With their chosen eggs cradled gently in their arms, Leon, Layla, and Jacob stepped out of the grand doors of the Beastmaster Association. The midday sun greeted them like a promise of everything to come.
The streets of Rivor City bustled with life—vendors shouting their wares, beast-drawn carriages rattling down cobbled roads, and children darting between stalls with wide eyes and sticky hands. The trio moved carefully, protecting the precious life each carried.
Jacob's stomach growled audibly.
"I don't care how magical these eggs are," he muttered, "they won't stop me from starving."
Layla laughed. "It's way past noon. Let's eat before you faint."
Leon nodded. "There's a place near the academy—'The Ember Hearth.' Quiet and good food. We'll go there."
With quick steps and careful hands, the three made their way through the heart of the city. Whispers followed them—people recognizing the young beastmasters who had just come from the ceremony. Some eyes were filled with respect. Others with curiosity. A few with envy.
But none of that mattered now.
They reached the cozy restaurant tucked between a tailor's shop and a beast gear store. The scent of grilled meat and fresh-baked bread greeted them as they stepped inside The Ember Hearth. The innkeeper, a broad-shouldered woman with a braid of silver hair, gave them a nod as they entered.
"Fresh from the choosing, huh?" she said, spotting the eggs. "Seats by the window are open."
"Thanks," Leon replied with a polite nod.
They settled into a corner table near the window, where sunlight filtered through gently. Each placed their egg carefully on the cushioned cloth provided by the restaurant, ensuring no sudden movements or shocks would harm them.
Jacob leaned back with a sigh. "I'm ordering the beast flank stew. I've earned it."
Layla set her menu down. "I'll have the sky herb dumplings and honeyroot tea."
Leon glanced down the list. "Same tea, and... roast fowl with forest sauce."
Their orders were taken quickly, and soon the table filled with the savory steam of their meals. The food was hot, well-seasoned, and comforting.
As they ate, the mood shifted from ceremony nerves to quiet celebration.
Jacob raised his cup. "To us. Beastmasters in the making."
Layla clinked her cup against his, smiling. "And to the beasts that chose us."
Leon lifted his tea but didn't speak at first. He looked down at the dull-shelled egg resting beside his plate—the same quiet thrum still pulsing from within.
"To the future," he finally said. "Whatever it brings."
After finishing their meal, the trio stepped out of the bustling restaurant into the mellow warmth of the afternoon sun. The streets of Rivor City were still alive with activity—merchants calling out their wares, travelers passing through with luggage and beasts in tow, and the occasional guard patrolling with lazy alertness.
Leon adjusted the cloth-wrapped bundle in his arms, making sure the egg was safe. Layla and Jacob did the same, the three of them walking shoulder to shoulder as they made their way toward the eastern city gate.
They didn't speak much, but there was a quiet sense of satisfaction between them. The day had been long, yet it marked something unforgettable.
As they passed the gates, the city slowly gave way to the open countryside. The sounds of Rivor faded behind them, replaced by the chirping of insects and the soft rustle of wind across the grassy plains.
Finally, at the fork where their paths would separate, they came to a stop.
Layla looked at them with a small smile. "I guess this is where we split."
Jacob nodded, resting his egg against his hip. "Just for now. We'll meet again soon—stronger, smarter, with our beasts by our side."
Leon gave a firm nod. "Let's make this bond count."
Layla stepped away down the left path, Jacob took the trail that curved right, and Leon continued straight toward the forest-lined road that led to his family's cottage.
The wind stirred gently behind them.
None of them looked back.
The journey had begun.
---
The afternoon sun hung lazily above as Leon and Layla walked the familiar dirt path leading to their home. The tall grass brushed against their legs, and a gentle breeze carried the scents of earth and spring blossoms. Rivor City's outer gates were already far behind them, and their village peeked into view between the trees—a quiet place nestled in the rolling hills just a short distance from the capital's edge.
Their modest wooden house stood at the end of a narrow lane, smoke curling gently from the chimney. Birds chirped from the nearby trees, and everything felt calm—peaceful.
The front door swung open just as they reached the steps.
Isabella, their mother, stepped out with a dish towel in hand, her eyes scanning them with growing curiosity. She froze when she saw the eggs nestled in their arms.
"You're back already?" she asked, smiling as she stepped onto the porch. "How did it go?"
Layla's face lit up as she held out her egg—soft ivory with feather-like tufts. "We each found one! Mine feels like it belongs in the clouds."
Leon nodded, lifting the gray-and-gold-veined egg gently in his hands. "Mine didn't shine or glow… but it felt like it called out to me."
