《The First Fusion Master: Beast Wave》


 Beginning

    Riven stood ready in a combat pose at the edge of a rectangular field, where sparse patches of grass¡ªboth dead and alive¡ªdotted the ground. Across from him, on the other end of the field, stood a boy around fifteen years old. He had tanned skin, sandy blonde hair, and a heavily toned physique. Standing an impressive six feet three inches tall, the boy gripped a wooden training spear with practiced ease.


    "Are both of you ready?" called a man standing at the center edge of the field, his voice cutting through the tension. He glanced between the two combatants, his gaze sharp and commanding.


    Riven clenched his fists, his mind racing as he strategized for the upcoming spar against Jayce. I''ll need to get close if I want to do any real damage, he thought, lowering his stance and steadying his breathing.


    The referee scrutinized them one final time before raising his hand high and shouting, "Start!"


    Riven closed his eyes briefly, reaching deep within himself to tap into an ethereal reservoir of mana¡ªa glowing ball of blue energy stored in his core. The energy surged forward like a rushing tide, spreading through his body, flooding his blood vessels, and seeping into his very skin. With practiced precision, he condensed the remainder of the mana, watching as its hue shifted from blue to a vibrant purple. He directed the energy toward his glutes and tendons, preparing for explosive movement.


    The ground sank beneath his feet, leaving two clear imprints as he launched himself forward with blinding speed. Jayce''s eyes widened in shock, caught off guard by Riven''s raw ferocity and agility. He fumbled to lower his spear, attempting to create distance, but Riven had already closed the gap.


    Riven''s momentum carried him forward as his feet dug an inch into the ground to stabilize his strike. Pivoting, he drove his left palm upward, aiming directly at Jayce''s solar plexus. The satisfying crack of impact echoed across the field as his strike connected. Jayce''s body was sent hurtling backward, careening toward the stone wall bordering the arena.


    Before Jayce could collide with the wall, the referee was already there, moving with startling speed. The man caught the boy mid-air, cradling him effortlessly. He turned toward Riven with an amused smile, nodding once in acknowledgment before declaring, "The winner is Riven Stormbrand!" His voice carried authority, silencing the murmurs around the field.


    Without hesitation, the referee carried Jayce, who struggled to catch his breath, toward the healer''s station. Meanwhile, Riven stood motionless, allowing the mana coursing through his body to dissipate. He knew this wasn''t the proper way to handle mana¡ªone should guide it back inward¡ªbut his naturally pure mana reserves meant he expended only a small fraction. It had become a bad habit to let the remaining energy escape into the air, though it was undeniably faster.


    Still, I should fix that, Riven thought as he straightened up and began walking toward the healer''s station.


    By the time he arrived, Jayce was already on his feet, stretching as though he hadn''t just been flung across the field. He grinned at Riven and said, "I wanted to see if the rumors were true. That much power from a zero-rank, recently awakened? Pretty insane."


    Riven shrugged casually. "It is what it is," he replied, his tone nonchalant.


    Jayce accepted the response with a chuckle, then shifted topics. "Are you ready for the exam tomorrow?"


    Riven''s lips curled into a wide grin, enough to make Jayce slightly uneasy. "Yep," Riven said confidently. "I''m ready to crush it."


    Jayce nodded and gestured toward a nearby window carved into the arena''s stone walls. The sun was setting, its golden rays fading into the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. Riven''s grin faltered as he remembered he had to get home before nightfall¡ªa family dinner with his extended relatives awaited, and being late was not an option.


    "Ah, crap!" he muttered, waving hastily at Jayce. "See you tomorrow¡ªI''ve gotta go!"


    Without waiting for a response, Riven sprinted toward the arena''s exit, weaving between the other training fields. All around him, matches continued, each with its own referee overseeing the combatants. His footsteps echoed as he dashed through the complex, his mind already shifting to what awaited him at home.


    Fortunately, Riven''s house wasn''t far from the local arena. He dashed through the dimly lit streets, weaving between pedestrians and beasts alike. A few people glared at his back, cursing as he narrowly avoided collisions. As he ran, the lamps lining the cobblestone streets began to light up one by one, casting long shadows in their wake. He knew that when the lamp near his house lit up, it would mark the beginning of the evening¡ªa deadline he couldn''t afford to miss.


    With no other option, Riven smirked and reached inward, focusing on the dense ball of ethereal energy buried deep within his being. This time, instead of simply drawing from it, he plunged his metaphysical hand deeper, past the outer layers, and into the third. A stream of shimmering, dark pink energy surged forth, its sheer force threatening to overwhelm him.


    But Riven wasn''t inexperienced. He had honed his control over this energy ever since his soul awakened earlier in the year. Gritting his teeth, he manipulated the wild energy, weaving and compressing it with the techniques drilled into him by his instructors. Once it was under control, he channeled the majority of the energy into his legs and eyes.


    The moment the energy settled, Riven became a blur. He shot down the streets with astonishing speed and precision. His enhanced vision caught glimpses of the lamps flickering to life as they chased his progress. I''ll beat them¡ªno matter what, he thought, his focus locked ahead. He couldn''t risk splitting his attention; the last thing he needed was to accidentally collide with someone.


    As he neared the end of the street, the bronze door of his home came into view. Its intricate carving of his family crest¡ªa raven perched atop a stack of tomes, flanked by runes¡ªstood out even in the dim light. Renewing his effort, Riven poured the last reserves of energy into his sprint and leaped toward the door.


    Mid-air, a realization struck him. Wait¡­ how am I going to stop myself?!Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Panic gripped him as he braced for impact. Transferring the pink energy to his upper body, he positioned his arms to absorb the shock. But just as he was about to collide with the door, he felt¡­ nothing. Suspended a meter above the ground, Riven opened his eyes, confusion etched on his face. He glanced around frantically, trying to make sense of his situation.


    "An impressive feat of power," a voice called from behind, calm yet laced with authority. "But I''ll have to give you a zero for execution."


    Slowly, Riven felt himself being pulled back, reoriented until his feet touched the ground. The unseen force vanished, leaving him steady but unnerved. His mind raced. That was telekinesis. And a strong one at that. But who¡ª


    Turning around, Riven froze. An old man stood before him, his long silver hair and beard flowing in the gentle breeze. He wore flowing robes embossed with golden patterns that formed intricate designs, the craftsmanship speaking of wealth and status. In his hands rested a cane made of polished redwood, its handle wrapped in silver leather for comfort.


    It didn''t take long for Riven to notice the crest emblazoned on the cane: the unmistakable emblem of House Nebulous. The silver design¡ªa raven perched atop tomes, flanked by runes¡ªmarked the man as a member of the outer branch of his mother''s family.


    Riven coughed nervously and extended his hand. "Welcome, Grandfather," he said, his voice betraying his unease.


    The old man chuckled softly and lifted his hand from the cane to shake Riven''s. The moment their hands met, Riven felt as if a torrent of water had slammed into him, the weight of the elder''s mana pressing down with overwhelming force. Instinctively, Riven''s own mana surged in response, dark pink energy flooding his body to counteract the pressure. It eased just enough for him to speak.


    "It''s good to see you," Riven managed, his voice strained. "Please, let me show you in."


    The old man withdrew his hand and offered a small, amused smile. "Very well. Let''s go."


    Riven exhaled in relief and rang the bell beside the gate. Almost instantly, a black blur appeared inches from his face. A metallic glint caught his eye before the shape vanished as quickly as it had come.


    The bronze doors creaked open, revealing a stone pathway winding through a meticulously maintained garden. At the end of the path stood a large wooden building, its warm light spilling out onto the cobblestones.


    At the entrance, a man in leather armor adorned with metal plates guarding his vitals stood at attention. His posture was calm but alert, his sharp gaze fixed on the old man. From the shadows cast by the lamplight, another figure emerged. At first, it appeared as a formless blob, but as it stepped forward, its features sharpened.


    A five-foot-tall raven with jet-black feathers and glowing purple vortexes for eyes strode into view. The creature''s presence was commanding, its gaze unblinking as it regarded the elder.


    "Father, I found Grandfather on the way," Riven said, gesturing toward the old man behind him.


    Riven''s father turned his head toward him, his stern gaze sharp enough to cut steel. With a reprimanding tone, he said, "You''re late. Go get ready. I''ll escort our guest inside."


    Riven shivered under the weight of his father''s intense stare. Quickly, he stammered, "Sorry, Grandfather. I''ll see you in a bit." Without waiting for a response, he hurried down a stone path that veered to the left, leading to another wooden building. This one was slightly smaller but exuded warmth and life with illuminated windows and lamps scattered along its exterior.


    Riven burst through the wooden door and darted toward his room at the back of the ground floor. On the way, he caught his mother''s disapproving glare as she stood near the sitting area by a plush, red velvet couch. The silent reprimand made him quicken his pace.


    Once in his room, Riven sifted through the pile of clothes strewn across his bed, which sat slightly to the left of the center of the room. Finally, he found the formal attire his mother had chosen for him a week ago. Dressing hurriedly, he fought to control his strength, mindful not to rip the delicate fabric. The room itself was modest¡ªa pair of mahogany cabinets lined the wall opposite the bed, and a small rectangular dresser with a large mirror stood in the far corner. Between them was a wooden door leading to the bathroom.


    After putting on his attire, Riven approached the mirror, attempting to tame his unruly hair. His jet-black locks, long and spiky, refused to settle no matter how much he fussed. The result was a chaotic mop of darkness framing two sapphire-blue eyes that stared back at him.


    Not enough time for a bath, he thought with a resigned sigh. It would only get him into more trouble. Abandoning the effort, he left his room and made his way to the sitting area, where his mother waited.


    "Good. You''re ready," she said, rising gracefully from the couch. She was a woman in her early forties, draped in a traditional red silk robe and accented with a fluffy white scarf. "Let''s go."


    Riven gave a small nod and trailed after her as she exited the building, heading toward the central one.


    Inside, Riven found his father and grandfather seated on opposite sides of a large rectangular wooden table. Before them sat cups of steaming green tea in elegant, premium china. His mother took her place on the right side of the table, speaking with polite warmth. "Good to see you, Father. I hope the journey wasn''t too difficult."


    Riven hesitated, then sat across from his mother, careful to position himself closer to his father¡ªaway from his grandfather''s oppressive presence. Sitting nearby was another figure: the head of one of the branch families of the Liren''s, a powerful noble house with significant legislative sway in the eastern parts of the Fulcrum Empire.


    Grandfather''s aura is overwhelming, Riven thought, his throat dry. He''s at least Rank four. No wonder just his presence felt like it could crush me.


    The tension in the room thickened as Riven''s father stared intently at his grandfather. The atmosphere eased slightly when a servant dressed in a black uniform wheeled in a cart laden with an assortment of dishes¡ªeverything from steaming noodles to richly spiced meats. The servant distributed portions carefully, and the scent of the food filled the room.


    Breaking the silence, Riven''s grandfather fixed his piercing gaze on him and spoke. "I''ve come with a simple message. You''ve piqued my interest, Riven. It''s not every day a grandson of mine unlocks a flickering soul. I''m offering you a seat on the inner council of our branch family, but only after you reach Rank four and contract with a beast. Until then, we''ll provide resources and tutors to help you hone your abilities."


    As the words hung in the air, Riven''s father shot to his feet, his chair screeching against the floor. His voice was tight with restrained anger. "We agreed your family would not interfere with ours. Or have you forgotten?"


    "Yes, but I''m merely extending an offer," the old man replied calmly, stroking his silver beard. "I''m not the only one interested. Nobles from other houses are already courting him. Just today, I saw him practicing with Jayce Treyarch of House Treyarch. I am simply making my position known in person. Nothing more."


    Riven''s father clenched his fists, but before the tension could spiral further, Riven''s mother intervened. "It''s Riven''s decision. We''ll wait for his answer. But for now, let''s enjoy the meal."


    Her words defused the standoff, and the family turned their focus to the meal, eating in tense silence.


    Later, as Grandfather prepared to leave, he bid a formal farewell. Stepping outside, his body shimmered with a shroud of purple energy, and he lifted into the air, disappearing into the distance.


    Riven watched in awe. That''s definitely telekinesis. His beasts must have an exalted bloodline¡ªor at least a rare greater one.


    A cough from his father drew Riven''s attention. "It''s your life, but I advise you to stay away from the noble families," his father said, his tone grave.


    Riven nodded absently, his mind already on the upcoming soul tournament. The top five competitors could bond with beasts of greater bloodlines¡ªan opportunity too rare to pass up.


    "I''ll head to bed," he muttered, following his mother back to the house. As he glanced over his shoulder, he noticed his father still standing at the entrance of the guest building, staring into the night with a troubled expression.


    Tomorrow is a big day, Riven thought, steeling his resolve. I''ll make it to the top five. No matter what.

 Tournament Start

    Riven awoke to the sound of someone knocking on his door. Groggily, he sat up in bed as his mom called, "Get up! You''re going to be late." The reminder of the tournament snapped him out of his daze. With a jolt, he leaped out of bed, hastily fixing the bed sheets to the best of his ability before running to the bathroom.


    In front of the mirror, he made another valiant attempt to tame his hair, but as usual, it resisted his efforts. For some strange reason, it always seemed to prefer sticking out in all directions, resembling a sharpened mop. Sighing in frustration, he tapped his finger on the sink''s enchantment, letting a thin wisp of mana flow into it. Water poured out, and Riven splashed it over his face before drying off with the heated air enchantments embedded in the wall to his left.


    With no time to fuss further, he donned his combat gear: leather pants, a jacket, a gray shirt, black boots, and a series of belts designed to hold items, weapons, and pouches for storing goods. This standard adventurer''s outfit had been a gift from his father for his initiation as a novice adventurer.


    Heading to the dining table, he found a hearty meal of eggs, bread, meat, and beans waiting for him. He scarfed it all down in record time before jumping out of his seat and heading for the door. On his way out, he saw his parents standing nearby. His mother gave him a reassuring nod, and his father called out, "Good luck! We''ll be there in just a bit."


    The streets were relatively empty as it was still early morning. Most people were either just getting ready for the day or still asleep. The calm and quiet, however, disappeared the closer Riven got to the Soul Arena. The area around the massive structure was bustling with activity. People moved about everywhere, some entering the arena seating areas, while others browsed the many wooden stalls lining its perimeter. These makeshift shops were covered with tarps and sold a variety of goods¡ªfood, equipment, clothing, and trinkets.


    Riven made his way to the participant entrance, avoiding the chaos of the main gates. A small line of five people stood before him, waiting as a well-built guard in armor¡ªlikely a rank-three adventurer¡ªchecked their credentials and scanned for forbidden relics. When it was Riven''s turn, he handed over his stone badge inscribed with intricate runes. The guard scanned it with his device, nodded, and gestured for him to enter.


    The participant gathering area was filled with familiar faces. Jayce and Lora stood off to one side, engaged in an intense discussion. In another corner, his childhood friends Alen, Mark, and Lucy were talking to a group Riven didn''t recognize.


    Reflecting on his grandfather''s words from the night before, Riven decided to approach his old friends. His awakening had driven a wedge between them. As the only person in years to awaken a flickering soul, Riven had surpassed his friends, whose dim souls were the lowest tier. They could no longer spar or train with him, as the difference in their power had grown insurmountable. The distance between them had only widened over time.


    He hesitated for a moment, recalling what his teachers had drilled into him countless times: everyone had a soul, but not all were created equal. Souls ranged from blank, dim, veiled, flickering, luminous, to radiant. Those with blank souls were unawakened, forever barred from using mana or bonding with beasts. Flickering souls, like his, were incredibly rare and carried immense potential. When bonded with a beast of greater bloodline purity, such a soul could evolve the bloodline to the next rank¡ªa feat normally impossible, as beasts, too, were born with inherent bloodline qualities, with higher purities being immensely stronger.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Steeling himself, Riven approached his old friends. "How are you guys doing? It''s been a while," he managed, his voice awkward.


    Mark smiled and extended a hand. "Haven''t seen you in a while. How''ve you been?" His tone carried a hint of sadness.


    "He''s a big shot now, don''t you know?" Alen said, folding his arms, his voice flat and expression cold. "Hanging out with a better crowd," he drawled.


    "Now, now, let''s not start this," Lucy interjected, raising her hands to calm the tension.


    Riven tried to think of an appropriate response and opened his mouth, but Mark cut him off. "Good luck in the tournament," he said, turning away. "We''re off to warm up¡ªsee you in the arena." With that, the group left without a backward glance.


    Sighing, Riven leaned against a wall, one foot resting on it. He knew he''d fumbled their friendship badly, but there was little he could do now. Instead, he sharpened his focus on two men standing on a slightly raised platform overlooking the participants. One was dressed in typical battle garb¡ªleather, armored plates, and two giant swords on his back. No doubt a powerful adventurer. The man next to him, however, exuded an aura of even greater magnitude. He wore white metal armor with gold-trimmed depictions of flowing feathers and strokes. His helmet had golden metallic lines running outward in a fan pattern.


    Riven''s unease grew. That must be the invigilator sent by the royal family. It was standard practice, but something about the man''s armor made him tense. His thoughts were interrupted as the man spoke with a booming voice that silenced the crowd. "The total number of participants is thirty-two this year. The tournament will be a single-elimination bracket. Keep winning, and you''ll get to the top. Simple as that. Good luck, and prove yourselves."


    The man''s gaze lingered on Riven, confirming his suspicions. A royal knight. They wouldn''t have sent someone like that unless word of his soul awakening had reached the capital.


    Riven''s thoughts were interrupted when the hunter started distributing palm-sized stones, each enchanted with runes. He closed his eyes, preparing himself mentally, until the hunter handed him his token. The shining blue runes displayed his matches and tracked results.


    His first opponent was someone named Malvik. Riven wasn''t worried. He''d sparred with all five veiled-soul participants last year and knew none posed a serious threat. Confident in his abilities, he resolved to secure the top position.


    When his name was called, Riven pocketed the token and walked down the corridor into the arena. Bright sunlight and a cacophony of sounds greeted him. He scanned the crowd, noting his parents on Corvax, his father''s rank-five exalted-bloodline bond.


    Waving briefly, Riven ascended the platform, where Malvik awaited. The referee raised his hand. "Begin!"


    Riven wasted no time. He surged forward, enveloping himself in pink mana. Malvik raised his own protective aura, but the difference in their power and skill was too great. Riven''s first punch connected with Malvik''s sternum, shattering his defenses and doubling him over. Without hesitation, Riven brought his knee up, aiming for Malvik''s head. Wracked by pain, Malvik was unable to react, his body lifting a few feet off the ground from the force.


    Already feeling a pang of guilt, Riven paused, glancing toward the referee. To his dismay, no intervention came. Not wanting the match to devolve into needless brutality, Riven grabbed Malvik''s arm before he could crash to the ground and pulled him closer. Whispering a quiet apology, Riven brought his left fist forward for another strike to Malvik''s chest. This time, the referee stepped in, catching Riven''s fist and steadying Malvik, who appeared barely conscious.


    "Riven Stormbrand, winner!" the referee declared.


    Cheers erupted from the crowd, but Riven barely registered them. His focus lingered on the referee as he carried Malvik toward the small stone building inside the arena, likely the healer''s station. Without a word, Riven turned and walked back to the waiting area. Along the way, he noticed nods of respect from a few nobles. He knew it wasn''t him they admired¡ªit was his rare soul.


    This hollow admiration only deepened his frustration. Shaking the thoughts away, Riven returned to his corner, leaned against the wall, and closed his eyes, preparing for the next match.

 A Fiery Battle

    Riven dusted his clothes, shifting his gaze away from Draven''s crumpled form. A swirl of emotions churned within him, his chest tightening with a mix of frustration and pity. Why do they keep sending dim-souled, untrained fighters against me? It''s not fair for them. They should''ve fought opponents closer to their level, ones who might give them a real chance.


    He clenched his fists as bitterness welled up inside. This world... where power makes right. Where strength is the only law. A deep breath steadied him, and he forced the tension from his hands. Slowly, he turned toward the roaring crowd, their cheers washing over him like a wave of hollow praise. He tried to smile but knew it didn''t reach his eyes.


    Tilting his head upward, his gaze landed on the towering figure of Corvax, the massive bird-like beast that his parents rode. There they were, perched high above the arena. He averted his eyes before they could land on the nobles viewing boxes, unwilling to confront the noble families seated alongside them. Instead, he turned away, retreating toward the back rooms where he could finally breathe.


    The stone corridor leading away from the arena was dimly lit, the echoes of his footsteps muffled by the noise behind him. Just as he passed one of the archways, a familiar figure stepped into view. A young woman with fiery red hair flowing over her chest and shoulders, she greeted him with a bright smile. Her light leather armor clung to her muscular frame, and steel pauldrons gleamed under the flickering torchlight. Her presence, commanding and bold, made Riven stop mid-step.


    "Well, not bad," said Lira Nova, her tone teasing yet firm. "But don''t think our fight will be that easy. I won''t hold back."


    Riven blinked, caught off guard. He shifted slightly, straightening his posture. His confusion must have been evident because Lira smirked, reaching for something at her waist. She pulled out a small badge, letting the light glint off its surface.


    "See? You''re up against me in round three," she said, her voice brimming with confidence. "Don''t disappoint me, okay?"


    With that, she turned sharply and walked away, her leather boots clicking against the stone floor. Riven stood frozen for a moment, watching her retreating form. Good to know she hasn''t changed a bit, he thought. Still the same battle-crazed, energetic self.


    It had been a few months since their last spar. He remembered her as relentless, always pushing him to use more and more mana every time they fought. Maybe this fight will be fun. But his confidence wavered. Then again, knowing her, I shouldn''t get my hopes too high.


    The sound of approaching footsteps pulled him from his thoughts. Jayce emerged from the archway, sweat glistening on his brow, his spear strapped securely to his back. The sight of him brought a measure of relief.


    "Good fights out there," Jayce said, his tone light as he rubbed his hands together. "I''ve got Sylvia Frostveil next. Finally, someone I can go all out against."


    Riven chuckled. "Yeah, she''s probably the strongest of you all. She''s from the main Frostveil family, after all."


    Jayce laughed, his grin widening. "Oh, you don''t know, do you?" He clapped a hand on Riven''s shoulder. "We''ve all been holding back in our spars with you¡ªhiding our strengths from each other. Don''t assume you''ve already won."


