As Jenn walked through the bustling streets of Westhaven with his newly tamed mythic frog—a colossal creature with bulging eyes and an oddly muscular frame—heads turned and whispers spread like wildfire. The frog's unique appearance, complete with human-like arms and wolfish legs, drew a mixture of awe and mild trepidation from the townspeople.
"Look at that beast…Heard Jenn tamed it single-handedly," commented a nearby blacksmith to his apprentice, both pausing their work to gaze at the spectacle.
Someone else nearby noted, "Of course he did. He's pretty famous. Runs that little pet shop on the outskirts of the kingdom."
"Yeah. But I tell ya, he's pretty damn brave. Heard he's never shown fear around anyone—."
Jenn heard them, instantly teleporting to them, saying, "That's true! Cool right?"
They screamed and staggered back.
The Sapphire Shields were present, standing near the Adventurers guild, an association of here warriors who wanted to be adventurers registered, and also went to get paid for their successful quests from the mission board. And they were standing around a couple dozen other guilds and adventurers who were armed to the teeth with weapons and magic.
One adventurer named Gill commented, "He's formidable. He shall be my partner." Gill was made of literal crystal, with short crystal hair and a crystal sword on his waist that he as aintly glowing with rainbow colored mana.
Reginald said, "Hmph. We saved his life."
Cedric added, "Y-Yeah we did!"
Elara sighed, "No we didn't—."
Reginald covered her mouth, grinning nervously, "Don't listen to her. She's tired."
Elara squirmed, trying to move his hand from her mouth, she muffled, "Get your loaf of bread fingers off of me! Fat hand bastard!"
Reginald chuckled, "It is true that we saved Jenn's life. What? Surprising? I know. I mean, our names are pretty famous out here, right?"
The other adventurers said:
"Who are you?"
"Nope."
"Never heard of you."
Reginald stuttered, "W-Well not around here! From the Askenad kingdom! Yeah it's super far away—."
An adventurer raised her hand, "I'm from there. Never heard of ya."
"LIAR! I MADE THAT KINGDOM NAME UP JUST NOW."
"Oh. Still never heard of ya."
"Tch! You'll know our names! Let's go, my guild!"
Reginald turned around and strutted away.
Cedric whispered to him, "Um…we're supposed to stay and get our coins.."
Elara agreed, "Exactly."
Reginald added with a loud but obvious whisper, "We're walking away to look dominant! We'll come back later."
Cedric and Elara both sighed, "Fine."
Jenn strolled confidently, a proud smile etched across his face as he led the frog through Westhaven, its cobblestone streets alive with the hustle and bustle typical of a thriving town. The smells of freshly baked bread and simmering stews wafted from open doorways, mingling with the tang of iron from the blacksmith and the sweet scent of spring flowers from the florist's shop. He saw high ranked and low ranked mythic beasts and animals either perched up on rooftops, getting cleaned by masters, or flying in the air in all forms and ranks.
Jiyu stated, "Sheesh. There's a lot more beasts here than usual, Jenn."
Jenn responded, "Yeah, you're not wrong. That's a good thing. Less beasts that can be cared for."
"Haha, sounds like something you'd say."
"Maybe because I just said it."
"OBVIOUSLY!"
Jenn chuckled, "I had a question though, seriously."
"Hm?"
"Am I good to you?"
"…What do you mean?"
"Am I doing okay?"
"I get it, alright. You grew up alone, I know. Same with me, kid. But I couldn't ask for another master. The abilities I have, you utilize them to their full extent and even cultivated me from being an E rank beast to an S rank once you learned how to cultivate beasts and such alike. You found me lost and alone, then brought me in. Sure you're a little softie but I know the real you."
"Sorry. I just worry about things. Too many thoughts."
"I'm not going anywhere, brat. We're a badass duo. You won't be left alone again. Plus I'm bound to you. I can't go anywhere anyway even if I wanted to."
'He asks me this all the time. I guess he still hasn't plunged it into his head that I'm not leaving.'
