The words "Disputed Resource Protocol" still glowed in Eron's vision, highlighting the tense standoff in the Whispering Grove. It wasn't just about the quest anymore. It was about principle. He wouldn't back down from bullies like this woman and her brutish Rock Dog.
"You really want to do this, F-rank?" the woman sneered, her Shadow Lynx hissing softly, its sleek body tensing. "You'll regret it."
"We earned these petals," Eron replied, his voice firm, Raiv a solid, defiant presence in front of him. His "Spirit of the Unbound" trait was already humming, ready to turn their scorn into strength. Lily, though still pale, stood tall beside him, Fern a tiny, trembling, but resolute shield in front of her.
"Fine. Have it your way," the woman growled. "Rock Dog! Charge! Lynx, flank them!"
The Rock Dog barked, its rocky body thundering towards Raiv. The Shadow Lynx, a silent black blur, darted around the side, aiming for Lily.
"Raiv! Guardian's Resilience! Protect Lily and Fern!" Eron commanded, his mind clear despite the adrenaline. "Defensive Focus Protocol on the Rock Dog!"
Raiv immediately shifted, placing himself directly between the charging Rock Dog and Lily. His fur seemed to ripple with faint energy as the "Guardian's Resilience" flared. The Rock Dog slammed into Raiv with a surprisingly strong impact, but Raiv absorbed the blow, bracing himself. The hit barely seemed to make him flinch.
Meanwhile, the Shadow Lynx zipped towards Lily. "Fern! Symbiotic Shield! Protect Lily!" Eron yelled, remembering the new trait Fern had unlocked.
Fern, with a burst of its "Instinctive Evasion," darted in front of Lily, and a faint, shimmering green barrier flickered into existence around the tiny Sprite. The Shadow Lynx's claws scraped harmlessly against the shimmering shield, a frustrated snarl escaping its sleek muzzle.
"What?! What kind of F-rank beasts are those?" the woman shrieked, clearly shocked. "They just... tanked those hits!"
"They're F-ranks who don't give up!" Lily shouted back, a newfound confidence in her voice. Fern chirped defiantly.
"Raiv! Mana Shockwave on the Rock Dog! Then Coordinated Strike!" Eron ordered.
Raiv let out a sharp bark, and the invisible mana shockwave slammed into the Rock Dog, briefly stunning it. Eron immediately moved in, aiming for the newly visible vulnerability on its rocky side. Raiv followed with a precise snap at the dog's leg, and the Bronze-rank beast staggered, its eyes glazed over.
The woman, seeing her Rock Dog floundering, suddenly hesitated. She hadn't expected this. Eron and Raiv weren't just fast; they were tough. And Lily and Fern were surprisingly resilient.
"Lynx, attack the wolf!" the woman shrieked, changing her target.
The Shadow Lynx, seeing its opportunity, pounced at Raiv, its claws aimed at his exposed flank.
[System Notice] – Target: Shadow Lynx's [Shredding Pounce] detected. Critical hit imminent!
[New System Rule Activated!] – [Tamer's Reflexive Guard]: When Tamer is threatened or an ally's beast is facing a critical attack, the Tamer's own physical action can briefly redirect or weaken the attack. Requires fast reaction and physical proximity.
Eron didn't even think. He saw the Shadow Lynx moving too fast for Raiv to fully dodge. Instinct took over. He lunged, throwing himself between Raiv and the Lynx, not to block, but to distract. He slapped his hand against the Lynx's body just as it was about to land its critical strike. It wasn't a powerful hit, but it was enough.
The Lynx's attack faltered, its claws scraping harmlessly against Raiv's thick fur instead of sinking in. It snarled in frustration.
[System Notification] – Tamer Eron has activated [Tamer's Reflexive Guard]! Critical hit averted!
[New Trait Unlocked!] – Raiv: [Protector's Instinct]: Raiv's defensive capabilities are greatly enhanced when his Tamer directly intervenes to protect him. Activates a temporary surge in Endurance and defensive power.
Eron panted, feeling a strange tingling in his arm where he'd slapped the Lynx. He'd just directly interfered in a beast attack! And Raiv got a new trait for it!
"Now, Raiv! Primal Howl!" Eron yelled, emboldened.
Raiv let out a deep, resounding howl that reverberated through the grove, amplified by his "Spirit of the Unbound" and "Protector's Instinct" traits. Both the Rock Dog and the Shadow Lynx froze, their eyes wide with fear, their bodies trembling.
The woman stared, utterly defeated. "Impossible... My beasts..."
"Give up?" Eron challenged, his voice cold.