    Riven shrugged, his lips twitching into a faint smile. We will find out soon enough.


    Jayce shook his head, chuckling to himself as he walked toward the cluster of nobles gathered in the corner. Riven, not wanting to join them, turned back to his usual spot in the resting area. His expression darkened. None of my childhood friends have even bothered to say hi since the start of the tournament. The thought stung more than he cared to admit. So much for camaraderie.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    The hunter''s voice rang out, summoning him back to the arena. Riven took a steadying breath before stepping into the sunlight. The field stretched before him, the packed dirt gleaming under the afternoon sun. Across from him stood Lira, her greatsword resting on her shoulder. She gripped the hilt with both hands, her stance solid and confident. Her fiery red hair glowed like embers, and a faint smirk played on her lips.


    Riven widened his stance, his body instinctively shifting into a combat-ready position. The referee raised his hand, signaling the start of the match.


    In a blur of motion, Lira closed the distance between them, her sword radiating an intense heat. Riven''s eyes widened as he called forth his pink mana, coating his body in its protective glow. He darted to the side, narrowly avoiding her swing. A sharp, burning sting shot through his chest. He glanced down, spotting a shallow cut across his torso.


    What the hell? His thoughts raced. Is she using a relic? Or has she already bonded with a beast?


    Lira''s smirk deepened as she caught his confused expression. She pressed forward, her greatsword leaving faint trails of shimmering heat in the air. Riven gritted his teeth, pouring more mana into his body. The protective aura around him flared as he moved to counter her next strike.


    Their clash was a flurry of motion¡ªher strikes brutal and precise, his dodges sharp and calculated, but it was hard to count for the ranged super heated air attacks she unleashed with every swing. The heat from her blade became oppressive, each swing forcing him to burn more of his mana just to stay ahead.


    She can heat the air with her mana? Is that even possible? The thought rattled him. No matter. I just need to get close and land a decisive blow.


    Focusing his energy, Riven funneled fifty percent of his mana into his body¡ªa risky move, but necessary. His movements became a blur, his speed unmatched as he surged toward Lira. Her eyes narrowed as she adjusted her stance, pouring her remaining energy into her blade. The greatsword glowed a molten orange, the air around it rippling like a mirage.


    Lira swung with all her might, unleashing a wave of compressed, superheated air. The force of it barreled toward Riven, who braced himself. He solidified his mana, creating a shield that absorbed most of the heat. Steam rose from his clothes, his hair, and even his skin. The protective barrier around him flickered and dissipated, leaving him with half his reserves.


    He staggered but held his ground. The shock on Lira''s face told him all he needed to know¡ªshe was nearly spent. Summoning the last of his strength, he surged forward.


    Lira tried to retreat, but Riven was too fast. His palm struck her liver with precision, forcing her to drop the greatsword as she staggered sideways.


    Unwilling to give her a moment to recover, Riven pursued. Lira, through sheer determination, managed to grip her weapon again. She swung wildly, the blade cutting through the air in a desperate horizontal arc.


    Remember what Father taught you. Riven dropped low, his hands brushing the dirt as he twisted his body. He launched himself forward in a corkscrew motion, narrowly dodging the blade. His boots connected with Lira''s face, the force sending her sprawling across the ground. Her greatsword clattered to the dirt a few meters away.


    Before Riven could check on her, a lion-like beast wreathed in flames appeared on the field. Its mane blazed brightly, the heat radiating from its body almost unbearable. It padded over to Lira, gently gripping her coat in its jaws. With a powerful leap, the beast carried her toward one of the viewing boxes.


    The referee stepped forward, clearing his throat. "The winner: Riven Stormbrand!"


    The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices a deafening roar. Riven barely acknowledged them, his thoughts swirling. What was that technique she used?


    He gave a brief wave toward his family before exiting the arena, his mind racing with questions.


    Inside the waiting area, Jayce was adjusting his armor straps, his spear resting against the wall beside him. Riven hesitated before speaking, the adrenaline from his fight still coursing through him.


    "You were right¡ªthat was tough. Good luck with yours."


    Jayce turned, grinning. "Told you. Might see you in the semifinals."


    Sylvia entered from the opposite side, her expression cool and composed also reflecting in her silver eyes and hair. The two fighters exchanged brief nods before heading toward their respective entrances.


    Riven sighed, slumping onto a bench. If their skills are anything like Lira''s, getting first place won''t be easy. He rubbed his temples, exhaustion beginning to set in. If Lira''s soul rank was the same as mine, I would''ve lost.


    As the noise from the arena outside grew louder, Riven closed his eyes, trying to piece together how he could improve before his next fight.

 Thorny Situation

    Staring intently at the doorway leading to the arena, Riven waited for the outcome of Jayce and Silvia''s match. Fortunately, he didn''t have to wait long. Silvia strode confidently through the entrance, her face barely touched by sweat. The sharpness of her stride hinted at a decisive victory, and Riven''s gut churned as his suspicions were confirmed. Jayce was nowhere to be seen, likely recovering in the healer''s quarters.


    Damn. I thought they were all close in power. If she beat him that easily, I can''t afford to be arrogant in my next matches.


    The faint glow of Riven''s stone token caught his eye as new runes etched themselves into its surface, signaling his next match. His lips curled into a grim smile. Guess I won''t have to face Silvia''s wrath just yet. My next opponent is¡­ Julius Petralis? He frowned, the name stirring a vague familiarity. Odd. I don''t think I''ve ever sparred with him before. What''s his soul type again?


    He delved into his memories, sifting through the family names prevalent in this side of the empire and their notable members, but nothing about Julius stood out. Before he could piece it together, a sudden tremor rippled through the arena, shaking the very ground beneath his feet.


    The booming voice of a man clad in radiant white armor echoed across the space. "Congratulations to those who have made it this far. The battlefield will now be changed for the upcoming rounds. You have one hour to rest and prepare."


    Riven exhaled, letting go of his unease over Julius. Plenty of time to focus. He sat on a bench and closed his eyes, falling into the steady rhythm of meditation. Basic mana breathing techniques will do. Flush out the old and altered mana¡ªbetter safe than sorry.


    The hour passed in what felt like seconds. Riven opened his eyes to find the hunter gesturing toward him. Understanding it was time, he stood, adjusted his stance, and walked toward the arena.


    The battlefield had transformed. It was now a quarter of its previous size, with marble and stone pillars scattered across the space. The once varied elevation had flattened into a simpler terrain, forcing a more direct confrontation. Riven stepped onto his side of the arena, his sharp eyes catching sight of Julius on the opposite end.


    Julius''s dark green hair, long and flowing, framed his face like a cascade of vines. His hand loosened the pouch strapped to his hip¡ªa simple, unassuming bag of brown cloth tied shut with a white string. Riven narrowed his gaze. What could be in there? It''s probably not an artifact if the invigilators allowed it.


    Julius balled his right hand into a fist, taking a combat stance. Riven''s lips twitched into a smirk. Fine. Whatever tricks he''s hiding, I''ll end this before he even gets the chance to use them.


    The referee raised his hands, signaling the start of the match.


    Riven wasted no time. Pouring fifty percent of his mana into his body¡ªmost of it concentrated in his legs¡ªhe launched himself toward Julius at incredible speed. Julius didn''t flinch. Calmly, he reached into the pouch, pulled out a small black seed, and dropped it onto the ground.


    Just as Riven prepared to land a blow, the ground erupted beneath him. Thick, green vines and roots surged upward, creating a dense wall of foliage. Riven cursed under his breath but didn''t hesitate. Drawing his fist back, he punched through the barrier, sending shards of plant matter flying in all directions.


    Before he could locate Julius, a blur of movement appeared behind him. Riven whirled around just in time to see Julius''s fist¡ªencased in a gauntlet of twisting vines¡ªhurtling toward his head. Reacting instinctively, Riven redirected his mana, reinforcing his skull to absorb the impact.


    The gauntlet struck with immense force, its vines growing thicker and harder upon contact, consuming the concentration of mana. Pain exploded in Riven''s head as he staggered sideways, blood dripping from a cut where the vines had torn through his skin. What the hell was that?


    Julius didn''t press the advantage. Instead, he repositioned himself, visibly straining under the weight of the now-massive gauntlet.


    Riven shook his head, clearing the ringing from his ears. Spotting a cluster of stone pillars nearby, he sprinted toward them, seeking cover. He leaned against one, breathing heavily.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    That gauntlet¡­ it absorbed at least thirty percent of my active mana. And those vines¡ªcreating walls so quickly. Is this the power of the Petralis family? Damn. I''ve really underestimated the nobles.


    A faint sound caught his attention. His eyes darted down to see a thumb-sized seed roll to a stop beside him.


    Cursing, Riven pumped thirty percent of his remaining mana into his legs and dove aside just as the ground where he''d stood erupted into jagged, dried vines. As he scrambled to his feet, Julius was already upon him, swinging the gauntlet toward his head once more.


    This time, Riven was ready. Pouring his remaining thirty percent into his fist, he aimed a counterpunch at the gauntlet, knocking it off course. Julius staggered, the gauntlet''s weight throwing him off balance. Seeing his chance, Riven surged forward with a palm strike aimed at Julius''s neck.


    Before the blow could connect, Julius opened his hand, releasing a handful of seeds. The ground between them erupted into a thicket of thorny vines, shredding Riven''s left arm and forcing him to retreat.


    Panting, Riven inspected the damage. His left arm was riddled with cuts and embedded splinters. Damn it. I can''t waste time pulling these out.


    The crowd roared, sensing the fight''s climax. With one arm limp to his side Riven clenched his right fist. I''ve only got ten percent of my mana left. He''s out of seeds, but that gauntlet is still a problem.


    Circling around the vine barrier, Riven found Julius clutching his chest, clearly wounded. Julius noticed Riven and rushed forward, his gauntlet aimed for a final blow.


    Perfect.


    Riven waited until the last moment, then ducked, sweeping Julius''s legs out from under him. As Julius fell, Riven drove an uppercut into his jaw. The impact sent Julius sprawling onto his back.


    For a moment, Riven hesitated, unsure if the match was over. Then the referee stepped forward, raising his hand.


    "Winner, Riven Stormbrand!"


    As the referee raised his hand to announce the victor, the arena erupted with deafening cheers, as though Riven had just claimed the championship title. The sheer enthusiasm of the crowd was overwhelming, a cacophony of voices blending into a thunderous roar. Slightly bewildered, Riven raised his head, scanning the stands for his parents. But they were nowhere to be seen.


    Lowering his gaze, his heart skipped a beat as he noticed a hulking black figure looming over him from the sidelines. Startled, Riven leapt back, channeling the last dregs of mana into his body.


    "Easy, Riv." His mother''s calm, familiar voice cut through his panic, and he immediately relaxed. The black figure shifted, revealing itself to be Corvax, the massive shadow-winged beast. His mother stood beside it, her face adorned with a proud smile.


    "Well done," she said warmly. "You''ve really outdone yourself this time."


    His father''s voice followed, a deep and approving tone. "Yeah, that was incredible. You''ve got some serious talent, son."


    Riven couldn''t help but feel a spark of pride at their praise, but his brow furrowed in confusion. Why does this feel like a farewell? Isn''t there still the finals to compete in?


    His mother seemed to read his expression. She hesitated for a moment, her smile turning solemn. "Sorry, Riv. We''re not allowed to say more. Good luck."


    Before Riven could respond, the referee suddenly appeared between him and his family, his presence sharp and commanding. Corvax spread its enormous wings, and Riven''s parents climbed onto its back without another word. With a powerful thrust, the bird took to the skies, disappearing beyond the arena walls.


    The referee cleared his throat, gesturing toward the door leading back to the waiting area. Riven nodded, giving one last glance at the sky before making his way inside.


    As he stepped through the entrance, he noticed the space was eerily quiet. The once-bustling room was now deserted, not even the servants of the noble families remained. Only two figures stood near the far side of the room: the hunter and the royal knight. They appeared to be speaking to two women¡ªSilvia and another girl.


    The second girl immediately caught Riven''s attention. She was shorter than Silvia, her pink hair framing a heart-shaped face that might have been considered cute if it weren''t so clouded with anxiety. She looked utterly defeated, as though the outcome of her next match had already been decided.


    Riven recognized her: Lili Faerhart, from the Faerhart family. While her family specialized in beast breeding research, they lacked the prestige and power of other notable families. Lili''s soul was veiled, just like Silvia''s, but the contrast between the two women couldn''t have been starker.


    Silvia exuded calm confidence, completely unfazed by the prospect of her next battle. Meanwhile, Lili seemed ready to crumble under the weight of her nerves.


    Riven sat down on a nearby bench, letting his thoughts wander as a man dressed in a healer''s robe approached to patch him up for the finals. He put his arm out as his mind replayed the last two matches. Both Lira and Julius had pushed him to his limits with techniques that were leagues ahead of what he''d faced before.


    They were stronger than I expected. Almost strong enough to beat me. If Silvia is in the same league¡ªor stronger¡ªthis isn''t going to be simple.


    He sighed, leaning back against the wall as he glanced at the two women preparing to leave. Nothing I can do about it now except wait for my turn.


    With that thought, he watched as Silvia and Lili exited the room, heading toward the battlegrounds.

 Frozen End

    With his arm healed, Riven sat cross-legged, meditating, his breaths steady as he mentally prepared for the next fight. The quiet was soon interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Silvia emerged from the ground-level entrance, her movements as poised as ever. Not a speck of dust marred her pristine clothes, nor did her silver rapier, holstered neatly at her left hip, show any sign of wear. Lili was nowhere to be seen¡ªlikely in the healer''s ward. Just how strong are you, Silvia?


    Riven couldn''t dwell long on the thought as the hunter''s voice cut through. "Good showing, you two. You''ve got thirty minutes before the finals. Rest well."


    Not wanting to leave anything to chance, Riven settled back into his meditative stance, focusing inward. He had to be ready.


    "It''s time, kid."


    The hunter''s words broke through Riven''s thoughts. He opened his eyes, greeted by the sight of the hunter holding up a glowing token, faint blue light emanating from it. Collecting himself, Riven nodded and stood, walking toward the entrance.


    The arena looked unchanged, its familiar sight giving him a small boost of confidence. Stepping inside, he took his position, his body adopting a wide, taut combat stance. The referee gave the signal, but this time, Riven held back. Charging in recklessly had cost him in earlier fights. Instead, he channeled thirty percent of his mana, circulating it through his body.


    Silvia didn''t seem bothered. A small smile played on her lips as she unsheathed her rapier. "Let me show you what true power is," she said.


    In an instant, she blurred toward him. Each stride was powerful yet so controlled that the ground barely shook beneath her. Riven struggled to keep up and quickly increased his mana output to fifty percent. Even then, her speed was overwhelming.


    With a larger stride, Silvia closed the gap, her rapier aimed directly at his chest. The irregularity of her movement caught him off guard. Thinking quickly, Riven solidified his mana, the barrier preventing the blade from piercing too deeply. Seizing the moment, he lashed out with a kick aimed at her chest.


    Silvia, unfazed, released her grip on the weapon, deftly evading to his right. Her palm lashed out toward his neck, and though Riven initially believed he could withstand the strike, a chilling sensation froze him in place. The icy aura set every hair on his body on edge. Instinctively, he increased his mana output and leapt back.


    As he retreated, Silvia grabbed her rapier''s hilt. Using his chest as leverage, she vaulted back, sending Riven stumbling. Disoriented, he barely managed to steady himself, expecting her to follow up. Instead, Silvia stood calmly, her rapier at the ready, a cold, thin smile on her face.


    Damn it. How is she so fast yet still not out of energy? Frustration mounted as he realized he''d already burned through forty percent of his mana just to keep up.


    Silvia''s voice broke through his thoughts. "Your soul is powerful, but I''ll show you why will and technique are superior."


    She blurred toward him again, her movements unpredictable. Each step covered varying distances, keeping him on edge. Gritting his teeth, Riven brought sixty percent of his mana to bear. This time, he launched himself forward, hoping to disrupt her rhythm.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    But something was wrong. The closer he got, the more sluggish his movements became, as if his mana were grinding to a halt, like a rusted machine struggling to move. His limbs grew heavier, his reactions dulled.


    Then Silvia appeared before him, exhaling a faint wisp of condensation. Frost clung to her left cheek, and her glowing silver eyes radiated an aura of despair so chilling it rooted him in place.


    The last thing Riven saw before darkness claimed him was the icy glare of her unrelenting gaze.


    Riven jolted awake, his surroundings unfamiliar. He lay in a bed, confusion swirling in his mind. Where am I? The match¡ªwhat happened?


    "Easy there."


    The voice belonged to an old woman in healer''s garb. She stood at the foot of his bed, examining a thin glass tablet inscribed with glowing runes.


    "You forced all your mana out, causing you to pass out," she said matter-of-factly. "Oh and your frozen heart, that was a contributing factor as well."


    Riven instinctively felt for his chest, relieved to find no lingering damage.


    The healer chuckled. "You think I''d let anyone walk out of here with permanent damage? They pay me far too much for that. I have standards." With that, she disappeared down a corridor.


    So I lost. The thought didn''t sadden Riven. What stung was the gap in their abilities. Silvia''s combat prowess was on an entirely different level. And that last move¡ªhow had she frozen his mana? Questions swirled, but answers eluded him.


    A familiar figure rounded the corner. Jayce, his expression smug, bore the unmistakable look of someone about to say, I told you so.


    "What''s the deal with Silvia?" Riven asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Jayce smirked, clapping a hand on Riven''s shoulder. "Keep this between us," he said, prompting Riven to nod. Jayce sank into a couch beside the bed and continued, "She''s a main family member, but her soul is veiled. The Frostveil family doesn''t consider that sufficient. Since she''s from the main branch, they exiled her here to prove she can outshine her siblings, even with a weaker soul."


    Riven''s eyes widened. "Does that mean all main branch members have flickering souls?"


    Jayce nodded. "The main branches maintain a high soul lineage. Their children often inherit both parents'' soul types. But once in a while, a black sheep like her emerges."


    Riven committed the information to memory, shuddering at the thought of facing someone like Silvia but with a purer soul.


    Jayce rose, waving as he walked off. "See you tomorrow at the beast taming ceremony."


    The reminder stirred Riven''s excitement, momentarily washing away his weariness. Leaping from the bed, he landed on his feet and began the long trek home.


    The arena was nearly deserted. Only a few dregs of sunlight clung to the horizon, casting long shadows across the empty seats. I must''ve been out for hours.


    As he passed the now-quiet stalls, vendors were busy dismantling their setups, likely preparing for one last sales pitch at the main market. Tomorrow''s ceremony was private, reserved for the top ten participants, their families, and today''s invigilators.


    Riven arrived home, half-expecting his grandfather to be waiting next to the double doors. But the house was silent. I guess he said all he needed to yesterday.


    The main building glowed warmly, lanterns of varying shades of orange illuminating its fa?ade. At the entrance, Corvax stood, his massive wings gesturing for Riven to enter.


    Riven obeyed without question. Inside, a large cake dominated the room, his family standing behind it, their faces alight with pride.


    For a moment, Riven forgot everything¡ªthe fights, his failures, the weight of his goals. His family had always been his anchor, and their smiles reminded him why he sought power: to protect them, as they had always protected him.


    "Been a while, Riven. Good job out there."


    A voice drew his attention. A young man, around twenty, stepped forward from behind their parents.


    "Razer? I thought your expedition wouldn''t end for months!"


    Razer grinned, his laugh infectious. "I pulled a few strings. But I''ll need to head back soon."


    Riven embraced his older brother tightly, their bond evident in the unspoken words between them. Razer handed him a knife, gesturing to the cake.


    Forgetting the world''s troubles, Riven joined his family in celebration. Together, they enjoyed a simple yet profound moment, gorging on cake and basking in the warmth of being together once more.

 Beast Contracts 1

    Riven walked out into the ground floor of the arena, flanked by his family and a giant black bird trotting alongside. The once-white-tiled stadium had been replaced by simple dirt, and ten large cages lined the circular walls, taking up a small segment of the arena''s circumference. Three of the cages stood out, at least double the size of the others, with white metal interlaced with gray. In front of them stood the hunter, the royal knight, and the other contestants who had achieved a place in the top ten. Among the nine, only two were regular people, while the rest hailed from prominent families. This was evident from the absence of their actual parents; instead, each noble contestant was flanked by two guards from their respective families.


    Their families will get them stronger and rarer beasts later, regardless of whether they choose something today. I guess it''s nice they are given this much of a choice.


    Riven shook his head and walked forward, joining the others in line to await further instructions from the invigilators, while his family moved back to stand with the rest of the spectators.


    "Alright, let''s get this underway. The top three can select from beasts with regular or greater bloodlines. The picking order will be determined by positions," the knight said, gesturing toward Silvia.


    Silvia confidently walked forward, peering into each of the cages. To Riven''s surprise, she studied the larger cages but chose to move on to see the others as well. I suppose it makes sense since when a person with a Veil soul bonds with a regular beast and their intent is sharp and powerful, the creature evolves to suit them, improving their bloodline in the process.


    After looking over them all, she stood in front of a regular-sized one and spoke. "This one."


    The knight nodded and undid the cage, stepping back as he spoke. "We have added mana dampeners to each of them. Make them submit and form your bonds."


    As he moved back to stand with the hunter, the door to the cage swung open, and a large creature, standing about six feet tall, lumbered toward Silvia. Riven squinted through the radiant rays of the evening. That''s a Rockarid. I read about those. They''re very rare among the regular bloodlines and are a type of construct beast, usually having a core and making their body out of a certain material. It seems like it''s an earth type, as its body is made up of giant, irregular stones placed next to each other, vaguely resembling a humanoid shape.


    The dampener was particularly effective as the creature used mana to keep control of its limbs, which made its movements slow and rusty. From its size, Riven guessed it might be rank two. His thoughts were proven correct when Silvia, armed with her rapier, dashed toward it, delivering precise and powerful strikes, but only managing to leave shallow holes on the giant stone making up its central body.


    The Rockarid did not take kindly to the volley of attacks and attempted to swing its massive stone arms toward Silvia''s head, aiming to bash her skull in. Silvia was aware of the attack and, instead of backing down, continued her onslaught while weaving left and right to evade the slow fists. Slowly, the stone was riddled with holes, spider-like cracks spidering through its center as a few fist-sized chunks of rock fell to the ground.


