Aidan sat cross-legged on the floor, the newly bonded egg resting in his lap. The faint shimmer of its cracks had faded, replaced by a subtle warmth that seemed to resonate with his heartbeat. Suddenly, the egg quivered, and with a faint crackling sound, it split open.
A small wolf cub, its fur an inky black with streaks of silver, emerged. It blinked up at him with glowing violet eyes, letting out a soft whimper before nuzzling into Aidan's hands. The bond between them solidified instantly, a wave of warmth and connection surging through Aidan's chest.
As he bonded with the cub, Aidan felt a surge of energy within himself. His muscles tensed momentarily, and he realized he felt stronger, faster. Varn's words echoed in his mind: tamers grew stronger alongside their beasts.
Varn, having just congratulated him, left the room to give Aidan time to rest. Alone at last, Aidan marveled at the tiny creature nestled in his lap. The system had spoken during the bonding process, but he hadn't had the chance to explore its revelations.
[System activated. Host has successfully bonded with the first beast. Comprehensive interface unlocked.]
Aidan's vision blurred momentarily as a translucent blue interface appeared before him. Lines of text and symbols danced across the display, accompanied by faint chimes.
[Welcome, Host Aidan Lorne. Initiating detailed system overview..."]
---
The system's voice was calm yet precise, like a teacher explaining a complex lesson.
[Host Attributes Overview:
- Level: 1
- Strength: 5
- Agility: 7
- Intelligence: 8
- Vitality: 6
- Mana: 20
- Soul Capacity: 10
- Charm: 7]
[Beast Attributes Overview (Hatched):
- Level: 1
- Name: ?
- Species: Wolf Cub
- Potential: Ascended Stage
- Attribute: None (Potential Paths Available)
- Loyalty: High (Bond Established)]
The wolf cub stirred in Aidan's lap, letting out a small yip as if acknowledging its master. Aidan smiled, excitement building.
[The beast's potential paths have been unlocked. Would you like to view them?]
"Potential paths?" Aidan repeated aloud. "Yes."
The interface shimmered, displaying five distinct paths:
[1. Dire Wolf: A balanced evolution enhancing physical strength, endurance, and pack-leading instincts. Gains abilities like Iron Bite and Howl of Unity.
- Requirements: Reach level 10, maintain a consistent training regimen, and consume a Beast Growth Elixir for evolution.
- Potential: Chance to reach the Awakened Stage.]
[2. Shadow Wolf: Specializes in stealth and ambush tactics. Gains abilities like Shadow Meld and Phantom Strike.
- Requirements: Reach level 10 and consume a dark element orb.
- Potential: Successful chance to reach the Empowered Stage.]
[3. Ice Wolf: Adapts to cold climates, wielding frost-based attacks. Gains abilities like Frost Howl and Glacial Armor.
- Requirements: Reach level 10 and consume an ice element orb.
- Potential: Successful chance to reach the Empowered Stage.]
[4. Thunder Wolf: Focuses on speed and electrifying attacks. Gains abilities like Lightning Dash and Thunder Fang.
- Requirements: Reach level 15, consume five thunder orbs, and a thunder beast core.
- Potential: Successful chance to reach Ascended Stage, ???]
Aidan's eyes widened as he examined each path. The Thunder Wolf path intrigued him the most, its details revealing unique stealth-based powers.
Not just that from his past experience he knows that if the system cannot give him much detail then it has to be something good.
---
The system's voice chimed again. [Congratulations to the host on becoming a beast tamer. As a reward, the system has granted you a Beginner Gift Pack.] [Would you like to open it now?]
Aidan's heart raced. "Open it."
[System rewards the host for successfully becoming a tamer. Reward contents: Beast Nourishment Elixir, Beginner Sword Manual, and 100 credits.]
He clicked on each reward to get a better understanding of them. The interface shimmered, and holographic images of the items appeared:
[ Beast Nourishment Elixir: Enhances the growth and vitality of bonded beasts.]
[ Beginner Sword Manual: A training guide for swordsmanship.]
[ 100 Credits: A small monetary boost. ]
"This is incredible," Aidan whispered, his excitement growing.
He don't know much about the beast nourishment elixir so he will ask Varn once he gets back so he decided to inspect the sword manual first. He remembered how both Kael and Daren, despite being tamers, wielded weapons during battles. It dawned on him that a tamer's strength wasn't solely tied to their beasts but also their personal abilities.
When he selected the sword manual, a flood of knowledge entered his mind. Techniques, stances, and strategies unfolded in vivid detail.
[Beginner Sword Manual: Proficiency 0%]
Although the knowledge was clear, Aidan understood he needed practice to master it.
---
Turning his attention to the cub, Aidan gently stroked its fur. The little wolf nuzzled deeper into his lap, letting out soft, contented breaths. Unbidden, a smile crept onto Aidan's face, and a memory surfaced his younger sister, Cora, used to curl up on his lap when she felt sad.
"I've become a tamer, Cora," he thought, a mixture of determination and sorrow filling his heart.
The door creaked open, and Varn entered, carrying small packets.
"Here, this is beast food. It'll help with your wolf's nourishment and growth," Varn said, handing the packets to Aidan.
"By the way, why haven't you let your beast rest in your soul space? It's better for nurturing them," Varn added.
"Soul space?" Aidan asked, puzzled.
Varn chuckled. "It's simple. Just think about your beast returning to your soul space. The bond will handle the rest."
Following Varn's instructions, Aidan focused on the idea. A moment later, the wolf cub shimmered into a speck of light and disappeared, settling into a space Aidan could sense deep within himself. When he closed his eyes, he saw the cub sleeping soundly in a serene, glowing void.
"Speaking of your wolf, have you named it yet?" Varn asked.
Aidan nodded. "His name is Hope."
Hope, huh? A fitting name Varn said, his voice thoughtful.
---
"Well," Varn continued, "since you've bonded with your beast, we have two days before you join the academy. Starting tomorrow, I'll train you and teach you how to train Hope."
Aidan clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes. For the first time, the path ahead seemed clear. He wasn't just surviving anymore he was growing stronger, preparing to face the challenges ahead.
After dinner as he lay down to rest that night, Aidan's thoughts swirled with possibilities. The system, the bond with Hope, and the training to come, it all felt like the beginning of something monumental.
"I'll grow stronger," Aidan vowed silently. "For Cora, for myself, and for the future I'm going to build."
With Hope nestled safely in his soul space and the system as his guide, Aidan felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.