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"Rapid Fireball, spread!" he yelled.
Star exhaled three quick comets, one after another. Leopard dodged first, second clipped hind leg, third detonated near Basilisk's jaw— scale cracked; the creature reeled, smoke cloaking its face.
Ayan's smile thinned. He flicked a signal bead— the audience side panel lit "Bet window closed"—then fed a crimson tonic to a rune in his gauntlet. Illegal? Gray zone at best. The gauntlet veins glowed bright, funneling surge to both beasts.
Varis caught the glow. Eyes narrowed. "Mana overdrive inject, file for review."
Bragg only grunted, "Smart lad— buy judges later."
Boosted, the leopard moved twice as fast, darting in broken dash patterns that defied prediction. Basilisk shook off fire, slammed tail; shockwave rippled sand like water. Zephyr's calves trembled absorbing the force.
He clicked tongue— signal they'd practiced: stage switch.
