Auron sat at his desk, his fingers tapping against the wooden surface as he stared at his screen. His mind raced as he sifted through the best possible first beast choices. Three-Tailed Cat, Speed Rodent, Tri-Colored Bird—each had unique strengths and weaknesses, but he needed to make the best possible decision with his limited resources.
His eyes lingered on the Three-Tailed Cat, a nimble and intelligent feline known for its agility and sharp instincts. "It's fast, smart, and has an affinity for stealth-based combat. If I can strengthen it over time, it might even be able to develop its third tail's special ability."
Then, there was the Speed Rodent. A creature notorious for its incredible acceleration and ability to detect danger before it struck. "I might not be strong now, but with a beast like this, I'd be able to dodge attacks before they even come close." The problem? It lacked endurance and was easily fatigued.
Lastly, the Tri-Colored Bird. A peculiar avian with feathers that changed hues depending on its emotions and mana reserves. "They say its tricolor pattern allows it to channel different elemental boosts, and it's one of the few low-tier beasts with the potential for a mana-based evolution."
Auron leaned back, letting out a deep sigh. "If I had more mana affinity, I wouldn't even hesitate to choose the Tri-Colored Bird. But with my weak Mana Heart, I might not be able to handle a mana-based beast right away."
After a few more minutes of thought, he finally finalized his list. "I'll see which of these I can find in the wild. Hopefully, one of them will be viable."
With a thought, Auron pulled up his Status Window, curious to see if there were any updates.
[STATUS WINDOW]
Name: Auron Veyne
Title: None
Mana Heart: 5.01% Opened (Fledgling Mana Heart)
Level: 1
Affinities: Spirit Caller, Rune Inscriber
Condition: Stable
Attributes:
Strength: 4 → 5
Agility: 6
Endurance: 5
Magic Power: 7
Luck: 3
Available Stat Points: 3
His eyebrows furrowed. "I leveled up, but my stats barely increased. Only one point added to Strength?"
Auron exhaled sharply. Most people have at least 10 points in their attributes by the time they awaken. I'm severely behind.
He scrolled down, realizing the increase had come from the quest rewards. His system had given him three points to distribute. It's not much, but at least I can control where they go.
His mind raced with possibilities. Should he put everything into Magic Power to boost his mana-based skills? Or Endurance, so he wouldn't get fatigued too quickly in battle? Agility was also tempting—speed was crucial in fights, especially if he planned on taming a fast beast.
Before deciding, he checked his Quest Log, hoping for any clues on what was coming next.
[QUEST LOG]
Active Quests:
First Beast Contract(Incomplete)
Find and contract your first beast using the provided voucher assistance.
Rewards: Beast Mastery Skill, +2 Stat Points
Auron's eyes gleamed. A Beast Mastery Skill? That could be huge.
He flexed his fingers, thinking. The sooner I get my first contract, the faster I can start catching up.
"Tomorrow," he murmured, determination setting in. "I make my first contract."
With that thought in mind, he returned to his research, making sure he was fully prepared for what lay ahead.
The next morning, Auron stood in front of the government-funded Beast Tamer's office, his hands tightening into fists. He had barely slept the night before, excitement and anxiety battling in his mind.
Alfred stood beside him; arms crossed. "You sure about this?"
"I have no choice," Auron replied. "This is my only chance to get stronger."
The facility was packed with newly awakened tamers, some eager, others nervous. A few sneered at Auron as he passed. Derek Rathmore wasn't in sight, but Auron knew he'd show up eventually.
An official in a dark uniform stepped onto a raised platform. "Attention! All new tamers have received a government voucher. You may use this to claim your first beast. However, you must venture into the designated Level 1 areas and find a beast on your own."
A murmur of excitement and unease passed through the crowd.
"The government will provide assistance in the form of an assigned Beast Tamer to ensure your safety," the official continued. "However, the success of contracting a beast is entirely up to you."
Auron took a deep breath. This is it.
Alfred nudged him. "Did you decide which beast you're going for?"
Auron nodded. "I've narrowed it down to three. Hopefully, I'll find one in the wild."
The official motioned for the group to move toward the transport vehicles. Auron and Alfred climbed into one, sitting across from a stern-looking Beast Tamer who would be overseeing their group.
"Listen up," the man said. "The Level 1 areas are dangerous, but nothing a fresh tamer can't handle—if you're smart. Stick together, don't provoke unnecessary fights, and most importantly, know your limits."
Auron could feel the intensity in the man's gaze. I have to succeed here. There's no other way forward.
The vehicle started moving, taking them towards their destiny.
As the transport vehicle came to a halt, Auron and the others stepped out onto the vast plains. The group was composed of five newly awakened tamers and two government-assigned Beast Tamers.
One of the tamers, a tall woman with a scar on her cheek, addressed them. "Welcome to the Level 1 plains. Here, you'll find a variety of beginner-friendly beasts. Stick with your assigned group, and don't make reckless decisions."
She gestured to the open expanse. "Some of the beasts you might encounter include Green-Horned Lambs, Burrowing Moles, Swift Hares, and the elusive Three-Tailed Cat."
Auron's ears perked at the mention of the Three-Tailed Cat. It's here.
Not long after, a fellow newly awakened spotted a Green-Horned Lamb grazing nearby. Excited, they cautiously approached and extended their mana. The lamb hesitated before accepting the bond.
