The cave was silent.
Only the gentle glimmer of crystals and the faint breeze brushing against Finn's skin offered any sign of life. He kept his gaze locked with the Winged Golden Lion King, his expression calm, yet deep within, unease stirred. He had offered everything, laid his cards on the table—now all that remained was the lion's answer.
If he could convince the beast to leave this world and walk with him… then he wouldn't just be gaining an ally. He'd gain a powerful force—one that could turn the tides in his coming battle against the Nine Ice Family.
After all, this was no ordinary beast. This was a Sixth Grade Vicious Beast—a creature whose strength rivaled the Sky Rank Adventurers of the human world.
Finn held his breath.
At last, the lion stirred.
"You wish to bring me beyond this world... to live among humans?" it asked, its voice low and heavy with meaning.
Finn nodded. "Yes. There's a far greater world waiting beyond this one—richer in opportunity, wider in freedom. Out there, you can become even more."
The lion snorted, a scoff rumbling deep from its chest. "What need have I for opportunity?" it said flatly. "Here, I am a Beast King. I live as I please, without shackles. Among humans, all I've seen is greed and betrayal. Why would I want to walk beside your kind?" Its crimson eyes narrowed. "I have no desire to mingle with those who would kill their own for power."
Finn was struck silent. He couldn't deny the truth in the lion's words.
Yes—humans were greedy. He had seen it with his own eyes.
To gain influence, the Nine Ice Family had broken the sacred promise between Creed and Cleo, casting aside their agreement to wed their children—Finn and Tiffanya—for the sake of politics. Worse, they had trampled on Creed's dignity and spat upon the honor of the Azure Wood Family. All for their benefit.
They had even tried to erase the family itself, wiping them from existence to bury their shame.
Because of their ambition, Finn had lost people—his uncle Altair, friends, comrades. Many families were shattered by their selfishness.
And why? Because Finn was "just" from a low-ranking clan?
Because they thought someone like him could never compare to Ice Feather Sect's golden child, Hyon?
But one day, they would regret it. They would regret underestimating the boy they once called trash. They would pay.
Finn closed his eyes.
He now understood—the cruelty of humanity often ran deeper than the savagery of beasts.
At least beasts only killed to survive.
Humans started wars for selfish gain, dragging the innocent into the flames without hesitation. Women, children, the elderly—no one was spared in their pursuit of power.
With a deep breath, Finn looked inward and made a silent vow.
From now on, he would no longer kill beast or man unless they bore malice toward him or the innocent. Not all monsters wore fangs and claws. Some wore smiles and titles.
Monsters... came in many forms.
Finn turned his gaze back to the lion, then retrieved three more Thousand Year Blood Ginseng from his Myriad World Mirror and tossed them to the beast.
The lion's eyes widened once more at the sight of the rare treasures, but this time, it said nothing.
"What is this for?" it asked, confused.
Finn turned his back to the lion, his voice quiet.
"I know that no treasure could ever repay you for your child. Still, I offer them. You're a Vicious Beast—these will help you recover and grow stronger. As for your cub... don't worry. I'll protect him."
The lion said nothing.
It simply stared at the boy's back, the wind gently tugging at its mane.
In all its centuries of life, it had never met a human like this. It had believed them all to be monsters driven by greed and conquest. But perhaps… this one was different.
Perhaps.
Without another word, Finn left the cave. His footsteps were swift and light, but just as he passed beyond the threshold, a sudden roar echoed behind him—deep and mournful.
ROAAAR!
He turned, eyes wide.
The lion had emerged from the cave, carrying the sleepy cub in its mouth. The tiny creature blinked drowsily as it was placed gently outside.
Finn paused and gave a respectful bow toward the elder lion, then turned and vanished into the forest.
Behind him, a second roar rang out—softer this time—as if echoing farewell. The cub tilted its head and gave a playful roar of its own, mimicking its parent.
--
Elsewhere...
In a peaceful part of the forest, a young girl in a tattered red uniform leapt nimbly between tree branches. Her movements were careful—neither rushed nor sluggish. She was wounded but alert.
This girl was none other than Ashe.
Her uniform was stained with blood, her face scratched and her arms and legs marked with shallow cuts. It was clear she had come from a hard-fought battle.
Yet even with the bruises, she radiated grace and beauty. Her focused gaze scanned the path ahead.
She hadn't used a recovery pill—not because she couldn't, but because her supply was limited. With more days remaining in the trial, she needed to conserve them. Besides, the wounds weren't severe. She had already defeated the fourth-grade beast that inflicted them using only her skills and armament.
Right now, she was looking for a safe place to recover—avoiding any further combat if possible.
So far, she hadn't encountered any members of the Cloud Soaring Sect or other factions. Traveling with someone would've made things easier. Still, she pressed on.
Three days had passed since entering this world, and even now she remained amazed by it.
It brimmed with powerful beasts and rich natural energy. If she could train here for just half a year, she might break through to the Profound Rank.
Sadly, they only had thirty days.
But she had already collected many treasures. Among them—a Top-tier Rare Armament sword and several medicinal herbs from an abandoned cave.
Since she already had a personal weapon, she planned to sell the extra armament along with the Third and Fourth Grade Magic Crystals she'd gathered. The profits would go toward strengthening herself further.
She moved with purpose—until she suddenly halted.
Up ahead was a vast, glimmering lake. Her eyes sparkled with joy.
Even though her body was clean thanks to natural energy, the idea of submerging in real water was too tempting. Besides, this place felt peaceful—perfect for healing and cultivation.
She scanned the area.
No presence. No threat.
She smiled, stepped forward, and peered into the clear water.
Bending down, she scooped a handful and drank. Her face lit up. The water was rich with natural energy.
After another cautious look around, she stripped off her clothes and placed them into her interspatial ring.
Her skin was porcelain white, her figure lithe and elegant. Sunlight kissed her damp hair, and she looked for a moment like a water spirit.
Blushing despite the solitude, she stepped into the lake.
The water was cool against her skin, soothing. She waded in until the water covered her shoulders, then sat cross-legged beneath the surface.
Closing her eyes, she began to absorb the surrounding energy.
Gradually, the wounds on her body began to heal. Her smooth skin showed no trace of the battle. The faint orange glow of soulforce pulsed around her like a gentle aura.
It was a breathtaking scene—one that would leave any man speechless.
--
Not far away…
A red-uniformed boy stood at the edge of the forest, gazing at the same lake.
It was Finn.
After hours of searching, he had finally found a quiet place to rest and train. Any Vicious Beast that blocked his path had either been ignored… or frightened off by his Profound Rank aura.
'This lake… it was perfect.'
He noticed something odd, though—no beast dared approach the lake. Strange, but he paid it no mind.
"I haven't cleaned myself the natural way in a while," he murmured with a grin.
SPLAAASH!
He leapt into the water—and shattered the lake's tranquil surface.
But what awaited him beneath the shimmering waters was… unexpected.
His eyes widened.
Blood trickled from his nose.
Before him was a girl—Ashe—entirely naked, her pale body bathed in sunlight and soulforce.
'Why is she here?!' Finn screamed in his mind.
Ashe froze.
Her eyes went wide as she registered the intruder.
In a flash, she crossed her arms to cover her chest and lower body, face burning with humiliation and fury.
Underwater, no words could be spoken—but her glare spoke volumes.
Then, her gaze dropped... and widened again.
Finn, too stunned to move, belatedly realized what had happened. His face went crimson as he covered himself.
"…Ah…?"