Ryn and Lyra emerged from the subterranean chamber, the chill of the Forgotten Peaks biting at their skin. The Core of Resonance pulsed faintly in Ryn's hand, its energy subtly interacting with the Core of Binding in his pack.
The mist surrounding the peaks was thicker now, as if the mountain itself was aware of their discovery. The path downward felt different—more oppressive.
"We need to move," Ryn said, his voice tense. "The longer we stay here, the more likely we'll run into something we can't handle."
Lyra nodded, her eyes scanning the path ahead. "But where do we go next? Whoever has the Core of Dominion won't stop. And if they're using it..."
Ryn tightened his grip on the Core of Resonance. "We find them before they can do more damage."
...
As they descended, a low hum echoed through the air. Ryn and Lyra paused, their beasts alert. The Mistborn Stalker growled softly, while the Nightshade Hare, perched on Ryn's shoulder, twitched its ears. From the mist emerged a small metallic bird, its eyes glowing faintly. It was a Guild messenger construct.
"It found us," Lyra muttered.
The bird landed on a nearby rock and extended its wings. A projection of a stern-faced man in Guild attire appeared.
"Ryn and Lyra," the figure began, his voice formal but laced with authority. "By order of the Tamer's Guild, you are to return to the capital immediately. The recent disturbances in the Forgotten Peaks have drawn attention, and your involvement in unauthorized artifact retrieval must be addressed."
Ryn glared at the projection. "They don't care about the artifacts—they just want control."
The man continued, "Failure to comply will result in your designation as rogue tamers. This is your final warning."
The projection vanished, and the bird flew off, disappearing into the mist.
"They're closing in," Lyra said.
"Let them," Ryn replied, his resolve hardening. "We're not going back empty-handed."
...
Their journey led them to Emberfall, a bustling town at the base of the Forgotten Peaks. Known for its thriving beast market and taming guild outpost, it was a hub for tamers and traders alike.
The market was a chaotic blend of colors and sounds. Merchants called out, advertising rare beasts and evolution materials. Stalls displayed cages holding everything from low-tier beasts to exotic creatures glowing with latent power.
"We need supplies and information," Ryn said as they entered the market.
Lyra nodded, keeping her hood up. "Let's not draw too much attention."
...
At one stall, an elderly merchant with a collection of dusty scrolls and glowing crystals caught their eye. His stand wasn't as flashy as the others, but Ryn noticed something unusual: a beast perched on his shoulder, a small bird-like creature with metallic feathers and eyes that glowed faintly blue.
"Ah, travelers from the peaks," the merchant said, his voice rasping but warm. "You carry something rare, don't you?"
Ryn's guard went up immediately. "What makes you think that?"
The merchant chuckled. "The energy around you. The air shifts when you pass. You've touched the ancient paths."
Lyra glanced at Ryn nervously. "He knows."
"Relax," the merchant said, raising a hand. "I'm no Guild lackey. In fact, I despise them. Too much greed, not enough respect for the old ways."
Ryn hesitated before speaking. "Do you know about the Core of Dominion?"
The merchant's expression darkened. "So, it's true. That accursed artifact has resurfaced." He leaned in, lowering his voice. "The Core of Dominion was never meant for tamers. It was forged in a time when beasts and humans were at war. It enslaves, not bonds. Anyone wielding it courts disaster."
"Do you know who has it?" Lyra asked.
The merchant shook his head. "No, but I've heard whispers. A rogue faction operating in the shadow of the Guild. They call themselves the Obsidian Order. If they have the Core, they'll use it to bend the wildest beasts to their will."
...
As they prepared to leave the merchant's stall, a commotion erupted nearby. A group of tamers surrounded a cage holding a small, injured beast—a pale blue fox with shimmering fur that seemed to ripple like water.
"It's just a low-tier Waterglint Fox," one tamer scoffed. "Not worth the price."
The fox growled weakly, its legs trembling. Ryn's ability flared as he locked eyes with it.
...
Entity: Waterglint Fox
Rank: Low-tier
Potential Evolution: Abyssal Frostfang (Rare Elite)
Condition: Requires rare glacial essence and a deep bond for first evolution
...
Ryn stepped forward. "I'll take it."
The merchant holding the cage smirked. "Suit yourself. No refunds."
Lyra frowned. "Another 'weak' beast?"
Ryn opened the cage gently, letting the fox sniff his hand. "Not weak. Just misunderstood." The fox hesitated before nuzzling his palm, its eyes filled with cautious trust.
...
As they left the market, a figure watched them from the shadows. Cloaked in dark robes, they wore a pendant etched with the symbol of the Obsidian Order—a jagged black crystal surrounded by swirling runes.
"The boy has another Core," the figure murmured. "And now, he's building a team. The Master will want to know."
The figure disappeared into the crowd, leaving behind only the faint scent of ash.
...
Back at their camp outside Emberfall, Ryn sat beside the Waterglint Fox, tending to its wounds with herbs and a soft cloth. The Mistborn Stalker watched silently, as if assessing its new companion. The Nightshade Hare, meanwhile, lounged on a nearby rock, its eyes half-closed.
"We're being hunted from all sides," Lyra said, pacing. "The Guild, this Obsidian Order… It's only going to get worse."
Ryn didn't look up. "Then we'll need to get stronger." He glanced at the fox, his voice soft but firm. "That goes for all of us."
The fox yipped softly, its fur glowing faintly under the moonlight.
Lyra sighed, sitting down beside him. "What's our next move?"
Ryn held up the Resonance Core, its light reflecting in his eyes. "We find the Core of Dominion and stop whoever has it. But first, we evolve. Every beast, every bond. We'll turn their strength into nothing."
The fox leaned into his touch, its eyes filled with renewed determination.