A town crier, standing atop a small wooden crate near the central square, rang his bell vigorously to capture the attention of passersby. "Hear ye, hear ye! King Alaric announces a festival of harvest in two fortnights! Furthermore, troubling news from the East—border skirmishes escalate as the Draconian forces amass near Wintervale! Also, a rare celestial event upcoming, a blue moon in seven days, said to enhance magical abilities!" The town crier's voice boomed across the crowded square, adding layers to the rich tapestry of daily life in Westhaven.
Near one of the town's notice mission boards, adventurers gathered, their eyes scanning the various quests. "Giant spiders in the Darkwood Forest, eh? That's a three silver coin job. Boooring."
Another parchment read, "Seeking brave souls to retrieve the Mystic Chalice from the Ruined Temple of Kareth—reward: 10 gold coins and a potion of invisibility." Each quest offered a glimpse into the exploration and rewards that lay beyond the town's borders.
As Jenn approached the local florist, the scent of lilies and roses greeted him warmly. The florist, a middle-aged man with shoulder length brown hair and hazel eyes with a gentle demeanor, waved enthusiastically. "Jenn! Heard about your latest conquest—marvelous work with that frog! Here, take this batch of Moonblossoms on the house. They'll help enhance its mystical powers no doubt."
Jenn said, "Haha, it's okay. Keep them, Hugh. I just came to check on things to see if you had any more Shadowblood Roses for Jiyu. Please tell me you have some in stock. I ran out."
"Ah, sorry. I'd love to help you, but I've placed my request to gather the roses on the mission board and no guild or adventurer has taken the quest yet."
"Ooooh, You put it on the board? I'll take the quest then. I just wanted to save the trouble of going out to look for them."
"Yeah, I know it. But it's dangerous around the area where I posted. Are you sure you'll be able to handle it?"
Jenn smiled, "Of course."
"Alright then. When you get the chance, the parchment is on the board. I'll even throw in an extra couple of coins if done before the week ends."
Jiyu leaped up on Jenn's shoulder, saying to Hugh, "He'll definitely accept. How many coins are we talking about here?"
Hugh chuckled, "10 gold coins."
Jiyu turned to Jenn, and whispered in his ear, "Take the deal."
Jenn said to Hugh, "Got it. After I open my shop today, I'll take on the quest."
"Thank you, Jenn. Be careful now!"
Jenn nodded, turned around, and walked out.
Behind Hugh, coming from a back door, was a girl with short black hair and dark red eyes and a bandage on her cheek, and she was holding a broom.
"Guess you weren't lying then. That's Jenn. The brave kid who takes on quests alone to just tame the monsters around."
"Yes. You're not gonna talk to him?"
"Not yet, no. Not really ready. Pretty sure he won't be so stoked to see me."
"He'd be surprised. Given that you're a Kijan tribe descendant like him."
"Shhhhh! Keep your voice down. I'm not ready yet. Plus you don't consider myself a descendant of them. I have like, 3% of their blood in me. I'm barely related to them. I can't even tame anything."
"But you would like to learn?"
"Hell yeah. He's the only one who can. I just don't know how to approach anybody. Gotta practice my lines, ya know? Since they all vanished, he's the only one that can help. Ya know what?"
"Hm?"
"I'm gonna stalk and follow him—."
"—That's weird, don't."
"Yeah, my fault. That's weird. Gotta brainstorm other ideas for an effective approach. You know I get nervous. I hate socializing with people. I'm just awkward."
"Guess there's still things you need teaching to you then, isn't it?"
"Mhm."
Jenn continued his way to the bakery, the delightful aroma of pastries guiding him.
Outside, he told Jiyu, "Alrighty!, stay out here and watch the fort please and make sure he doesn't bother anyone."
"Fine fine. Got it. But why can't I go with you?"
"Your tails are wagging, and your nose is twitching. You don't know how to act around food. Remember what happened last time?"
