Reading the phrase 'Beastmaster manual', Draco had some ideas.
In this world, beastmasters were far and few. They were looked down upon, except for a very few that reached higher rankings by clearing the powerful realms of monsters.
The beastmaster's progression was different from that of the mage, whilst the mage progressed through enhancing their mana cores by increasing their mana attributes and learning higher-tier skills.
A Beastmaster was different. The way they progressed was through a manual that allowed them to cultivate with their chosen beasts.
The deeper they went into the manual, the stronger the bond and affinity between the master and the beast.
Although he didn't like that he had awakened the weakest combat profession in the world.
He had hope in the name of the talent, its high rank, and the system. He had never heard of an awakener with SSS-rank talent. The highest he had heard of was the first awakener ever, when the gates descended, plunging this world into chaos.
The first awakener had been believed to have awakened an SS-Rank Violet Lightning talent. With that talent, he led the humans into fighting back, saving humans and slaughtering beasts. Eventually, retaining order in this world, his current whereabouts were unknown.
Some thought he died, and some thought he was still fighting those monsters somewhere far away.
"Now, let's see what this egg and Dragon Lord talent are about…"
"Firstly, the egg…"
[Item: Beast Egg (Unknown)]
Description: A mysterious egg containing an unknown beast. The species cannot be determined until hatching. Estimated hatching time: Immediate upon awakening.
"Immediate upon awakening? Considering my current status, this means that it's ready to hatch now." Draco raised an eyebrow.
As if responding to his words, the egg in his hands began to emit a warm, pulsing light. Tiny cracks appeared across its surface, spreading like a spider web.
Draco quickly placed the egg on the grass and stepped back, watching in fascination as the cracks widened. A small chirping sound emerged from within.
Crack!
Crack!
The shell split open, revealing a creature so small that Draco had to lean closer to see it properly through the split shell.
"A… hummingbird?"
The tiny creature was no larger than his thumb, with iridescent green feathers. Its wings beat so fast they were almost invisible, creating a soft humming sound that gave the species its name.
The hummingbird looked up at Draco with bright, cute eyes before letting out a soft trill.
[Congratulations! You have successfully bonded with your first beast!]
[Dracina Hummingbird (Common Rank) has been added to your contracted beasts!]
Draco stared at the notifications, then at the tiny bird now hovering near his shoulder.
"A common rank hummingbird…" he muttered, feeling a familiar sinking sensation in his stomach. "Even my beast is the weakest possible…why is it mysterious if it's so weak?"
The hummingbird seemed to sense his disappointment and chirped indignantly, as if offended by his tone.
"Sorry, little guy. It's not your fault. I just… I was hoping for something a bit more…"
The bird landed on his outstretched finger, and suddenly, Draco felt a strange tingling sensation.
For just a moment, his Dragon Lord talent seemed to activate, and he caught a glimpse of something incredible.
The hummingbird's outline flickered, and for a split second, he saw… something else. Something with scales that gleamed like emeralds and eyes that burned with wisdom.
But the vision vanished as quickly as it came, leaving him staring at the tiny creature perched on his finger.
"What was that?" he whispered.
[Dragon Lord Talent is resonating with your bonded beast…]
Dragon Lord Talent: SSS-Rank.
#1 Effect: You are able to see the hidden evolutionary paths of all beasts. You have the ability to evolve your beasts to their true Dragon form.
#2 Effect:
[True nature partially revealed: This creature carries an ancient bloodline…]
[Further evolution requirements will be revealed as your bond deepens…]
Draco's eyes widened. "Ancient bloodline? You mean…it's related to the ancient dragon bloodline?"
Dragons were mythical creatures in the world of Aetheria. It was said that they were the favourite child of Mana, the strongest and most powerful race in the universe.
It was said that dragons were once upon a time active in the world of Aetheria, but after the gates appeared, they left, and no traces were found of them.
The hummingbird tilted its head, as if it understood his amazement, then resumed its hovering flight around his head.
"Well, little one, looks like we're both more than we appear to be," he said softly, a new sense of hope filling his chest.
As he watched his tiny companion, Draco noticed something else.
The bird's movements were amazing, its speed incredible. When it darted between his fingers, it left a faint trail of golden light.
"I think I'll call you Zephyr," he said, extending his finger again. The hummingbird landed gracefully, chirping what sounded almost like approval.
[Your beast has accepted the name: Zephyr]
"Now, let's head back before anyone notices I'm missing. We have a lot to learn about each other."
Draco didn't bother hiding the hummingbird from anyone.