Inside the enclave, Hiro and Lina were led to a large, open hall carved from the rock of the mountainside. The tamers here were different from those Hiro had encountered before, wilder, more connected to the untamed beasts of the wilderness. Their beasts moved with a natural grace, their eyes gleaming with intelligence and power.
As they sat around a large fire in the center of the hall, the leader, who introduced himself as Kael, spoke.
"We've lived in this valley for generations," Kael said, his voice calm but cautious. "Our bonds with the beasts here are strong, but we've avoided conflict with the gods. We've seen what happens to those who challenge them."
Hiro nodded. "I understand. But the gods aren't giving us a choice anymore. They've started hunting tamers, trying to stamp out our power. They're afraid of what we can become."
Kael's eyes flickered with interest. "And what is it you believe we can become?"
Hiro glanced at his wolf and bear, both of them sitting quietly beside him, their eyes glowing faintly. "There's a power within the beasts, a power that the gods fear. I've unlocked it. I've seen what the ancient tamers could do, and I believe we can do more."
Kael's expression darkened, and he leaned forward, his voice low. "You're speaking of forbidden knowledge. The ancient tamers were wiped out for a reason."
"They were wiped out because they were a threat," Hiro said, his voice steady. "A threat to the gods. But that power still exists, and we need it if we're going to survive."
Kael fell silent, his eyes narrowing as he studied Hiro. For a long moment, no one spoke. The crackling of the fire and the distant sounds of the beasts were the only noise in the hall.
Finally, Kael nodded. "Show us."
Hiro stood, his heart racing as he reached out with his mind, deepening the connection with his wolf and bear. He could feel the energy within them, pulsing beneath the surface, waiting to be awakened.
With a single thought, Hiro unlocked the power within them, and the transformation began.
The tamers around the hall gasped in awe as Hiro's beasts began to glow with an ethereal light, their forms shifting and growing stronger. The wolf's muscles rippled with newfound strength, its eyes blazing with energy, while the bear let out a low, rumbling growl as its power surged.
Kael stood, his eyes wide with shock as he watched the display. "This… this is what the gods fear?"
Hiro nodded. "This is only the beginning."
The tamers murmured among themselves, clearly shaken by what they had seen. But Kael remained silent, his gaze fixed on Hiro's beasts.
Finally, he spoke, his voice quiet but resolute. "You've convinced me."