Leon sat in a dimly lit corner of a tavern, Nyx curled at his feet like a shadow given form. The underground arena had been a success, but it was only the first step.
He needed more.
More battles. More experience. More beasts.
But everything had a cost.
As he counted his earnings from the fight, a notification appeared.
[Nyx has gained experience.]
[Nyx (Shadowfang Panther – Rare Grade)]
[Level: 34 → 35]
Leon smirked. Nyx was growing fast, but he needed stronger opponents to push it further.
Then, a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"You made quite the impression today."
Leon looked up.
A woman sat across from him, her expression unreadable. She wore a dark cloak, but Leon caught glimpses of obsidian armor beneath it—armor designed for those who hunted in the shadows.
A rogue? No—a beast tamer.
And she wasn't alone.
At her side sat a Ghost Hound (Uncommon Grade), its translucent form flickering in and out of visibility. Its glowing yellow eyes locked onto Nyx.
Leon leaned back, unimpressed. "And you are?"
The woman smiled faintly. "Someone who sees potential."
She placed a small iron emblem on the table. It bore the symbol of a fanged beast.
"The Shadow Hunt Guild is interested in you," she said. "You've got talent, and we reward talent well."
Leon stared at the emblem for a moment.
He had heard of them.
The Shadow Hunt Guild wasn't an official organization—it was an underground network of elite beast tamers. They operated outside the law, hunting rare beasts and engaging in deadly contracts.
Joining them meant access to powerful resources and stronger opponents.
But it also meant enemies.
Leon smirked. "And if I refuse?"
The Ghost Hound growled. The woman chuckled. "Nothing. We don't force anyone. But opportunities like this don't come often."
She stood, picking up the emblem.
"If you're interested, find me in the Black Fang District. I'll be waiting."
With that, she disappeared into the crowd, her beast vanishing into the shadows.
Leon exhaled.
A choice had been placed before him.
The path of a lone tamer… or the world of shadows.
He glanced down at Nyx. The panther's violet eyes gleamed.
Leon smirked.
"Let's see how deep this rabbit hole goes."
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