The streets of the Black Fang District were nothing like the rest of the city.
Here, the air was thick with secrecy, the alleyways crawling with figures who thrived in the dark. Assassins, mercenaries, underground tamers—all gathered here, away from the eyes of the law.
Leon walked calmly through the district, Nyx padding beside him, its sleek black fur making it almost invisible in the dim torchlight.
His destination was clear—the meeting place of the Shadow Hunt Guild.
But before he could get far, a voice called out.
"You lost, stranger?"
Leon turned.
A man leaned against a stone wall, a Scarlet-Fanged Lizard (Common Grade, Level 28) coiled beside him. Its red scales shimmered under the torchlight, and its sharp fangs dripped with venom.
Leon's eyes remained indifferent. "No. Just passing through."
The man smirked. "That so? Then you must not know the rules here. Outsiders don't walk these streets without paying a toll."
Leon raised a brow. A toll?
His gaze flicked to Nyx. "What do you think?"
Nyx let out a low, menacing growl.
The man hesitated. He wasn't a fool—he had seen Nyx's kind before. A Shadowfang Panther (Rare Grade, Level 35) was far above his lizard in the food chain.
Leon smirked. "How about this? You let me through, and I let you keep your beast."
The man clenched his jaw but stepped aside. He knew when he was outmatched.
Leon continued forward.
In a place like this, strength was the only currency.
---
The Hidden Arena
Leon arrived at an abandoned stone building, its entrance guarded by two figures in black armor.
They didn't ask questions.
The moment they saw the iron emblem he had been given, they let him pass.
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of sweat, blood, and anticipation. A hidden arena stretched before him, filled with tamers testing their beasts against one another.
The woman from before stood at the far end, watching the battles unfold.
"You came," she said, turning to face him.
Leon shrugged. "I was curious."
She smiled. "Then let's see if you're worth our time."
She snapped her fingers.
A massive Nightmare Wolf (Elite Grade, Level 40) leaped into the arena, its shadowy fur shifting unnaturally, red eyes glowing with malice.
Leon's smirk didn't fade.
"Nyx," he said.
The Shadowfang Panther stepped forward.
The battle was about to begin.
---