    Silvia jumped back and stood still for a few seconds, her weapon held in front of her, aimed at the sky. Her eyes narrowed, and she burst into motion, arm outstretched and weapon pointed straight ahead. As her rapier collided with the rock, it pierced through, poking out from the other side. The entire middle stone shattered into pieces, which fell to the ground around her.


    As the stone fell, a hand-sized black sphere appeared from within it. Before it could hit the ground, Silvia caught it in her off hand, holding it closer to her, staring intently at it.


    That must be its core. She''s probably making a contract.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    Slowly, a white light started to emit from Silvia''s palms, and the stone core began to glow with a dim light that grew as time passed. For a minute, nothing changed except for the pulsing lights, when suddenly, the light surged, increasing in magnitude and momentarily blinding everyone watching.


    As Riven''s eyesight returned, focusing on Silvia, he was shocked to see a ten-foot-tall giant standing beside her. Its body was made up of interlaced segments of ice, shaped like armor, covering its entire frame. It was sleek, not at all rugged or random like its previous form. A helmet adorned with pointed spikes jutted from four sides, with a Y-shaped hollow for eyes that faintly glowed with blue, icy energy, giving the creature an almost royal look.


    The beast crouched and extended its giant gauntleted hand, hovering two feet off the ground. Silvia jumped onto it, and the giant stood back up, reaching its full height. It slowly started walking toward the invigilators.


    "That''s a mighty fine beast, young Frostveil," said the hunter, with the knight interjecting, "An ice-based greater beast of construct type. Very fascinating. To be able to convert a single attributed mana to a dual element like ice is a testament to your immense will and determination."


    Silvia gave a short nod, and the beast slowly walked over toward a man standing on the far left of the arena, someone Riven hadn''t noticed before. The man seemed to be in his fifties and stood next to a giant feathered beast with four limbs and two massive wings. Its head resembled a hawk''s, with a sharp beak, and its limbs were as powerful as a lion''s. He must be from the Beast Association here to record all the new beast contracts, as is the law across the empire. No one is exempt from it, but the information is kept secret and only the emperor has access to it.


    Riven nodded to himself, and with butterflies in his stomach, walked toward the hunter.


    The hunter smiled and said, "It seems we will be able to see the birth of an Exalted bloodline beast today." He clapped Riven''s shoulder and helped him along toward the cages. Riven gulped, sensing the stares of everyone present bearing down on him. He inhaled deeply, exhaled slowly, and stared at the three giant cages.


    As he peered into the first one, he saw the outline of a giant gorilla sitting by the wall. It had silver fur, golden eyes, and sharp tusks jutting from its face. Other than its size, it didn''t seem particularly powerful. I assume the invigilators won''t be of any help here.


    Shaking his head, Riven moved on to the second cage. What lay inside caught his attention¡ªa massive wolf, standing and looking intently at him with blood-red eyes. The air around it was heavy with danger. The wolf had sharp purple claws and fangs that gleamed in the light. It had a network of pink line patterns starting from its eyes and spreading throughout its gray coat.


    Maybe poison, though I can''t be sure. Regardless, it doesn''t feel right.


    Riven shook his head and walked toward the final large cage. As he peered inside, he saw a truly massive creature. Its body was thick with muscle, resembling a wolverine, but with one glaring difference: it was coated in hard, stone scales arranged in hexagonal patterns. Its underbelly, however, seemed less protected. The creature''s hands were covered in stone gauntlets, and its massive tail, instead of being fluffy, was a segmented rock appendage with sharp edges, resembling a wide sword''s edge.


    Its golden eyes opened and fixed on him intently, not moving a muscle. The only sound was its slow, calm breathing.


    Something about the creature resonates with me. This is the one.


    Swallowing audibly, he backed away a few meters and entered a combat stance. This will not be an easy fight. I truly hope it''s only rank one. A greater bloodline beast, even with its mana dampened, was an incredibly powerful creature. As Riven prepared for the worst, his eyes caught a glimpse of light shining off Corvax''s sharp metallic feathers and his nerves steadied. Focus, Riven. You can do this.


    "This one," Riven shouted, and the knight appeared next to the cage, unlocking it before dashing back. For an agonizing minute, nothing happened. Then, a spiral line curved through the entire cage in an arc, and the upper part slowly slid down to the left, exposing the creature. Its sword-like tail was poised upward, the edge glowing faintly.


    Did that bastard channel all the dregs of mana it had and channel it into its tail? Can I even take that thing?


    Riven thought as he unleashed sixty percent of his mana throughout his body. Since the invigilators haven''t budged, they probably expect me to take it down.


    The creature didn''t give Riven any more time to think. It began barreling toward him, but fortunately, its speed was nowhere near that of Silvia''s. Riven had a somewhat decent idea of how to handle it.


    I''ll have to aim for its underside.


    With that thought, he rushed in, blurring toward the creature.

 Beast Contracts 2

    As the beast closed in, Riven finally grasped the sheer size of it¡ªit had to be at least eight feet tall, even on all fours. Its massive frame loomed, a mountain of muscle and menace. When it drew close enough, it spun with startling agility, bringing its tail to bear in a sweeping arc aimed to cleave him in half.


    Riven was ready. He ducked low, feeling the rush of air above his head as the deadly tail sailed past. Boosting forward with a surge of mana, he focused on the creature''s feet, careful to avoid being trampled. Weaving through the shifting limbs, he unleashed a barrage of punches to its underside, each strike imbued with increasing mana. Cracks began to spiderweb across the beast''s armored belly, faint but promising.


    The creature wasn''t foolish. It released the tension in its legs, its massive body dropping in an attempt to crush him with its raw weight. The move caught Riven off guard, but the pink mana coursing through him made his reflexes sharper, his body stronger. With a burst of energy, he leapt back just in time as the monster slammed into the ground, sending a tremor that echoed through the arena.


    The impact kicked up a dense cloud of dust, obscuring the beast entirely. Riven took a cautious step back, narrowing his eyes as he waited for another charge. I''ll just have to keep wearing it down. The underside''s my best bet; anywhere else will take too long.


    Before the dust could settle, the beast lunged forward, the cloud erupting around it as it launched itself with terrifying speed. Surprised Riven stopped channeling mana to his hands and scrambled to dodge, rolling hard to his right, narrowly avoiding the outstretched claws that raked the air where he''d been standing. The ground shuddered as the beast landed, its glowing eyes now burning with an unnatural intensity.


    Riven''s heart clenched as he saw the suppression collar on its left hind leg crack and the runes dim. He spun, trying to shout a warning to the invigilators as he was in no delusion he could beat it now, but his voice was drowned out by a deafening rumble. The earth buckled and split, jagged spikes erupting in a chaotic frenzy. Instinctively, Riven channeled his mana, solidifying it into a protective barrier. The spikes lost some of their deadly momentum, but the force of the eruption sent him hurtling backward, crashing onto the uneven ground.


    Pain seared through his body as he lay there, ribs cracked, skin punctured. Sand hung thick in the air, blurring his vision and clogging his throat. Struggling to regain his footing, his hand brushed against something smooth and oval. Squinting, he saw it¡ªa polished stone radiating a soft, orange light. It seemed to call to him, its glow mesmerizing. Despite his daze, Riven grasped it¡ªand the world around him went black.


    The agony and chaos disappeared. Riven found himself enveloped in darkness so complete it felt suffocating. Then, twelve figures emerged, their forms cloaked in shadow darker than the void itself. Their outlines shimmered with rhythmic, otherworldly lights. Their collective gaze fell upon him, and the weight of their scrutiny was overwhelming. The very air seemed to compress, pressing down on him with the force of an entire world.


    Just as his mind threatened to fracture under the strain, the figures vanished, leaving only one behind. Its immense form defied comprehension, an amalgamation of shadow and light. Eight kaleidoscopic eyes arranged in a hexagonal pattern fixed on him, unblinking. Cracks began to spread across its form, and shards of concentrated energy fragmented away, each dissolving into the void but one remained.


    It shot toward Riven, growing brighter as it condensed. It pierced his chest, driving straight into his heart. A scream tore from his lips as pain rippled through his body, but the void consumed it, leaving only silence. The shard dissolved into his bloodstream, melding with his mana, its amber glow pulsating as it spread through him. Riven doubled over, wracked with agony, as the alien energy embedded itself deep within him.


    When the transformation ended, his once-pink mana was no longer recognizable. It had condensed, its color now a deep, radiant amber, pulsing with strength. The void brightened, cracking apart, and the world rushed back into focus.


    Riven opened his eyes, his body brimming with unfamiliar power. He scanned the battlefield. The dust cloud was still thick, unchanged¡ªas though all he''d experienced had transpired in the blink of an eye. Gasps echoed from the audience, their shock palpable as Corvax and the knight moved to intercept the unleashed beast.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Rage bubbled within Riven, fierce and unrelenting. His fists clenched, knuckles whitening as orange mana surged through him. His legs moved of their own accord, propelling him toward the beast. The creature froze, startled to see him still alive. It began to channel mana, likely to summon another wave of spikes, but Riven was faster. He ducked low, driving an orange-coated fist upward in a devastating uppercut.


    The impact was immense. The beast was lifted off the ground, sent hurtling into the air a good few meters. Riven didn''t pause. Channeling mana to his leg, he pivoted and unleashed a powerful diagonal kick as the creature plummeted back down. The force of the blow cracked its armored hide, a shockwave rippling through the arena as the beast was sent crashing into its shattered cage. Metal twisted and broke beneath its weight.


    Riven''s body faltered, the toll of his actions catching up to him. The feelings in his legs disappeared and collapsed, but strong hands caught him. "It''s alright, I''ve got you," a familiar voice said. Using his remaining energy he craned his neck, blinking up to see his father and let himself relax, his strength finally spent.


    The knight stood over the beast''s battered form, inspecting the shattered dampener with a scowl. As Riven''s vision blurred, fragments of strange memories surfaced. A creature of immense power wielding amber mana. A powerful soul forged by fusing others. The images were fleeting but vivid, leaving him with questions he couldn''t yet answer.


    When he opened his eyes again, his mother was kneeling beside him, her face etched with worry. "You''ve pushed yourself too far," she said softly, her fingers brushing against his forehead. A woman in healing robes approached, her face familiar to Riven. Ah the healer from yesterday. She knelt beside him, her tone half-wry, half-concerned. "Looks like you''ve been through another war. One of these days, you''re not going to bounce back so easily." Her hands, glowing with a soothing warmth, hovered over his battered body, probing his injuries with practiced care.


    Her brows drew together, deep furrows creasing her forehead as her expression shifted from concern to bewilderment. "Broken ribs, torn muscles, and fried mana channels," she muttered, her voice tinged with disbelief. Her eyes widened as she continued her assessment. "But what''s strange is¡­ they''re already repairing themselves."


    Riven drifted into an uneasy silence, his thoughts a chaotic storm of unanswered questions. What had happened to him? What was this amber mana? And why did it feel as though his soul carried an unfamiliar weight? With no immediate answers, he turned inward, bracing himself for what he might find.


    As he delved into his mind, his mana core loomed before him, a familiar beacon of spectral energy. It pulsed with the rhythmic glow of pink light, its varying density creating a calming ebb and flow¡ªjust as it always had. But then, another presence caught his attention. A second sphere of spectral energy emerged, glowing with an intense amber hue that seemed to radiate power. Bewildered, Riven reached out to manipulate it, expecting resistance, yet it responded with uncanny swiftness, bending to his will more readily than his usual mana.


    Experimenting with it, he quickly deduced two things: this new mana was leagues more potent than his own, carrying an overwhelming force that made his core pale in comparison. Yet there was something else¡ªa faint, almost imperceptible stream of consciousness interwoven with the energy, brushing against his mind with an alien intent. The realization sent a chill through him, and he recoiled instinctively, releasing his hold as the amber energy drifted back to join the core. What is this? he thought, his confusion only deepening. Nothing like this has ever been discussed in class.


    Just as he began to pull back, another anomaly drew his attention¡ªa third sphere of energy, smaller and set apart from the cores. Riven froze. What? That space... it''s only supposed to house soul bonds. Wary yet curious, he willed the sphere closer, his heart pounding with anticipation. As it neared, recognition struck him like a thunderclap. It''s a soul bond. But how?


    Probing its essence, he felt its origin as clearly as if it were etched into his very being. Well, it''s here now. Might as well see what it has to offer. Steeling himself, he focused on the bond, and the sphere unraveled, revealing two fragments of pulsing energy within. He reached out hesitantly, brushing his fingers against the fragments, and was immediately overwhelmed.


    A torrent of information flooded his mind, crashing into him with relentless force. Doubling over from the strain, Riven grit his teeth and waited, his breath coming in ragged bursts as the deluge subsided. When it finally did, he straightened, the echoes of the new knowledge lingering in his mind. Tentatively, he spoke the names of the two abilities gifted through the bond.


    "Soul Fusion... and Primordial Mana."


    The moment the latter left his lips, the amber core flared to life, its oppressive light blazing through his soul space like a vengeful sun. The intensity sent a shiver through him, and for the first time, Riven truly felt the weight of what he had uncovered.

 Unbonded Bond

    Riven snapped out of his mind space, his thoughts still swirling in turmoil. He glanced around, disoriented, until his gaze settled on the healer. She remained hard at work, her palms outstretched, emitting a pulsing green glow. The light was faint, but its warmth crept through his body, spreading like the first rays of dawn. Slowly, a tingling sensation began to crawl through his fingers, then radiated outward. Minutes passed before he managed to move his mouth, his parched lips forming a faint smile.


    "I''m alright," he croaked, his voice hoarse and strained. "Just some minor nerve damage."


    His words made the healer frown, her lips pressing into a thin line. She didn''t chastise him, though. Her focus remained fixed on her work, the furrow in her brow deepening with concentration.


    "Shh, rest," his father interjected, tightening his grip on Riven''s shoulders. The weight of that hand was grounding, a tether holding him steady.


    Riven gave a weary mental nod, letting the tension drain from his body. His thoughts, however, refused to settle. Should I tell them what happened? Do I even understand it myself? The questions followed him into the uneasy embrace of sleep.


    The peace was short-lived. Riven jolted awake, light stabbing through his half-closed eyelids. He groaned, raising a hand to shield his face, but the motion froze midway. His fingers caught his attention, and he stared at them, flexing each digit with cautious wonder. Would you look at that¡ªI''m healed.


    He brought his hands together, wiggling his fingers experimentally before a sharp voice interrupted his awe.


    "Stop that," the healer said, exhaling in exasperation. "When will you stop doubting my abilities?" She huffed, though her stern expression softened slightly. "Though, I''ll admit, I wasn''t entirely sure it would work this time."


    Riven chuckled weakly and tried to stand, but his legs prickled with that unpleasant sensation of blood returning to asleep limbs. Annoyed, he forced his mana to flood the area, stimulating his circulation until the numbness subsided.


    With a thought, he pushed himself to his feet, the motion so effortless it startled him. He realized he had leapt nearly two meters from a seated position. Brows furrowing, he scanned his body, sensing the steady flow of amber mana coursing through him. It maintained a consistent presence, using up ten percent of its total concentration. Odd. I didn''t command it to do this.


    He tried to will the mana back to its core, but it resisted, drifting through his body as if it belonged there. He attempted again, and again it defied him. Before he could delve further into the puzzle, a sharp cough snapped his attention back to the present. The knight and his father approached, their expressions somber.


    "Apologies, young Stormbrand," the knight began, his tone heavy with regret. "It seems the collars of all the greater beasts were tampered with. You have my deepest apologies."


    Before Riven could respond, his father''s anger erupted.


    "A simple mistake?" he spat, his voice low but laced with venom. "That''s all you have to say for nearly killing my son?"


    As if on cue, Corvax padded forward and growled low, its hackles rising as it glared at the knight. The knight smirked, placing a hand on his chest plate. A brilliant flash of light erupted, forcing everyone to shield their eyes. When the glow faded, a majestic creature stood by the knight''s side¡ªa horse-like beast with two sets of angelic wings. The tips of the wings were adorned with golden armor, which extended to its head, forming antlers of gleaming metal.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    The two beasts locked eyes, tension crackling in the air like an oncoming storm.


    "Enough." A new voice cut through the standoff, calm but commanding. The hunter stepped forward, his gaze shifting between the knight and Riven''s father. "Riven probably wasn''t the target. Whoever tampered with the collars aimed to create chaos, likely to mask their true intentions. If I had to guess, they were probably after Silvia."


    The hunter''s words carried weight, and his eyes met Riven''s father''s in a silent exchange. Reluctantly, his father stepped back, his fury simmering but contained.


    "Riven," the knight said, his tone steady but firm, "the creature is defeated. Go and form the bond."


    Riven hesitated but nodded. He wasn''t about to let this day be ruined by conspiracies or mishaps. Ignoring the murmured protests behind him, he strode forward, each step carrying him farther than expected. His strides felt unnaturally long, his enhanced body responding with uncanny precision.


    The fallen beast loomed before him, its massive frame motionless yet imposing. Riven steeled himself, recalling the teachings of his instructors. This was a rite he had prepared for, no matter the circumstances. He raised his right hand and placed it on the creature''s head, its fur cool and coarse under his palm.


    Drawing a deep breath, Riven began channeling his mana. He wove it with intent, crafting the intricate patterns needed to reach the beast''s soul space. The moment his mana touched the creature''s core, his hand lit up with a radiant glow. The light pulsed in rhythm, growing in intensity. Just as it reached a crescendo, it vanished abruptly, leaving Riven bewildered.


    Did the bond form? I don''t feel anything.


    Frowning, he tried again, this time using the amber mana. It flowed with power but refused to act as a medium for the bond. Frustration gnawed at him as he searched for a solution, only to hear approaching footsteps. The knight, hunter, and his father stood nearby, their faces mirroring his confusion.


    "Even if your soul sustained damage, you should''ve at least managed to form the bond," the hunter mused, kneeling beside him. "This is... peculiar."


    His father, however, was far less composed. "Old man!" he barked. "Get over here. Now."


    The elderly representative from the Beast Association appeared almost instantly, his expression unreadable. "Show me your hand, child," he said, extending his own.


    Defeated, Riven complied, lifting his hand. The old man clasped it between his own, a tendril of mana snaking into Riven''s body. As it reached his core, the amber mana reacted violently. It surged forth, consuming the foreign mana with feral intensity.


    The old man recoiled, releasing Riven''s hand as if burned. His face was a mask of shock, the creases deepening. "What in the world¡­?"


    "What happened?" the knight demanded, stepping closer.


    The old man shook his head, his voice trembling. "I can''t access his mana space. Something is blocking me."


    The adults launched into a heated debate, their words blending into white noise as Riven retreated into his thoughts. Why can''t I form a bond? Could it be because of the bond I already have?


    He closed his eyes, diving back into his mind space. The mysterious ball of energy floated near his cores, its surface shimmering with faint patterns. Riven studied it closely, probing its structure. By the end, he confirmed his suspicions¡ªit was a bond. But with what?


    When he reopened his eyes, the conversation had reached a new turn.


    "I can summon the Grandmaster," the old man offered. "But the earliest he can arrive is tomorrow."


    "That''s fine," his father replied, glancing at Riven. "He can rest until then."


    Riven doubted the Grandmaster could solve his dilemma, but the prospect of meeting such a legendary figure sparked a flicker of excitement. Maybe I''ll even see one of the Sovereign Bloodline beasts.


    His spirits lifted slightly as he joined his family, walking with them toward the arena''s exit. Behind him, the knight ushered the remaining contestants forward to complete their ceremonies.

