The wind whipped past their ears, a rushing torrent of cold air as the magnificent Tier V: Azure Zephyrex soared through the night sky. Below, the dense canopy of the core sectors was a sea of shifting shadows. Kael held on tight, his wounds from the recent battle still aching, while Sebastian, his gaze fixed on the horizon, was already planning their next move. The Echospire Caverns appeared as a glowing rune on his mental map, a beacon in the darkness.
"Azure Zephyrex," Sebastian said, his voice calm yet carrying an unshakeable authority. "Take us to the ruins of the Echospire Caverns. Choose a temple with the best conditions possible for a safe landing."
The Zephyrex, an intelligent creature of immense power, let out a soft, echoing trill of acknowledgment. It altered its course, its movements so precise and graceful that it seemed to be a part of the wind itself, a living myth weaving through the clouds. Within a half-hour, they descended, landing softly on a forgotten temple courtyard, a place of crumbling stone and ancient statues nestled within the mountain's inner folds. The air was cool and still, a sharp contrast to the furious winds they had just flown through.
After landing, Kael, seeing to the immediate security, addressed the Zephyrex. "Stay vigilant. Fly high and check if this location is secure, please."
The Azure Zephyrex gave a regal nod, a flicker of appreciation in its intelligent eyes for being treated as a respected ally rather than a mere tool. It soared back into the sky, its form quickly becoming a distant, shimmering point of sapphire light.
Sebastian took a deep, steadying breath. The adrenaline was finally wearing off, leaving behind the exhaustion of battle. He reached into his spatial ring and tossed a small bottle to Kael. "Healing potion," he explained. "Apply it on your injuries for a fast recovery."
While Kael applied the viscous, crimson liquid to the nicks and scrapes on his armor, Sebastian began his own recovery. He brought out all of his Rune-Beasts except for his Frostmaw, and asked Kael to bring out his trusted companions: the Stoneclaw Grizzly, Umbralwing, and Boulder Fang.
"Springshoot Panda," Sebastian commanded. "Heal everyone. We need to be back at full strength."
The panda, a small but potent beacon of nature energy, nodded and began its work. A soft, vibrant green aura radiated from its body, enveloping all the Rune-Beasts and their masters. The small cuts and bruises on Kael's body began to close, the ache in his muscles fading away. The weary forms of the Blairon Giant, Gale Shield Cicada, and even Sebastian's own Thunderjaw Wyvern began to feel a resurgence of energy.
After a while, almost everyone was completely healed. The Springshoot Panda, however, was visibly weak, its aura flickering from the excessive use of its healing energy. Sebastian gently picked it up and created a cushion out of Rune-Beast feathers he had collected. He laid the panda down on it, allowing the little creature to rest.
With his own wounds healed, Sebastian set to work. He quickly began building a temporary camp, his movements efficient and methodical. Kael, feeling his strength fully restored, took charge of setting up the sleeping tents, his powerful hands making quick work of the task. Sebastian, meanwhile, brought out rations and edible fruits they had gathered in the outer sectors and began to cook a hearty stew over a bonfire. He brought out custom-designed bowls for each of their Rune-Beasts and filled them with food specifically made to replenish their energy.
Kael, his task complete, came to help Sebastian serve the food. He also called back his Azure Zephyrex, which landed gracefully nearby, and offered it a bowl of its own. All their Rune-Beasts liked the food a lot and ate with relish, a testament to Sebastian's surprisingly good cooking. Sebastian even gently woke the sleeping Springshoot Panda, which ate its meal with tired but happy eyes before dozing off again.
"Hah, finally another stressful day has passed," Kael said, stretching his arms. "The stew should be cooked by now. My tummy can't wait any longer."
"Yeah, let's eat," Sebastian said, his own stomach rumbling in agreement.
As they settled down to eat, a moment of profound peace fell over the camp. But Sebastian, his senses honed by years of training, noticed a subtle disturbance in the shadows. He saw two pairs of eyes watching them from the treeline, so close he could hear the rumbling of their stomachs.
