The moon hung high above the Azure Beast Forest as Kai hurried along the narrow trail. Nova sat comfortably on his shoulder, her nine tiny tails swaying happily.
Despite the peaceful atmosphere, Kai remained alert.
The system had never issued an emergency quest before.
If it warned him that enemies were coming, then danger was real.
[Quest Reminder]
Escape Azure Beast Forest.
Enemies Approaching: 3
Distance: 2.8 km
Kai frowned.
"They're moving fast."
Nova looked toward the darkness.
"I can smell them, Master."
"They're strong."
"Much stronger than us."
Kai nodded.
"Then we don't fight unless we have no choice."
Although Nova possessed a bloodline beyond Divine, she was still only Level 1.
Powerful bloodlines needed time to grow.
Charging recklessly would only get them killed.
"System."
"Open my status."
Host Status
Name: Kai Anderson
Age: 16
Level: 1
Talent: Beast Origin Sovereign (EX)
System Points: 11,000
Luck: ∞
Contracted Beast: Nova
Kai noticed something.
"Can I use System Points?"
[Yes.]
Available Options:
Buy Skills
Upgrade Skills
Purchase Resources
"Open the beginner shop."
A long list appeared before him.
Most items were expensive.
However, one caught his attention.
Silent Presence
Rank: Rare
Cost: 500 System Points
Description: Reduces the user's presence, making it harder for enemies to detect them.
"I'll take it."
Purchase Successful.
A stream of knowledge entered Kai's mind.
He immediately activated the skill.
His footsteps became almost silent.
Even Nova's aura faded considerably.
"That's amazing."
Nova blinked.
"Master, I can barely sense you."
Before Kai could answer—
ROAR!
A massive wolf leaped from the bushes.
Its body was nearly three meters long, covered in dark gray fur, while crimson eyes glowed with hunger.
Beast Analysis
Iron Fang Wolf
Rank: Elite
Level: 12
Weakness:
Neck
Left shoulder
Kai quickly stepped back.
"An Elite Beast already?"
The wolf growled and lunged.
"Nova!"
The little fox jumped from Kai's shoulder.
"I've got this!"
Golden light gathered around her tiny body.
"Origin Flame!"
A small golden fireball shot toward the wolf.
BOOM!
The attack exploded against its chest.
The wolf stumbled backward, clearly injured.
Kai stared in surprise.
"A Level 1 attack injured a Level 12 Elite Beast?"
The system answered immediately.
[Origin Flame ignores bloodline suppression.]
[Damage increased due to superior bloodline.]
The wolf roared angrily.
Its claws glowed with metallic light.
"Iron Claw!"
It charged again.
Kai remained calm.
"Nova."
"Left."
The little fox instantly understood.
She dodged gracefully.
The wolf's claws missed by centimeters.
"Now!"
Nova spun around.
Her nine tails released countless golden sparks.
"Origin Burst!"
BOOM!
The explosion sent the wolf crashing into a nearby tree.
The beast tried to stand...
Then collapsed unconscious.
Kai smiled.
"Good job."
Nova proudly puffed out her chest.
"Hehe."
"I wasn't even trying."
Suddenly—
Congratulations!
Host defeated first enemy.
Rewards:
500 System Points
Beginner Achievement Unlocked
Another notification appeared.
Achievement
First Victory
Reward: Random Skill Scroll
Kai immediately claimed it.
A glowing scroll appeared in his hand.
Skill Obtained
Eye of Truth
Rank: Divine
Effect: See through illusions, hidden information, disguises, and concealed treasures.
Kai's eyes lit up.
"This will be useful."
Before he could celebrate—
The system suddenly sounded an alarm.
WARNING!
Human enemies detected.
Distance: 300 meters.
Kai quickly hid behind a massive tree.
Moments later, three men dressed in crimson robes entered the clearing.
Each wore a strange black mask.
The leader looked at the unconscious Iron Fang Wolf.
"It was defeated with a single attack."
Another man knelt beside the beast.
"Residual aura..."
He looked shocked.
"It's the legendary beast!"
The leader smiled.
"So we're on the right track."
"Spread out."
"Search every corner."
Kai's heart skipped a beat.
"They're after Nova."
Nova whispered,
"Master..."
"I don't like them."
"They smell evil."
Kai nodded.
"I know."
He silently activated Eye of Truth.
The three masked men immediately became surrounded by blue information panels.
Shadow Cult Member
Level: 28
Threat Level: High
Wanted Criminal
The second.
Level 31.
The third.
Level 29.
Kai's expression became serious.
Even the weakest among them could kill him with ease.
Fighting was impossible.
Running...
Was the only option.
"Nova."
"We're leaving."
The little fox nodded.
The two quietly retreated into the darkness.
Unfortunately—
CRACK!
Kai accidentally stepped on a dry branch.
The sound echoed through the silent forest.
The three masked men immediately turned.
"There!"
"I found them!"
The leader's eyes widened upon seeing Nova.
His breathing became rapid.
"It really is the Primordial Beast!"
"Hahaha!"
"Our Sect Master will reward us greatly!"
Kai grabbed Nova and ran.
The masked men chased after them.
Trees blurred past.
Branches snapped beneath their feet.
The distance slowly closed.
"Master!"
"They're catching up!"
Kai gritted his teeth.
"System!"
"Any ideas?"
Recommendation:
Spend 2,000 System Points.
Purchase: Shadow Flash Movement Technique.
"Buy it!"
Purchase Successful.
Instantly, Kai felt his body become lighter.
His speed doubled.
With a single step, he crossed nearly ten meters.
The three pursuers were stunned.
"Impossible!"
"How is a beginner moving that fast?"
Kai smiled.
"This technique is incredible."
Nova laughed happily.
"Master is so fast!"
Soon...
The lights of Azure City appeared ahead.
The masked men stopped.
The leader clenched his fists.
"Damn it."
"We can't enter the city."
"Too many Royal Beast Tamers."
He glared at Kai's disappearing figure.
"Enjoy your peace while it lasts."
"We'll meet again."
Hidden in the darkness, another figure silently observed everything.
Unlike the Shadow Cult members...
This person wore silver armor.
He looked at Kai thoughtfully before disappearing without making a sound.
Kai finally reached the city gate.
He leaned against the wall, breathing heavily.
"We made it."
Nova yawned.
"I'm sleepy."
Kai laughed.
"So am I."
As they walked home together, neither of them noticed a silver-haired girl watching from the rooftop of a nearby building.
She smiled faintly.
"So..."
"You're the one Father wanted me to find."
Her golden eyes shone with curiosity as Nova looked back at her for just a brief moment.