After that night, Eratz knew something had changed. His body felt different, stronger, more responsive. The air around him seemed sharper, every sound and movement in the surroundings felt more intense, like he was sensing too many things at once.
It wasn't just physical. His mind had changed too.
He had always known that strength was the key to power. Being at an academy could have helped him build his name, but now, out here on his own, he had to make a name from scratch.
And that didn't bother him one bit. It drove him. He needed strength, and he would do whatever it took to get it.
The forest behind his uncle's house was his perfect hunting ground. It was teeming with magical creatures, not too strong to be a threat, perfect for training.
Early that morning, with the sun just starting to rise, Eratz stepped into the dense trees. His red orb swirled around him, and for the first time, he truly felt connected to it. It wasn't just a power he could use it was part of him.
As he moved deeper into the woods, the noises of the creatures around him grew louder. He could hear every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig. More than that, he could feel them. It was like his senses were tuned to every living thing nearby.
A branch cracked to his left. The red orb of light beside him stilled, and his body tensed. From behind a bush, a small, horned rabbit leaped out.
[Name: Rabboot]
Affinity: None
Rank: Common
Abilities: Quick Step]
The information appeared in his mind instantly, like the rabbit was speaking directly to him. He blinked in surprise. Before, it had taken him time and focus to sense a creature's strength, but now it was as easy as blinking.
"What...?" he muttered under his breath.
He crouched low, moving quietly. As he did, he concentrated, and suddenly, he could feel it the presence of every creature around him. Not just the rabbit, but others, too.
"... Fifteen, no, twenty-five..." He grinned to himself. "A whole nest."
But before he could think more about it, quick footsteps approached. A black shape darted out of the shadows toward him, moving fast.
[Name: Vulpan]
Affinity: Darkness
Rank: Common
Abilities: Acuity]
A large, black fox stood before him, eyes glowing with menace. It was bigger than normal, its sharp fangs bared. The red flames around Eratz flared brighter, reacting to the creature's aggression.
But this time, the power felt different. It flowed easily, almost without effort.
The Vulpan leaped at him, claws aimed straight for his chest. Eratz barely flinched. A burst of fire exploded from his hands, and in an instant, the fox was thrown back, its body rolling across the ground. Its fur was charred, still smoking as it struggled to get up.
Eratz looked down at his hands, wide-eyed. The fight had ended almost before it had begun. "What... is happening to me?" he whispered.
His heart raced with excitement. He felt stronger, faster, like his body was running on pure adrenaline. He remembered something Rowan had told him long ago about his Ishtarian blood.
"There's a legend about your people, some say Ishtarians are more like beasts than humans. If their power awakens, it's like tapping into something wild, something primal."
Eratz clenched his fists, feeling the power surging through him. Was this what Rowan meant? Was he awakening some kind of beast power within himself?
The Vulpan, still limping but determined, charged at him again. But this time, Eratz was ready. He stepped aside, dodging the creature easily. It flew past him, and with a flick of his wrist, he sent a small fireball right into its side. The beast crashed to the ground, too injured to continue.
Eratz grinned. This was easier than he expected.
But he wasn't finished yet. He wanted to test something.
"Let's see if I can really do this," he muttered.
He gathered his aura, focusing it into a dome around himself and the wounded Vulpan. The air around him thickened, pulsing with power. This was spiritual pressure, the key to taming beasts. Every true beast tamer could use it to dominate a beast's will, the success rate depending on their power and affinity.
The Vulpan struggled, trying to resist, but Eratz's pressure was too much. Slowly, the beast's body dissolved into shadows, swirling around him before vanishing entirely.
Eratz stood there for a moment, breathing heavily, trying to process what had just happened.
"... Did I actually tame it?" he asked aloud, still stunned.
To confirm, he let a small bit of his energy flow out. A shadowy shape appeared beside him, forming into the familiar shape of the Vulpan, its glossy black fur shimmering in the light. But something was different this time, there was no aggression in its eyes, only a calm, almost curious look.
Eratz knelt down, reaching out to touch the fox's head. It hesitated, then leaned into his hand, accepting the gesture.
"I actually did it," he said, his voice filled with disbelief. "I tamed my first beast."
He couldn't stop the grin from spreading across his face. His heart was racing, not from fear but from excitement. If he could tame a Vulpan, what else could he do? How far could this
power take him?
Just then, movement in the bushes caught his attention. He looked up and saw more glowing eyes. A pack of Vulpans was slowly advancing, their gaze fixed on him.
Eratz stood up, fire flickering around his hands once more. He looked at the approaching creatures, his grin widening.
"Good," he said quietly, his voice steady. "More volunteers."
The hunt was just beginning.