Liu observed his exhausted hyena standing there panting. Then looked at the undamaged hydra waiting patiently. Then his gaze shifted to Ren standing calmly behind his beast.
And he saw the small knowing smile on Ren's face.
'He knew,' Liu thought with a mix of frustration and genuine respect. 'He knew the sound attack wouldn't function. That's precisely why he chose the hydra.'
It wasn't just about selecting beasts of similar size for fair confrontation. Wasn't just about wanting to give spotlight to a beast that hadn't shined recently in combat.
It was a perfect tactical selection. Choosing the specific beast that possessed natural advantage against Liu's complete arsenal.
Did Ren want to see what Liu could accomplish in this disadvantageous situation?
The hyena could still fight with what remained. Still had its claws, its fangs, considerable physical strength from its Gold rank.
But without its primary sonic advantage that had carried it through previous battles...
