The Birth of Red Eyed Reid

Nightfall came quickly, and the team returned to the tower.

The walk back was quiet, each member lost in their thoughts. By the time they reached their respective rooms, exhaustion had begun to settle in, but for Reid, sleep wouldn't come so easily.

Lying on his bed, he let his Forged-Beasts roam freely, giving them time to adjust to the newest member of their family.

Evo's voice echoed in his mind. [You know, you could have just ignored the boy rather than accept his challenge.]

Reid exhaled, staring at the ceiling. "Maybe. But my instinct keeps telling me there's more to this challenge."

[You think it's more than a petty grudge?]

"I don't know." He paused, thinking. "It just feels like he's been put up to this."

Evo went silent for a moment before responding. [That's certainly possible. But by who? And for what reason?]

"That's what I intend to find out," Reid muttered.

A heavy silence settled over the room after that.