The cool evening air wrapped around Kaito as he made his way back home, the sounds of the city slowly fading into the distance. His mind was still spinning from his meeting with Master Haruto. The Headmaster's words echoed in his thoughts—dangerous times,The Eclipse Order,pushed beyond your limits. A deep sense of foreboding clung to him, but there was also something else: a fire. The kind that burned deep within, urging him forward, propelling him toward whatever came next.
As he walked through the quiet streets, the weight of his decision to leave the safety of his home behind felt heavier with every step. But the road ahead was one he had to walk, for both himself and for the world he was beginning to understand.
"Kaito!"
Kaito froze, instinctively recognizing the voice that called his name. Turning, he saw Aiko hurrying toward him, her long black hair fluttering in the breeze. She was smiling, a bright, infectious grin that always seemed to lift Kaito's spirits.
"Oh, hey Aiko," Kaito greeted, his mood lightening. "Fancy meeting you here."
Aiko jogged up to him, her usual energy undiminished. "I was just on my way home. Looks like we're both headed the same way."
Kaito nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah. Been a long day, though."
Aiko cocked her head, her curious eyes narrowing. "I can tell. You look like you've been carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. What's going on? You've been a bit... distracted."
Kaito hesitated for a moment, unsure how much to share. There was a lot he wanted to keep to himself, but Aiko had always been a good sister, and she was sharp. She'd probably figure it out sooner or later.
"I met with the Headmaster earlier," Kaito said, finally deciding to tell her the basics. "He... he wants me to go on a mission, something that's going to be pretty dangerous. I'm probably going to be gone for a few days."
Aiko's eyes softened with concern, but she didn't push him for details. Instead, she gave him an encouraging look. "Dangerous, huh? Well, that sounds like you're being called for something important. I know you've got what it takes. You've been through so much already, Kaito. Just... be careful, okay?"
Kaito nodded, appreciating the sentiment. "Thanks, Aiko. I will."
Aiko's grin returned, and she playfully punched his shoulder. "And don't forget, if you get yourself into trouble, just call me. I might not be able to fight, but I'll make sure you don't get too messed up, alright?"
Kaito chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind."
The two of them walked in companionable silence for a few moments, the only sounds being the distant chatter of the marketplace and the rhythmic tap of their footsteps on the cobblestones. Aiko was always able to make him feel lighter, even when the world felt like it was pressing down on him. He was grateful for that.
"Don't stay out too late," Aiko said as they neared the turnoff to their respective homes. "And if you ever need a break, you know where to find me."
Kaito smiled, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "I will. Take care, Aiko."
With a final wave, Kaito watched Aiko head off toward their home, her figure disappearing into the twilight. He took a deep breath and turned toward the house.
As Kaito entered his home, he was greeted by the warmth of the kitchen, where his mother was preparing dinner. The soft hum of the stove and the delicious aroma of rice and miso soup filled the air. She was standing over a pot, her back to him, but she paused when she heard the door close.
"Ah, Kaito," his mother said, turning with a gentle smile. "You're home. How was your day?"
Kaito hesitated for a moment, feeling a pang of guilt in his chest. His mother's face was always so full of warmth and care. How could he tell her he was leaving again so soon? But there was no way around it.
"It was good, Mom," Kaito said, his voice softer. "I've got to go away for a little while. The Headmaster wants me to take on a special mission, and it might take a few days."
His mother's smile faded slightly, and she looked at him with that motherly concern Kaito had always known. "A mission? You're going to be alright, right? It sounds serious."
Kaito nodded, trying to reassure her. "I'll be fine. Don't worry, Mom. I'll keep myself safe. It's just... something I have to do. It's important."
She sighed softly, her gaze filled with a mix of worry and pride. "I know you're strong, Kaito. But please, come back to us safely. And don't forget to eat well and get some rest. You can't take care of others if you don't take care of yourself."
Kaito smiled warmly, walking over to give his mother a hug. "I'll be careful. I promise. Don't worry too much, okay?"
After a moment, he pulled away and gave her a reassuring grin. "I'll be back before you know it."
With that, Kaito made his way to his room, closing the door softly behind him. His mind was still racing—he had so much to prepare, so much to do. But there was one thing he needed to do first.
He walked over to his desk, where the Celestial Fox lay, resting peacefully after its transformation. The Fox's silver fur shimmered gently, the light from the window making it appear even more ethereal. Kaito couldn't help but admire the beauty and power radiating from it.
He reached for the system interface, bringing it up with a flick of his fingers.
System Notification:
Celestial Fox Status:
Level: 14 - 0/20,000 (Next Level: 20,000 EXP)
Rank- Silver Tier (mid)
Strength: 382
Stamina: 403
Defense: 374
Agility: 382
Mana: 1025
Skills:Starfall: Summons meteors from the heavens to rain down on enemies, causing massive AoE damage.
Celestial Shield: Grants an aura that boosts defense and rapidly regenerates health for nearby allies.
Dimensional Blink: Teleports short distances, phasing through obstacles and barriers.
Kaito's eyes narrowed in concentration, studying the Celestial Fox's newly upgraded stats. He was already impressed by its strength, but what really caught his attention was something new.
Beast Tamed: 1/2
Kaito blinked, his heart skipping a beat. He stared at the new slot in the system interface—Beast Tamed: 1/2. It was a revelation. The system had only allowed him to tame one beast so far, the Starlight Fox, but now... now there was room for another.
I can tame another beast? Kaito thought, a rush of excitement flooding his chest. He had never imagined this possibility. This changes everything.
He could feel the elation building inside him—this was more than just a new strength. This was an opportunity to expand his team, to strengthen his bond with even more creatures from this world. There were so many possibilities now.
Kaito sat back, grinning from ear to ear. "This is amazing."
He could already see it: the possibility of forming a team of powerful beasts—an army of companions to help him face whatever challenges lay ahead.
And as the Celestial Fox rested beside him, its soft glow lighting up the room, Kaito knew that his journey was only just beginning. There was so much more to discover, so much more to learn, and with his new ability to tame more beasts, he would be ready for anything.