The streets of Windmere buzzed with life as Ryn stepped outside the next morning, the Nightshade Hare perched on his shoulder. Merchants shouted over one another in the market square, hawking everything from beast feed to rare taming manuals. Tamers of all ages passed by with their bonded beasts, ranging from common wolves and hawks to the rare Flame Foxes and Stone Golems that turned heads wherever they went.
Ryn couldn't ignore the stares and whispers that followed him.
"Isn't that the kid who bonded with a rabbit?"
"Poor thing. He won't last long in the wild."
He clenched his fists but kept walking. Let them laugh. They'll see soon enough.
...
The Guild was a towering structure in the heart of Windmere, its stone walls etched with murals depicting legendary tamers and their beasts. Ryn entered the grand hall, his steps echoing against the marble floor.
Rows of shelves stretched toward the ceiling, filled with dusty tomes and scrolls on beast taming, evolution, and combat techniques. The Guild's library was open to all registered tamers, though most novices rarely used it.
"Back again, Ryn?" A familiar voice called out. It was Lyra, a researcher for the Guild, known for her sharp mind and sharper tongue. She sat at a desk piled high with books and scrolls, her owl-like beast perched beside her.
"Just looking for some information," Ryn said, trying to sound confident.
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "On what? How to groom a hare?"
Ryn ignored the jab and began scanning the shelves. He needed to understand the evolution paths he'd seen and find clues about the rare materials required. After an hour of searching, he found a worn tome titled Forgotten Paths of Evolution.
...
The book described obscure evolution methods for beasts that were often overlooked or dismissed. Flipping through the pages, Ryn's heart raced as he found a section on shadow-based creatures.
Nightshade Hare (Evolution Tier 1)
Shadowclaw Lynx: Requires exposure to a Moonstone Shard and consumption of Dark Lotus Petals. Develops stealth and offensive abilities.
Phantom Stalker: Requires fusion with an Obsidian Core and Veilroot Essence. Gains spectral abilities.
Umbra Warden: Achieved only through high-level bonding and rare materials. Becomes a protector of shadow realms.
Ryn traced the words with his finger. The materials were rare and difficult to obtain, but they weren't impossible. He copied the details into his notebook and closed the tome.
"Found something interesting?" Lyra asked, peering over his shoulder.
"Just... research," Ryn said, tucking the notebook into his satchel.
Lyra smirked. "You're ambitious, I'll give you that. But don't let ambition get you killed."
...
Ryn left the Guild and headed toward the outskirts of Windmere, where novice tamers often trained. The area was filled with low-level beasts—perfect for testing his hare's abilities.
He crouched behind a cluster of bushes, watching a pack of wild Spike Rats scurry through the underbrush. They were small but aggressive, with sharp quills covering their backs.
"Let's see what you can do," Ryn whispered to the hare.
The Nightshade Hare's ears twitched as it leapt silently into the shadows. Ryn activated his ability, and the hare's outline shimmered in his mind's eye, showing a faint glow around its claws.
Skill Unlocked: Shadowstep
Allows the beast to move silently and invisibly for a short duration.
The hare vanished into the shadows, reappearing behind one of the Spike Rats. It struck with surprising speed, its claws slashing through the beast's defenses. The Spike Rat let out a squeal before collapsing.
"Good job," Ryn said, impressed.
The other Spike Rats scattered, retreating into the forest. The hare returned to his side, its nose twitching as if proud of itself.
...
As Ryn ventured deeper into the training grounds, he encountered other novice tamers. Most ignored him, too focused on their own battles, but one tamer stepped in his path—a burly boy with a Flame Hound at his side.
"Well, if it isn't the rabbit tamer," the boy sneered. "Planning to scare the beasts with its cuteness?"
Ryn glared at him but didn't respond.
"Let's see how that thing holds up in a real fight," the boy said, gesturing to his Flame Hound.
"I'm not interested," Ryn replied, turning to leave.
The boy laughed. "Afraid? Can't blame you. That hare wouldn't last a second against Blaze here."
Ryn stopped and turned back. "Fine. Let's make it quick."
...
The two tamers squared off in a small clearing. The Flame Hound growled, its fiery mane flaring as it circled the hare.
"Blaze, Ember Shot!" the boy commanded.
The Flame Hound unleashed a burst of fire, but the Nightshade Hare darted to the side, its Shadowstep ability activating just in time. It vanished into the shadows, reappearing behind the hound and slashing with its claws.
The Flame Hound yelped, stumbling forward.
"What the—?!" the boy exclaimed. "Blaze, get serious! Flame Charge!"
The hound lunged, surrounded by fire, but the hare used its agility to dodge the attack. Ryn watched closely, guiding the hare with subtle commands.
"Finish it," Ryn said, his voice calm.
The hare leapt high, its claws glowing faintly with shadow energy, and struck the hound squarely on the back. The Flame Hound collapsed, defeated.
The boy stared in shock. "How...?"
Ryn shrugged. "Maybe you should do some research before underestimating a beast."
He walked away, the hare hopping beside him.
...
As the sun set, Ryn returned to Windmere with a renewed sense of purpose. The Nightshade Hare had proven itself capable, and his ability was already giving him an edge.
But he knew this was only the beginning. The evolution paths he'd seen would require rare materials, dangerous missions, and careful planning. And somewhere in the shadows, the mystery of the shards and his unique gift awaited.
For now, Ryn allowed himself a small smile. He had taken the first step on his journey to prove that no beast was truly weak—only misunderstood.