The sun had nearly set by the time Leon reached a clearing just off the main road. A small stream trickled nearby, and the grass was short enough to make for a decent resting spot.
Leon dropped his pack and stretched his shoulders. The day had been productive—his newly tamed Steel Fang Wolf was adjusting well, following commands with little resistance. It was still wary, but not hostile.
His Phantom Stalker, on the other hand, remained indifferent to its new companion, keeping its distance. That was fine. Beasts didn't instantly form bonds with each other.
That would come with time.
Leon knelt, rummaging through his pack. He had prepared simple rations for himself, but for his beasts, he needed something more.
He pulled out a small bundle of dried meat and tossed a piece to the wolf. It caught it midair, sniffed once, then devoured it in seconds.
Leon smirked. At least you're easy to please.
The Phantom Stalker, as expected, refused to eat. Shadow-type beasts were more particular about their sustenance. Normal food wouldn't work—it needed something infused with energy.
That would have to wait.
As Leon settled in, his eyes drifted toward the treeline. The woods stretched into darkness, thick and quiet. Too quiet.
His instincts, honed by both his past life and his training, told him something was watching.
He didn't react. Instead, he leaned back, exhaling slowly.
Then, without warning—
A flicker of movement.
Leon's hand shot out. In a blink, he hurled a Binding Tag into the shadows. The runes flared, latching onto something unseen—
A figure.
A man, clad in dark, travel-worn clothes, was suddenly yanked from the shadows. He stumbled forward, caught completely off guard.
Leon rose to his feet, calm. "Spying is a dangerous habit."
The man grimaced but didn't resist. He looked to be in his late thirties, with short, graying hair and sharp eyes that flickered with intelligence.
Leon tilted his head. "Who are you?"
The man exhaled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Easy now. No need to be hostile."
Leon didn't respond. His Phantom Stalker vanished from sight, moving into position. The wolf beside him tensed, waiting for a command.
The man sighed. "Alright, alright. Name's Jarek. Just a traveler."
Leon's eyes narrowed. "Travelers don't usually skulk in the shadows."
Jarek chuckled. "Fair point. But in my defense, you're not exactly normal yourself." His gaze flickered to Leon's beasts. "A tamer… haven't seen one in a long time."
Leon remained silent. He was still assessing.
Jarek didn't seem threatened. That meant one of two things—either he was telling the truth, or he was confident enough to fight if necessary.
"Why are you here?" Leon asked.
Jarek scratched his chin. "Heard rumors."
Leon arched a brow. "Rumors?"
Jarek nodded. "Something's wrong in the western territories. Beasts acting strange. People disappearing. Figured I'd check it out myself."
Leon's eyes sharpened.
He had been heading west because of the noble's request. If this man had picked up on trouble as well…
Then this job might be bigger than I thought.
Jarek watched him closely. "You're heading that way, aren't you?"
Leon didn't answer.
Jarek smirked. "Thought so. Mind if I tag along?"
Silence.
Leon considered his options. Jarek was suspicious, but if he truly had information, it could be useful. And if he was lying…
Leon would deal with it.
Finally, he spoke. "Fine."
Jarek grinned. "Knew you'd say that."
Leon simply sat back down, pulling his pack closer.
"Rest for now," he muttered. "We move at first light."
Jarek nodded, taking a seat nearby.
The Phantom Stalker remained hidden. The Steel Fang Wolf settled in beside Leon.
Night fell.
The journey west had just become more complicated.
And Leon had a feeling…
This was only the beginning.
---