Nyx knocked on the door, turning to Flame with a sly grin. "Hey, Flame, could you be a pal and open the door for us?"
Flame nodded, his fiery eyes flickering like embers. "On it." He let out a low growl, and with a flick of his tail, the door swung open, revealing Deon standing in the entryway, looking surprised but pleased.
"Hey, Deon!" Nyx greeted, stepping inside with a confident stride. His shadowy companion, Phantom, floated silently behind him, its eerie, translucent form casting an ethereal glow in the dim light of the room. "Looks like we made it just in time."
Deon gave a quick nod, his eyes darting between Nyx and Phantom. "Good to see you both. I didn't expect a visit so soon."
Nyx chuckled softly, adjusting the collar of his battle-worn jacket. "Well, I like to keep things interesting. Phantom, why don't you go play with Flame for a bit? The two of you could use some sparring practice."
Phantom's ghostly eyes gleamed with mischief as it drifted toward Flame. The fire creature huffed, releasing a puff of smoke, but then nodded in agreement. The two pets quickly disappeared down the hallway, leaving a trail of sparks and shadows behind.
Once the pets were out of earshot, Nyx's playful demeanor shifted to something more serious. He turned to Deon, his expression grim. "Alright, Deon. There's something we need to discuss. Something… about your mother."
Deon's heart skipped a beat. He had always known there were secrets surrounding his mother, whispers he was never able to chase down. "You knew my mother? What can you tell me about her?"
Nyx sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair. "Your mother was a remarkable woman, one of the greatest Beast Tamers of her time. But her story is tied to something much larger—something ancient." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "There are six ancient tribes that have shaped the world of Beast Tamers. Your mother was a part of this legacy, and so are you."
Deon's eyes widened in surprise. "Six tribes? I had no idea… What are they?"
Nyx nodded, his gaze distant as if recalling a long-forgotten memory. He began to explain, counting each tribe on his fingers as he spoke:
1. The Elven Kin: "First, there's the Elven Kin. They are deeply connected to the magical creatures of this world. They can communicate with beasts on a level that others can only dream of. If you bear their mark, it grants you a unique privilege—the ability to claim any pet from the store for free. That's why you have that intricate mark on your forearm, Deon. It's a symbol of your heritage."
Deon glanced down at his arm, where the mark pulsed with a faint, silvery glow. He had always thought it was just a birthmark. "So, that's what this means… I'm part of the Elven Kin?"
Nyx nodded. "Yes. And that's only the beginning."
2. Storm Fury Clan: "The second tribe is the Storm Fury Clan. They wield the power of the elements—fire, wind, water, and earth. Members of this tribe are natural-born mages, able to summon storms, control flames, and bend the earth to their will. Imagine the power of four elements at your fingertips… It's said they can change the tides of battle with a single spell."
Deon's eyes sparkled with wonder. "Control over all four elements? That's incredible."
3. Serenity Clan: "Next, we have the Serenity Clan, the healers of the world. They dedicate their lives to mastering the arts of restoration and protection. Their magic can heal wounds, cure diseases, and even lift curses. In times of war, they are the ones who keep their allies alive on the battlefield."
Deon listened intently, absorbing every word. "I've heard tales of healers, but I never knew they belonged to a specific tribe."
4. Kathar Tribe: "The fourth tribe, the Kathar, are dragon riders. They're bound to dragons from birth, able to soar the skies and command these mighty beasts. Their bond with dragons is said to be unbreakable, making them formidable in both aerial and ground combat."
Deon's jaw dropped slightly. "Riding dragons… That's the stuff of legends."
5. Drak Clan: "Then there's the Drak Clan, masters of the sky. They wield the power of thunder and lightning, controlling storms as if they were mere toys. They are known as the rulers of the sky, their presence alone enough to turn the tide of a battle."
A chill ran down Deon's spine. "Thunder and lightning at their command… That's terrifying."
6. Halar Tribe: "Lastly, the Halar Clan—this is where your companion Flame comes from. The Halar are masters of fire. They summon flame creatures and wield fire magic with unparalleled skill. And Deon… Flame has a younger brother named Blaze. He's just as fierce, if not more so. I'd like to gift him to you as your next companion."
Deon was stunned. "Flame has a brother? And you're saying I can… I can have him?"
Nyx smiled warmly, nodding. "Yes, but with great power comes great responsibility. You're already managing 25 pets, which is impressive, but adding Blaze to your team means more training, more discipline. Are you ready for that challenge?"
Deon's heart raced with excitement and determination. "Absolutely! I promise to train Blaze and every one of my pets to be the best they can be."
Nyx placed a hand on Deon's shoulder, his expression softening. "I believe you, Deon. But be cautious. Your mother's legacy is a double-edged sword. There are those who would seek to use you, just as they did her. Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and never forget where you come from."
Deon nodded, his eyes burning with resolve. "I won't let you down. I'll honor my mother's legacy and protect those I care about."
Nyx gave him a firm nod of approval. "Good. Now, let's go check on Flame and Phantom. I'm sure they're eager to show off their moves."
Together, they walked out of the room, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them next. The journey had only just begun, but Deon knew one thing for certain—he would rise to the occasion, no matter what the cost.