"If you're hungry," Sebastian said calmly, his voice echoing in the stillness, "come and join us. We have enough food, so there's no need to fear."
Slowly, two small Rune-Beasts emerged. They were a Glimmadillo and a Mystaflora.
"Wow, they are some cute Rune-Beasts," Kael said, a rare smile on his face. "My younger siblings would have fallen for them. My Lord, how about we give them some food as well?"
"Sure, why not," Sebastian replied, a faint smile touching his lips.
Kael took two extra bowls, filled them with stew, and gently placed them on the ground. The Glimmadillo and Mystaflora approached with caution, their small eyes wide with wonder. The moment they started eating, their eyes shot up with incredible cuteness, their tiny bodies radiating happiness. Kael watched them, mesmerized, while the other Rune-Beasts in the camp seemed happy to see two small creatures enjoying the feast. Sebastian's Book of Beast Records began to flip frantically, displaying details on the two new Rune-Beasts.
[Glimmadillo (Tier III: Flame Warden)]
* Element Type: Rock / Fairy
* Rune Power Level: 675
* Bonding Difficulty: Adept (6 Rune Requirements)
* Magical Resonance: High
* Encounter Rate: Uncommon (15% in wild)
* Evolution Stages: 4 possible evolutions
* Bonding Time: 4 months
* Lifespan: 350 years
* Appearance: Shell is made of smooth, dome-like crystal plates in soft pastel colors. When threatened, it curls up and sparkles like a gemstone. Claws are sharp, delicate-looking rose quartz. A glowing gem on its forehead pulses when it uses fairy-type moves. A short stubby tail ends in a spinning gem.
* Abilities:
- Gleam Guard: Reflects partial damage back to the attacker when curled up.
- Fairy Claw: A swift combo of claw slashes infused with magical energy.
- Crystal Twirl: Spins rapidly while glowing, creating a barrier of sparkles that blocks status effects.
* Personality: Playful and affectionate. Loves to dig tunnels and often gifts tiny glowing stones to those it trusts. ]
[Mystaflora (Tier III: Flame Warden)]
* Element Type: Mystic / Fairy
* Rune Power Level: 675
* Bonding Difficulty: Adept (6 Rune Requirements)
* Magical Resonance: High
* Encounter Rate: Uncommon (15% in wild)
* Evolution Stages: 7 possible evolutions
* Bonding Time: 4 months
* Lifespan: 340 years
* Appearance: Shimmering, translucent wings that glow with soft aurora-like colors. Its body is sleek and soft white with golden lines, and its antennae look like flowing ribbons of light. Eyes sparkle like gemstones, and when it flies, tiny glowing particles follow like stardust. It has a serene, magical aura.
* Abilities:
- Lunabloom: Heals allies and calms enemies by releasing sparkling pollen.
- Mystveil: Creates a shimmering mist that hides it and its allies from danger.
- Glimmergust: Fires a burst of mystic wind laced with shimmering dust that confuses enemies.
- Aurora Pulse: A powerful mystic blast that deals damage and may put enemies to sleep.
* Personality: Gentle, kind, and often appears in forests where children are lost or animals are hurt. ]
"Hah," Sebastian said, "Cute but powerful Rune-Beasts."
After they had finished eating, Kael spoke to the two new guests. "Now that both of you have had your meals, I think both of you should return to your home." He took the empty bowls back to wash them.
But the Glimmadillo and Mystaflora didn't leave. Instead, they kept on following Kael like a magnet. It felt like they wanted something else from him. Sebastian felt that they must have never experienced such simple kindness from a human before, and they wanted to repay him. Even Kael, at first, was confused. "What do both of you want?" he asked, scratching his head.
Then, they understood. These two Rune-Beasts actually wanted to stay and follow Kael. Sebastian, filled with a sense of déjà vu, remembered how he had first bonded with his Storm Hawk, Gale Shield Cicada, and Thunderjaw Wyvern. It was their decision to approach him, and those bonds were some of the strongest he had.
"Kael," Sebastian said, his voice soft. "Whenever a Rune-Beast approaches an individual on their own for establishing a bond, it becomes stronger and stronger with time. They want to follow you."