 A Silver Guide

    Riven sat stiffly on the sofa, flanked by his parents. His fingers fidgeted with nervous energy, twisting and untwisting in restless loops as they waited for the arrival of the Grand Master Tamer. The atmosphere in the room was oppressive, thick with tension that seemed to emanate from the very walls. Suddenly, a wave of energy surged through the space, raising the hairs on Riven''s arms. A presence, vast and suffocating, bore down on him like a tidal wave. Only the amber mana surging through his core kept him upright, though even that felt tenuous.His gaze darted to his parents. They, too, were affected but to a lesser extent, their postures rigid as they fought to maintain composure. The veneer of calm on their faces barely masked their unease. A sound broke through the suffocating pressure¡ªthe measured rhythm of footsteps. Riven turned to the double doors leading outside, his heart pounding as the sound grew louder. Each step reverberated with purpose, shaking the stillness until the grand doors creaked open.A man entered, walking casually but with a presence that filled the room. Riven''s breath hitched. The first thing that caught his eye was the man''s hair¡ªlong, flowing strands of silver interspersed with streaks of vivid red, green, yellow, and blue, like refracted light caught in motion. Then came his coat, an impeccable blend of military precision and regal artistry. The black fabric seemed to absorb the room''s light, while silver accents traced the lapels and the two polished rows of buttons glinted like stars. The man''s features were youthful, betraying an age no older than mid-twenties, but his aura told a different story.Riven''s mind raced, pulling from the fragments of lessons he had studied. Rank Six. That explained the timeless quality, the restoration of a body to its prime, and the rumored near-immortality. Rank Six tamers could live centuries, but their lives were often cut short battling beasts of unfathomable power. Riven swallowed hard, sitting up straighter.The man''s foot crossed the threshold, and as one, Riven and his parents tried to rise in greeting. They couldn''t. A force, unseen but unyielding, anchored them to their seats. It was as if the air itself had decided they would stay put. The man raised a hand, and the invisible pressure relented. "None of that, please," he said, his voice smooth and unassuming. "I came to meet you, so I am but a humble guest."The weight lifted. Riven''s father was the first to recover, quickly speaking. "Welcome to our home, Grand Master Zephyr. It is an honor to have you here."Zephyr smiled faintly, brushing off the formality. He approached Riven, his strides unhurried, and instead of sitting on the couch, he stopped midair and sat as if on an invisible chair. "No, no, the pleasure is all mine," he said, his silver hair shimmering as it caught the light.Riven stared, awestruck. The man before him manipulated ambient mana as effortlessly as Riven could draw breath. A Grand Master, indeed. His heart pounded as a thought sparked¡ªa fleeting, reckless impulse. "Can I see your bonded creature?" The words tumbled out before he could stop them.Zephyr chuckled, a deep and knowing sound. "Of course."His hair stirred as if caught by a phantom wind. The colored streaks in the silver strands grew brighter, weaving a mesmerizing spiral that spread outward. The air thickened with mana as the spiraling strands expanded, forming a shimmering vortex. From within, a colossal head emerged, large enough to dwarf Riven entirely.The creature was breathtaking¡ªa fox with flowing silver fur and nine crystalline eyes arranged in a semicircular pattern around its face. Each eye pulsed with radiant light, forming sharp lines of energy that focused on Riven. When the creature opened its mouth, a melodic, feminine voice echoed, layered with a thousand tones. "Curious. Such a powerful beast I sense, yet I cannot find it."The fox''s gaze swept across the room, pausing briefly on Riven before it seemed to grow bored. Its massive head retreated into the swirling portal, and the spiraling strands of Zephyr''s hair coiled back, settling on his shoulders.Riven stared, his mind blank with wonder. Zephyr''s voice broke through his daze. "Now, child. Show me your hand."Riven obeyed, extending his palm. Zephyr grasped it lightly, his brow furrowing in concentration. A current of foreign mana flowed into Riven, heading straight for his core. The amber mana stirred in response, roaring to life as if defending its territory. Waves of amber lashed out, but Zephyr''s mana sliced through them with surgical precision, reaching deeper into Riven''s soul space.Minutes dragged by, each second an eternity. Finally, Zephyr released Riven''s hand, his expression unreadable. "You are a unique case, indeed," he said, standing. "Would you mind stepping outside? I need a word with the boy."Riven''s parents exchanged glances but complied without protest, leaving the room and closing the door behind them. Zephyr relaxed slightly, exhaling as a kaleidoscopic barrier of mana enveloped the room. He snapped his fingers, drawing Riven''s attention. "Two cores and a bond large enough to occupy your entire soul and then some. Care to explain?"Riven straightened, the intensity of Zephyr''s gaze making his throat dry. He recounted the events of the previous day, every detail. Zephyr listened silently, his expression contemplative. When Riven finished, the Grand Master leaned back, laughing heartily. "Fascinating! But no, I''ve got no answers for you."Riven''s heart sank. He''d hoped¡ªprayed¡ªthat Zephyr might provide a solution. Seeing the boy''s crestfallen face, Zephyr placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don''t despair. That amber mana of yours is remarkable. And while space in your soul for a bond may be limited, it''s not impossible."The words rekindled a flicker of hope. "Really?" Riven asked, his voice barely above a whisper.Zephyr grinned, standing. "Come. Let''s see what your mana is capable of." He got up and made for the door with Riven following after him.Reaching the small arena his father had built after his awakening earlier this year, Riven felt the weight of the moment pressing on him. Across the arena, Zephyr stood motionless, his expression calm yet unreadable. The rank six simply waited, his silver eyes gleaming with an unspoken challenge.Does a rank six really want to fight me? What is going on here?Riven hesitated but forced himself to take a stance. Against his better judgment, he spread his feet, bent his knees, and entered a combat posture. His heart pounded as he waited for Zephyr to make the first move. Yet the man remained silent, a playful smile curling his lips.Fine, I''ll make the first move then.Riven inhaled deeply, revving up his pink mana. He allowed it to flow through his body, keeping the output steady at fifty percent. With another breath, he surged forward, his eyes locked on Zephyr''s chest. The gap between them closed in an instant, and he prepared to strike.Before he could connect, Zephyr''s form blurred and vanished. Riven''s senses screamed in warning. To his left, a kick arced toward his head with murderous precision. His instincts told him he was about to die. In that instant, his amber mana core roared to life, surging upward with a ferocity he hadn''t commanded. Thirty percent of its energy coursed through him, crackling with intensity.As the mana reached his head, the world seemed to slow. Zephyr''s lethal kick, once impossibly fast, became a manageable threat. Riven ducked, the strike whistling over him as he twisted to counter. He launched an uppercut aimed squarely at Zephyr''s face, his body reacting faster than his mind could follow.But again, Zephyr vanished, reappearing several meters away at the edge of the arena. He began clapping slowly, the sound echoing in the stillness. "Incredible," Zephyr said, his tone filled with amusement. "That was the amber mana, wasn''t it? It has to be."He raised his hand, his fingers curling into a claw-like grip. Riven''s body froze instantly, as though encased in ice. His regular mana ceased flowing entirely, and even his amber mana slowed, its once-ferocious energy reduced to a sluggish trickle.This mana¡­ it''s so much stronger than mine, Riven thought, straining against the invisible force. Even though there''s far less of it.A flicker of anger ignited within him. It wasn''t his own rage¡ªit was something deeper, primal, and ancient. The amber mana flared in response, pulsing with chaotic red energy. It pushed back against the force restraining him, growing brighter and more violent with every passing moment. Soon, all one hundred percent of the amber mana coursed through his body. Unlike his pink mana, it didn''t harm his channels. Instead, it fueled a singular, overwhelming emotion: fury.How dare someone suppress me, the thought surfaced unbidden, blurring the line between his own feelings and the will of the mana itself.With a final surge, the amber mana shattered Zephyr''s hold. Riven''s body moved again, first in slow, deliberate steps, then accelerating into a full-speed sprint. The air around him crackled with raw power as he closed the distance between them.Zephyr''s playful smile stretched into a vicious grin. "Come on, then," he said softly, his voice thick with anticipation.Riven appeared before him in an instant, driving a fist toward Zephyr''s face with a strength that shook the ground beneath them. The blow landed, but Zephyr caught it effortlessly, his hand gripping Riven''s fist like an unyielding vice. The ground cracked beneath their feet, and the air seemed to shimmer with heat.Then, in the blink of an eye, Zephyr vanished again, reappearing behind Riven with a chop aimed at the back of his neck. The amber mana flared in defiance. Riven twisted, his movements fluid and precise, catching Zephyr''s hand mid-strike. With a roar, he drove his knee upward, aiming for Zephyr''s ribs. The impact connected¡ªbut it was like striking a mountain. Unmoving. Impenetrable.Zephyr''s eyes met Riven''s, twin vortexes of silver swirling with unreadable power. "I like your ambition," Zephyr said, his tone unyielding. "But I''ve already seen what I needed."As he spoke, the amber mana faltered. Its once-chaotic energy retreated, its light dimming as what remained of it withdrew to Riven''s core. Exhaustion crashed over him like a wave. Zephyr stepped back, unharmed and untouched. Not even a speck of dust marred his form."You fought at the level of a rank two," Zephyr continued, his voice cool and measured. "Though without technique or refinement. Still, for a rank zero to display such strength¡­ not bad."He turned and began walking toward the edge of the arena, his hands clasped casually behind his back. As he reached the exit, he stopped and glanced over his shoulder. His gaze locked onto Riven, pinning him in place."Take the secrets of your abilities to your grave," he said, his voice low and chilling. "Or I will."He smiled faintly, raising a hand in a small wave. Before Riven could respond, Zephyr''s body dissolved into the air, disappearing as though he had never been there.The silence that followed was broken by approaching footsteps. Riven''s parents came to stand beside him. His father placed a firm, reassuring hand on his shoulder."Well? Any good news?" his father asked.Riven remained silent, his mind a storm of thoughts and questions. He didn''t know where to begin. After a long moment, he answered, his voice quiet and uncertain. "I''m¡­ not sure."This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

 Adventurers Guild

    Riven sprinted across the rooftops, leaping from one building to the next with fluid precision. Amber mana coursed through his veins, intertwining with his own natural reserves. If I''m going to get stronger, I need to master control over both types of mana, he thought. Below him, the streets bustled with life¡ªstalls packed with vibrant goods and shoppers haggling in animated tones. He spared the scene a glance. The chaos of an empire''s city, Riven mused with a sigh. He quickened his pace, his destination lying at the edge of the city center.


    As he reached the white marble stairs, he skidded to a halt. Dropping to street level, he adjusted his composure, walking like any ordinary citizen. Before him stood a grand structure of immense scale, its design imposing and meticulous. The building''s rectangular form was accentuated by smaller blocky sections that jutted out at its sides. Its entrance, framed by two enormous wooden doors with brass trim, swung open to admit a steady stream of adventurers and beasts alike. Riven''s stomach fluttered as he stepped forward. The Adventurers'' Guild, he reminded himself, swallowing his nerves.


    Inside, the opulence was staggering. Polished redwood floors gleamed under the light filtering through stained-glass windows. Walls adorned with intricate metallic inlays caught the eye, while doorframes of blue and white granite stood etched with glowing runes. The space was vast and open, with staircases curling upward from either corner of the entrance. These stairs bore their own rune patterns, and above them, balconies provided a view of the ground floor below.


    To his left stretched a line of counters, each marked with glowing boards that displayed their purposes in swirling letters of mana. To the right, a bustling tavern buzzed with activity, adventurers hunched over tables planning their next missions or simply sharing drinks and laughter. Right, Riven thought grimly, working in groups is always safer. His lips pressed into a thin line as he turned toward the counter labeled Recruits.


    Approaching the desk, he saw a striking woman in her twenties. Her long brown hair was tied into a ponytail, and a red-and-white uniform hugged her athletic frame. A silver nameplate on her chest read Helga.


    "Hello, Miss Helga," Riven began, doing his best to sound confident. "I''m here to register for the guild."


    Helga''s sharp eyes assessed him before her lips curved into a polite smile. "Alright," she said, pulling out a prism tablet swirling with faint, shimmering runes. "I''ll need some basic information first."


    Riven''s eyes lingered on the tablet. He had heard of such devices but had never seen one in person. A true master craftsman must have made this.


    "Name, age, and rank," Helga prompted, her tone brisk.


    Riven straightened. "Riven Stormbrand. Sixteen. Zero," he replied with growing assurance.


    Helga nodded, channeling mana into the tablet with practiced ease. Setting it aside, she retrieved a sheet of paper and handed it to him along with an ink pen. "Fill this out, and we''ll proceed with the physical test."Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    Riven took the paper and sat at a nearby bench, his brow furrowed in concentration. He filled out the form carefully, his mother''s advice echoing in his mind: A single mistake reflects on your character. Once done, he returned the document to Helga, who sealed it with wax before gesturing toward a door at the side of the desk.


    Following her, Riven entered a room with concrete walls and a sand-covered floor. A metallic humanoid construct stood at the far end, its surface gleaming under the light. Helga approached the construct and adjusted something at its back, her movements precise and deliberate.


    She stepped aside and addressed Riven. "Please strike the dummy with all your strength."


    Riven blinked. He had expected a test, but the simplicity of the task caught him off guard. Father mentioned this, but he didn''t give specifics. Shaking off his doubts, he focused.


    Dropping into a combat stance, Riven checked his mana reserves. Both his cores thrummed with power, ready to be unleashed. He channeled half of his pink mana through his body, reinforcing his muscles, while directing thirty percent of the amber mana to his right fist. Over a week of trial and error, he had honed this method of dual-channeling.


    With a burst of speed, he dashed forward, the sand scattering beneath his feet. Twisting his torso, he unleashed a devastating punch at the dummy''s head. Amber mana erupted on impact, sending a shockwave rippling through the room. Sand flew in all directions, and the metallic construct groaned under the force before its head crumpled inward. The dummy''s body skidded across the floor, slamming into the wall with a metallic clang.


    Panting slightly, Riven glanced at Helga, expecting reprimand. Instead, her expression remained composed, though her brows arched ever so slightly. "You''re not a beast tamer, yet you possess such strength. Fascinating," she remarked, her tone calm. "In any case, you pass."


    Relief washed over Riven as he followed her back to the counter. She returned shortly, tossing him a small bronze medal.


    Catching it, Riven examined the medal in awe. Its shield-like shape bore beveled edges and runes that shimmered faintly, displaying his name and rank: Rookie, Tier Three. His eyes widened. Tier Three? That''s just one step away from Initiate!


    Helga interrupted his thoughts. "I''ll explain the procedures," she said, gesturing toward a massive board on the wall. It spanned at least a dozen meters, covered with parchment of varying sizes. "That''s the quest board. Choose a quest, then bring it to the counter marked Initiate. Once completed, present proof of completion to the counter beside it."


    Riven nodded, thanking her before approaching the board.


    The parchments were an eclectic mix, some illustrated with creatures or artifacts, others scrawled with detailed instructions. Every one of them bore the requirement Rookie, and scratch marks at the edges indicated relative difficulty. Without hesitation, Riven reached for the most heavily scratched quest: a bounty for hunting three red fox-like creatures classified as Threat Level One.


    This should be simple enough, he thought, scanning the details. The task required retrieving either the entire body or at least the hide.


    Approaching the Initiate counter, he presented the parchment. An older man with graying hair glanced at him, then at the quest sheet. "You sure about this, kid? No team?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.


    Riven hesitated before nodding firmly. "Yes, I''m sure."


    The man sighed, taking Riven''s badge. His hands glowed faintly as he recorded the details onto a prism tablet. After a moment, he handed it back. "No shame in fleeing if the battle seems lost," he said solemnly.


    Pocketing his badge, Riven waved a quick thanks and strode toward the door. It''s still noon¡ªplenty of time to get started.

 Feline Danger

    The trees stretched endlessly, their gnarled, twisted forms clawing at the sky. As Riven moved deeper into the Grazel Woods, the oppressive stillness weighed heavier on him. Each step forward elicited a creak from the forest floor, the sound unnervingly loud in the eerie silence. His eyes darted from shadow to shadow, his hands tightening into fists. No backup, no companion, just him and the promise of beasts lurking somewhere in the endless tangle of branches and vines.


    He sighed heavily, his shoulders sagging as he dropped onto a nearby tree stump. The bark was rough against his gloved palms, and the musty scent of decaying leaves hung thick in the air. Pulling out a crumpled map from his satchel, he squinted at the inked lines sprawled across the parchment.


    The map was a mess, barely useful¡ªjust a vague outline of the woods, a few crudely drawn landmarks, and the only thing of note: a glowing blue triangle representing his position. It moved in tandem with him, as the map was synced with the magical pylons encircling the forest''s perimeter. Handy in theory, but for the price he paid, it was an underwhelming piece of craftsmanship.


    Can''t believe I spent all my pocket money on this thing, he thought bitterly. When I get back, I''m demanding a full refund.


    He let the map fall onto his lap and gazed up at the sky, where specks of light pierced through the dense foliage. The sun had shifted, its position low enough to signal the start of the afternoon. He rolled his shoulders and stood, brushing bits of bark from his cloak.


    "Well, I still have daylight to burn," he muttered to no one in particular.


    He trudged forward, picking a random direction in the labyrinthine woods. The monotony gnawed at him¡ªthe same twisted trunks, the same silence, the same indistinct shadows playing tricks on his peripheral vision. Frustration bubbled under the surface until his stride faltered, his gaze catching on something dark ahead.


    A shadow, squat and unmoving, blended seamlessly with the underbrush. At first, he thought it was a boulder, but then it twitched. His brows furrowed as he stepped closer, his boots crunching softly against the forest floor.


    The shadow resolved itself into a creature¡ªa cat, sleek and small, no bigger than his hand. Its fur was black as pitch, shimmering faintly when it moved. Two amethyst eyes locked onto his, glowing with an eerie intelligence. Riven stood frozen, captivated by the striking contrast.


    What''s a cat doing out here? The thought lingered as the feline studied him in return. Then, with a flick of its tail, it darted away, vanishing deeper into the forest.


    Something about the creature stirred his curiosity. Before he could overthink it, his legs moved of their own accord, following the strange little beast.


    The cat''s path was erratic, weaving through dense thickets and around towering roots. Riven kept pace, his eyes straining to track its graceful movements. As he chased it, the fading light of day dimmed further, the once golden rays now muted.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    He slowed to a stop and fished the map from his satchel. His stomach dropped. The glowing triangle marking his location had drifted alarmingly close to the uncharted lands.


    "Fantastic," he muttered under his breath, shoving the map back into his bag. I don''t want to die on my first mission.


    The uncharted lands were dangerous, their reputation infamous. Zones of wild mana warped the terrain, spawning creatures far beyond the capabilities of most low rank adventurers.


    His heart hammered as he spun around, ready to retrace his steps. Suddenly, a thunderous crash reverberated through the woods, shaking the very ground beneath him. He froze, his eyes scanning the dense underbrush for the source.


    A shadow moved¡ªa hulking silhouette darting between trees with startling speed. Riven''s breath caught as he crouched low, his instincts warring with his curiosity. The creature was massive, bounding erratically as it swiped at something in the air.


    What is that thing doing here?


    Against his better judgment, he crept closer. The beast came into view¡ªa Fangleon, an apex predator rarely seen outside the deeper regions of the uncharted lands. Its hulking frame towered eight feet tall, with fur as white as snow, crisscrossed by glowing green lines that pulsed faintly in the dim light.


    Riven''s mind raced. He remembered the entry from his father''s old bestiary: the Fangleon, a Greater Beast with wind affinity and unmatched agility. Feeling the mana in the surroundings, he concluded it was at least rank two. Why is my luck so skewed? he thought bitterly.


    The creature snarled, swiping again, its silver claws glinting. For a moment, Riven thought it had gone mad, attacking nothing but empty air. Then his amber mana stirred, rushing to his mind. As his perception sharpened, he saw it¡ªthe cat.


    The tiny creature was teleporting, blinking in and out of existence as it narrowly evaded the Fangleon''s strikes. Riven''s jaw dropped. Is that... spatial magic?


    The cat''s luck ran out. A mistimed jump left it vulnerable, and the Fangleon''s paw struck true, sending the creature flying into a tree. It crumpled at the base, motionless.


    The beast stalked toward its fallen prey, green energy radiating from its frame. Riven clenched his fists. You can still leave, a voice in his head warned. But another part of him¡ªreckless and stubborn¡ªrefused to back down. He couldn''t watch the fascinating little creature die.


    He exhaled slowly, recalling his father''s training. Drawing on his pink mana, he reinforced his body, feeling his muscles harden and his skin thicken. Amber mana followed, pooling into his hands like a second skin.


    With a burst of speed, Riven surged forward, slamming into the Fangleon''s side. It barely flinched.


    His confidence wavered as the beast turned its glowing green eyes on him. Its muscles coiled as it lunged, claws slicing through the air. Riven ducked, narrowly avoiding the attack, and retaliated with an upward strike. The Fangleon leaped back, its intelligence shining through as it assessed him.


    The tension crackled between them. Riven pushed his limits, channeling more mana into his body. His muscles twitched, strained under the pressure, as blood trickled from his nose and eyes.


    The Fangleon roared, its jaws snapping open as green energy coalesced into a deadly attack. Riven met it head-on, his enhanced speed propelling him forward. His fist connected with the beast''s head, the impact jarring his entire body.


    The Fangleon stumbled but recovered, its fangs closing around his shoulder. Mana absorbed the brunt of the attack, but the force drove him to his knees. With a desperate twist, he slipped free as the creature barreled past, crashing into a tree.


    Riven staggered, his breaths ragged. His mana reserves were dangerously low, his pink core nearly drained, and his amber core only half full.


    The Fangleon lay dazed, its head lolling as it struggled to rise. Riven didn''t wait. He sprinted toward the tree where the black cat had landed.

 Luna

    The cat breathed raggedly, one eye barely open. A deep gash stretched across its belly, and blood pooled in front of it, staining the ground a dark crimson. Damn it. It''s going to die like this. Riven clenched his fists, helplessness gripping him as he stood over the creature. Zephyr''s words echoed in his mind: You may have very little space for bonds, but there''s still space.


    With no other choice, Riven decided to risk it. His pink mana stirred, what little remained, and he channeled it toward his right palm. The faint energy coalesced, glowing softly, as he dropped to one knee and placed his hand on the creature''s head. He forced himself to block out the world, focusing entirely on shaping the mana for the bond. Please, work. Please!


    To his suprise, the mana flowed seamlessly into the cat, finding its way to its soul space. A flash of brilliant light erupted in Riven''s mind. His eyes snapped open, and his breath caught¡ªthe creature was gone. Panic surged through him. Did I fail? But where¡ª His thoughts stopped short as movement caught his eye.


    The cat was perched on his left shoulder, completely healed. Its fur was pristine, its breathing steady. Round, curious eyes regarded him, and it let out a soft, almost casual meow. Riven let out a shaky laugh, relief washing over him. But then he noticed something strange.


    "Why is your left eye amber now?" he murmured, studying the cat''s mismatched gaze. One eye gleamed like amethyst, the other now a vivid topaz. A chuckle escaped him despite the situation. "Quite the look you''ve got."


    The cat tilted its head, meowed again, and turned to glance behind them.


    The moment of calm shattered as a deafening roar pierced the air, tearing through the eerie silence that had blanketed the forest. Riven spun, dread pooling in his stomach. The Fangleon leapt from where it had been felled, landing with an earth-shaking thud a few meters away. Its glowing green eyes burned with unrestrained fury.


    Riven gulped. You saved the creature, but now what? The logical part of his brain screamed at him to run, but his legs refused to move. The Fangleon''s gaze flicked to the cat on his shoulder, and its aura flared, green energy radiating off its body in waves.


    Before Riven could react, the creature blurred, claws outstretched as it lunged. His amber mana flared to life, surging from his core into his limbs. He rolled away just in time, feeling the rush of wind as the beast''s claws missed him by inches. The Fangleon skidded to a stop, wheeling around for another strike.


    Riven''s eyes darted to his shoulder. The cat was gone. He scanned the area frantically before spotting it perched on a low branch to his left. It meowed and, in the blink of an eye, reappeared on his shoulder.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Understanding dawned on Riven, and a sly grin tugged at his lips. "So that''s what you''re saying," he muttered. Without wasting time, he delved into his soul space. It appeared as he remembered¡ªtwo glowing cores and his massive bond. But deeper within, a faint, pulsing light caught his attention. He moved toward it, finding a small orb of shimmering purple. The new bond.


    Riven entered it, and a wave of memories and sensations washed over him. They embedded themselves deep in his mind, sharpening his understanding. When he opened his eyes, his grin turned savage.


    The Fangleon growled, reorienting itself. Riven dashed forward, the amber mana thrumming through his veins. Mid-sprint, he returned most of the mana to his core, conserving it for the critical moment.


