Raymond led them through the dimly lit shop, pushing open a heavy wooden door that creaked on its hinges. Beyond it lay a courtyard, shrouded in shadows.
The moment Ryan stepped inside, he froze, his breath catching in his throat.
Rows of pens lined the yard, each secured by tall fences and heavy mesh, containing creatures unlike anything he had ever seen.
His eyes widened as he blurted out, "Wild beasts!" disbelief lacing his voice.
Raymond stopped in his tracks, turning his head slowly. His expression was hard to read—a mix of confusion and barely concealed irritation.
Hank hurried to explain. 'My friend here's fresh out of the slums—doesn't know much about the world. No offense meant."
Raymond cast Ryan a cold, lingering glance but said nothing. Without another word, he turned and continued walking.
Hank let out a quiet sigh of relief and nudged Ryan's shoulder. "They're domesticated beasts. Watch what you say."
Ryan gave a quick nod. He kept his mouth shut, trailing cautiously behind Hank and Raymond, his eyes darting around, carefully observing every detail of the unfamiliar scene.
First Pen
A pack of wolf-like creatures lounged lazily on the dirt, their low growls rumbling like distant thunder. Their matted fur bristled as keen eyes tracked every movement beyond the bars. When one yawned, the firelight glinted off fangs that could rend flesh from bone.
Second Pen
Ryan's gaze locked onto hulking beasts—resembling horses, yet far more massive, their muscles thick and corded, limbs built for sheer power.
Third Pen
Raymond came to a stop in front of the third pen. Ryan and Hank stood beside him, their gazes drawn to the creatures within. Two enormous domesticated beasts loomed inside, their forms reminiscent of oxen, though even more imposing. Their broad heads bore a pair of long, scythe-like horns that curved menacingly. Thick, powerful legs supported bodies as massive as African elephants. Their dark brown hides were rough and dense, giving them an air of resilience. But what stood out the most was the armor-like plating along their backs—thick, bony ridges that made them look nearly indestructible.Unlike the arched spines of most beasts, their backs were flat and wide, reminiscent of a crocodile's.
Raymond turned to Hank, his expression grave, as if weighing the risks. When he spoke, his voice carried a mix of concern and warning:
"Hank, are you absolutely sure about this? If the payoff isn't worth the risk, I see no reason to lend out my Overload Juggernaut."
Hank gave a firm nod, unwavering in his conviction.
Ryan watched from the side as realization dawned—so this was an Overload Juggernaut. This beast was what Hank meant to 'borrow'.
Raymond unlatched the pen and gave a gentle tug on the lead. One of the Overload Juggernauts lumbered forward, its sheer size causing a faint tremor in the ground with each step. Yet, despite its imposing bulk, the beast's demeanor was calm—nothing like the savage, bloodthirsty Wild Beasts beyond the walls.
Handing the lead rope to Hank, Raymond fixed him with a hard stare. "Make sure nothing happens to it. If you lose this beast, you won't be able to pay me back." He paused, his expression softening just a fraction. His voice lowered. "And take care of yourself too. Your sister's waiting for you to come home."
Hank's grip on the lead tightened slightly at the mention of his sister. His gaze softened, but his resolve remained firm. "Don't worry. I'll bring it back in one piece—and I'll make it back too."
Raymond gave a curt nod. "Head out now. I'll have someone meet you at the collection point later."
Hank gave a quick farewell, patting the beast's thick hide before leading it toward the back gate. Ryan followed close behind.
Raymond stood at the doorway, watching them disappear into the dimming light. His jaw tightened, the weight of unspoken concerns lingering in his gaze.
The moment they left the beast emporium, Ryan couldn't resist reaching out to touch the Overload Juggernaut's bony carapace. The plating was hard and cold, smooth as polished stone. He rapped his knuckles against it—thunk—a dull, heavy sound.
Finally, he blurted out the question burning in his throat:"Domesticated?"
Hank kept leading the Overload Juggernaut forward without breaking stride"Domesticated just means it used to be a Wild Beast. These things?"He jerked his chin at the creature. "Bred from Dreadplate Beast.Looks similar, none of the rage."
Ryan blinked. "If they can be domesticated, then there should be plenty of Lumin Cores. No way they're as rare—or as expensive—as you said."
Hank shook his head. "Nope. Domesticated beasts don't grow Lumin Cores. Not a single one ever has."
"Oh." Ryan's eyes widened in realization.