"My Lord, how can a small kindness make me establish a bond with them?" Kael asked, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"Sometimes, a small gesture is enough to show what's in a person's heart," Sebastian replied. "So don't waste time and establish the bond with them."
Kael looked down at the two small creatures, then back at Sebastian, a profound sense of gratitude in his heart. He knelt down and asked them, "Are both of you sure of following me from now on?" The Glimmadillo and Mystaflora both nodded their heads with an eagerness that was undeniable.
"Okay then, let's do it," Kael said with a gentle smile. He brought out two empty beast-rings and started the process of establishing a bond. The rings glowed brightly before settling into a steady hum, their bonds sealed.
After the bond was established, Kael looked at the rings, a mix of emotions on his face. "Never thought I would someday get two Rune-Beasts like this."
"But you got them," Sebastian said, a hint of warmth in his tone. "So stop being emotional and go to sleep. Your other Rune-Beasts also need rest."
"Yes, My Lord," Kael said, standing up. Sebastian brought out two blankets, one for himself and one for Kael, and they went inside their tents and fell asleep.
At midnight,
Sebastian was jolted awake by a faint scraping sound coming from outside the tent. Ever-vigilant, he quietly went out to investigate, his Twin Starfang Blades already in his hands. He found a massive tiger-like Rune-Beast, its body wreathed in black flames, licking the leftover stew from a metal pot. They both looked at each other in complete shock, their eyes locking. Sebastian's Book of Beast Records began to flip frantically.
[Stribane Tiger]
* Tier: IV: Arcane Protector - Legendary Status
* Common Names: Stribane Tiger, Shadowstripe Sovereign, The Phantom Hunter, Voidclaw
* Rune Power Level: 1,200-1,450 (Upper Tier IV)
* Bonding Difficulty: Expert+ (8 Rune Requirements - Exceptionally Complex)
* Magical Resonance: Very High (Legendary Variance)
* Encounter Rate: Mythical (<0.01% - Exists only in legends)
* Evolution Stages: 5 possible evolutions (Theoretical)
* Bonding Time: Unknown - Estimated 3-5 years
* Lifespan: 800-1,200 years (Legendary specimens may live longer)
* Appearance:
- Size: Larger than a common Rune-Beast, 4.5 feet at the shoulder, 11-12 feet in length.
- Build: Sleek yet powerfully muscled, built for both stealth and explosive power.
- Hair: Wild, silver-white mane with twin braided locks.
- Flame Details: Black flames swirl constantly around his arms, tail, and ankles. These flames harden into obsidian-black armor plates on his shoulders and forearms.
- Eyes: Fierce, glowing with a stormy crimson hue.
- Tail: Long and sleek, ending in a flame-wrapped spike.
* Abilities:
- Oblivion Gale Claw: Slashes forward, unleashing a wind-fire-shadow vortex.
- Dominion Roar: Emits a soul-shaking roar that scorches the earth in black flame.
- Phantom Blazestep: Teleports in bursts of wind and fire.
- Nightflare Rampage (Signature Move): Engulfs its body in black flame and wind runes, dashing forward in a berserk combo...]
After hearing the noises, Kael also woke up and came out of the tent, his massive form a looming presence.
"Holy shit," Kael said, his voice a whisper. "What the hell is that?"
"A Rune-Beast," Sebastian replied, his gaze locked on the tiger. "A Mythical one at that."
The Stribane Tiger, sensing the immense power radiating from Sebastian, let out a challenging roar. It was at that moment that Sebastian's Thunderjaw Wyvern came out of its beast-ring, its own powerful energy flaring to life. The wyvern, a beast of peerless dominance, saw the tiger and its challenging posture. The tiger looked at the wyvern and decided to change its target for a duel. The wyvern looked towards Sebastian, a silent question in its glowing eyes.
"Go easy on him," Sebastian said, a hint of a smile on his face. "He is still a youngling."
