As the crowd dispersed, Hiro remained in the square, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The adrenaline from the battle still hummed in his veins, but he felt a sense of satisfaction. He had proven his point—taming was not a weak or insignificant skill. It was powerful, and it would only grow stronger with time.
Footsteps approached from behind, and Hiro turned to see the young woman from earlier, Lina, stepping forward, her expression thoughtful.
"That was... impressive," she said, her voice quiet but sincere. "I've never seen anything like that."
Hiro studied her for a moment, sensing something different about her. She wasn't like the others, she hadn't come to mock him or challenge him. There was something in her eyes, a curiosity, a spark of understanding.
"You're interested in taming, aren't you?" Hiro asked, his voice calm.
Lina nodded slowly. "I've always felt... something. A connection to the creatures around me. But I've never known what to do with it."
Hiro smiled, a small, knowing smile. "Then maybe it's time you learned."
Lina's eyes widened slightly, but there was no hesitation in her gaze. She stepped closer, her determination clear.
"I want to understand it," she said firmly. "I want to learn what you know."
Hiro nodded. "Then come with me. I'll teach you."
---
Thus, Hiro's journey continued, not only gathering beasts but also beginning to find people who shared his vision. With Lina by his side, Hiro's path to becoming the Beast Sovereign grew clearer. There would be more challenges ahead, powerful beasts, and the looming threat of the gods. But with each battle, Hiro's strength would grow.
The world was changing. And soon, it would know the true power of taming.