    The Fangleon''s paw came down, radiating deadly green energy. Riven blinked¡ªdisappearing and reappearing beside the beast''s head in an instant. The disorienting sensation sent him crashing into a tree instead of landing on his feet.


    "Ugh, that''s... going to take some getting used to." He grimaced, quickly assessing his reserves. The blink had drained nearly ten percent of his core. He glanced at his shoulder¡ªthe cat had followed him. Its intent gaze remained fixed on the Fangleon.


    Interesting. It blinks with me.


    The Fangleon snarled, shaking off its confusion. Its glowing eyes locked onto Riven as it pawed the ground, preparing for another attack. "Not this time, you overgrown fur ball," Riven growled, channeling half of his amber mana into his fists.


    The creature''s paw sliced downward, splitting the air with a sharp green tear. A blade of compressed wind screamed toward him. He blinked again, narrowly avoiding the attack¡ªbut the beast anticipated him, swiping a massive claw where he reappeared.


    Riven blinked once more, appearing above its head, and brought his fist down hard. The impact snapped the Fangleon''s head downward, and Riven landed on its back, gripping with his legs as he unleashed a flurry of punches. The beast roared in rage, and Riven''s instincts screamed at him. He leapt away just in time as green energy exploded outward, tearing through the forest.


    Perched in a nearby tree, he stared at the aftermath¡ªthe shredded ground and felled trees told him all he needed to know. That could''ve been me. His pulse thundered in his ears, but the soft meow of the cat on his shoulder steadied him.


    "Yeah," he muttered, "best not to dwell on it."


    The Fangleon panted, its energy clearly drained from the attack. Riven smirked. This is my chance.


    Blinking toward another tree, he miscalculated the distance and landed awkwardly, rolling to a stop. "Damn it. There''s a limit," he muttered. The cat meowed from a higher branch, looking smug.


    "Yeah, yeah, I get it," he said with a chuckle. "I''ve got a long way to go." The cat purred and reappeared on his shoulder.


    The Fangleon''s howl shattered the moment. Riven grimaced. "Already recovered? Damn."


    With only enough mana left for a few more blinks, Riven fled through the forest, each blink carefully measured. When he finally stopped, perched on a branch with his back against the trunk, exhaustion overwhelmed him. His body felt like lead, his mana reserves all but spent.


    The cat leapt onto his lap, curling into a tight ball. Its soft meow brought a smile to his face. "Since you''re a girl... I''ll call you Luna," he murmured, stroking her fur.


    As the sky darkened overhead, Riven leaned back and closed his eyes, letting the comforting presence of his new companion lull him into rest.

 Troubling Revelation

    The last rays of sunlight pierced the canopy, casting streaks of amber through the dense forest as Riven trudged onward, exhaustion weighing heavy on his limbs. Never again, he thought bitterly, glancing at the map in his hands. Luna perched on his shoulder, letting out a soft meow that sounded suspiciously like agreement. The map tracked his movements and outlined the city''s perimeter, but the area in between was frustratingly blank. Every few steps, he found himself detouring around dense thickets or marshland, forced to backtrack or alter his path. The looming threat of another Fangleon attack clung to the air, thick and oppressive, and with night quickly falling, the danger was only growing. Worse still, the city gates would close within the hour.


    Grinding his teeth, Riven picked up his pace, weaving through the forest with all the urgency his weary body could muster. His stomach sank as he skidded to a halt at the edge of yet another expanse of marshland. He swore under his breath. If I go around, I''ll never make it. Clenching his fists, he closed his eyes and retreated into his mind space. There, his dual mana cores pulsed faintly, their energy halved from earlier use. Eight blinks. That''s all I''ve got left.


    Determined, he focused on a series of points just within the edge of his blink range. The first blink launched him forward, a meter above the ground, his body hanging mid-air for the briefest moment before he blinked again. He repeated the process, losing only small increments of altitude with each jump. By the seventh blink, he spotted a patch of dry, compact ground amidst the swamp. Gritting his teeth, he made one final push, his mana straining under the effort. The moment he landed, he collapsed face-first onto the dirt, panting heavily. Never again, he thought, his breaths coming in ragged bursts.


    After a few moments, he glanced inward, noting the faint flicker of energy remaining in his cores. Good enough. At least I won''t be immobilized like last time.


    Luna, ever watchful, hopped down and perched on his back. She meowed softly, her ears swiveling in all directions as though scanning the darkened forest for signs of trouble. Night had fallen, and Riven cursed his lack of foresight. He hadn''t thought to pack a light source. Rising slowly, he gathered two dry sticks from the ground. Holding them in a makeshift T-shape, he began channeling what little mana he had left, rubbing the sticks together at an impossible speed. Sparks flew, faint embers glowing in the surrounding darkness. After a minute of desperate effort, he felt his reserves draining dangerously low. Come on, work! he willed.


    A small flame roared to life, and he wasted no time gathering more kindling to build a sustainable torch. The faint warmth bolstered his spirits as he pressed forward, his makeshift torch lighting the way through the treacherous forest.


    By the time the torch burned out, Riven had reached the forest''s edge. Relief swept through him as the city walls loomed tall and imposing, bathed in moonlight. The ten-foot-high barrier was a testament to human ingenuity, said to have been built in a single day by a Tier 7 Tamer. The story tugged at his memory, though he couldn''t quite recall the Tamer''s name.


    Ahead, the soft glow of lanterns marked the town gate. Riven exhaled a long breath and trudged toward it. As he approached, the shadowy figure of a massive bull caught his eye. The creature drank leisurely from a trough while the guards stood at rigid attention nearby. Their metal armor gleamed in the lamplight, polished to a mirror shine, while their dark blue surcoats fluttered faintly in the night breeze. The guards came alive the moment Riven stepped into the light, their spears lowering to point directly at him.


    "Who are you, and state your business!" the guard on the right barked, his voice sharp and commanding.


    Riven raised his hands in a gesture of peace, forcing confidence into his tone. "Adventurer Riven Stormbrand, returning from a quest." He held out his token, which glinted faintly in the lamplight.


    The guards exchanged wary glances but eventually relaxed, their spears returning to their upright positions. "You may enter," they said in unison.


    Relief washed over Riven, though it was short-lived. "There''s something you need to know," he began, his tone grave. "I encountered a Fangleon in the woods¡ªdangerously close to the city."Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    The guards'' eyes widened, their composure faltering. "A Fangleon? This close?" the one on the left demanded incredulously.


    "It was near Rank 3," Riven replied, suppressing the irritation that crept into his voice.


    The left guard hurried into a stone outpost embedded in the wall. Moments later, a man in dark blue armor trimmed with red emerged. His mere presence was enough to make Riven''s knees lock. A Rank 4... He must be the captain of this section.


    The bull at the trough lifted its head, snorting softly before trotting over to the captain. Riven''s breath hitched as the beast came fully into view. It was massive¡ªeasily eight feet tall¡ªwith coarse brown fur and metallic silver scales forming a diamond pattern across its legs, back, and horns. Each horn was over a meter long, glinting like polished steel. A Greater Beast. Rare, and with metal affinity by the look of it.


    The captain placed a gloved hand on the bull''s head, scratching it affectionately. The beast let out a low, rumbling moo of contentment. "Boy," the captain said, his gaze locking onto Riven. "Are you certain it was a Fangleon?"


    Riven swallowed hard, summoning his courage. "Yes, sir. It was hunting other monsters in the forest."


    A frown darkened the captain''s face. He stroked his mustache thoughtfully. "Get inside and keep this information to yourself," he ordered sharply.


    Riven nodded stiffly and moved past the gate. As he walked away, he overheard the captain mutter, "The Chaotic Lands are expanding faster than expected. Damn it."


    Riven froze mid-step, his heart skipping a beat. The Chaotic Lands are expanding? His father had never mentioned such a thing. Shaking off his unease, he tucked the revelation away for later. The empty streets of the city stretched before him, lit by lanterns at regular intervals. He quickened his pace, eager to reach the safety of home.


    Walking up to the doors of his house, Riven mulled over possible excuses for his delay. Before he could settle on one, vines erupted from the ground, coiling around him like serpents. He barely had time to register the ambush before they tightened, locking him in place. Attempting to blink out of the situation proved futile; the vines were saturated with mana, their energy cancelling out his own.


    Luna, however, was unfazed. She perched lazily on the doorframe, tail swishing as she observed his predicament with a curious tilt of her head.


    "Explain yourself," came a voice as cold as the night air. Riven didn''t need to turn around to know who it belonged to.


    "Mom, I can explain!" he stammered, struggling against the enchanted vines. He tried to blink again, pouring more focus into the effort, but he remained rooted¡ªliterally. Is it the mana in these vines? Or something worse? His frantic thoughts froze as the doors swung open, revealing his mother''s stern expression.


    "This is the fourth time this month you''ve arrived after curfew," she said, her voice low but sharp enough to cut steel.


    "I was attacked!" Riven blurted out.


    Her expression softened, and the vines slowly unraveled, retreating into the earth like obedient pets. "You should have led with that," she said, her tone brightening, though her earlier scolding still hung in the air.


    Before Riven could respond, Luna blinked from the doorframe to the ground, materializing in front of his mother. The little creature stared up at her with wide, unblinking eyes.


    "Oh, hello there, little one," his mother said, bending down to pat Luna''s head. The feline purred, leaning into the affection.


    "She''s my new bond," Riven said, stepping forward as Luna blinked onto his shoulder, surprising his mother.


    "A lesser bloodline with spatial abilities?" she mused, studying Luna with newfound interest. "That''s quite unusual."


    "Yeah, she''s also the reason I almost got killed by a Fangleon," Riven muttered, shooting a sidelong glance at the feline. Luna responded by stretching lazily, utterly unbothered.


    The memory of the guard captain''s warning surfaced in Riven''s mind, and he cursed himself inwardly. His mother''s expression darkened, her gaze snapping toward the shadows as if expecting trouble to emerge at any moment.


    "Riven, inside. Now," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.


    They stepped through the gate as it closed behind them, the glowing rune mechanism activating with a faint hum¡ªa new addition, courtesy of one of his father''s friends.


    Riven sat at the dining table, trying to shake off the lingering tension. Herald, their butler, entered with two plates, setting one in front of Riven and the other before his mother. That was strange, only two plates. They usually ate as a family unless his father was on a mission, but no one had mentioned anything.


    "Is Dad on a quest?" Riven asked, glancing at his mother, who wore a troubled expression.


    She sighed, placing her fork down. "He''s on a mission from the Tamer Association. King''s orders." Her tone was clipped, and she hesitated before adding, "That''s all I''m allowed to say."


    That''s odd. He always gives us at least a day''s notice.


    Riven nodded slowly, though concern weighed on his mind. His mother must have noticed, as she offered a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry. He''ll be back soon." But the doubt in her voice betrayed her words.


    They ate in silence for a while, the room heavy with unspoken thoughts. Eventually, Riven recounted his day in detail, describing his encounter with the Fangleon.

 Tamer Association

    Riven stood before the massive white-marble edifice, its grandeur far surpassing that of the hunter''s guild building. The structure loomed, its scale dwarfing the cityscape around it. Six grand entrances marked its circular design, each guarded by two imposing figures clad in gleaming white armor, with beasts crouched silently by their sides. The guards, unmoving, seemed more like statues than men. Riven paid them no mind, striding confidently into the building.


    The interior was a sight to behold¡ªfar more opulent than the austere elegance of the exterior. Intricate patterns wove across the floors and walls, their artistry mesmerizing. Bright green, rectangular bushes lined the edges, adding a vivid contrast to the marble''s pristine white. Inside, the space was arranged like a self-contained city, complete with wedge-shaped buildings scattered around the circular layout. At the heart of it all stood a towering fountain, its cascading waters sparkling under the ambient light. Benches surrounded the fountain, where tamers and their beasts gathered, moving in and out of the various buildings with purpose.


    Distinct areas were marked by colored marble floors¡ªwhite with wavy lines of blue, purple, red, orange, or gold. Each color denoted a rank: blue for newly minted tamers, purple for intermediates, and so on, with gold reserved for the elite. The simple white marble floors indicated public access. Riven recalled his instructor''s warning: straying into restricted zones without authorization could lead to steep fines.


    Spotting the registration desk, Riven began making his way toward it. Before he could take a single step, a blur of motion stopped him cold. Zephyr appeared directly in front of him, his long silver hair flowing like liquid moonlight. Riven''s eyes widened as he stumbled backward, his footing lost. Just before he could fall¡ªor collide with someone¡ªhis descent slowed, as though the air had turned viscous.


    "Well, hello there, young Stormbrand," Zephyr greeted, his tone light and carefree.


    Riven righted himself, the strange sensation dissipating. "Mr. Zephyr! What are you doing here?" he asked, glancing around nervously.


    The bustling hall had gone eerily silent. All eyes were on Zephyr, one of the empire''s most powerful tamers.


    "Tsk, tsk," Zephyr said, feigning disappointment. With a snap of his fingers, shards of light formed around them, refracting into a kaleidoscope of color. In the blink of an eye, the shards shattered, revealing an entirely new setting.


    Riven now stood in a spacious room with plush rugs, a comfortable sofa, and two doors leading to other areas. Behind him, a kitchen space featured a rectangular counter laden with vibrant fruits and an assortment of alcoholic beverages.


    "I see you''ve contracted a beast," Zephyr said, his tone both surprised and delighted.


    The remark pulled Riven from his awe as he held Luna out on his palms. The small creature peered curiously at Zephyr, who placed a hand on her head. A colorful aura enveloped Luna, pulsing rhythmically for a full minute before fading away.


    "Spatially attuned, a lesser beast with all other stats at zero. Fascinating," Zephyr murmured, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "A rare find. I imagine she wouldn''t have survived in the wild without your intervention?"


    Riven nodded, carefully placing Luna back on his shoulder.


    A grin spread across Zephyr''s face before his form vanished. Riven''s eyes darted to the edge of his vision, catching a flicker of movement. Spinning around, he saw Zephyr descending with an axe kick aimed directly at him.


    "What the¡ª!" Riven stammered, barely blinking behind Zephyr in time to evade the strike.


    Zephyr recovered effortlessly, using the momentum to spin on his heel and face Riven again. "That''s quite the skill," he remarked, his eyes fixed on Luna with newfound admiration.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Riven''s irritation flared. "You could have just asked, and I''d have shown you," he said, his tone edged with annoyance.


    "Where''s the fun in that?" Zephyr replied with a dismissive wave, his grin unwavering.


    Riven exhaled sharply, his frustration evident. "With all due respect, why are you here? I''m no one special¡ªcertainly not powerful enough to warrant your attention."


    Zephyr doubled over with laughter, clutching his stomach. "Oh, you crack me up, boy!"


    Riven frowned, uncomfortable with the term "boy" coming from someone who looked no older than his brother, despite being old enough to have seen his grandfather''s youth. He wisely kept the observation to himself, though the thought lingered.


    Zephyr collected himself, his expression shifting into a thoughtful one as he spoke. "You have two unique abilities, neither of which are documented nor their effects similar to others." His tone grew quieter as he added, almost to himself, "Besides, with what''s coming, I don''t mind spending a little time and effort preparing countermeasures."


    Riven''s eyes widened. Future threats? The chaotic lands expanding? Father''s sudden mission? Are they all connected?


    Zephyr must have noticed the thoughts swirling on Riven''s face because he interrupted, his voice cold and matter-of-fact. "Stop looking so far ahead, boy. You''re too weak to matter right now."


    The words stung, but Riven couldn''t argue. It was the truth. Despite his mana purity, he lacked proper training in advanced techniques and had no bonded beast of significant strength. Even most hunters outpaced him in skill and resources.


    "Now, now, don''t look so glum," Zephyr said, sliding onto a stool by the counter and reaching for a purple fruit. Taking a large bite, he continued casually, "I can arrange for you to have a proper teacher. With your mana purity, few would protest too loudly."


    Riven''s heart lifted for a moment, but Zephyr''s tone darkened, his words laced with an eerie, almost inhuman malevolence. "The real question is, do you have the will, the drive to grow strong enough to matter?"


    Riven gulped, his resolve flickering. Yet, he remembered his motivation¡ªhis family''s safety and his dream to stand as tall as the legendary tamer, Van Helsing. Clenching his fists, he gave a firm nod.


    Still, a nagging doubt clawed at him. "Why me?" he asked hesitantly. "My progress will be slow. Surely others could benefit more from your attention."


    For the first time, Zephyr''s confident demeanor cracked. His face twisted with a grimace of distaste. "We need warriors, not pampered, self-centered nobles," he said, spitting the words like venom. "I''ve made it my mission to scout talent before it''s smothered by the noble families'' politics. That''s all there is to it." He finished the fruit in one loud crunch, swallowing it whole.


    "You, boy, were easy to recruit. Most have already dismissed you for failing to bond with a greater or higher-bloodline beast," Zephyr added, his smile turning somber.


    They know? Riven froze, his thoughts racing. Everyone knows what happened that day.


    Zephyr, as if plucking the thoughts directly from his mind, continued. "Yes, it''s as you fear. You''ll rarely be allowed to delve into dimensional rifts or gain access to powerful artifacts. No one sees you as worth the investment anymore."


    Hearing it laid out so bluntly struck a deep chord of sorrow in Riven. He had always suspected this truth, but having it confirmed left him hollow. Luna, sensing his distress, nuzzled his cheek, her soft fur and warmth a small comfort against the heavy weight pressing on him.


    Zephyr''s gaze softened for a brief moment as he observed the interaction. "Your beast may only reach Rank 2, but you are not limited by her potential. So, what will it be? Will you work under me?"


    Riven hesitated, but the bleakness of his alternatives left him little choice. With a heavy nod, he accepted.


    Zephyr''s grin returned, sharp and mischievous. "Good, good. Your first task is to reach Rank 2 and then head to the tallest hill in the Verdant Pass."


    Riven blinked, baffled. "Wait, I thought you were going to teach me!"


    Zephyr''s chuckle was rich and mocking. "Boy, I wish I could."


    For a moment, his gaze drifted past Riven, distant and unfocused. Cracks began to spiderweb across Zephyr''s form, golden light bleeding through the fissures. He stood, his voice losing its usual levity. "I''ve already registered you with the association. Collect your badge on your way out."


    Before Riven could respond, a kaleidoscopic sphere of light enveloped them. In the blink of an eye, they reappeared outside the association building.


    What is going on? Riven''s eyes darted to Zephyr, whose body was now fracturing like glass. Shards of yellow light flaked off him, fading as they touched the ground.


    "Grow strong enough," Zephyr said, his voice echoing with an unnatural resonance, "and we may meet in person."


    With those final words, Zephyr shattered into countless brilliant fragments, leaving Riven standing alone, awestruck and overwhelmed by a single thought: He was never physically here in the first place, yet he commanded such power.

 Red Zeltrick

    "Here you are," the lady at the collection desk said, holding out a dark blue emblem in her outstretched hands. The badge gleamed under the light, its intricate design radiating an aura of importance. Riven took it carefully, marveling at its craftsmanship. It resembled the adventurer badge but had a premium feel to it, as if it was forged for a higher purpose. Of course, it would have to be; replacing one cost ten rank 2 mana cores. Riven shuddered at the thought.


    He pinned the badge to his left chest, just beside his adventurer badge, the two emblems side by side like mismatched siblings. Giving the clerk a nod of thanks, he left the association building, his mind replaying the conversation with Zephyr.


    It wasn''t long before frustration bubbled over. Raising his hands in exasperation, he let out a soft groan. There''s nothing else I can do right now other than get to rank 2 as fast as possible if I want answers, he thought. Determined, he set his sights on completing the quest from the day before and began the walk to the nearest gate.


    Riven arrived at the south gate with his questionable map in hand, its faded lines and amateur drawings far from comforting. "Let''s hope this doesn''t get me lost again," he muttered.


    A sudden commotion broke his focus. Shouting echoed nearby, drawing his gaze to a group of four adventurers locked in a heated argument. They wore standard leather armor¡ªfunctional but unimpressive, the kind anyone could buy from the adventurer armory.


    Riven started to move past them, uninterested in the drama, when a snippet of their conversation caught his attention.


    "Let''s go back. We can''t do it without a tank!" one of the two female adventurers argued, her frustration evident.


    "We don''t have time! The quest ends today¡ªwe have to go for it!" another adventurer shot back.


    Riven glanced at his map, then back at the group, his gaze lingering on the initiate badges clipped to their armor. He hesitated for a moment, then decided. Maybe I can earn some good coin out of this.


    Approaching the group with a casual wave, he called out, "Hey, I heard you need a tank?"


    The argument ceased as all eyes turned to him. Their skepticism was palpable.


    The black-haired woman, clearly the leader, scrutinized him, her gaze drifting to the badges on his chest and Luna perched on his shoulder. Her lips twisted into a scowl. "You''re only a Rookie 3, and that beast of yours¡ª" she gestured to Luna¡ª"is just a lesser bloodline. How can you possibly help us?"


    Riven grinned, unfazed by her tone. He had expected this reaction. Taking a deep breath, he began releasing his amber mana. The air around them grew heavy, saturated with raw power, the atmosphere tingling with a dangerous energy.


    The group instinctively tensed, hands drifting toward their weapons. For good measure, Riven blinked behind them, the spatial skill disorienting them further.


    The black-haired woman spun around, her eyes wide with shock. The others staggered back, their expressions a mix of awe and unease.


    "I can keep whatever you need distracted," Riven said, his voice steady, his grin never wavering.


    The woman''s jaw dropped. "A spatial skill and mana that dense¡­ How is that even possible?"


    Riven extended a hand, his confidence unwavering. "So, do we have a deal?"


    The group exchanged hesitant glances, silently weighing their options. Finally, the woman sighed, her shoulders relaxing. She stepped forward, taking his hand. "The name''s Nyla."


    "Riven," he replied with a nod. "Nice to meet you."Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Nyla gestured to her companions. "That''s Tim, Jack, and Wendy."


    They gave polite waves, though their wariness lingered.


    Jack, a towering man with a broad build and a massive two-handed hammer strapped to his back, broke the tension with a wide grin. "Let''s head out then. We''ll explain the mission on the way."


    From his pocket, Jack produced a small, spherical device etched with intricate blue runes that glowed faintly, their light dancing across his fingers. He strode toward the gate, the others falling into step behind him.