Jiyu reminisced on the time where he was in the bakery before, and he immediately went crazy and ate everything, which Jenn had to clean it all up.
Jiyu said, "Ohhh okay. Makes sense. Keep me out of there. I'm a menace."
"Haha, no you're not. You're like a soft pillow."
"I'm a MENACE! DEMONIC EVEN! RUTHLESS EVEN!"
Jenn, walking inside, waved and smiled, "Yeah yeah, whatever you say. Be right back."
He walked in, seeing the baker, as it was a female with dreadlocked black hair and light brown skin and green eyes, and she was covered in dough.
"Hello Jenn!"
"Are you okay, Seiya?"
"Yeah, I just had an issue in the back."
Coming from a side door, was a dark blue bear with a yellow horn in the middle of its forehead, and had red stripes on its body. It was the B rank familiar named Astro.
Jenn waved, "Astro!"
"….Jenn. Guess what?"
"What's up?"
"I hate everything."
Seiya scoffed, putting Astro in a headlock, "Don't encourage him!"
Astro yawned, "The simple fact..that Seiya forces me to try and cook not knowing my paws..aren't meant for that..is beyond me honestly…"
Seiya added, "Can you blame me, Jenn? I don't like hiring random people I don't trust because I have trust issue, and the work is not overbearing to where I need to hire more people anyway."
Jenn scratched the back of his head, "Maybe in my free time I can come and help out, if that's okay."
Astro nodded, "Yes…finally…Salvation!"
Seiya stood up, walking to Jenn, and putting her hand on his shoulder, "Thanks for the offer, kid. But you're busy with your own store. I know you have a good heart and all, I appreciate it."
Jenn responded, "No problem. And I'll still stop by to help sometimes. No matter what you say." Jenn smiled.
"Goodness, I can't say no to you can I? Fine. Whenever you feel you want to stop by, you can."
Opening the door halfway, Jiyu stuck his head in, saying, "If he accepts, what's the pay like?"
Seiya gasped, saying to Astro and pointing at Jenn, "You! That money hungry pup! Astro, Attack—!"
Jiyu dashed his head back outside.
Seiya sighed, asking Jenn, "How are things with you? No trouble lately?"
"Nope. Not at all."
"Been feeling okay? How's business?"
"It's going well. Since you know pet families are high in the market right now."
"Hope that's not you saying you're competing with me, right? You wanna be my business rival or something?"
"Yes I do."
"HA! Didn't expect you to say anything. But yeah, you're right about one thing. The demand for familiars is high. There were reports of random species traveling together in open areas, even beasts who were known to be enemies with each other."
"That's weird."
"Right? So get ready for your shop to be full. You know this world thrives on familiars and both parties making each other stronger. You know that better than anyone."
"Oh yeah, I know. And lil make sure I'll send all of my customers over here for you."
"Being nice to your rival…I'll accept it. Now then! I got some stuff for that frog outside. Ya interested?"
"Of course I am, that's why I'm here." Jenn tilted his head with a confused tone.
"Sometimes I don't know if you're being for real, or joking."
"Me too, honestly."
Meanwhile, outside, Jiyu was having his paws full trying to keep the frog's curious tongue from innocently lapping at the townspeople. The frog kept lashing his tongue out over and over, but Jiyu kept smacking it away with his tails, saying, "Stop! Stop! Put your tongue back in your mouth!"
Kids around were laughing, saying:
"Look! He's nice!"
"I wanna hear him croak!"
"Mom, can I play with him!"
At that moment, Jenn walked outside, saying, "Ready, Jiyu?"
Jiyu immediately became happy, and jumped on Jenn's shoulder.
"Jenn! Jenn…that frog..needs to be sold immediately."
"Did he give you a hard time?"
"Yes!"
"Aww. Thought you were relentless and demonic and ruthless and all that?"
"Huhhhh? I never said that—."
"Yes you did."
"It's still early in the day!"
"Oh yeah TOTALLY. Let's leave and get ready to open up the shop."
"Let's do it."
