**Chapter 10: Whispers of Unknown **
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The group emerged from the labyrinth into the cold night air, their breaths misting as tension slowly ebbed away. Behind them, the labyrinth's shifting walls stilled, their haunting whispers fading.
Kaelen wiped sweat from his brow, his Fenrir standing protectively at his side. "I'm not saying we're weak," he muttered, "but we barely made it out of there alive. If this is just the beginning, we're in trouble."
Erythion frowned, glancing at Obsidian, whose fur bristled with residual energy from their battles. The Sovereign System had guided him through the labyrinth, but it was clear their strength wasn't enough to face the deeper dangers that awaited them.
Rynna, always calm and poised, glanced at her Ethereal Seraph. "Kaelen's right. We've reached our limits. If we're going to retrieve the next fragment, we need more power—and more beasts."
Erythion's gaze sharpened. The Sovereign System had hinted at this during their last battle:
**[System Insight: Contract Limit Based on Rank.]**
- F-Rank: 1 Beast.
- D-Rank: Up to 3 Beasts.
- B-Rank: Up to 5 Beasts.
- A-Rank: Up to 7 Beasts.
- S-Rank and Higher: Unlimited Potential (Dependent on Energy Core Expansion).
"I need to ascend ranks quickly," Erythion thought, clenching his fists. "One beast isn't enough anymore."
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When the group returned to the academy, they were met with stares from their peers. Whispers of their success—and the labyrinth's collapse—spread through the halls.
"Did you hear? They retrieved another fragment!"
"But the labyrinth's destabilizing. Is it their fault?"
"They're strong, but how far can they go with just one beast each?"
The rumors stung, but Erythion remained focused. As they reached the training hall, they were summoned to the Grand Chamber—a meeting place for the academy's elite, representatives of the Royal and Founding Families, and key instructors.
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In the chamber, the group stood before the academy's leaders and several representatives of the Royal and Founding Families. At the head of the room was **Lord Marcellus Valyn**, his golden armor glinting in the dim light. His beast, an enormous Solar Gryphon, radiated power. Beside him stood **Lady Ellara Caelum**, her Midnight Hydra's many heads swaying with predatory grace.
"Impressive," Lord Marcellus began, his deep voice resonating. "Retrieving the second fragment was no small feat. But your limitations are glaring."
Lady Ellara's piercing gaze fell on the group. "One beast per student? Against the dangers of the labyrinth, it's a miracle you survived. If you wish to succeed further, you must ascend quickly. Rank determines everything—your strength, your contracts, and your survival."
Erythion nodded, his resolve hardening. "We know our limits. But strength doesn't come overnight. What resources can the academy provide to help us ascend faster?"
Lady Ellara smirked, impressed by his boldness. "That depends on your performance. The third fragment lies in the Realm of Echoing Veils, one of the most dangerous secret realms tied to the labyrinth. Retrieve it, and we'll consider providing you with advanced training and artifacts to aid in your ascension."
The group exchanged tense glances. The Realm of Echoing Veils was notorious, a place where even seasoned beast masters had fallen.
Rynna spoke up, her tone icy. "If we're to succeed, we'll need more than promises. The labyrinth isn't just dangerous—it's changing. Something is watching us, manipulating it. If we're going to face what's coming, we need tangible support now."
Lord Marcellus studied her for a moment before nodding. "You'll receive energy core enhancers and access to higher-tier beast summoning rituals. But remember, these resources come at a price. Failure is not an option."
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After the meeting, the group gathered in the training grounds, where advanced rituals and training sessions were prepared for them.
Kaelen stood before a glowing summoning circle, his Fenrir pacing beside him. "If I can contract a second beast, I'll feel a lot better about heading into that deathtrap."
Rynna's Seraph floated silently above her as she concentrated on expanding her energy core. "The higher our rank, the more beasts we can command. Ascension isn't just about survival—it's about dominance."
Erythion watched as instructors prepared the summoning chambers, his thoughts turning inward. His Sovereign System remained his greatest advantage, but the labyrinth's dangers were escalating. The fragment he had retrieved pulsed faintly in his possession, its energy both a boon and a burden.
Suddenly, the system activated.
**[New Quest Unlocked: Expand Your Beast Contract Limit.]**
- Objective: Ascend to D-Rank.
- Reward: Additional Beast Contract Slot.
**[Additional Information Unlocked: Beast Synchronicity.]**
- Synchronizing multiple beasts increases overall combat effectiveness. Ensure compatibility for optimal synergy.
Erythion's jaw tightened. He needed to ascend—and fast.
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As the group trained, the shadow of the entity from the labyrinth loomed larger. Erythion couldn't shake the feeling that it was watching him, waiting. The Sovereign System usually so reliable, remained unnervingly quiet when it came to this new threat.
Though his beast contracts had been strengthened, Erythion felt an odd unease, like something beyond the labyrinth had noticed them.That night, as he sat in his room, the Sovereign System activated without warning.[System Alert: Subtle Energy Disturbance Detected.]
[Origin: Unknown.]
Erythion's heart skipped a beat. He looked around the darkened room, feeling an unshakable sense of being watched. But there was no immediate threat.
[Warning: Entity Energy Fluctuations Detected.]
[Cause: Unclear.]
He frowned. The system had been detecting fluctuations that couldn't be pinpointed. It wasn't a beast, but something far more insidious. The fluctuation was there—and it seemed to follow them, lurking just beyond the edges of perception.
That night, as he meditated in his room, the system activated again.
**[Vision Unlocked: Whispers of ∞.]**
His surroundings blurred, and he found himself in a vast void. Shadows writhed around him, and a deep, echoing voice spoke:
"Your world awakens, little Sovereign. But your strength is insignificant. Gather your beasts, claim your fragments, and ascend... or be consumed."
The vision ended abruptly, leaving Erythion drenched in sweat. He clenched his fists, his resolve solidifying. " if this Unknown is coming then only by getting stronger can we fight
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By the next morning, the group had each contracted additional beasts.
Kaelen introduced his new Flame Talon, a fiery raptor-like creature that complemented his Fenrir's speed and ferocity. Rynna revealed her Shadow Phoenix, a sleek bird shrouded in dark flames, its synergy with her Seraph evident.
Erythion, guided by the Sovereign System, contracted a **Void Snake**, a stealth-based predator with razor-sharp teeth, dark glitter scales and a deep connection to shadow energy. The Void Snake synergy with Obsidian was undeniable, their combined presence exuding raw power.
With their newfound strength, the group stood ready. The Realm of Echoing Veils awaited, its dangers and mysteries promising both peril and power.
As they prepared to enter the realm, Erythion's system flashed one final message:
**[Warning: Entity Subsidiaries Presence Confirmed in the Realm of Echoing Veils.]**
**[Prepare Accordingly.]**
Erythion smirked. "Let's see what this Unknown is made of."
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*End of Chapter 10.*