The grove shimmered with residual energy as the trial ground stabilized. The scent of scorched wood and cracked stone lingered in the air. All around him, the once-chaotic battleground now pulsed with quiet power.
Ren sat cross-legged, catching his breath, while Nyx lay beside him—exhausted, but very much alive.
> [Trial Complete. Rewards Deposited.]
[Temporary Access Granted: Evolution Pool – Beginner Tier]
[Eligible Beast Detected: Nyx – Voidtail Cub]
> Evolution Path Available: 2
Would you like to proceed with evolution?
Ren blinked.
"You ready?" he asked aloud.
Nyx growled softly, then nodded once. Even the young beast seemed to sense what was coming.
> [Beginning Evolution Process…]
Blue glyphs bloomed in a perfect circle around Nyx, layered like petals of energy-infused runes. Light surged, shadows thickened, and Nyx's body began to float as a cocoon of spectral mist enveloped him.
> [Analyzing bloodline…]
[Suppressed Gene Signature Detected: Primordial Alpha-Class Hybrid]
Unlock condition: 1x Evolution Crystal [✓]
Beast Loyalty ≥ 70 [✓]
Optional enhancement: Infuse Beast Tamer's Ring (Repaired)?
[Infuse = Permanent bond boost, path stability, +1 passive trait]
> Infuse Ring? Y/N
Ren hesitated for only a breath.
"…Infuse."
The ring—gold and obsidian, recently restored by the trial—disintegrated into golden dust and spiraled into the cocoon. Nyx howled inside, a piercing note that sent a shiver across the entire grove.
> [Fusion Accepted.]
[Passive Trait Unlocked: Shadowborn Loyalty – This beast cannot be stolen, corrupted, or turned against you.]
The cocoon cracked.
A new aura surged outward—dense, regal, wild.
From the mist emerged a larger, sleeker Nyx—his fur darker, his limbs longer, and a faint blue crown-shaped mark glowing between his eyes. His tail now split into two shadowy trails, and his claws shimmered faintly with ghostfire.
> [Evolution Complete: Nyx – Voidfang Alpha]
Rank: E-
Bloodline: Alpha Hybrid – Partial Unlock
Trait: Shadowborn Loyalty (Unique)
Skill: Phantom Pounce (New)
Stat Increase: +Overall 25%]
Ren stared, breath caught.
"You… you evolved," he whispered, a grin forming. "You look like a king."
Nyx padded forward, head held high—but his eyes softened as he bumped against Ren's chest. Ren patted his snout, and the bond between them pulsed.
Then, another notification chimed.
> [Beast Codex Rank Increased.]
[New Option Unlocked: Access to Local Tamer Registry – Low-Tier]
[Invitation Received: Starroot Beast Tamer Academy – Outer Candidate Trial]
Location: Starroot Valley
Rank Requirement: Level 4+
Time Limit: 72 Hours
Ren's eyes narrowed.
"Academy?" he muttered. "A training ground for beast tamers?"
It made sense. His system was pushing him along a path. First survive. Then evolve. Now… join others.
He stood, brushing off his cloak.
"Let's move, Nyx. If we're going to become Sovereigns, we'll need to see what this world's best has to offer—and beat it."
Nyx growled in agreement, his twin tails whipping with energy as he stepped beside Ren. The two of them walked toward the distant glimmering forest path—toward their next challenge.
Unaware that eyes were already watching them from the shadows.
Far above, on a floating shard of land suspended in the clouds, a hooded figure whispered:
"So… another one has awakened the code."
End of Chapter 6