Logan was stunned. He had finally acquired a skill that would allow him to play a role in battle. The ability to use his tamed beasts' skills and mix up a variety of them was exciting, although it came with the drawback of needing to increase their loyalty, which was currently low.
But that did not concern him for now; he envisioned himself using his Scorchwyrm's strongest fire skill, combined with his Everwind Falcon's wind, to amplify the flames.
A smirk crept across his face, oddly out of place for a boy standing over a dead beast.
"Logan… are you alright?" Rubina asked, her voice tinged with worry.
"I'm alright, sorry about that. So, what do we do now?" Logan replied, getting his mind back into place while dusting himself off to play it off.
"Well, everything was destroyed, and a burnt hide won't fetch anything. Sadly, both beasts look the same, so I think it would be better to just leave them. Let me collect their mana cores; some other animal will probably eat them soon," Chloe sighed, taking her dagger back from Logan and stabbing a part of the monster where a small sack or gland was located.
"After being refined, this organ will turn into a magical crystal of sorts which could be sold for various purposes," Chloe explained. She poured some mana into it, and the body part began to glow dark green. "It has a good glow to it, meaning this Galehorn was in peak state. Well, at least we could gain some good gold with this…"
Logan did not want to get his hands dirty, so he backed off a little and stretched while Rubina stayed quiet behind him.
"Hey, sorry about that, Logan… they would have fetched a good price," the girl whispered, remaining meek.
"Hey, I don't mind. It's not like we came to make money, right?" Logan said, trying to make his voice sound uncaring while attempting to assure her.
"Well, that's that, let's keep going." Chloe handed Logan both cores to store and wiped her hands on a napkin.
Logan considered telling them that he had met his goal for the day and wanted to return before dark. The trip had stressed not only his mind but also his body, which was not used to being outdoors. However, he stayed silent, not wanting to risk making Chloe even angrier.
"We are close to the river. We should use it to wash ourselves before our return trip. We will need to be fast to avoid any large monsters that might mistake the blood on us."
Without waiting for the others to reply, Chloe began to walk away, forcing both Rubina and Logan to sprint to catch up to her.
After about 10 long minutes, they heard the sound of running water in the distance. Logan, panting hard, was relieved to hear that particular sound of nature.
Suddenly, the forest became quiet, all sound ceasing in an instant. The group unconsciously huddled together as a thick fog began to surround them. The forest, which was green, warm, and lively, began to change. The air became cold enough that they could see their breaths.
With each step, the place became darker. Logan, following the girls from behind, could no longer see them, as if he were walking through the forest on a dark, moonless night.
"Rubina? Chloe!" he called out, but neither of them responded.
[Zephyr! Where are you…] His tame, which should have been flying overhead, seemed to be far enough away that it could not hear him.
"What's happening… where is everyone?" Logan said, stopping in his tracks. Suddenly, he heard the sound of running water again.
[Champion of darkness, it's a pleasure to meet you.]
Logan suddenly jolted, looking around. The darkness began to fade as a being before him shone. He noticed that he was near the river Chloe had mentioned. The water began to freeze as the silhouette of a strange figure appeared in front of him, standing over the frozen surface.
"Who are… you?" Logan said, trembling not only from the cold that surrounded him but also because the voice that greeted him did not sound human.
[I forgot you humans like to introduce yourselves instead of relying on instincts. Fine then…]
"I am Ferra, the guardian of the forest to the north of here." Soon the form of the creature was visible—it was a large fox about three meters high with nine or so tails that moved about. Its fur was red and white, at times pulsing with a blue light that changed the color to silver.
"I'mm am Loo..gann," the boy stuttered, unable to contain his fear. He felt the energy of the beast push him back as if repelled by a magnet, yet his feet would not budge; they were glued to the frost on the floor.
"I would recommend you don't move, young hero. I have never really been comfortable around humans, you see. Now then, I take it you know you have been summoned by the Spirit of Darkness to fight the blue ones causing trouble near Dragas territory."
"I'mm soorry, uhm, but I know very little of what's happening in this world… you see, I am not good at speaking," Logan murmured, trying to appease the beast while controlling his speech.
"What a human… or should I say, what a mortal way to act. Then let me say this, the blue ones are our common enemy. They destroy the land, kill all life, and destroy the balance. Darkness has informed me that among the humans, one was blessed to help the non-humans of this world. Is that you, young hero?" it said with a voice full of authority, forcing him to speak his mind.
"If it's about taming, or should I say… soul taming, then it should be me… I guess," Logan replied trying to think if it was the best choice to reveal his powers.
"Good, at least you're honest, little one. I feel the power of darkness building in your core. There is no doubt you are just starting. I can also sense your connection with the young winged one. Worry not, he is perched on a tree outside my barrier," Ferra said, pointing with her snout towards a particular direction.
She paused for a moment, her nine tails swaying gently. "Your mates though… they are running in circles through another barrier, it should hold till we finish speaking."
Logan swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her words. "I understand, also they are not... my mates," he murmured, his voice trailing off.
Ferra's eyes gleamed with a knowing light. "Oh, the so-called slaves. I care not for what you decide to do with humans, but I am here to warn you about my forest or the territories of the other sovereigns. This message goes to all humans as well: we value balance above all else. If they keep killing all the beasts of this area, disaster will follow."
Logan nodded, the gravity of Ferra's words sinking in. "I understand. I'll make sure to spread your warning."
"Good. Remember, child, every action has consequences. The natural order of this world must be preserved. Now then, let's speak about your power. Darkness requests that you empower the non-humans. We, as sovereigns, have come to acknowledge the need for your power in the coming times, but we won't willingly provide help without trials."
Logan felt a heavy responsibility settling on his shoulders. "What kind of trials?" he asked, his voice becoming steady despite the uncertainty within.
Ferra's eyes sparkled with a hint of challenge. "You will face tests of strength, wisdom, and, most importantly, heart. Only by proving yourself in these areas can you gain the trust and support of the sovereigns. These trials will not be easy, but they are essential for ensuring that you are prepared for the battles ahead."
Logan nodded, determination etched on his face. "I understand!"
Ferra inclined her head slightly, her expression both stern and approving. "Very well. I feel parts of my forest have become infiltrated by the blue-skinned, the stench of death and decay is slowly devouring my land. These monsters who are neither dead nor alive need to be destroyed. To help you find them, I will give you a part of me…"
Logan saw how one of her tails detached from her body and rolled around. Within seconds, the ball of fur sprouted two long, pointed ears, a small snout, and soon the full face of a baby fox appeared. As more seconds passed, four small legs stretched out of the ball of fur.
Ferra lowered her head and gently nudged the newly formed fox towards Logan. "This is a fragment of my essence. She will guide you through the forest and help you locate the invaders."
Logan reached out hesitantly, feeling the warmth emanating from the small creature. "Thank you… I will do my best to hunt those beasts."
Ferra's form began to shimmer and fade, her final words echoing in the cold air. "Good luck, young champion. Bond with that child and make her stronger, but remember that if anything befalls her, you too shall suffer."
With that, Ferra's form began to fade, her presence lingering like a whisper in the wind. Logan stood by the frozen river, which began to thaw, feeling the weight of his mission that was given to him.