"Let's see if we can catch a ride here too."
"Ohhh so you're gonna ride the frog huh?"
"Wanna race, Jiyu?"
"Hell yeah I do!"
Jenn, mounted atop the mythic frog, nodded at Jiyu as he signaled the start of their impromptu race back to their beloved pet store on the outskirts of Westhaven. With a croak, the frog leapt into the air, its powerful legs propelling them forward with incredible speed. Jiyu, not one to lag behind, darted through the underbrush, his fox-like agility keeping pace effortlessly.
"He's cheating!" Jiyu exclaimed.
The Kingdom of Kalhalla, known for its rich landscape and myriad of mythical creatures, unfolded around them in a breathtaking panorama. As they skirted the edge of Westhaven, the land transitioned into the lush, vibrant wilderness of Evergreen Reach.
As the two companions raced, they disturbed a flock of azure-winged geckos, which scattered into the air with shimmering scales catching the sunlight. The path they followed was lined with Windtwist Trees, the leaves rustling melodically, filling the air with soothing whispers. Each leap of the frog and dash of the fox disturbed the magical flora, including bursts of Dazzlebloom flowers that released glittering spores that left a luminous trail in their wake.
Curious Bandars, small mischief-loving creatures resembling raccoons with golden stripes, eyed Jenn and Jiyu from the branches above, chattering amongst themselves about the strange parade thundering past them.
The path wound near the famous Point of Visions, where stood a towering statue of Queen Maliah the Protector. What made the monument a popular landmark in Kalhalla was the shimmering stone halo suspended without support above her head, a tribute to her reign of peace and wisdom. Folklores sung by minstrels nearby detailed how the halo represented the eternal protection she bestowed upon her kingdom.
As they zagged around the Mirrored Dune Lake, a reflective mirror to the sky, their path converged with a band of Kalhalla Knights. Clad in distinctive armor that bore the shimmering sapphire hues of the late queen's standard, their horses matched in elegance and strength. The knights' banners fluttered high: a phoenix rising from flames, symbolizing rebirth and resilience.
"Is that the beast tamer? Jenn?" A knight said.
"Yep that's him."
"I've been waiting to encounter him while doing patrol."
Their leader, who rode a particularly robust steed, raised his hand in greetings. "Well met, Jenn and Jiyu!" he called out, his voice booming over the sound of hooves and croaks. "Mind if I join your race?"
Jenn nodded, "If you can keep up, sure."
With laughter in his eyes and joy in his heart, Jenn nudged the frog, who eagerly increased its pace. Jiyu, with his tails raised high, seemed to smile as he took on the challenge, zipping through the woodlands with even greater zeal.
They raced past historic landmarks and through vivid scenes of daily life in Kalhalla, from farmers tending to their fields of Lumigrain, which glowed faintly at dusk, to children chasing each other in the fringe villages, their laughter echoing through the air.
Finally, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in streaks of orange and pink, Jenn, Jiyu, and the mythic frog, accompanied by the galloping knights, reached the outskirts of their destination. Slowing to a more leisurely pace, they approached Jenn's pet store, a haven for all manner of magical creatures and a hub for adventurers seeking companions or gear for their next quest.
The knights waved off, continuing their patrol as Jenn dismounted beside his shop. Jiyu, appearing almost as if he grinned, lazily trotted up, his sides heaving slightly from the exhilarating run. Inside, the store was alight with the chirps, growls, and purrs of myriad creatures, welcoming their owner back from another remarkable adventure in the vibrant land of Kalhalla.
Jiyu said, "I won…"
Jenn shook his head, "I let you win. My frog was too fast for you. I felt bad."
"Liesss. But that was fun."
"Definitely gotta do it again. Don't we?"
"Make sure you win next time, eh?"
"I'll use the Griffith next."
"Okay that's cheating."
"So, ready to set up shop? We're gonna have a bunch of buyers. So I might have you doing something different this time, if you want."
"No need to ask, I'm always ready. Just point where."