Their mother's expression softened with pride as she reached out to brush a strand of Layla's hair aside and rested her other hand briefly on Leon's shoulder.
"I can feel it from here," she whispered. "Both of them… special." She gave a gentle nod and stepped aside. "Come in. You're just in time—lunch is ready. You can tell me everything."
Leon chuckled lightly. "Actually, we already ate. We stopped at a place in the city after the ceremony."
Layla grinned, adjusting the egg in her arms. "It was a nice place—not far from the association. We didn't want to come home on an empty stomach."
Isabella laughed softly, a hand on her hip. "Well, I suppose that saves me some work today. Come in, then. You can still sit for a while and tell me everything."
They stepped into the house, the familiar scent of warm wood and herbs wrapping around them like a gentle embrace. The home was simple but cozy—woven rugs, shelves filled with books and jars of dried plants, and sunlight pouring through the open windows.
The three sat in the small living room, setting their eggs carefully on the cushioned table between them. For a while, they spoke of the ceremony—the vast hall, the glowing pedestals, and the moment each of them felt their connection spark.
Isabella listened quietly, her smile never fading. Her eyes lingered longest on Leon and Layla, pride gleaming in their depths.
When the story was done, a quiet moment settled between them, the warmth of the home deepened by the promise of change.
Leon stood, cradling his egg. "I think it's time."
Layla followed suit. "Me too. I want to see what kind of partner's inside."
Isabella nodded, rising to gather their empty teacups. "Then go. You know what to do. Just remember—don't force it. Let the bond form naturally."
They exchanged a glance and a small smile before heading down the hallway—Leon turning into his room on the left, Layla to the right.
The doors clicked shut softly behind them.
And in the quiet that followed, the air seemed to shift—heavy with anticipation, thick with magic just beginning to stir.
---
To complete the contract with their chosen beast, the ritual of blood recognition is required. This sacred step solidifies the bond between master and beast, making their connection unbreakable.
Before beginning the Blood Recognition Ceremony, Leon found a quiet corner of his room and took a deep breath to steady himself. He closed his eyes, calming his mind and focusing his spirit on the egg resting gently in his hands. He reminded himself this was more than just a ritual—it was the beginning of a lifelong partnership.
The Blood Recognition Ceremony is a sacred tradition in which the beastmaster creates a bond with their beast by letting a drop of their own blood fall onto the egg's surface. This symbolic act weaves the essence of both master and beast together, allowing the egg to recognize its destined partner. Once the blood touches the shell, the connection begins to awaken within the egg, signaling the start of their shared journey.
As Leon's drop of blood touched the egg's shell, a warm glow spread slowly across its surface. He closed his eyes and reached out with his consciousness, merging with the awakening life inside. The connection hummed with quiet power—stronger than he expected.
But then, something else stirred deep within that shared mindspace. A shimmering light appeared, coalescing into the shape of an ancient book floating before him—its cover embossed with intricate runes and the image of a fierce beast.
Leon blinked, stunned. The presence was unmistakable. This was no ordinary part of the bond.
The glowing book hovered silently, its pages rustling as if moved by an invisible wind. A voice, calm and clear, echoed softly in his mind.
"Welcome, Leon. You have unlocked the Beast Codex—an ancient talent granted only to those destined to understand and master the true nature of beasts. Within these pages lies knowledge of their strengths, weaknesses, and the path to their evolution. Use it wisely."
Leon's eyes snapped open, heart pounding wildly in his chest. A wave of fear washed over him—this was something completely unknown, far beyond the simple bond he had prepared for. His mind raced with questions and doubts, the weight of uncertainty pressing down like a shadow.
Yet beneath the fear, a spark of curiosity flickered, pulling him to stay and face whatever this mysterious presence was.
Leaning closer to the shimmering image, Leon's fear began to fade, replaced by a growing sense of wonder.
What is this? he thought, eyes scanning the glowing symbols on the pages. Could this be a guide? A secret knowledge meant just for me?
Leon carefully traced the glowing pages with his mind, feeling the ancient wisdom seep into him like a gentle stream. This Beast Codex—whatever it was—felt like a key, unlocking mysteries he hadn't even known existed. His heart pounded with a mix of excitement and determination.
Whatever challenges lay ahead, Leon knew one thing for certain: his journey with this beast was only beginning. And now, armed with this newfound knowledge, he was ready to face whatever the future held.
He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the bond strengthen between him and the egg in his hands.
Outside, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the village.
A new chapter was starting—not just for Leon, but for all who dared to walk the path of the beastmasters.
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