Raine Evernight Valthorn stood in the grand chamber of the royal palace, his mind sharp as the Crown Prince's words echoed through the opulent room.
"I see. Very well, Raine. We shall see what you are capable of."
The prince's gaze lingered on him, piercing and expectant, as though testing the weight of Raine's resolve. This wasn't just a conversation; it was a power play. Raine could feel the gravity of the moment.
With a respectful bow, Raine replied, his voice steady, "I will not disappoint, Your Highness."
The Crown Prince smiled faintly, his sharp features softening for a brief moment before regaining their regal composure. "I don't doubt it. Now, there's a matter I wish to discuss—an opportunity for you to prove your worth not just to me, but to the kingdom."
Raine remained silent, allowing the prince to continue.
"In two months, a joint expedition will be undertaken in the Ashen Wilds. You may have heard of it."
Raine's brow furrowed slightly. The Ashen Wilds were infamous—an uncharted region teeming with dangerous creatures and ancient, forgotten magic. Few dared to venture there, and even fewer returned.
"I have," Raine replied carefully. "It's said to be a treacherous land, filled with both peril and untold riches."
The prince nodded. "Precisely. This expedition is vital for the kingdom. We've received reports of a disturbance—something that may threaten the balance of the realms. I want you to join the team as a representative of the academy and as a Beast Tamer."
The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Raine's instincts screamed at him to tread carefully. This was no ordinary task.
"Your Highness," Raine began cautiously, "while I am honored by your faith in my abilities, I must ask—what exactly do you expect me to accomplish in the Ashen Wilds?"
The prince leaned back in his chair, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. "Survive, for one. But more importantly, I want you to uncover the source of the disturbance. If it is a threat, neutralize it. And if it holds power… claim it for the kingdom."
Raine's heart raced. This wasn't just an opportunity; it was a test. A test that could elevate his standing—or destroy him.
"I will do my utmost," Raine said at last. "But I have one request."
The Crown Prince arched an eyebrow. "Speak."
"I need autonomy. If I am to succeed, I must act without interference or oversight. And I need assurances that the creatures I tame during the expedition will remain under my control."
The prince regarded him with a keen interest, his eyes narrowing slightly. "A bold request. But very well. You shall have your autonomy—within reason. And as for the creatures, they are yours… as long as they serve the kingdom's interests."
Raine inclined his head. "Thank you, Your Highness. I will not waste this chance."
"See that you don't," the prince replied, his tone final. "You are dismissed."
As Raine left the palace, the weight of the conversation settled over him. The Ashen Wilds… a land of mystery and danger. And now, he was being sent there, not as a student, but as a representative of the Crown.
He clenched his fists, determination surging through him. If he was to navigate this treacherous path, he needed to prepare—mentally, physically, and strategically.
Back at the academy, Raine began to formulate his plan. The first step was to ensure that his trump cards were secure.
The Drakonid, his hidden 6-star beast, had grown more attuned to him in recent weeks. Its stealth abilities made it invaluable for reconnaissance and surprise attacks, but its true strength lay in its potential to evolve into something far greater.
Then there was the 5-star beast he had recently acquired—a creature of untapped power and mystery. It was a shadowy figure in the moonlight, its presence both awe-inspiring and foreboding. Raine had yet to fully explore its capabilities, but he knew it could be a game-changer.
He spent the following days in intense training, pushing his beasts and himself to their limits. The gryphion's agility and the Drakonid's stealth were honed further, while the shadow beast remained his silent ace, kept hidden from prying eyes.
As word of the expedition spread through the academy, curiosity and speculation ran rampant. Many students envied Raine's selection, while others viewed it as a death sentence.
One evening, as Raine sat in the Beast Taming Tower, reviewing maps of the Ashen Wilds, he was approached by Kalen, his fellow competitor from the tournament.
"You're really going, huh?" Kalen said, his tone a mix of admiration and concern.
Raine looked up, meeting his gaze. "Seems like it."
"You're either incredibly brave or incredibly reckless," Kalen continued. "That place… it's a graveyard for adventurers. Are you sure you're ready?"
Raine smirked faintly. "I don't have a choice, do I? Besides, I've faced worse odds."
Kalen chuckled, shaking his head. "You're something else, Raine Evernight Valthorn. Just… don't die out there, okay?"
"I'll do my best," Raine replied, his voice tinged with a quiet resolve.
As Kalen left, Raine turned his attention back to the maps, his mind already racing with strategies. The Ashen Wilds would be a challenge, but he was determined to emerge stronger—no matter the cost.
To be continued…