Ethan, a disgraced member of the Black family whose own beast abandoned him, faces harsh rejection from his brother Xavier and others who call him a loser and traitor. Despite the scorn, Ethan finds solace in a loyal new beast he picked up. Xavier challenges him to a high-stakes bet: if Xavier loses, he returns the powerful Ink Beast to Ethan; if Ethan loses, Xavier claims Ethan's new beast. Ethan accepts, sealing the wager contract as they prepare to clash in the Silvergate Rookie Tournament finals, setting the stage for a decisive battle with all stakes on the line.