---
The next day, he continued his training, determined to push himself further.
He sought out more challenging opponents, testing the limits of his strength and endurance.
Each fight brought him closer to understanding the Taming Circle technique, the power that his father had entrusted to him.
In the afternoon, he encountered a group of squirrel-like creatures, their small bodies darting through the trees with incredible speed.
They were basic-level beasts, but their agility and coordination made them formidable opponents.
Fowad signaled to the foxy, and they moved together, their movements fluid and precise, striking at the squirrels from different angles.
The squirrels dodged and weaved, but Fowad's reflexes had sharpened, his strikes swift and calculated.
One by one, they fell, each victory strengthening his resolve, his confidence growing with every encounter.
By evening, Fowad's body was bruised and battered, his muscles aching from the relentless training.
But he felt alive, a fierce pride burning within him. He had come to the Sapling Forest as a boy, weak and vulnerable, but now he was something more a warrior, a tamer, a survivor.
---
As the sun set, casting long shadows across the forest, Fowad sat by a small stream, watching the fox drink from the cool water.
He closed his eyes, breathing deeply, feeling the strength that pulsed within him, the bond that connected him to the fox, to the forest itself.
He was ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Fowad Benit was training and sleeping in different places for past few days.
Today he returned in the old tree house where he make his home. He fell asleep as soon as come back.
The first light of dawn broke over the Sapling Forest, filtering through the dense canopy and casting a warm, golden glow on the ground below.
Fowad awoke to the quiet rustle of leaves and the occasional distant call of a bird, his mind sharp and ready for the challenges of the day.
The previous weeks of intense training had transformed him; he was leaner, quicker, and more focused, his body hardened and his senses keen.
Today, he felt stronger, and a thrill ran through him at the thought of facing a new challenge.
But as he climbed down from the old tree branch he'd been calling home, he noticed something unusual at the base of his tree a scattering of black feathers.
They were sleek, glossy, and scattered in a loose circle, as though a large bird had recently preened itself nearby.
He bent down to examine them, feeling a strange twinge of curiosity.
When he looked up, his gaze drifted higher into the branches above,
And he spotted something he hadn't noticed before: a massive nest nestled among the uppermost branches.
The nest looked well-built, a sturdy shelter high above the ground, perfect for safety and observation.
A faint gleam caught his eye something metallic was reflecting the morning sun from within the nest.
Fowad's curiosity grew; if he could reach the nest, he might gain access to resources and materials that could help him survive and grow stronger.
But a sudden, harsh caw above made him freeze. A shadow passed over him as a large, dark shape descended from the canopy.
Fowad looked up, eyes widening as he took in the sight of a massive crow-like beast, perched on a branch near the nest, watching him with sharp, predatory eyes.
The bird's feathers were a deep, iridescent black, each one shimmering with a strange, almost sinister gleam.
Its talons were long and razor-sharp, gripping the branch with an effortless strength that sent a chill down Fowad's spine.
This was no ordinary crow it was a dark crow beast, a creature at the peak of the advance level, known for its territorial aggression and fierce combat skills.
The crow's eyes narrowed as it focused on Fowad, a warning caw escaping its beak.
The dark crow recently laid egg.
It's was very week for past few days.
The dark crow had noticed Fowad Benit, when he stated to live on the old tree branch.
But it didn't attack cause it's was laying egg.
Dark crow are very cautious beast.
But when it comes to it egg and it's home it won't compromise anything. The dark crow was waiting to regain its strength and waiting for its egg to hatch.
It wanted Fowad to be the nourishments for it's baby. That's why the dark crow dint attack Fowad. Now that Fowad was trying to go to it's nest. The crow wouldn't follow it's plan.
The message was clear: the nest was its domain, and any intruders would be dealt with swiftly.
Fowad felt a rush of anticipation mixed with caution. This was a formidable opponent, and defeating it would be no easy task.
But if he could claim the nest, he would gain a safe shelter, and possibly valuable resources.
Fowad has no idea about the dark crows true rank. He never able learn the beast rank.
He tightened his grip on his knife and glanced at his foxy the spirit beast, who stood by his side, its dark eyes fixed on the crow with fierce determination.
With a deep breath, Fowad began his ascent, climbing the branches with steady, practiced movements.
The crow watched him, its wings flaring as it let out another sharp cry, a warning that reverberated through the trees.
Fowad continued upward, undeterred, his mind focused on the task at hand.
He had faced countless beasts in his training, and he was not about to back down now.
The dark crow's patience wore thin, and with a furious screech, it says Croow!! croow !!
It launched itself from the branch, diving toward him with talons extended,
its beak poised to strike.
Fowad barely had time to react, ducking as the dark crow's claws grazed his shoulder, tearing through fabric and leaving a shallow scratch on his skin.
He scrambled up to a higher branch, his heart pounding as he watched the dark crow circle back, preparing for another attack....
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