    Riven lingered at the back, watching the group ahead. This might be interesting, he thought, adjusting the map in his hand. Luna chirped softly on his shoulder, her presence a quiet comfort as they ventured onward.


    Riven walked through the forest again, though this time he was led by Jack, whose navigational skills far surpassed his own. The dense canopy above filtered the sunlight into patches, creating an interplay of light and shadow that danced over the forest floor. Nyla slowed her pace, falling in step beside him.


    "The mission is to hunt a red Zeltrick," she said, her voice calm but tinged with caution. "It''s classified as near-threat level two."


    Riven''s brow furrowed, his curiosity piqued. "A red one? How''s that different from a regular Zeltrick?"


    Nyla''s expression darkened into a frown. "That''s the problem¡ªwe don''t know. But the reward is unusually high."


    "Must be some kind of genetic mutation," Riven mused. "I''ve never come across a red one in the records."


    "Maybe," Nyla said with a shrug. "Doesn''t really matter. Just make sure you tank or distract it. We''ll handle the rest."


    Riven nodded, the weight of her words settling on him. The group continued their march in silence, each keeping a wary eye on their surroundings. For Riven, the tension was palpable, his mind replaying the memory of the Fangleon encounter. The only source of reassurance was the knowledge that the city guard''s captain had likely reported the incident, prompting a ranger-ranked strike team to deal with the threat.


    Jack abruptly halted mid-step, the orb in his hand flaring with bright blue light. The group stopped in unison, their attention fixed on the glowing device. Riven leaned closer, trying to decipher its meaning, but his confusion must have been obvious.


    Jack glanced at him and explained, "We''ve reached the marker¡ªthis is where it was last spotted."


    Riven scratched the back of his head, offering a sheepish grin. "Right, right. For a second, I thought we were getting attacked."


    The others exchanged glances but said nothing, their focus shifting back to Jack. He tinkered with the orb, but it remained unchanged. With a sigh, he tucked it back into his pocket.


    "Doesn''t mean it''s still here," he said. "But keep your guard up."


    No sooner had the words left his mouth than a red blur streaked down from the trees, aimed directly at Jack. Riven''s reflexes kicked in, and he blinked forward with barely a thought, amber mana surging through him. The impact sent both him and the creature tumbling across the ground.


    The forest erupted into chaos. Weapons were drawn, their edges gleaming in the fragmented light. From the chests of Riven''s companions, glowing motes of energy emerged, coalescing into their beast bonds.


    Riven scrambled to his feet, his gaze locking onto the attacker¡ªa hulking jackal-like creature with reddish-brown fur and piercing yellow eyes. It stood nearly seven feet tall, its fur bristling into sharp, needle-like points.


    So this is the red Zeltrick, Riven thought, falling into a combat stance. Amber mana coursed through his hands as he reinforced his body with pink mana. The creature growled low, its feral gaze fixed on him.


    The way it moved, its sheer size and menace, left no doubt in Riven''s mind. This was a rank-three lesser beast¡ªa rarity, as most lesser beasts couldn''t surpass rank two. His thoughts churned with questions, but the Zeltrick coiled its legs, readying another strike, leaving him no time to ponder.


    Riven managed to sidestep the beast''s dash with a barrel roll, his heart pounding. "It''s a soul-break Zeltrick!" Jack shouted. "It''s burning its sanity and soul to sustain that rank-three body!"


    The Zeltrick''s next lunge was interrupted as Nyla darted in from its blind spot, her spear poised for a decisive strike. The attack glanced off the creature''s hardened fur, forcing her to retreat.


    The beast turned, but a gray wolf burst from the underbrush, aiming for its legs. Riven''s instincts screamed a warning as the Zeltrick''s fur flared outward, a spray of needle-like spikes impaling the wolf. The creature dissolved into motes of light, returning to Nyla''s chest.


    That must''ve been her beast bond, Riven thought, his mind racing. The Zeltrick now resembled a ball of crimson cotton bristling with razor-sharp spikes. How am I supposed to get close and damage that?


    Before he could formulate a plan, the beast launched itself at him, spinning in its spiked form. There was no dodging the sheer area it covered. Riven blinked to a tree branch, narrowly avoiding the attack.


    Perched above, he quickly assessed his mana reserves. Damn, my pink''s already down to sixty percent. He wiped the sweat from his brow, his eyes scanning the shredded vegetation below. The ground bore deep, precise grooves where the Zeltrick had torn through it, leaving a path of devastation.


    "Hold it for a minute! We''ve got this!" Jack''s voice rang out, his massive hammer now in hand, the runes on it glowing faintly.

 Zeltricks Rampage

    Riven landed on the ground with a thud, prompting the beast to whirl around, its glowing yellow eyes locking onto him. For a moment, neither moved, the tension palpable as they sized each other up. The air between them was thick with anticipation, and the forest seemed to hold its breath. Then, as if reaching the limits of its patience, the Zeltrick lunged again, a blur of red fur and malice.


    This time, Riven was ready. Pink mana surged through his body, quickening his reflexes and bolstering his movements. He darted to the left in a desperate dash, narrowly avoiding the deadly mass of spikes that tore through the space he had just occupied. Gasping for breath, Riven barely registered the sharp hiss of air as needle-like projectiles shot toward him. His heart leaped in his chest as he cursed under his breath and activated Blink, vanishing just as the hail of spikes reached him.


    Reappearing a few feet away, Riven turned to survey the carnage. The ground where he''d stood moments before was skewered with hundreds of spikes, their sizes varying from slender needles to jagged, fist-sized shards. The sight sent a shiver down his spine. Shifting his gaze back to the Zeltrick, he noticed a section of its fur on the left side had been stripped bare, likely from launching the spiky barrage.


    An opening!


    Riven seized the opportunity, blinking to the creature''s exposed flank. His right fist, wrapped in a dense aura of amber mana, crashed into the beast''s side. The impact sent a shockwave through his arm, and he felt bone splinter beneath his knuckles. The Zeltrick roared, its cry shaking the trees, and twisted violently, its spiked body aiming to shred Riven.


    "Not this time," Riven muttered, driving his left fist into its hide before blinking out of reach. He reappeared a short distance away, breathing heavily, a manic grin tugging at the corners of his lips.


    The Zeltrick staggered, its massive frame trembling under the assault. Its movements had grown sluggish, pain evident in its unsteady steps. Nyla, quick to notice the beast''s vulnerable state, darted forward with her spear gleaming in the dim light. Her movements were swift and deliberate, the weapon''s tip plunging into the same spot where Riven had struck. The spear sank deep, burying itself a few inches into the beast''s thick hide.


    The Zeltrick howled in agony, its voice reverberating like thunder. It staggered backward, blood oozing from the wound¡ªa dark, viscous red that pooled on the forest floor. The creature twisted its head toward Nyla, its sharp eyes narrowing with murderous intent.


    Nyla, sensing the danger, launched herself away from the beast, landing gracefully several meters back. Riven couldn''t help but marvel at her agility. His awe, however, was short-lived. The Zeltrick''s gaze fell to the bleeding gash in its side, and something shifted. Its eyes sharpened, gleaming with an unnatural light, and it unleashed a howl that sent a chill down Riven''s spine.


    The air around the beast shimmered with raw energy as its fangs and claws began to glow, elongating into terrifyingly sharp weapons. Its spiked fur relaxed, flowing like molten iron, and an oppressive aura radiated from its form. The air crackled with tension, the scent of ozone filling Riven''s nostrils.


    "Run!" Riven shouted, panic creeping into his voice. He had seen something similar with the Fangleon and knew what came next.


    But his warning came a heartbeat too late. The Zeltrick vanished in a blur, reappearing before Nyla with predatory speed. She barely had time to react before one of its massive, glowing fangs drove through her shoulder. Her scream tore through the battlefield, raw and agonized. She crumpled to her knees, blood spilling down her arm like a crimson river.


    Riven''s breath hitched. His fists clenched as a surge of anger overtook him. Without hesitation, he double-blinked, appearing inches from the beast''s snarling face. Channeling every ounce of amber mana he had left, he swung his right fist upward in a devastating uppercut. The blow connected with a sickening crack, snapping the Zeltrick''s head back and forcing it to release Nyla from its jaws.


    The beast staggered, dazed and disoriented. Wasting no time, Riven grabbed Nyla, intending to blink away, but his mana sputtered and failed. "Damn it!" he growled, realizing he couldn''t carry others with Blink.


    Gritting his teeth, he hoisted Nyla onto his back and sprinted away, the weight of her limp body straining his every step. Clearing a safe distance, he gently lowered her against the trunk of a tree, his hands trembling as he surveyed the damage.


    A fist-sized hole gaped below her shoulder, blood pouring out in relentless streams. Riven''s stomach churned at the sight of torn muscle and exposed bone. Swallowing hard, he forced down the bile rising in his throat. "Stay with me, Nyla," he muttered, his voice barely audible over the pounding of his own heart.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings."Damn it, I don''t know how to deal with wounds," Riven muttered through gritted teeth, his voice barely audible over the pounding of his heart.


    A piercing howl shattered the tense silence, and Riven''s head snapped toward the beast. Its glowing yellow eyes burned with fury as they locked onto Nyla''s unconscious form. Despite the gaping wound in its side, it showed no signs of slowing. It pawed the ground, coiling its powerful muscles for another lunge.


    Riven froze, his mind racing. What do I do? He could blink away, but if he left Nyla, she would surely perish. Logic and desperation warred within him, leaving him rooted to the spot.


    I could try to drag her away, but it''s faster than me...


    His fists clenched, and he instinctively tried to channel the amber mana¡ªbut nothing came. He cursed under his breath, remembering how he had burned through it earlier.


    The beast''s body tensed, preparing to dash and Riven narrowed his eyes in defiance.


    "Die, you beast!"


    The shout rang across the battlefield, followed by a high-pitched screech. Riven turned just in time to see a large, glowing metallic arrow pierce through the Zeltrick''s forehead.


    "What the¡ª" Riven murmured, staring in disbelief.


    The beast''s glowing eyes dimmed as it let out one last guttural snarl. Its legs buckled, and it collapsed to the ground, lifeless, as if its strings had been cut.


    A sudden surge of energy coursed through Riven, filling his soul space. His vision blurred for a moment, and when he blinked, he found himself inside his soul space, surrounded by the familiar swirling gray mist. He focused on the orb representing his bond with Luna, watching as the energy swirled toward it, condensing into a denser, more vibrant form. Then, unexpectedly, the energy split into two streams, each flowing into separate cores.


    Does this mean I have to fill both to rank up? Riven frowned, studying the process before the sound of footsteps brought him back to reality.


    Opening his eyes, he turned to see Jack and the others emerging from the tree line, running toward him and Nyla.


    "What happened?" Jack asked, panting, his face pale and strained. His worried gaze darted to Nyla''s prone form.


    "That bastard had one last trick, and she couldn''t dodge in time," Riven explained, craning his neck to ensure the beast was truly dead.


    Wendy knelt beside Nyla, pulling a small red vial from her pack. The liquid inside shimmered like molten rubies as it caught the last rays of sunlight. She uncorked the vial and carefully tipped its contents into Nyla''s mouth.


    For a tense moment, nothing happened.


    Riven opened his mouth to question the potion''s effectiveness, but before he could speak, Nyla''s body twitched. Her muscles and blood vessels began to knit together, the bleeding finally stopping. The potion, however, wasn''t strong enough to fully heal the wound. Wendy pulled out gauze and bandages, expertly wrapping Nyla''s injured shoulder.


    The group sat in silence, their breaths heavy, as they waited for Nyla to stir. Riven kept his gaze on the beast''s corpse, his thoughts racing.


    A sharp gasp snapped his attention back. Nyla had woken, slowly sitting upright, her legs crossed beneath her. She winced, her hand instinctively hovering over her bandaged shoulder.


    "Relax. Don''t move," Wendy said in a calm, soothing tone, gently placing a hand on Nyla''s uninjured shoulder to keep her still.


    "What about the beast?" Nyla asked, her voice tinged with worry.


    "We took care of it. Just rest," Wendy replied, her tone firm but kind.


    With a sigh of relief, Riven stood and walked to the beast''s corpse. His eyes narrowed as he examined the gaping hole in its head. The arrow had gone straight through, exiting cleanly out the back.


    "Good job, Riven. Couldn''t have done it without you," Jack said, approaching with a small grin.


    A somber smile flickered across Riven''s face as he turned to meet Jack''s gaze. "Thanks, but I barely scratched it. You''re the one who took it down."


    Jack chuckled, clapping Riven on the back. "Your job was to tank it, distract it, not take it down. And you did that perfectly. Besides," he added, extending a hand, "you saved Nyla''s life. Thank you."


    Riven hesitated, then smiled genuinely and shook Jack''s hand. "I did what I could."


    With a nod, Jack returned to the others, checking on Nyla as she leaned against the tree trunk. Riven glanced back at the beast''s lifeless form, when suddenly a faint glow appeared from the center of the body. Shards of light floated up into the air, hovering infront of him. What''s going on?

 Fusion Visions

    The shards of light floated above the beast''s corpse, rotating in a slow, mesmerizing circle. Riven''s gaze darted to the others, searching their faces for any sign that they saw what he did. But their expressions remained unbothered, as if the scene before him were perfectly ordinary¡ªor invisible to them. Riven had neither seen nor heard of anything like this before, and his curiosity outweighed his caution. He reached out instinctively, his fingers trembling as they neared the mysterious fragments.


    The moment his fingertip grazed one, the shards flared brighter, their light piercing and almost alive. Then, like a whisper dissolving in the wind, they fragmented into a cascade of shimmering particles. These luminous motes spiraled through the air, drawn inexorably toward him, sinking into his outstretched hand.


    Riven recoiled, his hand jerking back as though burned. "What''s going on?" he muttered, his eyes narrowing as he inspected his finger. Despite the strange encounter, his skin bore no marks, no signs of the shards'' touch. He rubbed his eyes, half-expecting the vision to dissolve like a mirage. Am I imagining things?


    A sudden tug at his consciousness made him freeze. His soul space¡ªit felt different. His brow furrowed as concern tightened his chest. Closing his eyes, he focused inward, retreating into the boundless void of his soul.


    There, in the infinite expanse of darkness, floated the two familiar cores and the two luminous bonds, stretching out like spires into the endless dark. At first glance, everything appeared as it should, but a closer inspection revealed an anomaly.


    Hovering around the amber core were the very same shards of light, orbiting like satellites around a planet. Streams of essence from the slain beast wove through the shards, pulsing faintly.


    Riven frowned, confusion gnawing at him. This doesn''t make sense. Aren''t the cores supposed to absorb essence to grow stronger?


    His concern deepened as he floated toward the pink core. A sigh of relief escaped his lips when he saw no lingering essence surrounding it. The core itself had grown stronger¡ªan imperceptible change, yet one he could feel. No surprise there, he thought, nodding to himself. The essence probably split evenly among the five of us.


    Turning his attention back to the amber core, Riven scrutinized the shards. He willed them closer, and they obeyed, gliding into position before him.


    Three shards in total.


    Up close, they resembled crystalline marbles, each infused with swirling patterns of color. Two of the shards were predominantly white, though hues of every imaginable color danced within them, varying in magnitude and intensity. The third shard was a vibrant green, brighter than the others but similarly flecked with an array of shades.


    When Riven reached out to touch one, his vision erupted into chaos.


    Fragments of memory flooded his mind¡ªdisjointed images viewed through another''s eyes. The creature, hulking and monstrous, collected shards from its victims, arranging them into intricate patterns. Slowly, painstakingly, the shards were combined into a massive, glowing orb, crackling with volatile energy. Mana and essence were poured into this creation, and from its core emerged a new beast, manifesting with terrifying vitality.


    The vision shattered, leaving Riven gasping for breath. His hands clutched his head as he struggled to steady himself. "What in the world was that?" he whispered, his voice trembling.


    The soul shards resumed their rotation in front of him, their faint glow an almost mocking reminder of the knowledge he couldn''t yet comprehend. Following the fragmented instructions from the vision, Riven willed the shards into formation.


    They aligned, each piece connecting with arcs of energy and runes that spread outward like spiderwebs, forming a complex array. Twenty points illuminated the formation, but only three were filled by the shards.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    So, I need twenty to complete this, Riven thought, a mix of awe and frustration stirring within him.


    As if responding to the incomplete state, the formation collapsed, and the shards drifted back into their orbit around the amber core.


    "Does this mean I can bond with powerful creatures in the future?" Riven murmured. His question lingered in the air, unanswered, as always.


    Riven opened his eyes and flinched, startled to see the other three staring at him curiously.


    "What''s wrong?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. "Another attack?"


    Jack quickly waved the idea away, his hands flailing comically. "No, no! You were just standing there, stock still, for like... minutes. You good?"


    Riven exhaled and tried to mask his unease with a sheepish smile. "I was just marveling at the essence we got from the beast."


    Jack''s grin widened into a toothy, exaggerated smile as he clapped a hand on Riven''s back. "That''s nothing, dude. Wait till we cash this prize in."


    But as the words left his mouth, Jack hesitated, turning to look at the slain beast. He winced. "Uh¡­ do you think we accidentally destroyed its core with that last attack?"


    Tim, usually composed and unreadable, frowned for the first time. The subtle shift in his expression was enough to make the air feel heavier.


    "No point in guessing," Wendy chimed in, her voice steady and practical. "Let''s check."


    Jack nodded, pulling a blade from his belt as he approached the Zeltrick''s massive, lifeless form. Riven took a step back to give him space, watching as Jack knelt by the creature''s underbelly and began slicing into it with practiced precision.


    Moments later, Jack let out a triumphant yell. "Got it!"


    From the carcass, he extracted a marble-sized orb of pulsing blue light. The glow bathed his face as he held it up like a trophy.


    "Would you look at that," Jack said, beaming. "A rank 2 core."


    Riven''s eyes widened in awe as he took in the shimmering gem, its light refracting in delicate patterns. It seemed impossibly small for something that had powered such a monstrous creature.


    Jack chuckled heartily, slipping the core into a small metallic box. To Riven''s surprise, he tossed the box toward him. Instinctively, Riven caught it, his expression shifting to confusion.


    Jack noticed and grinned. "Do you know the most dangerous part of adventuring?"


    Riven shook his head, clutching the box tightly.


    "It''s other adventurers," Jack said, his tone turning grim. "The unsavory types who wait for the fight to be over and then swoop in to take the loot."


    Riven nodded thoughtfully. That does make sense. Father warned me about people like that.


    "With your short-distance teleport ability," Jack continued, "I can rest easy knowing it won''t get stolen from right under our noses."


    Riven tilted his head, a flicker of mischief in his eyes. "But what if I just ran off with it? You''re really trusting me that much?"


    Before Jack could respond, Nyla spoke from where she leaned against a tree, her arm clutching her left shoulder. "You were ready to keep me safe, even when you could''ve blinked away and saved yourself." A small, knowing smile curved her lips. "You''re not the type to run away with it."


    Riven''s face flushed red at her words, and he quickly looked away, flustered. Fortunately, no one seemed to notice¡ªexcept maybe Luna, who blinked into existence on his shoulder, her gaze as curious as ever.


    Jack broke the moment with another hearty clap on Riven''s shoulder. "You take care of the core," he said, grinning. "I''ll handle skinning the fur."


    Jack and Tim set to work, carefully peeling away the beast''s pelt¡ªa task that required both patience and precision. The pelt, after all, was the primary item requested for the mission.


    Luna purred softly, rubbing her head against Riven''s cheek. Her large amber and sapphire eyes sparkled as she looked up at him, her innocent expression a stark contrast to the ferocity of their recent battle.


    Riven chuckled, scratching behind her ears. "It''s okay," he murmured. "You''re not built for fighting like that. You''ve got other talents."


    As if understanding his words, Luna meowed, her spirits seemingly lifted. She blinked away moments later, reappearing on a nearby tree branch to survey the area. Her movements were graceful, and Riven couldn''t help but smile as he watched her. Cute¡ªand useful, he thought, his mind wandering back to the visions and what they might mean for his future.


    "Rive! We''re done here¡ªlet''s head out!" Jack''s voice snapped him out of his reverie.


    Riven jumped down from the tree he''d perched on and rejoined the group. Nyla, though still recovering, moved with only a slight stiffness now. Jack stowed the pelt in a large leather bag, strapping it securely to his back.


    Surveying the group with a satisfied nod, Jack declared, "Time to get home and celebrate!"


    With that, they fell in line behind him. Jack pulled out a strange circular orb, its surface glowing faintly, to guide them back to the city. Luna blinked back onto Riven''s shoulder and curled up, a small, purring bundle of fur.


    "Guess all that surveillance wore you out," Riven murmured, stroking her gently as he followed behind the others, keeping a wary eye on their surroundings.

 Southern Fort

    Zephyr lounged in his chair around the round table, his pose as relaxed as if he were reclining in a field rather than a grim command chamber. His gaze lingered lazily on the ceiling where floating orbs of light hovered, their glow illuminating the room with a cold, sterile radiance. The chamber itself was oppressive, its walls lined with enchanted grey stonework etched with intricate runes that pulsed faintly in hues of blue. The air carried a faint hum, a constant reminder of the magic embedded in every inch of the place.


    Six figures sat around the table, each cloaked in their own aura of authority, with rune-based devices scattered across the polished surface. At the center of the table floated a holographic projection, casting multicolored light into the room. It displayed a similar round table, this one occupied by six other individuals, their figures slightly distorted by the angled, top-down view.


    Zephyr, however, paid it no mind. The discussions droning on around him might as well have been wind rustling through distant trees. His attention remained fixed on the orbs of light above, their gentle movement far more captivating than the heated arguments below.


    "Zephyr! Are you even listening?"


    The voice finally cut through the fog of his disinterest, drawing his attention back to the table. He turned his head slowly, a wide, unapologetic grin spreading across his face as he met their gazes. Most of the faces staring back were tight with irritation, their expressions a mix of scowls and restrained contempt.


    "Nope," Zephyr said cheerfully, his tone dripping with indifference. "Don''t care."


    The response hit like a slap. One of the men, a broad-shouldered warrior clad in intricately carved metallic armor, bristled at the remark. His twin axes, strapped to his back, gleamed in the room''s light as if hungry for action. His fiery orange hair matched the simmering rage in his eyes as he leaned forward, fists clenching.