She gritted her teeth, glaring. "This isn't over! Shadowclaws won't forget this!" She gave a furious gesture, and both her beasts despawned, returning to their Tamer's stable. She stomped off into the forest, leaving them alone.
[System Notice] – Disputed Resource Protocol: Victory achieved! All collectable items in Whispering Grove unlocked for Tamer Eron's party for 30 minutes.
[System Update!] – Quest: The Whispering Petal progress updated. All petals in the grove now accessible.
Eron let out a long breath, the tension finally leaving him. He turned to Lily, a wide grin spreading across his face. "We did it, Lily! We really did it!"
"We did!" Lily cheered, Fern zipping around her head. "You were so brave, Eron! And Raiv and Fern, too!"
Raiv nudged Eron's hand, then let out a happy rumble, his eyes gleaming. He clearly enjoyed proving his strength. Eron felt a warmth spread through him. They weren't just F-ranks anymore. They were a team, capable of standing up to anyone.
They quickly collected the remaining Whispering Petals, now gleaming brightly thanks to the "Resource Lock" being lifted. With their pouch full, they headed back to Havenwood Village, the sun beginning to set, casting long, golden shadows through the trees.
As they walked, a familiar, grating voice caught Eron's ear. "Step right up, folks! Get your beasts appraised! Best deals in Havenwood! No F-ranks allowed, mind you!"
Eron sighed. He knew that voice. It was Slick Sly, a self-proclaimed "Beast Broker" who had a small, flashy stall near the village entrance. Sly was a wiry man with a meticulously groomed mustache and an obnoxiously loud voice. He always seemed to be surrounded by a small crowd of curious or annoyed players, always trying to draw attention. His beast was a perpetually preening Obsidian Hawk, a sleek, dark bird with sharp, calculating eyes, perched on his shoulder.
"Just look at this magnificent creature!" Sly boomed, gesturing to a player's rather ordinary looking Grey Badger. "A fine specimen! With the right care, could easily reach Bronze! Only 50 gold to appraise its true potential!"
Eron had heard about Sly. He was notorious for overcharging for basic appraisals and constantly putting down lower-ranked beasts. He seemed to relish annoying people. Many players tried to ignore him, but his loud voice and flashy hawk made him hard to miss.
"F-ranks are just dead weight, folks!" Sly continued, his voice carrying across the market square. "Don't waste your time! Only true tamers work with beasts of potential!" He winked at a few higher-ranked players who chuckled.
Eron felt his blood pressure rise. He hated that kind of talk. Especially after everything he and Raiv had been through. He glanced at Raiv, who was now staring at Sly's Obsidian Hawk with an intense, almost challenging gaze, a low growl vibrating in his chest. His "Spirit of the Unbound" was already activating.
Lily, overhearing Sly's comments, looked at Eron, her lower lip trembling slightly. Fern, sensing her Tamer's distress, chirped nervously, hiding behind Lily's ear.
This wasn't just another bully trying to take their loot. This was a direct insult to Raiv, to Fern, to them. And it was happening in the middle of Havenwood, for everyone to hear. Eron felt a familiar, defiant spark ignite within him. He had proven his F-rank beast could fight, could defend, could be fast. Now, he needed to prove their worth in a different way. He needed to prove F-ranks had value, not just in combat, but in their very existence.
"Come on, Eron," Lily whispered, pulling his sleeve. "Let's just ignore him."
But Eron couldn't. Not this time. Not when it was about the very core of his journey. He looked at Raiv, then at Sly's smug face, and a challenge formed in his mind. A different kind of challenge.
"Hey, Sly!" Eron called out, his voice cutting through the market chatter, drawing attention. Sly paused his spiel, turning, his eyes narrowing when he saw Eron.
"If F-ranks are so useless," Eron continued, his voice clear and confident, "then prove it. I bet my F-rank wolf can do something your 'magnificent' Obsidian Hawk can't. Something that truly matters."
Sly scoffed, adjusting his sunglasses. "Oh, really, kid? And what might that be? Catching a ball? Fetching your slippers?" He smirked, and some of the gathered players chuckled.
"No," Eron said, a slow, determined smile spreading across his face. "Something that only a beast with a true bond, and true perception, can do. I bet my F-rank wolf can find something hidden in this very village that your high-and-mighty hawk can't even sense."
Sly's smirk faltered. This wasn't about strength. This was about something else. The crowd started to gather, curious, murmuring. Eron knew this was risky, but it was a risk he was willing to take. He would prove, once and for all, that F-ranks weren't just trash.