The dawn was crisp, a chill wind rustling the leaves as Lin Feng stepped out of his hut. Xiao Hei perched on his shoulder, its single eye gleaming with energy, while Huo Yun trailed beside him, its fiery tail leaving faint scorch marks on the ground.
Today was important. Lin Feng had heard whispers in the village about a group of traveling beast hunters who had arrived, offering contracts and tests for young tamers. It was a rare opportunity in this remote region—perhaps even a turning point.
"If we want to grow stronger, we need resources, experience, and recognition," Lin Feng said, mostly to himself. "And this is our chance to get all three."
Xiao Hei hissed softly in agreement, while Huo Yun growled, its fiery tail flickering brighter.
...
The village square bustled with activity as Lin Feng arrived. A small crowd had gathered around a group of armored individuals—beast hunters. Their leader, a tall woman with short silver hair and piercing eyes, stood at the center, her presence commanding respect.
"We are the Emberfang Guild," the woman announced. "We've come to offer contracts to promising beast tamers. Those who pass our trials will gain access to resources, training, and missions beyond this village."
Her sharp gaze swept over the crowd. "However, not everyone is qualified. Only those who can prove their strength and skill will be accepted."
Excited murmurs rippled through the crowd. For many villagers, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Lin Feng's heart raced.
"I'll enter the trial," Lin Feng said, stepping forward.
The woman raised an eyebrow, her gaze scrutinizing him. "You're young, and those beasts of yours don't look impressive. Are you sure?"
Lin Feng met her gaze, unflinching. "Appearances can be deceiving."
Her lips curled into a faint smile. "Very well. Let's see what you're made of."
...
The trial was set in a forested area on the outskirts of the village. Each participant was assigned a small section of the woods where they had to complete specific tasks: capture or defeat a marked beast, recover a rare resource, and return within the time limit.
Lin Feng stood at the edge of the forest, Xiao Hei and Huo Yun at his side.
"Listen carefully," he said to them. "Xiao Hei, you'll scout ahead. Use your small size to stay hidden. Huo Yun, stay close to me and be ready to attack. We'll move as a team."
Both beasts responded with determination.
A loud horn signaled the start of the trial, and Lin Feng dashed into the forest.
...
The first task wasn't long in coming. Lin Feng spotted a Swiftclaw Hare, a small but elusive beast with fur that shimmered like silver. It was marked with a faint glowing symbol, indicating it was part of the trial.
"Xiao Hei, flank it!" Lin Feng commanded.
The lizard darted forward, moving through the underbrush with surprising agility. The hare noticed Xiao Hei and bolted, but it ran straight into Huo Yun's path.
"Huo Yun, Quickstep!"
The fox's speed surged as it lunged at the hare, pinning it down with its claws. Lin Feng quickly tied a rope around the captured beast, securing it as part of his task.
"One down," Lin Feng muttered, adrenaline coursing through him.
...
The second task proved more challenging. Lin Feng needed to find a rare herb called Moonshade Grass, which grew only in shaded areas near water. After searching for what felt like hours, he finally found a patch near a small stream.
However, as he reached for the herb, a low growl stopped him in his tracks.
From the shadows emerged a Shadowfang Wolf, its sleek black fur blending with the darkness. Its glowing yellow eyes locked onto Lin Feng, and its lips curled back in a snarl.
"This is bad," Lin Feng muttered, gripping his staff.
The wolf lunged, faster than Lin Feng had anticipated. He barely managed to block with his staff, the force of the attack sending him stumbling backward.
"Huo Yun, distract it! Xiao Hei, aim for its legs!"
Huo Yun darted in, snapping at the wolf's flank and drawing its attention. Meanwhile, Xiao Hei scuttled to the side, unleashing a well-aimed Ember Breath at the wolf's hind legs.
The flames struck, causing the wolf to yelp in pain. It turned to face Xiao Hei, but Huo Yun was already on the move, leaping onto its back and biting down hard.
"Now!" Lin Feng shouted, rushing forward with his staff. He struck the wolf's head with all his strength, and it collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
Breathing heavily, Lin Feng quickly harvested the Moonshade Grass and moved on.
...
As the time limit approached, Lin Feng returned to the trial grounds with his captured hare, the Moonshade Grass, and his tired but triumphant companions.
The silver-haired leader of the Emberfang Guild raised an eyebrow as she inspected his results. "You completed all tasks, and you even took down a Shadowfang Wolf," she said, her tone impressed. "Not bad for someone I underestimated."
Lin Feng smirked. "I told you appearances can be deceiving."
She nodded. "You've proven yourself today. Welcome to the Emberfang Guild."
...
That night, Lin Feng sat outside his hut, staring at the moonlit sky. Xiao Hei and Huo Yun rested beside him, their breathing slow and steady.
"We did it," Lin Feng said softly, a faint smile on his lips. "This is just the beginning, but it's a step forward."
His journey was far from over, but with his newfound allies and the resources of the Emberfang Guild, Lin Feng felt more prepared than ever to face the challenges ahead.