The night settled in. It looks like that Irene is their leader cause she made a lot of decision in this group. She said that they should rest early and reserve their energy for tomorrow. Marik and Amel immediately agree, so John do the most sensible thing which is also agree.John and Marik headed upstairs to their shared room. It was a simple space — comfortable, but definitely not luxurious. The bed looked modes and John couldn't help but glance at Marik, wondering how he'd fit. At over two meters tall with large build, Marik was looking like a giant; the bed seemed laughably small in comparison.John settling in his bed and broke the silence. "So... where's your Beast?"Marik grinned, clearly anticipating the question. "I do have one. Want to see?"Intrigued, John nodded. Marik closed his eyes, concentrating for a moment, and then with a faint shimmer a green turtle materialized by his side. It was no ordinary turtle — its shell was a brilliant crystalline green, catching the light in gleams. Its head had a sharp, beak-like mouth that looked perfectly suited for snapping through just about anything.The creature was pretty big, almost matching John's black hound in his size right now.John's eyes widened. "Wow, that is one amazing beast!"He crouched down to get a closer look, fascinated by the turtle's jewel-like shell and powerful form. It reminded him of a snapping turtle from his own world but amplified with a mystical power that made it seem both beautiful and dangerous."I know right? Haha!" Marik said, grinning with pride. He seemed thrilled with John's reaction, still unaware that John's hound was a Rare-ranked Beast with a powerful Shadow affinity.John gave him an appreciative nod."It really is awesome." He could see why Marik would be so proud. Even if it wasn't the most powerful creature in terms of strength John sure it had a unique quality and abbility.Curious to know more about Marik's turtle, John decided to use his Beast Insight Vision. He focused on the creature and immediately lines of information appeared before him.---Beast Insight Vision Activated (Novice 6/100)Species: Crystal Snap TurtleRank: Uncommon BeastElemental Affinity: EarthStrength: ModerateAgility: LowEndurance: HighWeakness: Vulnerable underbellySpecial Abilities: Crystal Shell, Crushing BiteTaming Method: [Empathy Bond Ritual]---John took in the details with satisfaction, intrigued by the turtle's unique qualities. Its crystalline shell and powerful bite were certainly impressive for an Uncommon-ranked Beast, and the Earth affinity made it well-suited for defensive tactics.Marik noticed John's gaze in concentration and raised an eyebrow. "What can you see?""I can see that your turtle's pretty tough," he replied with a nod of respect. "It have an Earth affinity and is an Uncommon rank Beast. I bet its pretty strong."Marik's eyes widened in surprise as he heard John's detailed assessment of his turtle."How do you know that?" Marik asked, his tone curious and slightly impressed. "That's pretty specific... Are you some kind of experienced Tamer?"John nodded, deciding to keep his ability partially concealed while still giving enough information to avoid constantly making up excuses for it when somebody ask for it later."Yeah, I have a bit of talent for recognizing some details, but it's not always accurate," he replied casually.Marik seemed to relax, though his surprise was still apparent."Well, you nailed it. My Snappy is Uncommon Rank. Guess you could probably tell its affinity from its looks but figuring out its rank? that's a whole different matter." Marik clapped John's shoulder, grinning broadly. "With that talent, you'll be invaluable to us! We're lucky we found you, really!"John chuckled, feeling a warmth in Marik's words. Truthfully, he felt lucky too to have stumbled upon a team like this so early in his journey. Not someone who want to kill him or bully him."So... you gave your Beast a name?" John asked, casting a glance at Marik's proud turtle."Of course!" Marik's eyes gleamed as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Every Beast bonded to us should have a name. You haven't named yours yet?"Caught off guard, John glanced at his black hound, who returned his gaze with a calm nod, as if agreeing with Marik's sentiment. He felt a twinge of guilt; it hadn't even crossed his mind to name his companion in the short time they'd known each other."Not yet. I still can't think of a good name," John admitted. "But I'll come up with something soon, I promise.""You'd better!" Marik said with a smile that quickly turned serious. "Beasts aren't just creatures for fighting. They're our friends. Treat them otherwise, and you'll have to face me!"John could see a flash of fierce loyalty in Marik's eyes, hinting at a personal reason behind his strong feelings. He hadn't expected the big man to show this much heart toward a Beast; he'd assumed Marik saw them only as weapons for combat because of his build."O-okay," John said, taken aback.Marik's expression softened, and he nodded in approval.They settled into their beds, and soon, the room fell into a peaceful quiet.John lay back on the bed, his gaze settling on the black hound curled up beside him. The creature was already letting out soft sounds.Watching the hound rest, John felt a warmth growing in his chest; he was no longer alone in this strange world. He feel he already have that dog his entire life even though its just few hours ago. He don't even have a dog before he came here.A name... he'd been so focused on everything else that he'd almost forgotten to give his new companion one. But what would fit?Something like "Shadow" was just too common. He could already imagine countless Beasts with dark fur given that exact name. His hound was different; he deserved something that captured his uniqueness.John studied the creature's midnight-black fur. It was darker than soot, as endless as the night sky, or... ink. A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. Inky, he decided. Simple, yet fitting.As if sensing John's thoughts, the black hound's eyes snapped open and he lifted his head to gaze at John. A bright spark of happiness gleaming in his blue eyes.John was taken aback, momentarily speechless. "Did... did he understand?""Alright, Inky. You like that?" he whispered, feeling the bond between them solidify even more.The hound's tail gave a slight wag, and John knew he'd made the right choice.---The morning sun cast a warm glow over the inn as John sit around table with Marik, Irene, and Amel. They shared a breakfast and Marik casually mentioned John's unique Beast Insight ability, drawing interested glances from Irene and Amel."Really?" Irene asked with wide eyes.John grinned, enjoying the attention a bit. It wasn't every day he got respect from two capable and beautiful women, and he couldn't help but feel a bit of pride."That's great news. We'll definitely need your help later on," Irene said, giving him a smile that made his heart fast unexpectedly.He fought the urge to blush, feeling his face grow warm as he tried to brush off the reaction."Come on, John! pull it together!" he thought. "Just because it's been ages since you last dated someone doesn't mean you can fall for every pretty face that smiles your way."After breakfast, the group set off toward their next target. A dungeon mapped out on a worn parchment Irene held.The Dungeon was different from the last. It is a structure that standing like a relic of a forgotten era, its crumbling stones and overgrown vines hinting at a rich and mysterious history.But before they could enter, a mocking voice cut through the quiet."Well, well, Irene! Still trying to scrape by in these Dungeons with your little team? Thought you'd have given up by now."John turned to see a group of four adventurers nearby, each with vibrant and exotic-looking Beasts at their sides.The man who had spoken wore a smirk that seemed permanently etched onto his face, radiating a smug and irritating energy."Is this where the annoying characters makes their entrance?" John thought, exasperated already.---