I never expected my life to take such a ridiculous turn. One moment, I was just another unlucky orphan scraping by in the slums, and the next, I was standing in the middle of a grand coliseum, a hundred thousand eyes drilling into me. Why? Because the world's most powerful beast had chosen me as its master.
I should've been thrilled. Overjoyed, even.
Instead, I was terrified.
Because the beast in question was none other than Argonax, The Devourer—a creature feared across all realms. An entity so powerful that even legendary tamers steered clear of it.
And here it was, sitting beside me like a loyal puppy, its obsidian-black scales glistening under the sun. The same creature that had turned kingdoms into dust… was currently wagging its tail.
The crowd roared with a mix of excitement and disbelief.
"Who is that kid?"
"Did… Did Argonax just submit to him?"
"No way! That thing has never obeyed anyone before!"
I swallowed hard. "Umm, hey there, big guy?" I muttered, reaching out hesitantly. Argonax let out a pleased rumble, nuzzling my hand like an oversized cat.
I felt my soul nearly leave my body.
"CONGRATULATIONS!" A thunderous voice boomed across the arena. The Grandmaster of Beasts, an elderly man with a beard long enough to trip over, grinned down at me. "By the laws of the Eldertide Taming Ritual, Argonax has chosen you as its sole master! From this day forward, you shall be known as The Beast Sovereign's Successor!"
The audience erupted in cheers, but I was too busy panicking to care.
Beast Sovereign's Successor?! That was a title given only to the strongest beast tamers in history! I was just a nobody! And what's worse…
I had never tamed a single beast in my life.
I turned back to Argonax, my voice shaking. "Uh, listen, buddy, I think there's been a mistake. You don't actually want me as your master, right?"
Argonax tilted its massive head, then did something absolutely insane.
It shrunk.
Before my eyes, the terrifying beast that could swallow mountains became… a tiny, cat-sized dragon. It leapt onto my shoulder, curled its tail around my neck, and purred.
I had never been more confused in my life.
The Grandmaster roared with laughter. "A most peculiar turn of events! Rejoice, young one! Your journey has just begun!"
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Because right now, all I could think was—
I am so screwed.