The day before the tournament

I'd even evolved my hand to hand combat skill to a martial arts skill, and brought the level up to seven. My wings twitched as I relaxed on the floor for a few minutes. I hadn't done any working out this morning, and my muscles were practically itching for me to do something, but since it was the day before the tournament Goliath had told me that I was not to do any working out. I'd worked out until I couldn't move everyday for an entire month. He said it would be a bad idea for me to work out today as well.

I needed at least a days worth of rest before I competed tomorrow. I stood up, and switched forms. I'd slept in it was almost ten. I pulled on a fresh uniform. The first competition would be group mock battles. Savannah, and Ethan were on my team with one second year, and some guy named Jax.

The second year was supposed to be in charge. I didn't like it. Four teams would be sent into the arena. The scoring was pretty simple. Each knockout a team made was one point.

Each team member still standing at the end was an additional point so keeping all your team members would be a big bonus, but it wasn't the only way to win. Savannah wasn't participating in the one on one battles. Ethan, and I were both in the one to one battles. I snorted to myself as I walked out of the simulation hall. I walked to the meet up point that Goliath had arranged for us.

I'd barely seen Ethan or Savannah for the last month. It was good to see them again. At least while I was awake enough to actually enjoy their presence. A smile almost broke through the stony mask that was my face. We chatted idly for a while about random stuff as we were escorted to the portal station with all the other participants.

I'd sparred with Ethan a few times throughout the month to help sharpen his skills a little. I'd had to hold back so I wouldn't hurt him, but he was getting better at using his rider skill on command. He still wasn't on the level that he could pull it off every time, but the amount of time he could use it before completely exhausting himself had increased by a good margin as well. He was really good at shutting the ability down before he got exhausted completely. We went through the portal, and were teleported to the tournament grounds.

The only students that were allowed to come here were the ones that were competing. The rest of the stands would be filled with civilian observers or military staff that had spared a few bucks to buy tickets. The cash price for the top contenders, and more was paid for directly by this tournament. We were rushed off to our temporary lodgings which to my surprise was pretty much a luxury hotel.

The rooms were covered on government dollar as long as you were competing. Once you were out you could bunk with another student or go back to base, and watch the live stream like everybody else. Well if you could afford something that linked up with the network. I was never that lucky. Our schedule was sent to our watches.

Not showing up was an automatic disqualification. Then you'd have to pay for your room as punishment. Three hundred credits a night was a pretty clear motivation to keep your shit together. I looked around the massive room slowly. A big hot tub, and a stupid big bed.

Plus the common area was big enough for even a dragon like me to find it comfy. I pulled my clothes off, and clicked the, do not disturb, light on before locking the door. Switching forms, and making my way through the double doors that led to the bedroom. I squeezed myself onto the bed as it creaked angrily under my weight. It didn't matter if I couldn't really feel much through my tough scales.

I could still tell soft, and fluffy from hard, and stiff. I sank into the soft bed with my head laying off to the side of the bed. Settling in for a comfy nap. I wouldn't be competing in the team match until tomorrow so I could relax all I wanted tonight. There was a light knock at my door.

Savannah had gotten here first. I pulled the double doors closed one by one with my tail since it was closer, and I was comfy. Then I clicked the button on the room keycard to unlock the door. I heard her open the door, and walk in closing it behind her. She came straight to my room, and let herself in.

"Getting comfy?" She raised an eyebrow at me.

"Might as well," I smirked mostly to myself, "Goliath forbade anymore working out until I compete."

"You did spend a month pretty much just working out everyday," Savannah hadn't gotten a good look at me in my dragon form while I was still in a good long while, "You slimmed up a bit, and your muscles are more defined."

"I know," my smirk widened into a full smile, "I'm looking pretty damn good ain't I."

"More intimidating for sure," Savannah teased.

Trust bond level up. Trust bond with ally Savannah Earl now level 9.

Now?

Yes.

Odd time for a level up. I relaxed my head back to the floor, and decided to ignore her teasing.

"What's the exit plan after this?" Savannah's tone went serious, "For you, and Ethan I mean."

"Still not planning on coming?" I snorted, "I think it would be better if you did."

"No," Savannah shook her head, "I can't just leave my Dad. He's my Dad. He needs me."

Savannah didn't quite believe her own words, but I wasn't going to call her on it.

"Simple," I raised my scales slowly, letting the cool air in, "We walk into a portal that leads to a rental station for shuttles, and drive ourselves out to the wolves island. Checks are minimal there because normal people don't like being around them. Stay there until the rifts on the island stop giving enough magical creatures to keep my appetite in check."