The training grounds near Windmere City were just the beginning of Ryn's journey. To truly evolve the Nightshade Hare, he needed to venture into the untamed wildlands, where powerful beasts roamed and rare materials could be found. Armed with his newfound determination, Ryn prepared for his first solo excursion outside the city.
...
Before heading out, Ryn stopped by the Guild. It wasn't just a place for ceremonies and records—the Guild also served as the hub for missions, taming advice, and beast research. In the bustling hall, tamers young and old huddled around notice boards or exchanged stories of their adventures.
Ryn approached the mission board, scanning the tasks available to novices.
Mission: Collect Moonvine Herb
Location: Verdant Woods
Reward: 10 Silver Coins
Note: Beware of low-level predators.
It wasn't much, but the Verdant Woods were known for housing materials that might help with the Nightshade Hare's evolution. He grabbed the mission slip and headed to the Guild's registration desk.
Behind the counter sat Marta, an older woman with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor. "First solo mission, Ryn?"
He nodded. "Yes. I need to gather Moonvine Herb in the Verdant Woods."
Marta stamped his mission slip. "Be careful. The woods may seem safe, but even low-level beasts can be dangerous if you're unprepared."
"I'll manage," Ryn said confidently.
...
The Verdant Woods stretched for miles just beyond Windmere's walls, a lush expanse of towering trees and dense undergrowth. The air was thick with the sounds of chirping insects and rustling leaves.
Ryn stepped cautiously along the well-worn path, the Nightshade Hare at his side. He kept an eye on his surroundings, aware of the many dangers that lurked in the shadows.
As he ventured deeper, his ability activated again. His vision blurred momentarily, and faint outlines appeared around nearby creatures—a flock of Leaffin Sparrows flitting through the trees, a burrowing Stone Mole, and, in the distance, a prowling Fangcat.
The information overwhelmed him for a moment. He'd have to learn to control this ability better if he wanted to avoid unnecessary distractions.
...
Near a small clearing, Ryn spotted a patch of Moonvine Herb glowing faintly under the dappled sunlight. He approached cautiously, scanning for any signs of danger.
As he bent down to gather the herbs, a low growl froze him in place. He turned slowly to see the Fangcat emerge from the bushes, its sleek black fur bristling and sharp fangs glinting.
The Nightshade Hare hopped forward, its ears flattening in a defensive stance.
Ryn activated his ability, focusing on the Fangcat.
Beast: Fangcat
Attributes: Speed, stealth, precision.
Weakness: Vulnerable to shadow-based attacks.
Ryn's mind raced. The hare's Shadowstep ability gave it an edge in agility, but the Fangcat was much larger and faster. He needed a strategy.
...
The Fangcat lunged, claws extended.
"Shadowstep!" Ryn commanded.
The hare vanished into the shadows, reappearing behind the Fangcat and slashing at its flank. The beast roared in pain but quickly turned, swiping at the hare with deadly precision.
Ryn shouted, "Keep moving! Don't let it pin you down!"
The hare darted left and right, using the shadows to evade the Fangcat's relentless attacks. Each time it struck, the Fangcat grew weaker, its movements slower.
Finally, Ryn saw an opening. "Now! Finish it!"
The hare leapt high, its claws glowing with shadow energy, and landed a decisive blow on the Fangcat's neck. The beast collapsed with a final growl, its body going still.
...
Ryn knelt beside the fallen Fangcat, his chest heaving. He hadn't expected to face such a formidable opponent on his first mission, but the victory felt earned.
The Nightshade Hare hopped back to his side, its purple eyes gleaming with pride.
"You did great," Ryn said, scratching behind its ears. He glanced at the Fangcat's body, feeling a pang of regret. It was the natural order of things, but he knew every fight carried its risks.
Gathering the Moonvine Herb, Ryn decided to take a small piece of the Fangcat's pelt as a keepsake—a reminder of his first true battle.
...
When Ryn returned to the Guild, Marta looked up from her ledger. Her eyes widened slightly when she saw the Fangcat pelt.
"You fought a Fangcat?" she asked, disbelief in her voice.
"It wasn't easy," Ryn admitted, handing over the Moonvine Herb.
Marta stamped his mission slip and handed him the reward. "Most novices wouldn't have made it out alive. You've got potential, Ryn. Don't waste it."
He nodded, the praise giving him a small boost of confidence. As he turned to leave, he caught sight of Lyra in the corner, watching him with a curious expression.
...
Later that night, Ryn sat in his room, studying the evolution paths of the Nightshade Hare. The Moonvine Herb was a step toward the Shadowclaw Lynx evolution, but he still needed the Dark Lotus Petals and the elusive Moonstone Shard.
His battle with the Fangcat had shown him how far he still had to go, but it also proved that he and the hare could overcome any challenge with the right strategy.
As the moonlight streamed through his window, Ryn couldn't shake the feeling that his journey was only just beginning. Beyond the walls of Windmere lay a vast, dangerous world filled with beasts, mysteries, and rivals who wouldn't take his rise lightly.
He glanced at the hare, now curled up on his bed. "We'll show them," he murmured. "No beast is weak, and neither are we."