As Shivay ventured deeper into the dense, mist-covered forest, the rhythmic pulse of ether guiding his steps, he suddenly recalled the new ability he had gained after his transformation—the power of beast taming. His senses were sharper than ever, and he could feel the presence of wild creatures hidden in the depths of the wilderness. Now would be the perfect time to test this newfound skill.
"Shunaya, do you think it's time to find a companion?" Shivay asked, his voice thoughtful as he moved through the undergrowth.
"Master, with your current abilities, taming a beast would be an excellent asset. A strong mount could help you travel faster and fight alongside you," Shunaya responded, her calm tone laced with approval.
Shivay nodded to himself. The idea of having a companion intrigued him, not just for practical reasons, but for the bond that could come with it. "Let's see what the forest offers."
As he continued along the winding path through the thick woods, he expanded his senses, allowing the ether to flow freely, attuning himself to the energy of the creatures nearby. The forest was full of life, from the smallest insects to massive predators, but Shivay was looking for something specific—something strong, intelligent, and capable of traveling long distances.
After a few hours of searching, he felt a ripple in the ether. It was powerful, untamed, and radiated from a creature unlike anything he had encountered before. His heart quickened with excitement.
"There's something ahead," Shunaya remarked. "It's large, and its ether signature is… unique."
Shivay pushed forward through the trees until the forest opened into a wide clearing. Standing in the center was a majestic, horse-like creature, but this was no ordinary steed. Its body was covered in sleek black scales that shimmered under the filtered sunlight. Two sharp, glowing eyes were set between its ears, while a third, larger eye rested on its forehead, scanning the surroundings with an eerie intelligence.
The creature's muscles rippled as it pawed the ground, its long tail swishing in anticipation. Shivay could tell this was a predator as much as it was a mount. He felt a thrill of excitement. This would be his first test as a tamer.
"That's the one," Shivay whispered, feeling his blood pump with the thrill of the challenge ahead.
"The beast is strong," Shunaya warned. "You'll need to be careful. It won't submit easily."
Shivay's lips curled into a smile. "I wouldn't want it to."
He stepped into the clearing, and the beast immediately noticed him. Its third eye locked onto Shivay, and the air between them grew tense, crackling with energy. Shivay could feel the beast's power, and it could sense his.
Without hesitation, the creature charged at him, its hooves pounding the earth like thunder. Shivay leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding the deadly charge. He drew his sword, but he knew this wasn't about defeating the creature—it was about proving himself worthy of its respect.
The beast skidded to a halt, turning with incredible agility. It snorted, steam rising from its nostrils as it eyed him warily, trying to gauge his strength.
"I need to match its pace," Shivay thought, channeling his ether into his legs. In an instant, he bolted forward, closing the distance between them. The creature reared up, trying to trample him, but Shivay slid underneath its massive body, striking the ground with a surge of ether to push himself clear of its deadly hooves.
The beast growled, its three eyes narrowing as it began to circle him. It was testing him, just as much as Shivay was testing it.
"This is no ordinary creature," Shivay muttered. "It's clever."
"The third eye may give it heightened perception," Shunaya advised. "You'll need to outmaneuver it. Show your strength, but also your control."
Nodding, Shivay focused his energy, calming his breath. He needed to prove dominance without crushing the creature's spirit. This was a partnership, not a conquest.
With a roar, the beast lunged again, its jaws snapping inches from Shivay's face. This time, instead of dodging, Shivay caught the creature by the neck with his free hand, channeling ether into his palm. The beast growled in defiance, thrashing against his grip, but Shivay held firm, his gaze never wavering.
"I am not your enemy," Shivay said, his voice low but commanding. "But I will be your master."
For a moment, the creature continued to struggle, its third eye glowing with an intense light. Shivay could feel the pressure, the raw power in the beast's body, but he held on, refusing to back down. Slowly, the creature's thrashing subsided, its eyes meeting Shivay's in a silent exchange of respect.
The third eye dimmed, its glow softening. Shivay released his grip, stepping back cautiously. The beast snorted, shaking its head, but it didn't charge again. Instead, it lowered itself to the ground, bowing its head in submission.
Shivay smiled, stepping forward and placing a hand on its scaled neck. "Good. You and I, we'll travel far together."
[Beast Tamed: Shadowmare]
[Shadowmare: A rare, ether-enhanced beast known for its incredible speed, endurance, and sharp intelligence. With three eyes, the Shadowmare can sense ether flows and has heightened perception, making it difficult to surprise or deceive.]
"You've done well, Master," Shunaya said with approval. "The Shadowmare will be a loyal companion and an invaluable asset on your journey."
Shivay nodded, feeling the connection between him and the beast solidify. "Let's see what you can do," he said, mounting the Shadowmare. The moment he settled onto its back, he felt its raw power beneath him, muscles coiled like springs ready to explode into motion.
With a gentle nudge, the Shadowmare took off, moving with a speed and grace that defied its size. Shivay leaned into the motion, feeling the wind rush past him as the beast galloped through the forest. Trees blurred as they passed, and Shivay couldn't help but grin. This was freedom—true speed and strength, unified with the bond between man and beast.
As they slowed to a halt atop a hill, Shivay gazed out over the horizon. His journey was just beginning, but now, with the Shadowmare by his side, he knew he had gained a companion as fierce and determined as himself.
"The path ahead will be dangerous," Shunaya reminded him, her tone cautious. "But with your new mount, the odds have shifted in your favor."
Shivay patted the Shadowmare's neck. "We'll face it together."
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the land, Shivay felt a sense of anticipation rising within him. The next heart was out there, waiting for him to claim it, and now, he was ready to ride into whatever dangers lay ahead.