The village was still cloaked in pre-dawn silence when Leon secured the last of his supplies. A sturdy leather satchel rested against his hip, filled with rations, a simple water flask, and a few spare Binding Tags—his most valuable tools as a Beast Tamer.
His Phantom Stalker crouched beside him, its glowing eyes unblinking. The creature had grown more accustomed to his presence, though it still retained its wary nature. Good. A beast that trusted too easily would be a liability.
Leon adjusted his gauntlets, glancing toward the road that stretched westward. Two days of travel. Time to move.
As he turned to leave, a voice called out.
"You're really going through with this?"
Leon paused, glancing over his shoulder.
Elric stood near the village entrance, arms crossed. Unlike before, the usual sharpness in the chief's gaze was tinged with something else—curiosity.
Leon smirked. "Were you expecting me to change my mind?"
Elric chuckled. "No. But I figured I'd at least ask."
Leon didn't respond immediately. He simply tightened his pack and stepped forward. "I'll be back."
Elric gave a slow nod. "See that you are."
Without another word, Leon set off.
---
A Tamer's Journey
The first few hours passed in relative silence, the Phantom Stalker following at his side with effortless grace. The dirt road was well-worn, winding through open fields and patches of dense forest. Occasionally, a distant howl or rustling in the underbrush would catch Leon's attention, but nothing emerged.
He wasn't concerned.
He knew the real dangers wouldn't come until nightfall.
Beasts were more active at night—especially the kind that attacked travelers. This was Devia, after all. The game might not have started yet, but the world still followed its own rules.
And that meant the real challenges were always waiting.
---
First Test
By midday, Leon had reached the outskirts of a wooded area, a narrow bridge stretching over a small ravine. The wooden planks were old but sturdy. Still, something felt… off.
The Phantom Stalker halted beside him, its fur bristling.
Leon's eyes narrowed. Something's here.
His fingers brushed over the Binding Tags at his belt. Slowly, he stepped forward.
A soft creak echoed as he placed a foot on the bridge.
Then—movement.
From the underbrush, a blur of motion surged forward. A beast.
Leon reacted instantly, dodging to the side. The creature lunged past him, landing heavily on the bridge.
A Steel Fang Wolf.
Leon's smirk widened. Perfect.
The wolf was a low-tier predator, but still dangerous. It had thick hide, razor-sharp fangs, and speed that outmatched most untrained fighters. But Leon wasn't an untrained fighter.
And he wasn't alone.
"Go."
At his command, the Phantom Stalker vanished.
The wolf snarled, ears twitching, sensing danger—but too late. A dark blur materialized behind it. A strike to the flank. The wolf howled, staggering forward.
Leon moved in. His fist connected with the beast's jaw, forcing its head to the side. Stunned, the wolf tried to recover, but the Stalker struck again, aiming for the legs.
The wolf collapsed.
Leon pulled out a Binding Tag, slamming it onto the creature's forehead. The runes flared to life, energy wrapping around the wolf's form.
For a moment, the beast thrashed. Then, stillness.
Leon exhaled, watching as the runes faded.
He had two options now—release it, or claim it.
His fingers tapped against the wolf's fur. Its breathing had steadied. Even unconscious, it had strong instincts. A fighter.
Leon made his choice.
The bond locked into place.
The Steel Fang Wolf was now his.
---
A Growing Pack
As the afternoon sun dipped lower, Leon stood at the edge of the bridge, his new beast by his side.
The Phantom Stalker observed the wolf with cool indifference. The wolf, still adjusting to its new state, watched Leon carefully.
Two beasts. A pack was forming.
Leon smirked.
This was only the beginning.
With his new companion, he resumed his journey westward.
The noble's request awaited.
And something told him… this was no simple job.
---