even more insane. But with her, no matter how absurd it is, I can believe it. She already trained two General-level pets to use super-tier skills!"

"I can't accept this! Come on, the Little Steel Falcon's race is known for being the one raised by that King-level Solid Armor Yudo, the one that even forcibly broke its contract with its Beast master. You're telling me they can evolve via bonds at every single stage? Be realistic! There's gotta be another explanation."

While everyone debated passionately, they whipped out their phones and started snapping pictures frantically.

"Gang Zhan."

Amid the clamor, Gangbao looked at her Beast master

She had evolved.

Qiao Sang stood there in a daze for several seconds before finally snapping out of it. She suppressed the overwhelming joy in her heart and said mentally: Change back into the Steel-Slash Giant Falcon form.

Gangbao had now undergone bond evolution three times in a row. Combined with the recent surge of emotional power that had connected them, she was certain, this was another bond evolution.

They had lost the battle.

But if she could confirm, publicly, that Gangbao had once again evolved via bonding, then Gangbao's goal would still be achieved, perhaps even more effectively.

Everyone thought differently, but the fact that Gangbao had now undergone three bond evolutions in a row would surely stir public opinion and spark redemption for the Little Steel Falcon species online.

Gangbao took a step forward.

That single step made the entire stage tremble slightly.

"Lightning..."

The Thunderlight Lizard stared blankly at the towering figure before it, this opponent, now much taller than itself. Instinctively, it took a step back.

In its mind, anything that tall... was definitely stronger.

Gangbao glanced briefly at the audience, where camera flashes fired like strobe lights. Then her body slowly shrank, her appearance shifting, reverting to the form of the Steel-Slash Giant Falcon.

Then she tapped her lightweight miniaturization bracelet, shrinking even further in size.

She walked to her Beast master, raised her head, and with her wings still covered in wounds, flew up and perched on her shoulder.

The entire audience fell silent again at the sight.

Especially those who had insisted that this wasn't a bond evolution, they shut their mouths, only to slowly open them again in stunned awe.

On the stage...

Qiao Sang suddenly realized something. She paused, then turned and walked briskly to the elevator platform and stood on it.

The platform began to descend.

Only Eloti and the Thunderlight Lizard remained on stage.

Even though the winner of the match was still present, the audience's attention had followed the losing side the whole time, and even after they disappeared, their gazes remained locked on the elevator's location.

If I'm not mistaken... I'm supposed to be the one who won this match...

Eloti glanced at the crowd, then at the descending platform on the opposite side. Her expression grew slightly bitter.

"Let... Let's see who the next pair of contestants will be!" The host finally remembered the event schedule.

Some cameramen, hearing something over their earpieces, rushed backstage with their gear.

Backstage.

Qiao Sang stepped off the elevator platform and ignored the curious stares from the staff. She raised her hand, carried Gangbao to a quiet spot, and gently set her down.

"Gang Slice..."

Gangbao wobbled.

Just as she was about to collapse, Qiao Sang reached out and supported her head.

Then she quickly formed hand signs with both hands and summoned Lubao.

Like yesterday, Yabao and the others had been watching the battle from backstage. Lubao had seen Gangbao's fight and evolution firsthand.

Without hesitation, Lubao's forehead gem lit up with a blue glow, bathing Gangbao in healing light.

"Yap!"

"Xun xun!"

As soon as the healing light appeared, Yabao and Little Treasure popped into view with excitement.

But when they saw Gangbao lying there, wounded and unconscious, their expressions immediately turned to concern.

A few seconds later, the blue light faded, and Gangbao stood up, fully healed.

"Yap!"

Yabao jumped with joy again, letting out a cheer. It meant: That battle was amazing! Too bad it had a time limit, otherwise, you totally would've won!

"Xun xun!"

Little Treasure was even more excited, floating around Gangbao in circles.

Old Fourth had grown stronger, and she had acknowledged him as her boss. Maybe someday, he could really take the top spot from Big Brother Yabao!

"Lu Ai."

Lubao flicked her tail, happy for Gangbao's recent evolution.

"Gang Slice..."

Gangbao lifted her head to look at her Beast master, her expression downcast.

She had lost...

Qiao Sang smiled.

"Let's head back first."

"Xun xun~"

Little Treasure's eyes glowed blue, and with that, he transported Qiao Sang, Yabao, and the others away from the spot.

One hour later.

Villa.

Living Room.

Qiao Sang chattered on about the benefits of evolution for quite some time, concluding with: "So that's the gist. You really don't need to worry, in the public's eyes, your bond evolution had more impact than winning the coordination competition."

"Gang Slice?"

Gangbao was confused.

But she had evolved through bond power twice before, and it didn't seem to get that much attention back then.

"That's because the publicity wasn't in place yet. This time, you evolved right under the public's nose. The match was broadcast on an official platform with tons of viewers. Believe me, in a few hours, everyone in 1st District will have heard about your bond evolution." Qiao Sang said with confidence.

Just as she finished speaking, the front door burst open.

Pirite strode in, glanced at Qiao Sang, then at Gangbao, took a deep breath, and asked with burning eyes: "I heard the Steel-Slash Giant Falcon evolved through bond power again?"