"It worked!" the tamer exclaimed, overjoyed.
Auron exhaled. That's one success. Now it's my turn.
Auron watched as the other three in his group had already tamed their own beasts. Alfred, the last to succeed, managed to tame a Long-Tailed Fox. The fox had sleek silver fur with black tips on its ears and tail. Its piercing blue eyes gleamed with intelligence, and its defining feature, its long, elegant tail, was said to enhance its agility and mana control.
"Not bad," Alfred said, stroking the fox's fur. "Looks like we're off to a good start."
The government Beast Tamer overseeing them, a man named Roland Greaves, approached Auron. "Haven't found a beast yet?" he asked, arms crossed.
Auron shook his head. "Not yet."
Roland nodded and gestured toward a Red-Crested Dove perching near a tree. "What about that one? It's a decent starter beast—quick, alert, and it has a minor wind affinity."
The Red-Crested Dove had soft white and gray feathers, a bright red plume on its head, and sharp eyes that watched the surroundings carefully. It was known for its incredible perception and speed, making it a reliable scout-type beast.
Auron hesitated, then looked back at Roland. "Give me another twenty minutes," he requested. "I want to search a little more."
Roland sighed but gave a small smile. "Alright, kid. You have twenty minutes. But don't take too long."
Auron nodded and turned toward the open plains. I need to find the right beast. Something that matches me perfectly.
Guided by Roland, Auron and the other newly awakened tamers continued their trek through the vast grasslands. The sun was high, casting long shadows on the rolling fields. The government-assigned Beast Tamer kept an eye on the group, occasionally pointing out potential beasts they could contract.
"There," Roland gestured toward a small creature nibbling on a cluster of wild plants. "The Crescent-Eared Bunny. Agile and adept at escaping threats. Their defining feature is their crescent-shaped ears, which grant them heightened auditory perception. They can sense predators from a great distance."
The bunny's soft white fur was speckled with gray, and its distinctive ears twitched at the slightest noise. Despite its timid nature, it was a common pick for tamers seeking an evasive and perceptive beast.
A little further ahead, a slow-moving creature hung from a low-hanging branch. "That's a Green Caterpillar," Roland continued. "Low combat potential but an exceptional evolutionary path. It has a natural affinity for poison and silk-based attacks."
The Green Caterpillar had a segmented body with glossy emerald skin, tiny black legs, and translucent antennas that swayed gently in the wind. It was known to develop powerful defensive mechanisms as it grew.
To the left, near a small stream, an Orange-Plumed Duck waddled about. Roland smirked. "This one is an oddity. It's water-based but has minor fire affinity thanks to its unique feathers. Its famed skill, Ember Splash, allows it to ignite water droplets to burn enemies while keeping itself hydrated."
The duck was an amusing sight, with orange feathers resembling flickering flames, webbed feet, and a sharp beak that hinted at its feisty nature.
While the others continued to examine their options, Auron's sharp eyes caught a flicker of movement near the edge of a rocky outcrop. A dark form slinked between the tall grass, its fur black as midnight with an eerie sheen. It was a Three-Tailed Cat—but something was different.
Bright blue streaks ran along its back and tails, pulsing faintly. The mutation was unmistakable.
"A mutated Three-Tailed Cat?" Auron murmured.
Roland's expression darkened as he stepped forward. "Mutated beasts can be unpredictable. Their strength often surpasses their standard counterparts, but they suffer from genetic instability. That means their evolutions might be flawed, leading to irregular growth patterns or even self-destruction."
The cat locked eyes with Auron, its intelligent gaze gleaming. Unlike the others, it didn't flee or act aggressively. Instead, it simply watched.
Auron hesitated. His instincts told him this was an opportunity, but Roland's words weighed on his mind. Then, he pulled up his status window for the beast.
[BEAST STATUS WINDOW]
Name: ???
Species: Mutated Three-Tailed Cat
Quality Tier: Silver
Level: 1
Attributes:
Strength: 6
Agility: 10
Endurance: 5
Magic Power: 8
Perception: 7
Mutation Index: 12%
Special Ability: Shadow Pulse – Can momentarily fuse into shadows, reducing visibility and avoiding attacks. Enhanced by the mutation, allowing for longer durations and slight teleportation within a five-meter radius.
Auron's breath hitched. Silver-tier? In a grassland where most beasts were Bronze?
Beast quality tiers typically followed a ranking system:
Iron: Weak, common beasts with little potential.
Bronze: Standard beasts with decent growth potential.
Silver: Above-average creatures with higher potential and unique abilities.
Gold: Rare and powerful, usually possessing an advanced evolution path.
Diamond: Extremely rare, with unparalleled potential and strong abilities.
Legend: Once-in-a-generation creatures with mythical prowess.
Mythical: Beasts of legend, possessing god-like abilities, often linked to ancient lore.
Auron's fingers curled into a fist. The government voucher gave him only one shot at a first contract. If he failed, he wouldn't get another beast without significant effort.
Roland's voice was firm. "Auron, I highly advise against this. The mutation is unstable. It might become strong, but it might also become uncontrollable. Are you willing to take that risk?"
Auron looked at the cat again. Its tails flicked behind it, its blue streaks pulsing as if responding to his hesitation.
This could be my edge. A beast that surpasses the standard starting options. If I don't take the risk now, will I regret it later?
Taking a deep breath, Auron made his decision.
"I'll take my chances."