The sun was setting as Elric sat in the garden, brushing dust off the Boneclaw's broken collar. It still didn't fully trust him, but it hadn't tried to run away either.
Twig nibbled on some weeds nearby. Fangshade lay beside them like a big shadow. The mossback sprite snoozed inside his pouch.
Elric gently said, "You don't have to follow me. But if you do… I'll treat you like family."
> Loyalty: 6/100.
The Boneclaw is starting to trust you.
Just then, the front door creaked open.
Out stepped Grandpa Riven—calm, serious, and holding a cup of tea like he always did. His clothes were simple, but Elric noticed the faint scars on his hands and arms, old and deep.
"You're getting noticed, boy," Riven said, his voice deep and calm. "That beast... it's been hurt. Bad."
Elric stood up quickly. "I didn't do it!"
"I know. But you're helping it now. That's what matters." Grandpa walked closer to the Boneclaw and knelt beside it.
The beast growled at first—then stopped. It looked at Riven with confusion. Like it sensed something powerful.
> System Message: Riven Greymourne – Power Hidden. Former Beastlord of the Ash Cycle.
Strength Level: Very High.
His identity is a secret, even from the kingdoms.
Elric's eyes went wide. "Wait... you were a beast tamer?!"
"I was," Riven nodded. "A long time ago. But I didn't use force like most do now. I made them follow me because they wanted to. Just like you're doing."
He gave the Boneclaw a gentle look. "It's scared. But it'll come around, if you're patient."
Then he stood and looked at Elric.
"You've got something rare, boy. Don't waste it trying to copy others. You're not a tamer. You're a Shepherd."
Elric's chest felt warm at those words. He smiled. "Thanks, Grandpa."
> System Update: Family Bond Detected.
Grandpa Riven's hidden past may unlock new paths for your class later.
As Riven walked back inside, Elric sat with his beasts again.
He didn't need contracts. Or commands.
They stayed because they wanted to.
That was enough.