Inside the Fallen Sun Building
"I underestood Mr.hariss" After Emma hung up the phone, her expression turned sour. She couldn't wrap her head around it.
A black goat cub? Ethan had contracted a black goat cub as his beast? What was he thinking?
"Has he lost his mind?!" Emma thought, pacing the room. This wasn't the Ethan she knew. The Ethan she remembered would never give up so easily.
For the first time, she felt she couldn't understand him at all. The Ethan she once knew felt so distant now.
"Forget it," she murmured. "It's not like I'll be in Southgate for long anyway."
Her family had already laid out a clear plan for her growth and development. Southgate was just a temporary stop. But even so, Emma couldn't help but feel responsible for him. If she could help Ethan, she would.
"I just hope he doesn't end up being ungrateful," she sighed.
Resolving herself, she picked up her phone and made another call.
"Hello, Miss Amber? It's Emma."
"…Yes, I've made up my mind. I feel like it's time for me to leave the comfort of the family and experience the real world. I can't just be a flower in a greenhouse forever."
"…No, don't arrange anything for me. I've already chosen my destination: the Blackstone Gate near Southgate. It's the perfect place to start."
Meanwhile, in Blackstone Town
Ethan had spent the past few days preparing. His routine was simple but effective: gathering as much information as possible and training diligently in his hotel room.
Through Marcus, his old mercenary friend, Ethan had pieced together a wealth of details about the Blackstone Gate. Preparation, he believed, was key to minimizing risks.
In this world, there was no shortage of geniuses, but there were far fewer who had survived long enough to become strong.
When he wasn't gathering information, Ethan trained intensely. Over these few days, his progress had been remarkable. He had learned to channel his mental energy into offensive capabilities, allowing him to manipulate small objects as lethal projectiles.
To make the most of his newfound skill, Ethan visited a blacksmith to commission a custom set of throwing knives.
Meanwhile, his contracted beast—the divine black goat cub—remained unusually quiet. Unlike most cubs, which were energetic and playful, the goat spent all its time cultivating and training within the Familiar Space.
This behavior pleased Ethan. With the goat focused entirely on its growth, Ethan didn't have to worry about feeding it, keeping it entertained, or dealing with tantrums. It was a refreshing contrast to the typical challenges of beast taming.
A Few Days Later
Finally, Ethan received his Trainee Beast Tamer badge.
Sitting in his hotel room, he examined the small plastic badge, emblazoned with the emblem of the Beast Tamers Association.
"Plastic? Really? Couldn't they afford something better?" he muttered, unimpressed by its cheap design.
Still, the badge marked the official start of his journey as a Beast Tamer. With a sense of accomplishment, he slipped the badge into his pocket.
His preparations were complete: potions, healing pills, and other supplies all carefully packed. Confident that he was ready, Ethan left the hotel and headed to the gate management office to register.
At the Gate Management Office
"Apprentice Beast Tamer, huh?"
The administrator glanced at Ethan's badge skeptically.
Beast Tamers are divided into different levels based on their rank, F Rank is known as Apprentice, C Rank is known as Commander, E Rank is known as Master, B Rank is known as Grand Master, A Rank is known as Grandeur, S Rank is known as Celestial and above S Rank is known as Demigod.
"You've just contracted your first beast, haven't you?" he asked. "You're rushing this. Gates are dangerous, especially for someone at your level. You might want to reconsider."
Ethan expected this reaction. Smiling calmly, he replied, "My badge hasn't been updated yet. I've already reached the C-Rank, and my contracted beast is at the E-Rank. I'm confident I can handle the Blackstone Gate."
The administrator raised an eyebrow.
"You're at the C-Rank? And your beast is at the E Rank?"
He studied Ethan carefully, realizing the young man was likely telling the truth. No one would lie about their strength when their life was at stake.
"Alright then."
The administrator handed Ethan a registration form but added a caveat.
"You'll need a team of at least five people to enter. Have you arranged one yet?"
Ethan nodded. He'd already discussed it with Marcus, who had agreed to recruit a few experienced mercenaries.
"I've got it covered," Ethan assured him.
But before he could finish the paperwork, a familiar voice called out from behind:
"Ethan! You're heading into the Blackstone Gate too?"
Turning around, Ethan saw Emma walking toward him. She was accompanied by a striking red-haired woman whose commanding presence was impossible to ignore.
"I'm putting together a team and need one more person. Why don't we join forces?" Emma suggested.
Ethan hesitated, surprised by the offer. He quickly decided it was likely a coincidence. Given Emma's abilities, it made sense for her to explore a place like the Blackstone Gate.
The red-haired woman met Ethan's gaze briefly, her expression cold and unreadable. She said nothing, merely glancing at Emma for guidance.
After a moment of thought, Ethan replied, "Alright, but I have one condition: once we're inside the gate, I'll be moving alone. Whatever I find is mine to keep."
Emma considered his words, then looked at the red-haired woman again.
The woman sighed, clearly displeased, but gave Emma a subtle nod.
"Fine," Emma said with a smile.
With their team now assembled, the three of them returned to the administrator, who approved their registration without hesitation.
Ethan noticed how deferential the administrator was toward the red-haired woman. It was clear she was exceptionally powerful—likely the reason their team had been approved so easily.
Moments later, the three stood in the teleportation chamber, ready to step into the Blackstone Gate.
Ethan, Emma, and the enigmatic red-haired woman each carried their own goals and secrets as they prepared to face whatever awaited them on the other said.