    "Then perhaps you should leave," he growled, his words tight with barely restrained anger.


    Zephyr''s grin widened, transforming into something sharper, more predatory. His cheery tone took on a deadly edge, the weight of his intent suffocating the room. Even the projection flickered as the atmosphere thickened, the air growing heavy with unspoken menace.


    "Make me," Zephyr said, his voice a quiet challenge laced with pure malice.


    The room fell silent, save for the faint hum of the projection. Even the heated arguments on the other side of the hologram seemed to falter, as though the ripple of tension in Zephyr''s voice had reached across the distance.


    The projection shifted, focusing on a figure shrouded in shadow. Tendrils of darkness wisped off his form like smoke, and a single eye of white light opened where his left eye should have been. His voice, calm yet unyielding, cut through the silence.


    "Leave him be. I don''t want to clean up the mess. We already have enough on our plates," the figure said, his gaze fixing on Zephyr with a weight that could crush lesser men.


    Zephyr tilted his head slightly, recognizing him immediately. Noctis Umbra, he thought with a hint of amusement.


    The orange-haired warrior winced but obeyed, his fiery bravado tempered by the shadowed man''s words. He sank back into his seat, though his glare at Zephyr remained sharp enough to wound.


    Zephyr chuckled softly, the sound rich with both amusement and danger. "That was a long time ago, Noctis. Are you sure you could stop me now, old friend?"


    Noctis''s chuckle echoed back, dark and knowing. "With your mind in the state it is now? Undoubtedly, yes."


    Zephyr''s grin shifted, the predatory edge softening into something more enigmatic, though it concealed a darkness far deeper than any Noctis commanded. "I suppose so," he said quietly.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Rising from his seat, Zephyr gave an exaggerated bow, his black coat sweeping dramatically behind him. The silver strands of his hair shimmered in the light, a stark contrast to the shadow he cast.


    "I''m bored," he declared, his voice light yet dismissive. "So, I''ll be excusing myself."


    He spun on his heel, his coat flaring as his form dissolved into a cascade of radiant particles. The light danced briefly in the air before vanishing, leaving only the faintest shimmer in his wake.


    Zephyr perched atop a ridge, the wind tugging at his coat as he gazed down at their mountain base. Below stretched an endless valley, hemmed in by towering rock formations that clawed at the heavens like ancient titans frozen in time. He let out a small sigh, reaching into his pocket and withdrawing an amulet. Its surface gleamed like a polished mirror, though Zephyr knew the trinket''s true age.


    With deliberate care, he flicked the activation switch at the top, causing the amulet to open. Inside, one half held a faded image of a family¡ªseven figures, each adorned with striking silver hair and warm, genuine smiles. On the opposite side rested a shard of crystal embedded into the metal, its faint glow pulsating as though alive.


    Zephyr''s gaze lingered on the older man standing at the back of the photograph, a somber smile replacing his usual cheery demeanor. I guess I''ve aged like fine wine, all things considered, he thought, his lips twitching in faint amusement.


    His eyes drifted over the other faces in the picture one by one before he finally snapped the amulet shut with a soft click. "Hope you''re all still watching over this idiot," he murmured under his breath, his voice barely audible above the mountain breeze. Sliding the amulet back into his pocket, he stood and turned his attention to the base and the sprawling valley beyond.


    Closing his eyes, Zephyr sank inward, surveying his core. It was a massive, kaleidoscopic structure of interwoven crystals, each shard shimmering with a unique hue. The fractured lens-like formation was held together by two colossal silver hands of raw energy, their presence both stabilizing and surreal.


    About sixty percent full. It''ll have to do, he thought, reopening his eyes.


    Reaching into his inner pocket, he hesitated for a moment before retrieving a metallic pin. Fashioned from white gold and silver metals, it was accented with gold trim and bore the image of a slender sword crafted from glowing blue crystal. Zephyr studied it briefly, the weight of its significance pressing against his thoughts. Taking a deep breath, he pocketed the pin once more.


    Without a second thought, he launched himself off the ridge, angling toward the valley below. The wind roared in his ears, and a vicious smile spread across his face as he plummeted toward the battle.


    At the heart of the valley, chaos reigned. The second base below was under siege, its walls battered by an unrelenting swarm of beasts. These were no mere animals¡ªevery one of them was at least rank 4, their monstrous forms bristling with lethal intent.


    A streak of light tore through the sky, carving through the ranks of airborne attackers with surgical precision. Zephyr''s body rematerialized near the gates, landing with a sharp crack of displaced air.


    A guard clad in full plate armor astride a twelve-foot beast¡ªsomething akin to a griffin, its feathers aflame with red and orange patterns¡ªdescended beside him. The soldier saluted with his right arm, his voice steady despite the dire situation. "Sir! The beasts have launched another attack ahead of the expected schedule!"


    Zephyr''s eyes narrowed. It''s worse than we thought, he mused, though he kept the observation to himself. Morale was a fragile thing. Instead, a predatory smile returned to his lips.


    "Hold the line and protect the base to the best of your ability," he ordered, his tone sharp and commanding. "I''ll handle the rank 6 leading the charge."


    Before the soldier could respond, Zephyr shot into the sky. The battlefield unfolded beneath him, a maelstrom of violence and chaos. It took him mere moments to spot his target¡ªa massive storm of ice churning ominously in the distance, advancing steadily toward the gates.


    Focusing mana into his eyes, Zephyr pierced through the swirling frost, glimpsing the creature at its core. A colossal avian beast composed of jagged, crystalline ice fragments loomed within, its body darker and denser than ordinary ice.


    "Is that the prey?" a voice purred into his mind, smooth and melodic.


    Yes, Zephyr thought in reply, directing his response toward Luxaris, his bonded companion.


    His hair seemed to ripple with power, strands shifting and glowing as patterns of vibrant colors danced across them. From the air beside him, a massive figure coalesced¡ªa fox-like creature standing fourteen feet tall. Its nine crystalline eyes radiated an otherworldly intelligence, their gaze locked on the storm ahead.


    Without hesitation, Luxaris surged forward, her form a blur of radiant energy. Zephyr followed, but his senses prickled with warning. Another presence¡ªequally formidable¡ªtouched his mana sense.


    "Another rank 6," he muttered.


    Far from feeling deterred, his grin widened, taking on an almost feral edge. As Luxaris plunged into the icy tempest, Zephyr shifted course, heading toward the second threat with a singular focus.

 A Light In Despair

    The temperature dropped steadily as Zephyr approached the cyclone of ice and mana. Frost clung to the air, each breath sharpening like tiny daggers. Near the vortex''s perimeter, ice elementals trudged forward, their forms jagged and gleaming, unperturbed by the frigid deathscape swirling behind them. Narrowing his eyes, Zephyr noticed something unsettling¡ªtheir numbers were increasing with each passing moment.


    Such is the power of a rank 6 beast, he mused. It''s creating more creatures from raw mana, infused with its essence and will.


    Hovering a few feet from the edge of the storm, Zephyr extended his mana sense to its utmost limit. His vision pierced through the whirling chaos of deep blue and brilliant white, fixing on the storm''s core. There, gliding effortlessly within the tempest, was the giant avian beast. Its crystalline feathers shimmered with unnatural cold, and its glowing yellow eyes burned with predatory malice.


    As though sensing his scrutiny, the creature let out a shriek that tore through the air like shattered glass. In response, a massive cone of dark blue ice shot toward Zephyr at blinding speed.


    Zephyr smirked, sidestepping the projectile with a fluid shift of light that left a faint shimmer in the air. Raising his right hand, palm outstretched toward the cyclone, he muttered, "Can''t let you get close to the base. So please, sleep."


    A glowing magic circle formed before his palm, its intricate glyphs flaring with brilliance. With a burst of energy, a pillar of pure white light erupted from the circle, cutting a path straight into the storm. The beam''s radius was several meters wide, and its destructive force obliterated everything in its trajectory, tearing through the raging vortex and striking the beast dead center.


    As the light faded, a gaping hole was revealed, carved cleanly through both the storm and the creature''s body. For a brief moment, silence reigned. But then, the fragments of the beast''s crystalline form began to draw together, mending themselves as if time rewound. The hole in the storm followed suit, closing seamlessly until it raged as fiercely as before.


    Zephyr''s smirk turned into a grimace. "So, you''re an elemental as well. This is going to be annoying."


    Clicking his tongue, he dropped his hands to his sides. Twin blades of solidified red light flickered into existence, each two meters long, their surfaces pulsing with raw energy. The weapons cast an ominous glow across his face, now split by a vicious grin.


    Without warning, Zephyr spun on his heel, transforming into a miniature tornado of red light. The beast wasn''t idle either; its wings beat with fury, conjuring colossal cones of ice hundreds of meters wide and hurling them in his direction.


    The red whirlwind surged forward, angling toward the storm and its incoming projectiles. The massive ice constructs shattered on impact, obliterated by the sheer force of his spinning blades. The storm itself recoiled under the assault, retreating momentarily as Zephyr drilled his way toward the beast''s core.


    His goal was clear¡ªto dismantle the creature piece by piece, rendering it nothing more than a fragile memory. But his advance was violently interrupted as massive pillars of dark blue ice, each wider than a few yards, erupted from the ground below. They slammed into him with bone-rattling force, shattering his blades into glowing shards.


    Zephyr barely managed to blink away before the crushing force could deal further damage. Reappearing a short distance away, he staggered slightly, his breath coming in short bursts.


    Now unrestrained, the storm closed in on him with renewed fury. Shards of hail and tendrils of mana lashed at him from every direction, biting into his defenses. The relentless assault slowed his movements, sapping his mana with each passing second.


    The very concept of someone interfering with his mana flow drew a mad, uncontrollable laughter from Zephyr, his voice a discordant melody against the storm''s relentless barrage. As the laughter subsided, a multicolored aura began to shimmer around him, each hue blending and shifting like a living rainbow. The manic grin faded from his face, replaced by a cold, unwavering focus as he locked eyes with the hulking elemental avian.


    In a flash of light, he materialized beside the creature, his hands outstretched and his voice cutting through the chaos like a blade. "Vanish."


    From his palms erupted a cone of radiant, kaleidoscopic light, expanding rapidly until it consumed the avian''s massive form, carving deep into the frozen earth below. When the light finally blinked out, the aftermath was unmistakable¡ªa colossal cone-shaped void had been carved into the storm itself, along with a disintegrated swath of ground.


    "Well met, beast," Zephyr declared, his voice steady as he surveyed the aftermath, waiting for the storm to collapse so he could clear the area of the rank 4 elementals still prowling. Yet something felt off. No matter the creature''s strength, the storm should have dissipated the instant its core was destroyed.


    A puzzled expression crept onto Zephyr''s face as he watched the storm slowly mend the massive hole, ice and mana knitting themselves back together with eerie precision. What the hell?


    His thought barely had time to settle before a voice reverberated through the storm, echoing from all directions at once.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "Not bad, human, but you made a mistake. My core is the storm."


    Zephyr tensed, bracing for an attack. Yet nothing came. The storm continued to heal itself, growing colder, denser, and darker. His visibility shrank to mere feet as the swirling chaos raged on.


    Is it toying with me?


    Clenching his fists, he shut his eyes briefly, checking his reserves. A deep frown etched itself across his face¡ªhis mana was down to a meager twenty percent.


    The beast did not reappear. Instead, the storm grew more ferocious. Projectiles of black crystalline ice sliced through the air, faster and sharper than before. Encasing himself in the radiant glow of his multicolored aura, Zephyr braced as the shards pummeled his form, each impact resonating with dark energy. The fragments didn''t dissipate; instead, they began circling within the storm, creating a deadly, spiraling lattice of ice.


    Zephyr prepared to carve a path of light through the chaos when a chilling realization struck him. This isn''t right. No rank 6 beast should be able to command an entire storm as its body.


    Focusing his mana sense, he scanned the turbulent energy around him. His eyes narrowed as he felt it¡ªa dark attunement interwoven with the ice, a corruption far beyond the capabilities of a rank 6.


    His suspicions solidified, and he yelled into the storm, "You''re not rank 6, are you?"


    The storm''s icy winds carried a voice back to him, deceptively calm and laced with mockery. "I never claimed to be one."


    Zephyr cursed under his breath, the truth crashing down on him. This was no rank 6. He was facing the power of a rank 7, a force he had only encountered once before¡ªa memory he would rather have buried.


    This is bad. If this thing reaches the second base, it might wipe out the other rank 6s. And everyone below them? They wouldn''t stand a chance.


    For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Zephyr felt despair¡ªa deep, icy despair that coiled around his heart like a viper. Memories he had sealed away surged to the surface, each more agonizing than the last. Broken promises. Shattered dreams. Failures that had left scars no amount of time could heal.


    Lost in his own torment, he failed to notice the beast''s cunning trap. Its dark ice amplified the shadows in his heart, feeding off his buried anguish and regrets.


    But Zephyr was not entirely alone in his struggle. Luxarus, ever vigilant, sent urgent mental messages, her voice sharp and clear as she fought to break the creature''s hold. Yet even she knew the darkness within him was vast, and now, it was being weaponized against him.


    Zephyr''s consciousness drifted through a lake of icy black, an oppressive void that seemed to leech away the last vestiges of feeling from his body. In this abyss, the warm orange visages of his long-lost friends and family began to manifest, their forms glowing softly as if carved from light itself. They reached out to him, their gestures filled with gentle insistence, beckoning him to join them. Their unspoken words whispered through his mind: Let go. Rest. You''ve done enough.


    A fragile smile flickered across Zephyr''s lips as his arms, trembling with weakness, began to reach toward them. He longed to grasp their hands, to feel the warmth of what he had lost, to surrender to the peace they offered and finally abandon the decades-long struggle that had consumed his life.


    Meanwhile, his physical body floated listlessly in the raging storm of black ice, utterly still. The creature''s voice echoed through the maelstrom, carrying a cold certainty. "Your core is bursting with essence, yet you hold it back from ascending." There was a pause, filled with the faint crackling of ice forming around Zephyr''s form, before the creature continued. "No matter. You''ve made my job easier. With so little mana spent dealing with you, the others will fall even faster."


    Black crystalline shards began to form, jagged and deadly, hovering with sinister intent around Zephyr''s body. They moved closer, poised to pierce his heart.


    And then time seemed to freeze.


    Zephyr, who had been so close to embracing the light of his lost family and friends, stopped. The endless rivers of black around him were suddenly illuminated by scattered beacons of light, like stars piercing a suffocating void. Each light represented a student¡ªa life he had touched, trained, or promised to guide. For the empire. For humanity. And, in truth, to atone for his past failures.


    The realization hit him like a tidal wave, cutting through the fog in his mind. The visages of his family and friends, their faces now tinged with sorrow, began to dim. Their glowing forms fractured, fading into motes of light that drifted away.


    A somber smile crossed Zephyr''s face as he whispered, "Sorry, guys. You''ll have to wait a little longer for me." He paused, his expression softening as the smile became genuine. "I can''t let my students down, can I?" He scratched the back of his head, an awkward habit resurfacing in the moment. "Not that I interact with them much¡ªfrontline duty and all¡ªbut I think they''ll grow strong enough to find their way here someday."


    The words felt heavy yet liberating, like chains falling away. Zephyr realized, for the first time in what felt like eons, that he truly believed in something again. A puzzle piece clicked into place within him, settling deep in his mind and soul.


    Rays of light burst outward, piercing the oppressive darkness. The black void dissolved, consumed by an all-encompassing radiance that left no shadow behind.


    Outside, where time resumed its flow, Zephyr''s glowing body hung suspended in the air, his multicolored hair pulsing with ethereal energy. A brilliant sphere of light expanded from him, engulfing the entire storm in its radiance. It spanned kilometers in every direction, its edges shimmering with untamed power. As it reached its zenith, the sphere collapsed upward, unleashing a massive pillar of light that seemed to pierce the heavens. The air thrummed with the sound of crackling lightning and a low, resonant hum.


    When the pillar finally dissipated, a figure floated upright at its center, glowing with quiet, overwhelming power. On that day, the empire of Veyloria witnessed the birth of its second rank 7.


    The storm, nearly obliterated by the light, began to reform. Winds howled, and ice churned once more, struggling to regain its strength. Zephyr smiled faintly as seven spectral clones of himself materialized around him, each with a faintly colored hue. The clones raised their hands skyward in unison.


    "How dare you!" the creature''s voice boomed, though it was faint, its power diminished along with the storm.


    Zephyr and his clones looked upward, their voices echoing as one. "Thanks, creature. Goodbye."


    Above them, a massive magical circle materialized, its seven segments glowing with distinct, vibrant colors. Zephyr cast one final glance at the battlefield below, his expression resolute as he muttered softly, "Light of Starfall."


    For the second time that day, a pillar of multicolored light descended, spanning kilometers in radius. The radiant cascade consumed everything in its path, obliterating the battlefield with such finality that even the storm''s remnants were no more.

 Zeltrick Quest Completion

    On the way back, Riven and the group encountered no trouble, arriving safely at the city gates just as the last rays of twilight painted the sky in hues of gold and crimson. After flashing their badges to the guards, they made their way directly to the adventurers'' guild, where the warm glow of lanterns spilled onto the cobblestone streets.


    Throughout the journey, Riven''s thoughts churned restlessly. The events of today¡ªand the day he''d fought the Fangleon¡ªhad forced a stark realization upon him: his offensive capabilities were sorely lacking. Ever since my soul type was revealed to be Flickering Soul, I imagined I''d bond with at least a Greater Bloodline beast. The thought brought an ache of frustration. That would''ve given me access to powerful elemental skills, but now... I have the mana, yet no way to convert it into real power.


    Glancing at his shoulder where Luna perched, he felt a pang of guilt. It wasn''t her fault. Yet the truth remained¡ªwithout an edge in combat, he was falling behind.


    When they reached the quest deposit desk, the rest of the group''s relief and satisfaction stood in stark contrast to Riven''s brooding demeanor. His companions quickly noticed his mood, the weight of his thoughts seemingly pulling the air around him into gloom. Nyla, ever perceptive, was the first to address it.


    "What''s got you looking like the world''s ending? You''re acting like I didn''t survive." She quirked an eyebrow, her voice laced with concern and just enough teasing to lighten the question.


    Riven blinked, his gaze shifting from the ground to meet hers. Jack and Wendy watched him curiously. A sigh escaped his lips, heavy with unspoken worries. "It''s nothing serious, just some things I need to figure out," he said, waving off their concerns with an attempt at nonchalance.


    Nyla nodded, her expression softening. "We all have things on our minds that aren''t easy to talk about."


    Jack, ever the optimist, grinned and clapped Riven on the back. "Don''t worry, mate. You''ll cheer up when you see the reward¡ªtrust me!"


    Riven managed a faint smile, the camaraderie easing some of his tension as they turned their focus back to the queue.


    "Please provide the hide," the woman at the counter said as she examined Jack''s badge. Her long brown hair framed a professional smile, her tone polished for customer service.


    Jack retrieved the makeshift trap bag, laying it on the massive metal table to the right. With a practiced hand, he undid the ropes, revealing the contents. A man clad in the red-and-white uniform of the guild staff approached, his black hair slicked back. Producing a small dagger, he sliced a sliver of the hide and nodded to the woman before disappearing into a back room.


    "Please wait while we verify the goods," she said, her voice even and polite.


    Jack nodded, adding, "I also have a Rank 2 mana stone to sell."


    The woman''s eyes brightened slightly. She bent down to retrieve something from a drawer, then placed a silvery pad with a crystal screen filled with glowing runes on the counter. "Place the stone here, and I''ll assess its value."


    Jack turned to Riven, who was still lost in thought, staring blankly at the counter. A sharp nudge from Nyla snapped him out of his daze. "The stone," she said, exasperation flickering across her face.


    Riven''s cheeks reddened as he fumbled to retrieve the silver box strapped to his belt. Finally, he handed it to Jack, who opened it by channeling mana into the lid.


    Riven''s eyes widened. A mana signature lock? A faint smile tugged at his lips as realization struck. He must really despise poachers to invest in something so secure.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    With a dry chuckle, Riven said, "Guess I couldn''t have opened it even if I''d wanted to steal it, huh?"


    Jack glanced up from the device''s glowing display, his expression sheepish. "Nothing personal. I just don''t have great experiences with poachers." His voice carried a tinge of sadness that didn''t go unnoticed.


    Wendy, sensing the shift, chimed in with a cheerful tone. "Who does, really?"


    The group chuckled softly, the tension dissolving.


    A faint chime emanated from the device, drawing the woman''s attention. She examined the readings and clapped her hands together, her expression pleased. "A high-quality Rank 2 core. Splendid! We''d be happy to take it for five gold, or you may choose to sell elsewhere."


    Jack''s grin widened as he accepted the offer. The woman reached down again, producing a small cloth pouch tied with a blue string. The coins jingled faintly as she placed it on the counter.


    Jack picked up the pouch and handed it to Nyla, who tucked it into her pack with a satisfied nod.


    After the exchange, they waited only a minute before the man from earlier returned, giving the lady at the counter a curt nod. She mirrored the gesture, then turned her attention back to the group.


    "We''ve authenticated the goods," she announced, her tone professional yet courteous. "Let me just process the data, and I''ll hand out the rewards."


    The group nodded in unison, though Nyla had to elbow Riven again before he finally placed his badge on the table with the others. The lady gathered the badges, manipulating them with precise movements of her mana. Riven watched the faint glow around her hands as he thought, She''s probably updating the details and distributing the adventurer points amongst us.


    A few moments later, she returned the badges and set a second pouch on the counter. This one jingled loudly, its weight promising a hefty reward. Jack''s smile widened as he grabbed the pouch and peeked inside. Satisfied, he gave the lady a respectful nod. "Thank you."


    She nodded back with a polite smile, waving them off as they turned toward the tavern area inside the guild.


    They chose an empty table tucked near the edge of the bustling room, where the air was thick with the scent of roasted meats and freshly baked bread. Jack wasted no time flagging down a waiter and ordering what could only be described as a feast.


    Riven arched an eyebrow, watching Jack animatedly add dish after dish to the list. How much did we even earn for him to be this carefree? he wondered.


    Jack caught Riven''s puzzled expression and, once the waiter left, pulled out the bulging pouch and placed it on the table in front of him. "Go ahead, count it," Jack said, his grin mischievous.


