The following days passed quietly, but the tension in Graybrook lingered. Hiro's victory over Bran and the other adventurers had left a lasting impression on the village. Whispers followed him wherever he went, and the villagers now looked at him with a mixture of awe and wariness.
But Hiro didn't concern himself with the opinions of the villagers. His focus had shifted. Now, it wasn't just about proving himself, it was about building something greater. His bond with the wolf and bear had grown stronger since the battle, and each day, he could feel his connection to them deepening. The beasts weren't just companions, they were extensions of his strength, their power bound to his own.
And now, he has a student.
Lina was an eager learner, her curiosity about taming clear from the beginning. She had always felt a connection to animals, but she had never known how to develop it. Hiro saw potential in her, a spark that reminded him of himself before the fall of his past life. He agreed to train her, to teach her the ways of taming, and in return, she offered her loyalty and determination.
Their lessons began early each morning, in the quiet forest outside the village, away from prying eyes. Hiro had no interest in attracting more attention, not yet. He needed time to refine his own power, and teaching Lina was an important step in that process.
"Remember," Hiro said, his voice calm as they stood on the forest edge, the early morning mist swirling around them. "Taming isn't about control. It's about connection. You have to understand the creature you're bonding with, see the world from its perspective."
Lina nodded, her brow furrowed in concentration. Before them stood a small wild stag, its dark eyes flicking nervously between them. It was young, skittish, not yet ready to trust.
"Don't force it," Hiro instructed. "Reach out with your mind. Let it feel your intent."
Lina closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. Hiro watched her closely, sensing the tentative connection she was trying to form. The stag remained still, watching her warily. It took time, effort, and patience, but Hiro could see the bond starting to form, a fragile thread between them.
The stag stepped forward, cautiously at first, its body tense but curious. Lina opened her eyes, her breath catching as the creature came closer.
"I did it..." she whispered, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Hiro nodded, a small smile touching his lips. "You did."
Lina's connection with the stag wasn't perfect, not yet. But it was a start. She had taken the first step into a larger world, one where taming wasn't just a skill, it was a way of life.