Qiao Sang looked at Gangbao, as if saying with her eyes: See? I told you so.

"Gang Slice."

Gangbao's eyes curved into a smile.

After exchanging glances with Gangbao, Qiao Sang nodded.

"Yes. She evolved during today's coordination battle."

"Impressive!" Pirite slapped Qiao Sang's shoulder enthusiastically, full of praise. 

"You got a pet beast to evolve through bond power three times in under a year. If the old researchers who specialize in bond power heard about you, they'd immediately take you under their wing."

Then he turned to Gangbao with great interest: "Come on, let me see the Steel-Slash Giant Falcon evolve!"

Qiao Sang laughed.

"We'll have to go outside, Gangbao's size after evolution is too big."

"Hurry then! I can't wait another second!" Pirite scooped up Gangbao under his arm and quickly walked toward the outdoor training field.

"Gang Slice..."

Gangbao resigned herself to her fate and didn't resist.

This is my Beast master's teacher. Just endure it... no big deal...

Gangbao, thank you... Qiao Sang quickly followed.

They arrived at the open training field.

Pirite let go of Gangbao.

Gangbao flapped her wings and hovered steadily in mid-air.

Then, she adopted a serious expression

Pirite looked at her, full of anticipation.

Drip, drip...

Ten seconds of quiet passed.

Gangbao remained exactly the same.

"Gang Slice..."

Gangbao looked down at her Beast master in confusion.

It seemed... she couldn't control her own evolution anymore...

What's going on...? Qiao Sang was stunned.

She clearly remembered Gangbao being able to evolve on command before, just with a time limit.

"What's wrong?" Pirite noticed the silent exchange between Qiao Sang and Gangbao and asked.

Qiao Sang admitted the truth.

"Gangbao seems to have lost the ability to control her temporary evolution."

Pirite was momentarily stunned, then chuckled: "Ah, I almost forgot, during the early stages of bond evolution, it's not something you can just control at will. That only comes later, once the bond is strong enough."

Qiao Sang recalled Tang Yi's Paralulu back then, it also couldn't evolve on command at the beginning.

Gangbao had evolved twice on her own before, which nearly made her forget this fact...

But why did it work the first two times, and not this time?

Could it be... that the bond power this time wasn't enough?

Qiao Sang began analyzing the situation, trying to recall the details of Gangbao's evolution.

She remembered that during the first two evolutions, she didn't feel anything particularly unusual.

But this time...

Her eyes lit up as something clicked. She looked at Gangbao and said mentally: Try again.

"Gang Slice." Gangbao nodded seriously.

During the battle, that moment she shouted her name...

Qiao Sang met Gangbao's gaze, trying hard to recall the moment when her heart raced and a surge of power burst from within.

"Your Steel-Slash Giant Falcon has already undergone a bond evolution once. Next, all you need to do is deepen the bond to control it freely. Once it's absorbed enough energy, it can permanently evolve." Pirite sighed. 

"But you're heading back to Blue Star soon, and I'll still be here. I'm afraid I won't get to see Gangbao's evolved form for a while."

Just as he finished speaking...

A blinding white light burst into view.

"???" Pirite froze.

The white light grew brighter, then slowly faded away, and before their eyes appeared a massive beast, nearly 13 meters tall, her entire body wrapped in shining silver-white armor, unfamiliar, yet somehow still familiar.

So this... is the power of bond evolution...

Qiao Sang recalled the feeling from just now, and quickly opened her Beast Codex, flipping to Gangbao's page.

Name: Steel Sword Falcon (Gangbao)

Attributes: Steel, Flying

Level: General (100000 / 1000000)+

Traits:

1. Mirror Armor

Grade: A (36/10000)

Status: (Extremely useful)

Description: When affected by opponent's debuffing moves or traits, reflects the effects back to the source.

2. Hard Skull

Grade: D (39/500)

Status: (Difficult to use)

Description: Immune to recoil damage from its own moves.

3. Sharpness

Grade: A (4070/10000)

Status: (Extremely useful)

Description: Increases power of slicing moves by 70%.

4. Mental Fortitude

Grade: B (1/2000)

Status: (Useful)

Description: Well-trained mental focus. Unshaken by intimidation or pressure.

5. Hidden Trait: Bond Power

Grade: B (21/2000)

Status: (Useful)

Description: Can use the strength of bonds to unlock extraordinary abilities during battle.

Skills:

Iron Defense (Ultimate) 20000/20000 MAX, Trickery (Mastered) 456/500 +, Steel Wing (Advanced) 2754/5000 +, Air Slash (Advanced) 3769/5000 +, Peck (Advanced) 2924/5000 +, Air Absorption (Advanced) 2271/5000 +, Metal Claw (Mastered) 451/500 +, Metal Sound (Beginner) 56/100 +, Wing Blade (Ultimate) 11765/20000 +, Quick Attack (Intermediate) 654/1000 +, Scary Face (Beginner) 11/100 +, Heavy Slam (Mastered) 101/500 +, Hurricane (Advanced) 4468/5000 +, Double Team (Advanced) 4890/5000 +, Sword Dance (Beginner) 1/100 +, Roost (Beginner) 1/100 +, Holy Sword (Beginner) 1/100 +

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