    Fine, how much could it be? Riven thought, loosening the string and peering inside. He began counting, the clink of coins punctuating his disbelief.


    "What the hell?" he muttered, louder than intended.


    The group burst into laughter, and Jack looked particularly pleased with himself.


    This can''t be right, Riven thought, his gaze fixed on the pouch. That''s twenty-five gold in total. He blinked, still stunned.


    Jack chuckled and reached into the pouch, pulling out six gleaming gold coins. He placed them in front of Riven, who seemed frozen in place. "Well, it''s better to be shocked than depressed all day," Jack quipped, smirking.


    Riven''s guilt flared as he stared at the coins. I only joined at the last minute¡ªthis doesn''t feel fair. He opened his mouth to protest, but Jack raised a hand, cutting him off.


    "You saved Nyla and did your job properly," Jack said firmly. "We all agreed to split the rewards five ways."


    Riven glanced around the table, seeing only nods of agreement from the others. Reluctantly, he smiled and pulled out his black leather pouch, carefully depositing the coins inside.


    No sooner had he done so than the waiters arrived, their arms laden with steaming dishes. Plates upon plates were set before them until the table groaned under the weight of the spread. They even had to drag over a smaller table to accommodate the feast.


    Riven took in the sight: roasted avian meat, hearty beef stews, vibrant vegetable platters, and even a few seafood dishes. Four large pitchers, brimming with juices and beer, completed the spread.


    His eyes lingered on the beer pitcher, his expression shifting. I remember trying it with Father after unlocking my soul. It''s a coming-of-age tradition. Didn''t care for the taste, but the effects... those I didn''t mind.


    Just as Riven reached for the pitcher, Jack snatched it away, grinning. "Not letting you drink, not tonight," he said, pouring a glass for himself and the others. "You''ve been out of it since we slayed that beast. Don''t need you spiraling."


    "That''s not how it works, probably," Riven countered with a chuckle, shaking his head. He dismissed the thought of beer and focused instead on the food, piling his plate high with anything that looked appetizing.


    The group dug in, exchanging jokes and laughter that filled the air with warmth. Most of the humor went over Riven''s head¡ªhe still didn''t know the group well¡ªbut he appreciated the camaraderie. For the first time that day, he allowed himself to relax.

 New Plan

    Cleaning his plate more thoroughly than necessary left Riven slouched in his chair, clutching his stomach. Shouldn¡¯t have eaten that much, he kept telling himself, though the damage was already done. He glanced around and blinked in disbelief at Jack, who was piling even more food onto his plate. Every time Riven tried to voice his amazement, only a burp came out, leaving him to sigh and sink back into his chair.


    ¡°Jack! Don¡¯t eat yourself to death,¡± Nyla quipped, her tone a mix of annoyance and exasperation. She shot him a glare, which Jack ignored with a grunt and continued eating. The rest of the group, having long since stopped, sat in bemused silence, watching the monster that was Jack devour everything in sight.


    Three full plates later, Jack finally relented, slamming his empty mug onto the table with a satisfied sigh. ¡°That was amazing,¡± he declared with a grin. Nyla rolled her eyes, her scowl half-hearted, while the others chuckled at his antics.


    The group lingered in companionable silence, enjoying the lively hum of the tavern. It was late now, and the room was filled with adventurers returning from their quests, sharing stories, and celebrating their victories. Riven let the warmth of the atmosphere wash over him. This is nice. I see why Dad enjoyed this life, he mused, a faint smile playing on his lips.


    ¡°Riven, can I ask you something?¡± Nyla¡¯s hesitant tone broke through his thoughts. Riven blinked at her, puzzled by her uncharacteristic nervousness. Collecting himself, he nodded. ¡°Yeah, sure.¡±


    She seemed to regain some of her usual confidence as she continued. ¡°You have very powerful mana, yet you bonded with a lesser bloodline beast.¡±


    The moment she finished, Nyla raised her hands in a dismissive gesture, adding quickly, ¡°You don¡¯t have to answer. I was just curious.¡±


    Riven exhaled, relieved it wasn¡¯t something more serious. Deciding to give an answer that wouldn¡¯t contradict what Zephyr had told him, he replied, ¡°I have an inflection that doesn¡¯t let me bond with beasts of a higher bloodline.¡± His smile was small and strained, but it was there. The explanation still stung, a constant reminder of how the future he had envisioned for himself had been shattered.


    Nyla¡¯s expression softened. ¡°Life¡¯s weird like that,¡± she said, meeting his gaze with genuine empathy. ¡°Thanks for sharing, and I¡¯m sorry for asking something that must bring up bad memories.¡±


    Her sincerity struck a chord in him, and he decided to be honest. ¡°It¡¯s alright, but it has caused a problem that I don¡¯t know how to fix.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem?¡± Jack, who had apparently recovered from his food coma, asked. ¡°You seemed pretty good in the fight earlier.¡±


    ¡°I have a lot of mana and control,¡± Riven admitted, ¡°but no way to deal offensive damage.¡±


    Jack leaned back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. The group fell into a contemplative silence. Riven didn¡¯t expect much help. I just wanted to get it off my chest, and now I¡¯ve gone and ruined the mood. He sighed and stared down at his plate.


    Luna, having woken from her nap on his shoulder, blinked at the table in awe of the remaining food. Riven chuckled, gathering a few fish dishes onto his plate for her. Luna hopped down eagerly, nibbling at each piece with delicate bites.


    Nyla and Wendy, utterly enchanted, abandoned their musings to coo over the adorable fluffball. Luna, thoroughly enjoying the attention, leaned into their hands, purring with delight.


    At least you¡¯re happy, Luna, Riven thought with a smile, watching her bask in their affection.


    ¡°I have an idea,¡± Tim said hesitantly, his voice breaking the lull. Everyone turned to him, hope flickering in their eyes.


    ¡°Now, it¡¯s probably not the best option, but it¡¯s something,¡± he added quickly.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ¡°So, what is it?¡± Jack asked, leaning forward with impatience.


    Tim straightened slightly, finding his confidence. ¡°You could request training from an experienced hunter¡ªsomeone skilled in weapon use and mana infusion.¡±


    Someone who can teach me to use a weapon and imbue it with mana? That¡¯s not a bad idea. Riven¡¯s mind raced as he considered the possibility.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that incredibly difficult and mana-intensive?¡± Wendy asked, her brows furrowed.


    ¡°Well, he said he has the mana and control but no way to channel it,¡± Tim argued.


    The more they discussed the idea, the more it resonated with Riven. If Dad fought with a weapon, it would have been the first thing he¡¯d teach me.


    Suddenly, an old memory surfaced in Riven''s mind¡ªthe match with Silvia. He recalled how she moved with elegance and precision, her every motion deliberate. Each strike she delivered carried a sharpness he sorely lacked, as though she wielded mana as an extension of herself. Deciding on his next move, he turned to Jack and asked, ¡°Can we get information about other adventurers here?¡±


    The question seemed to catch Jack off guard. He paused, chewing thoughtfully before nodding. ¡°If you go to the reception desk, the lady there can tell you what you need to know¡ªbut not everything.¡±


    That was all Riven needed. He pushed his chair back and stood. Luna, perched nearby, barely lifted her head, continuing her nibbling as if fully aware of what he planned. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± Riven announced, weaving through the crowded tavern toward the reception area. The space was jam-packed with adventurers, waiters darting about carrying trays piled with steaming dishes and foaming mugs. He had to slow down to avoid bumping into people.


    Reaching the desk, he was relieved to find it mostly empty. Behind the counter stood Miss Helga, her auburn hair neatly tied back, her sharp eyes softening when she spotted him. Straightening, she greeted him with a small smile. ¡°What can I help you with, Riven?¡±


    Riven blinked, startled she remembered his name. Recovering quickly, he gave her a polite nod. ¡°Hello, Miss Helga. I wanted to ask¡ªdo you know if Silvia Frostveil is registered as an adventurer?¡±


    Helga arched an eyebrow but didn¡¯t comment. Instead, she retrieved a crystalline tablet from beneath the counter, its surface glimmering faintly. She infused it with her mana, and after a few moments, her lips curved slightly. ¡°Yes, she¡¯s currently registered as a Ranger, Rank 1.¡±


    Riven froze. Ranger? How had she completed so many quests already? Shaking his head, he pressed on. ¡°Can I leave her a message?¡±


    Helga¡¯s smile turned playful, her eyes narrowing with a hint of mischief. ¡°I could arrange a meeting for you, if you¡¯d like.¡±


    ¡°No, no,¡± Riven said quickly, shaking his head as warmth crept to his cheeks. ¡°Just a simple message will do.¡±


    Helga chuckled but nodded, producing a tray laden with ornate items: an envelope, a wax stamp, a pot of molten wax, a pen, and a thick sheet of fine paper. The setup looked needlessly extravagant.


    ¡°Is all this really necessary?¡± Riven muttered, eyeing the items skeptically.


    ¡°This ensures the contents remain secure,¡± Helga replied smoothly. She winked. ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡ªthis one¡¯s on the house.¡±


    Suppressing a sigh, Riven picked up the pen. He kept his message short and straightforward, requesting if Silvia could recommend someone who could teach him how to wield weapons and imbue them with mana. Once finished, he folded the paper, sealed it in the envelope with wax, and placed it back on the tray.


    Helga slid the tray toward her, depositing the envelope in a polished box behind the desk. ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s all. Thanks,¡± Riven said, giving her a small wave as he made his way back.


    Returning to the table, Riven found Jack deep in negotiation with a waiter, pointing to items on the menu as though he hadn¡¯t just finished a feast. Riven raised an eyebrow. I get that adventurers are supposed to eat well, but this can¡¯t be healthy.


    Nyla caught his look and gave him a defeated shrug. The others mirrored her expression, their exasperation palpable as they watched Jack.


    ¡°So,¡± Wendy asked as Riven approached, ¡°did you find the person you were looking for?¡±


    Riven nodded. ¡°It¡¯s getting late, though. I¡¯ll be heading home.¡±


    Jack paused mid-order and turned toward Riven, reaching into his pocket. ¡°Wait. Take this.¡±


    Riven took the offered napkin and noticed scribbled writing on it.


    ¡°It¡¯s where Wendy and I live,¡± Jack explained. ¡°Swing by if you want to team up again.¡±


    Riven was touched by the gesture. He thanked them again for the meal and their generosity in sharing the quest rewards. Sensing his intentions, Luna leapt gracefully onto his shoulder, her contented expression making it clear she¡¯d thoroughly enjoyed herself.


    With farewells exchanged, Riven exited the adventurer¡¯s guild, the cool night air greeting him as he stepped outside. A hopeful smile tugged at his lips. Hopefully, Silvia can point me in the right direction.

 The Hungry Drake

    Riven¡¯s eyes shot open, and he bolted upright in his bed, his chest heaving as if he had just run a mile. He rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of the dream. What was that? He sat there in the dim light, trying to piece together the strange fragments. The dream felt eerily similar to when he had absorbed the soul shards from the Zeltrick, but this time, there was something new¡ªa vivid detail. He had seen a figure fusing lesser shards into stronger ones, maintaining the same ratio: twenty to one.


    Is this a sign? he wondered, his thoughts turning to the beasts he would need to hunt to test this newfound ability. Riven sighed, running a hand through his hair. That¡¯s the problem, isn¡¯t it? He lacked the offensive power to tackle stronger beasts, and the realization left him feeling stuck, circling back to the same issue. Frustration bubbled within him, but he closed his eyes and let it ebb away with slow, measured breaths.


    Remembering the message he had left for Silvia, Riven swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood. He took a moment to fix the disheveled sheets, a small routine that helped steady his thoughts, and prepared to head out.


    In the dining area, the familiar aroma of breakfast greeted him. On the table sat a plate of steaming eggs, tender slices of meat, and fresh bread. Riven smiled. How does Mom always know when I¡¯m about to wake up? He tucked into the meal, savoring the comforting flavors before bidding farewell to his mother and stepping out into the brisk morning air.


    The journey to the Adventurer¡¯s Guild was short but filled with a quiet hopefulness. Riven couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Silvia had replied or if she¡¯d chosen to ignore his request altogether.


    At the guild, Helga greeted him with her usual warm smile. Before Riven could even ask, she reached behind her and retrieved a sealed envelope from a polished black box. Placing it on the counter with a mischievous grin, she slid it toward him.


    Riven restrained a sigh, offering her a polite nod as he accepted the envelope. ¡°Thank you,¡± he murmured, stepping aside toward the entrance to open it. The wax seal broke easily under his fingers, and he unfolded the letter, scanning its contents.


    Dear Riven Stormbrand,


    I appreciate your enthusiasm for this form of combat, but I must warn you¡ªit is difficult to master and requires immense patience. That being said, if you are determined to pursue it, I recommend visiting Roman Gray at the Hungry Drake Tavern to the west of town. Tell him I sent you.


    P.S. I heard about your affliction. Fate is indeed cruel sometimes; however, I bid you good luck.


    ¡ªSilvia


    Riven stared at the letter, stunned that Silvia had not only replied but had gone as far as to provide a recommendation¡ªand her name as a reference, no less. His opinion of her rose significantly. Yet, as gratitude swelled within him, so did another, less welcome feeling.


    Jayce and the others, he thought bitterly. Not a single one of the nobles he thought he could call friends had contacted him since that fateful day. Like Silvia, they must have heard of his affliction. They had chosen to distance themselves. Typical. They had only ever valued him for his potential utility.


    He tightened his grip on the letter, his knuckles whitening as the pang of sadness washed over him. His grandfather and mother had warned him about fair-weather friends like them, but hearing it wasn¡¯t the same as experiencing it. For a moment, he let the melancholy linger, but then his thoughts turned to yesterday¡¯s quest and the people he¡¯d met¡ªpeople who treated him with respect and genuineness.


    Riven straightened, his resolve hardening. He glanced over the letter again, noting the name and location: Roman Gray at the Hungry Drake. Carefully folding the letter, he tucked it into a pouch on his belt.


    Turning back toward Helga, he approached the desk once more. ¡°Excuse me, Miss Helga, can you tell me how to get to the Hungry Drake Tavern?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that place?¡± she said, her tone light. ¡°It¡¯s on the edge of the town¡¯s main market. Ask anyone there, and they¡¯ll point you to it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Riven replied with a grateful nod before heading toward the bustling heart of the town.


    Riven glanced up at the sky, the sun hanging high to mark noon. Excitement bubbled within him, making the crowded streets below feel like an unnecessary obstacle. The thoroughfares were packed with bustling people and the occasional tamed beast, their combined presence creating a constant hum of activity. Deciding against wading through the throng, Riven summoned his pink mana, letting it surge through his body.


    With a blink, he vanished from his spot and reappeared mid-air, his feet planting firmly on the second-story wall of a nearby building, perpendicular to the ground. Without pausing, he leapt toward the next structure, his movements fluid and purposeful. Building to building, he traveled, each jump carrying him closer to the market. Only when he reached the edge of the bustling square, where his acrobatics might stir unnecessary panic, did he drop back to the ground, landing smoothly before blending into the crowd.


    Now then, where is this tavern? Riven mused, his gaze sweeping across the sprawling market. Even at the outskirts, stalls lined the streets, offering an eclectic mix of goods¡ªeverything from sizzling food to stacks of rough-hewn construction materials.


    As he wandered, his eyes caught on a striking shop that stood out among the makeshift stalls. The building was crafted from rich blue wood, its amber-tinted glass window glinting in the sunlight. Behind the glass sat rows of potions, their vibrant contents gleaming like captured rainbows. Above the entrance, a wooden sign proudly bore the name Lunar Cauldron, accompanied by an intricate depiction of a cauldron beneath a crescent moon and scattered stars.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Something about the craftsmanship¡ªor perhaps a twinge of nostalgia for the basics his mother had taught him¡ªdrew Riven closer. Deciding it was worth a look, and that he could also ask for directions inside, he pushed open the door. A soft chime rang out, the sound of small bells above the entrance announcing his arrival.


    The interior was nothing short of mesmerizing. Wooden tables draped in velvety blue cloth filled the room, each topped with large, circular glass cylinders brimming with liquids of every conceivable color. The way the light refracted through the glass gave the room an almost magical glow.


    Wow, Riven thought, his eyes widening. That¡¯s a lot of merchandise just sitting out in the open. Don¡¯t most shops keep this kind of stuff locked away?


    His thoughts must have been written plainly on his face because the shopkeeper chuckled, drawing Riven¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Welcome to the Lunar Cauldron,¡± the man said warmly. ¡°How can I help you?¡±


    Riven turned toward the voice, taking in the sight of the shopkeeper. He appeared to be in his forties, his massive black beard streaked with hints of gray, and his short, curly hair framing a professional yet amiable smile.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Riven began, unable to keep the curiosity from his voice, ¡°I was just wondering why you¡¯ve got so many potions out like this. Isn¡¯t it... unsafe?¡±


    The man¡¯s smile broadened, a glint of pride in his eyes. ¡°True enough, in most cases. But tell me, who would dare steal from a Rank 4 and the Petralis family?¡±


    Riven¡¯s expression hardened slightly at the mention of the Petralis family. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± he asked, his voice cool.


    The shopkeeper gestured toward the potions. ¡°All these are supplied by the Petralis family,¡± he explained. ¡°I just man the shop.¡±


    Disappointment flickered across Riven¡¯s face. The excitement he¡¯d felt at finding a potential master alchemist drained away. He¡¯d been hoping for an independent artisan, not a storefront backed by one of the noble families he had little love for. With a sigh, he pushed aside his irritation and focused on the task at hand.


    ¡°Do you know where I can find the Hungry Drake?¡± Riven asked.


    At the mention of the name, the man¡¯s demeanor shifted slightly. His professional smile faltered, replaced by a wary look. He lowered his voice. ¡°Kid, that¡¯s not exactly the most... savory place in town.¡±


    Riven shrugged off the warning, his tone steady. ¡°I¡¯m just looking for someone. That¡¯s all.¡±


    The shopkeeper regarded him for a moment before relaxing, his expression softening just enough to show he understood. ¡°It¡¯s two blocks down, at the corner,¡± he said, his voice returning to normal.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Riven said with a nod before stepping out of the shop and back into the bustling streets.


    Two blocks down... Riven thought, shaking his head. That¡¯s practically the edge of the main market.


    Re-entering the crowded streets, he wove his way through the bustling throng, making his way toward the market¡¯s outskirts. As he progressed, the atmosphere began to shift. By the time he reached the second block, the surroundings took on a more neglected appearance. Cracks marred the stone-paved streets, while rusted metal signs hung from buildings with moldy wooden frames. The air here carried a faint, musty smell, one that hinted at dampness and decay.


    It was far from inviting, but Riven wasn¡¯t about to let a little disrepair deter him.


    As he crossed into the final block, his eyes fell upon a massive red-and-brown wooden building. The structure dominated the street, and an oversized sign hanging above the double doors depicted a repetition beast chomping down on a ridiculously large drumstick. The exaggerated imagery drew a chuckle from Riven.


    Yeah, that definitely looks like a hungry drake.


    Approaching the heavy double doors, Riven paused, hesitating as the shopkeeper¡¯s earlier warning echoed in his mind. For a fleeting moment, he considered turning back. But curiosity, coupled with his drive to grow stronger, pushed him forward. With a deep breath, he pushed open the doors and stepped inside.


    The sight that greeted him was both familiar and overwhelming. Wooden tables filled the tavern, their occupants engrossed in loud conversations and hearty meals. The air buzzed with chatter, laughter, and the occasional clink of tankards. Waitstaff darted between the tables, balancing trays laden with food and drinks. At the far end of the room, a massive counter stretched across the wall, with doors swinging open and shut as kitchen staff bustled in and out.


    Riven¡¯s gaze swept across the room until it settled on a man behind the counter. He was broad-shouldered, with deep crimson hair tied back in a ponytail, and an easy smile played on his lips as he cleaned mugs with a rag. Yet, there was something about him¡ªa palpable pressure that made Riven¡¯s instincts flare.


    Drawn inexplicably, Riven found himself walking toward the counter. The man didn¡¯t look up until Riven stopped directly in front of him. Placing the mug and rag down, the man finally met Riven¡¯s gaze, and the pressure Riven had felt before intensified, washing over him like a wave. It wasn¡¯t imagined this time.


    ¡°What can I do for you, adventurer?¡± the man asked, his smile still present but now laced with tension.


    The hostility in the man¡¯s tone confused Riven. Does he not like adventurers? he wondered. Clearing his throat, Riven decided to press on. ¡°Hello, my name is Riven. I was sent here by Silvia. She said a man named Roman Gray could help me.¡±


    At the mention of the name, the tension lifted. Roman¡¯s shoulders relaxed, and he let out a sigh, tilting his head back. ¡°Here I thought I¡¯d finally be left alone,¡± he muttered under his breath, too low for Riven to catch.


    Straightening up, Roman regarded Riven with a critical eye before speaking. ¡°What do you need help with?¡±


    ¡°I need to learn how to use and imbue a weapon,¡± Riven said quickly, his tone earnest.


    Roman brought a hand to his chin, scratching thoughtfully. ¡°Alright, kid. I¡¯ll teach you what I can, but every lesson¡¯s gonna cost you a gold coin.¡±


    Riven¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°One gold coin for every lesson?¡±


    Roman¡¯s smile returned, this time with a hint of amusement. Picking up the rag and mug again, he said, ¡°Oh? Is that a problem? Then I guess I can¡¯t help you.¡±


    With no alternatives, Riven sighed in resignation. ¡°Fine. Can we start now?¡± He reached for the pouch at his waist, pulling out a single gold coin. Placing it on the counter, he barely had time to blink before Roman¡¯s hand blurred, and the coin vanished.


    What the¡ª Riven stared in shock, the man¡¯s speed leaving him momentarily speechless. Yeah, he¡¯s definitely not normal.


    Roman set the mug and rag back down and turned, shouting over his shoulder. ¡°Garrick! Handle the front. I¡¯ll be back.¡±


    A muffled voice called out from one of the doors behind the counter. ¡°Got it!¡±


    Satisfied, Roman gestured toward a door at the back of the room. ¡°Follow me,¡± he said, striding toward it without waiting.


    Riven squared his shoulders, steeling himself, and followed.