The ruins loomed ahead, jagged and foreboding against the pale light of the shattered sky. Kael stepped cautiously over the cracked stone and twisted metal, his eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement. The slums had their dangers, but the outskirts were something else entirely—a no-man's-land where beasts roamed and survival was anything but guaranteed.
In his satchel, the blade he'd scavenged clinked against the rusted pipe with every step. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing.
[Quest Reminder: Subdue and tame a Rank E Shadowfang Pup. Location: Southern Ruins.]
Kael exhaled, his breath misting in the cold air. "Southern Ruins," he muttered to himself, glancing at the crumbling structures that stretched endlessly before him.
The Shadowfang Pup. A juvenile creature with the potential to evolve into something far stronger. Kael didn't know much about taming beasts, but the system seemed confident it was possible.
[Tip: Shadowfang Pups are pack creatures. Approach with caution to avoid provoking nearby adults.]
Kael frowned. "Pack creatures?" he muttered. "Great. Because one isn't enough of a problem."
The system remained silent, as always.
He adjusted his grip on the satchel strap and pressed forward, his footsteps echoing faintly in the eerie silence. The ruins were like a graveyard, their twisted remnants of buildings and machinery standing as solemn reminders of a world long gone.
Kael's heart raced with every step. The Apex Beast had been a solitary predator, but if the Shadowfang Pup wasn't alone, things could get messy. He needed to be careful—calculated.
As he ventured deeper into the ruins, Kael's ears caught the faint sound of movement. A soft rustling, followed by a low growl. He froze, his body tensing as his eyes darted toward the source of the noise.
In the shadows of a crumbled wall, a pair of glowing red eyes stared back at him.
Kael's grip tightened on the pipe at his side. "Here we go," he murmured.
The creature stepped into the light, revealing a sleek, wolf-like form covered in dark fur that shimmered faintly with an ethereal glow. Its ears were sharp, its fangs bared, and its tail swayed like a pendulum, poised to strike.
The Shadowfang Pup.
Kael's breath hitched. It was smaller than he expected, its form lean and wiry, but the intensity in its glowing eyes was anything but juvenile.
[Target Identified: Shadowfang Pup (Rank E, Evolvable). Bond Status: Uninitiated.]
The pup growled, lowering its body into a crouch. Kael didn't need the system to tell him it was ready to attack.
"Easy," he said, raising his hands slowly. His voice was calm, but his heart pounded in his chest. "I'm not here to hurt you."
The pup's growl deepened, its ears flattening against its skull.
Kael swallowed hard. He needed to think. Fighting it head-on wasn't an option—not if he wanted to tame it. But how was he supposed to convince a wild beast to trust him?
[Tip: Shadowfang Pups respond to displays of dominance. Demonstrate strength without harming the creature to establish a bond.]
Kael's brow furrowed. "Strength without harm?" he muttered. "What does that even mean?"
The pup didn't wait for him to figure it out. With a sharp bark, it lunged forward, its claws scraping against the ground as it closed the distance in an instant.
Kael barely had time to react. He sidestepped the attack, swinging the pipe in a wide arc that forced the pup to skid to a halt.
The creature snarled, its red eyes blazing as it circled him, searching for an opening.
"Alright," Kael said, his voice steady. "You want strength? Let's see what you've got."
The pup lunged again, and this time, Kael was ready. He ducked low, sweeping his leg out in a sharp kick that sent the creature stumbling. Before it could recover, he planted the pipe firmly into the ground, using it as leverage to push himself upright.
The pup growled, shaking off the blow, but its movements were slower now—more cautious.
Kael didn't press the attack. Instead, he stood tall, his grip on the pipe loose but ready. His eyes locked onto the pup's, unflinching.
The creature hesitated, its growl tapering off into a low rumble.
[Bond Status: 10% Initiated. Shadowfang Pup recognizes host as potential dominant figure.]
Kael let out a slow breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly. He didn't know how far he could push this, but he had to try.
"You're strong," he said, his voice calm. "But you don't have to fight alone."
The pup's ears twitched, but it didn't move.
Kael crouched slowly, keeping his movements deliberate. He reached into his satchel and pulled out a small piece of dried meat—one of the few supplies he'd brought.
He placed it on the ground between them, then stepped back, his hands raised.
The pup sniffed the air, its glowing eyes flicking between the meat and Kael. For a moment, it didn't move, its body tense and wary.
Then, cautiously, it stepped forward.
Kael held his breath as the pup lowered its head, sniffing the meat before snatching it up in a single bite.
[Bond Status: 40% Initiated. Trust established.]
The tension in the air lessened as the pup backed away, chewing on its prize. Kael stayed where he was, his heart pounding in his chest.
He didn't know how long it would take to fully bond with the creature, but for now, this was progress.
"You're not so scary up close," he said with a faint smile.
The pup's ears twitched, but it didn't growl this time.
Kael straightened, his resolve hardening. The Shadowfang Pup was just the beginning. If he could earn its loyalty, it could become a powerful ally—one that would grow with him as he climbed the ranks.
But taming it wouldn't be easy. He still had a long way to go.