The Stribane Tiger attacked the Thunderjaw Wyvern with everything it had. It unleashed its Oblivion Gale Claw, a vortex of wind, fire, and shadow, but it couldn't even make a scratch on the wyvern's body. The Thunderjaw Wyvern endured the relentless assault for a while, its sheer physical dominance overwhelming the tiger's mythical attacks. After a few more strikes, the wyvern pushed the Stribane Tiger with its tail, sending it flying out of the cave effortlessly. But the tiger, with its indomitable pride, came back again to continue the duel.
Sebastian, seeing the futility of the fight, raised his hand to stop the tiger. "Enough now," he said, his voice firm. "How much are you going to embarrass yourself? If you want a duel with my Thunderjaw Wyvern, then first become strong, little one. You are not ready yet, but if you want, I can train you to become strong. Return now and think about it. If you want me to train you, you can join us. We will be departing tomorrow morning."
The Stribane Tiger, its pride wounded but its eyes burning with a new resolve, left without looking back. Sebastian called back his Thunderjaw Wyvern into his beast-ring.
Kael shook his head in amazement. "That was quite a stubborn Rune-Beast."
"Yeah, it was stubborn," Sebastian agreed. "After all, it's a pursuer of true strength, what it was just lacking is a bit battle experience. If he gets to experience some close call battles, he might shine even brighter. Let's go back to sleep, we need to wake up early tomorrow."
The next morning,
Sebastian and Kael woke up early, refreshed from their night's rest. They packed their things and put on their armors, ready to move out. Kael looked at Sebastian with a hint of anticipation. "My Lord, do you think that Rune-Beast will come?"
"Yes," Sebastian replied with a knowing smile. "He will come for sure."
Sebastian decided to explore the Echospire Caverns completely today and then move towards the volcanic regions. As they started to move towards the ruins' entrance, someone was waiting for them on their path. It was the Stribane Tiger, standing proudly, its wild, silver-white mane flowing in the morning breeze.
"See," Sebastian said to Kael. "I told you he would come no matter what."
Sebastian moved towards the Stribane Tiger and asked him, "So, did you come to a conclusion?"
The Stribane Tiger nodded and pointed his head towards a specific direction, asking them to follow him. They followed the majestic tiger to a hidden temple. On top of the temple's gate, Sebastian and Kael saw the words "Flames of Divine White Tiger" written in an ancient script. After entering, they saw a huge statue of a mythical Rune-Beast. The Book of Beast Records told Sebastian that it was a statue of Wyrmortis, a Tier XII Rune-Beast and the ancestor of the Stribane Tiger. The tiger bowed in front of the statue, paying its respect.
Then, from behind the statue, the Stribane Tiger brought out two items: a pulsating core and an old bone. It placed them in front of Sebastian. The Book of Beast Records and Sebastian's All-Seeing Eyes immediately identified them. The core was of a Wyrmortis, and if the Stribane Tiger absorbed it, it could open a path to a Tier XII Rune-Beast. The old bone was even more intriguing—it contained a combat technique and a movement technique called "White Tiger Boxing" and "Shadow Tiger Steps," specifically designed for humans.
It was a deal. The Stribane Tiger was offering the core and the bone in exchange for Sebastian's training.
Sebastian looked at the tiger, a profound sense of respect for the creature's pride and ambition in his heart. "Little guy," he said, his voice gentle. "This core is not useful to me. It belongs to your ancestor, and it should be for you. I can help you if you come with me, but to come with me, you have to first establish a lifetime bond with me. Are you ready to take this risk?"
Sebastian moved his right hand towards the Stribane Tiger. After a moment of profound thought, the tiger raised its right paw and put it on Sebastian's hand, a sign that it was ready.
"Now that you have decided, let's establish the bond," Sebastian said. "But first, I will keep this core with me. When the time comes, I will return it to you, while this bone might help me increase my personal strength as well."
On this day, Sebastian established a bond with the Mythical Tier IV: Stribane Tiger and got his Seventh Rune-Beast. It was a bond not of a master and servant, but of mutual respect towards each other's bloodline and lineage, a bond forged in pride and the shared pursuit of true strength.