The morning sun cast a warm glow over the academy grounds as Lu Fan stood in a quiet corner of the training fields. Before beginning any serious training, there was one crucial step he needed to take: forming a pact with his young Nellore ram.
A pact was the bond that connected a tamer and their spirit beast, allowing them to share power, communicate more effectively, and grow together. Without it, the beast would remain a mere animal, unable to fully realize its potential as a battle companion.
Lu Fan placed the young ram on the ground in front of him. The ram looked up at him with curious eyes, its small horns catching the light.
"Alright, little guy," Lu Fan said softly. "It's time for us to form our pact. But first, you need a name. How about… Buck?"
The ram let out a soft bleat, as if approving of the name.
"Buck it is," Lu Fan said with a smile. "Let's make this official."
He knelt down and placed his hand gently on Buck's forehead, closing his eyes to focus. Drawing on the energy within him, he began the ancient ritual that would bind them together. A faint glow surrounded his hand, and he felt a warm, tingling sensation as the energy flowed from him into Buck.
The young ram, now Buck, let out another bleat as the energy enveloped it. Lu Fan could feel the bond forming, a connection that went beyond the physical. It was as if their minds were linked, and he could sense Buck's emotions—his trust, his determination, and his potential.
After a few moments, the glow intensified, and then, with a final surge of energy, the pact was complete. Lu Fan opened his eyes to see a small mark glowing on Buck's forehead, signifying their bond.
"From now on, we're partners, Buck," Lu Fan said, stroking Buck's fur. "We'll grow stronger together."
As soon as the pact was formed, a familiar system panel appeared before Lu Fan, this time with updated information.
[Beast: Buck (Young Ram of Nellore Sheep)]
Type: Battle
Potential: High
Level: 1
Skills:
Crushing Horns: Buck can deliver a powerful headbutt with his horns, capable of breaking through barriers and causing significant impact damage.
Shielding Charge: Buck can charge with his body low to the ground, using his dense frame to block and deflect attacks, providing temporary protection to himself and his allies.
Growth Path:
War Ram (Requires rigorous training and exposure to combat. With proper nurturing, evolves into a powerful battle beast with enhanced physical strength and combat skills.)
Ironclad Titan (Requires rare minerals and intense combat experience. Evolution into this form grants the beast unparalleled defensive capabilities and resistance to physical damage.)
Materials Required for Evolution:
War Ram: Combat training sessions, high-protein feed, regular exercise.
Ironclad Titan: Mithril Ore (to be embedded in its horns), high-intensity combat drills, specialized defensive training.
Lu Fan studied the panel with satisfaction. Buck was now officially at Level 1, a clear sign that their bond had been established and that they could begin their journey together. He also noticed that Buck's potential and skills remained unchanged, still brimming with possibilities that only he could see.
"Let's see what you can do now, Buck," Lu Fan said, standing up and giving Buck a nod.
He decided to test their newfound bond with a simple task. Pointing to a nearby combat dummy, he issued his first command as a bonded tamer. "Buck, use Crushing Horns!"
Buck responded immediately, lowering his head and charging at the dummy with renewed vigor. His horns struck the dummy with a loud crack, sending it staggering backward. The impact was stronger than before—proof that the pact had enhanced Buck's abilities.
Lu Fan couldn't help but grin. "Good job, Buck! You're already getting stronger."
Next, he set up a series of obstacles, much like the ones he had used the day before. This time, he wanted to see how Buck's Shielding Charge had improved.
"Buck, use Shielding Charge!" he commanded.
Buck charged forward, his body low and steady. He barreled through the obstacles, knocking them aside with ease. The difference was clear—Buck was faster, stronger, and more confident. The bond between them had not only enhanced Buck's strength but also his determination.
As Lu Fan watched Buck's performance, he began to attract the attention of other students who were training nearby. They watched with interest as the seemingly ordinary ram displayed impressive strength and combat ability.
"Not bad, Lu Fan," a familiar voice said. Lu Fan turned to see Lin Mei approaching, her fox spirit beast trotting beside her. "You formed a pact already?"
"Yeah," Lu Fan replied, feeling a surge of pride. "We're just getting started, but I think we're off to a good start."
Lin Mei nodded, impressed. "Your ram's got potential. Just keep training, and who knows? You might surprise everyone at the tournament."
Lu Fan smiled, her words fueling his determination. The Beast Combat Tournament was looming on the horizon, and he knew it would be the ultimate test of his skills as a tamer. But with his unique ability and the hidden potential of Buck, he believed that they had a real shot at making a name for themselves.
The day was just beginning, and there was still much to do. But Lu Fan felt a renewed sense of purpose. He had formed a bond with his spirit beast, and together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.