The campfire crackled softly, casting flickering shadows across the rocky outcrop where Ryn and Lyra had set up their temporary base. The Waterglint Fox lay curled at Ryn's side, its shimmering blue fur catching the firelight. Its wounds had mostly healed, though its movements were still tentative.
"You're really set on evolving it, huh?" Lyra asked, sitting across from him. Her Nightshade Hare rested nearby, its long ears twitching in the night air. The Mistborn Stalker sat at the edge of the camp, ever watchful.
Ryn nodded, his gaze never leaving the fox. "This fox has potential—real potential. But it needs more than just resources. It needs trust."
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "And where do we find trust? Last I checked, that doesn't grow on trees."
Ryn smirked. "We earn it."
...
The next morning, Ryn led the group deeper into the forests surrounding Emberfall. The area was teeming with lesser beasts, perfect for low-risk training.
"We start small," Ryn explained, watching as the Waterglint Fox sniffed cautiously at its surroundings. "It needs to learn to trust me in battle—and itself."
The first test came in the form of a small pack of Striped Fangrats, their sleek bodies darting through the underbrush. The Mistborn Stalker leapt into action, herding the creatures toward the fox.
"Now, Fox!" Ryn called, his voice steady.
The Waterglint Fox hesitated, its body tensing as the Fangrats lunged. At the last moment, it released a burst of water, creating a slippery barrier that sent the rats skidding into nearby trees.
Ryn grinned. "Good. That's a start."
Lyra clapped slowly. "Not bad for a first try. But it'll need more than water tricks to survive what's coming."
...
That evening, Ryn consulted his ability while the fox rested by the fire.
...
Entity: Waterglint Fox
Evolution Path: Abyssal Frostfang (Rare Elite)
Requirements for Evolution:
Glacial Essence: Found in frostbound regions or within rare Ice Elemental remains.
Deep Trust: Achieved through sustained bonding and shared victories.
...
"Glacial essence," Ryn muttered, staring into the flames. "That won't be easy to find."
Lyra, sharpening her blade, glanced up. "What about the Frostspire Caverns? They're dangerous, but they might have what you're looking for."
Ryn nodded slowly. "Then that's where we're headed."
...
The journey to the Frostspire Caverns was grueling, the terrain shifting from lush forests to frozen cliffs. Snow began to fall as they approached the entrance, a massive ice-coated archway carved into the mountainside.
Inside, the caverns sparkled with crystalline formations. The air was icy, each breath visible as a misty cloud. The deeper they ventured, the more ominous the atmosphere became.
"This place is crawling with beasts," Lyra whispered, her voice echoing faintly.
As if on cue, a low growl resonated through the cavern. From the shadows emerged an Icebound Drake, its scales glistening with frost.
...
Entity: Icebound Drake
Rank: Mid-tier Guardian Beast
Abilities: Frost Breath, Ice Armor, Enhanced Reflexes
Weakness: Fire-based or rapid, precise strikes
...
"Great," Lyra muttered, drawing her blade. "Just what we needed."
...
The Icebound Drake roared, releasing a blast of icy wind that forced Ryn and Lyra to scatter.
"Stalker, keep it distracted!" Ryn shouted.
The Mistborn Stalker darted around the Drake, striking at its legs. Meanwhile, Lyra's Nightshade Hare used its shadow abilities to create false images, confusing the beast.
"Fox, stay close to me!" Ryn called, watching the Waterglint Fox tremble at the edge of the battlefield.
The Drake lunged, its frost-covered claws raking the ground where Ryn stood moments before. He rolled to his feet, his mind racing.
...
Tactic Identified: Overwhelm the Drake's ice armor with rapid heat fluctuations or disrupt its focus.
...
Ryn drew his Core of Resonance, its light pulsing faintly. "Fox, focus your water attack on its head! Stalker, strike its legs again!"
The fox hesitated, then released a concentrated jet of water at the Drake's face. The attack hit true, momentarily blinding the beast.
"Now!" Ryn yelled.
The Mistborn Stalker leapt onto the Drake's back, slashing at its vulnerable joints. Lyra followed up, her blade striking the beast's underbelly.
With a final roar, the Drake collapsed, its icy armor shattering into fragments.
...
From the shattered remains of the Drake, a faint blue glow emerged—a small crystalline shard pulsing with cold energy.
"Glacial Essence," Ryn said, picking it up carefully. The shard was freezing to the touch, but its energy felt alive.
The Waterglint Fox approached, sniffing the shard before looking up at Ryn.
"This is it," Ryn said softly, crouching to meet the fox's gaze. "The first step to your evolution."
The fox yipped softly, nudging Ryn's hand.
...
As they exited the caverns, the cold wind biting at their skin, a figure stood waiting at the entrance. Cloaked in dark robes, their face obscured, the figure exuded an aura of danger.
"So, you've found the Glacial Essence," the figure said, their voice cold and mocking. "Impressive, but it won't save you."
Ryn stepped forward, his beasts flanking him. "Who are you?"
The figure pulled back their hood, revealing sharp features and piercing eyes. Around their neck hung a pendant bearing the symbol of the Obsidian Order.
"I am Kael," the figure said, a smirk curling their lips. "And you, boy, are meddling in forces far beyond your understanding."
Kael raised a hand, and from the shadows emerged a beast unlike any Ryn had seen—massive, with dark, jagged scales and eyes glowing with malice.
...
Entity: Obsidian Ravager
Rank: High-tier Shadow Beast
Abilities: Shadow Strike, Aura Suppression, Enhanced Vitality
...
Ryn's heart raced, but he stood his ground. "If you're here to stop me, you'll regret it."
Kael chuckled. "Let's see how far your so-called potential can take you."