An exhibition match turns urgent when Rokkar uses a new Spike Rush and Rockblast to break Stoneguard's defenses, giving Sylva the State Race spot while a delivery man, Rylan, quietly impresses President Chey. Ms. Vyra interrupts, scornful of the entrants, and demands a tougher selection: her people must fight three matches and the winners claim the slot. Then she insists on a contract stating losers forfeit all tamers' credentials and lose beast access forever. The stakes shift from sport to survival, and Chey must decide whether to sign the contract that will decide the tamers' immediate fate.