The Days Of Adventure

AOIFE BELLE COSMO

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the Wildwood, I felt the chill of the evening air settle in. It was time to make camp. With Lune trotting beside me, I scanned the surroundings for a suitable spot to build a fire. I needed a place that would keep me hidden while also providing enough light and warmth.

After a short search, I found a small clearing surrounded by tall trees. The canopy above would help conceal the smoke, and the natural brush around me would provide ample fuel for a fire. "This looks perfect, Lune," I said, kneeling down to clear away any debris from the ground.

I rummaged through my storage ring, pulling out the small sticks and twigs I had gathered earlier. "Let's see… I also collected some herbs," I murmured to myself, recalling the vibrant green leaves I had spotted earlier. "They should help mask the smoke."

I selected a handful of fragrant herbs—leaves that smelled of mint and a hint of citrus. "These will do nicely," I said, crushing them gently between my fingers to release their oils. I scattered them around the fire pit, their scent mingling with the earthy aroma of the forest.

Next, I began stacking the twigs into a small teepee structure, ensuring there was enough space for air to flow. I placed the herbs beneath the kindling, hoping their fragrance would help disguise the smell of burning wood.

With a deep breath, I took a moment to center myself. Remembering the lessons I had learned, I focused on creating a spark. Using a rough stone, I struck it against a piece of flint I had found earlier. The sound echoed softly in the quiet forest, and I felt a thrill as a small spark flew into the kindling.

"Come on, come on," I whispered, my heart racing with anticipation. The spark caught, and soon the kindling began to smolder. I gently blew on it, coaxing the flames to life. The fire flickered and crackled, casting a warm glow in the growing darkness.

"Yes! It worked!" I exclaimed, watching the flames dance. As the fire grew, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Cooking in the wild was one thing; starting a fire was another.

[+100 Experience Points +100 Silver Ore]

Once the fire settled, I turned my attention to the bunhoper meat. "Alright, let's get started," I said, retrieving the first of the catches. I worked quickly, using my knife to skin and clean the meat, knowing that the more efficient I was, the sooner I could enjoy a meal.

As I prepared the meat, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. "This is my first real cooking in the Spiritbeasts realm," I mused aloud, glancing at Lune. "What do you think?"

Moonbeam floated nearby, its wings shimmering in the firelight. "You are doing wonderfully, Aoife! Cooking over an open fire is an important skill. It not only nourishes you but also connects you to this world."

[+100 Experience Points +100 Silver Ore]

I smiled at the praise, feeling a surge of confidence. Once the meat was ready, I skewered it on a sharpened stick and held it over the flames. The rich aroma began to waft through the air, mingling with the scent of the herbs. My stomach growled in response, reminding me that I hadn't eaten since the hunt.

After a while, I pulled the skewered meat from the fire, the juices sizzling as they dripped onto the flames. "Looks delicious!" I said, letting it cool slightly before taking a bite. The flavor was rich and savory, and I savored each mouthful, feeling the warmth spread through me.

With a smile, I took a smaller piece of the meat and held it out to Lune. "Here you go, little buddy," I said, watching as he sniffed the offering before taking it gently from my hand. "You deserve a treat after all your support today."

Lune nibbled on the meat, his eyes bright with delight. I chuckled as he munched happily, clearly enjoying the taste. "I'll always share my meals with you," I promised, feeling a warmth in my heart at our bond.

After finishing my meal, I carefully stored the remaining meat in my storage ring, ensuring it would stay fresh for the next day. Once I had eaten my fill, I knew it was time to extinguish the fire.

I took a deep breath, ready to destroy the evidence of my presence. "We can't leave a trace," I said, feeling a mix of sadness and responsibility. I scattered dirt and leaves over the embers, smothering the flames until only a faint glow remained. Finally, I doused the fire with a bit of water from the nearby stream, ensuring it was completely out.

With the fire extinguished and the night fully settled, I looked up at the darkening sky. "Time to find a safe place to sleep," I whispered to Lune, who padded beside me.

I spotted a tall tree nearby, its branches reaching high into the sky. "That one looks perfect," I said, my heart racing with excitement. I began to climb, my hands gripping the rough bark as I pulled myself upward. Lune followed closely, nimbly navigating the branches.

Once I reached a sturdy branch, I settled down, making myself comfortable among the leaves. I wrapped my arms around Lune, who snuggled against me, his warm body providing a sense of security. From this vantage point, I could see the forest stretched out below, a world filled with both beauty and danger.

"Up here, we're safe," I reassured Lune, looking out at the stars that twinkled above. "No wild beasts can reach us here."

As I nestled into the branches, I felt a wave of exhaustion wash over me. The events of the day had been exhilarating yet tiring. I closed my eyes, letting the sounds of the Wildwood lull me to sleep, comforted by the knowledge that I was learning to survive in this extraordinary realm.

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The next day...

Day 2: Gathering and Hunting

The sun rose over the Wildwood, casting a golden hue through the trees. I stretched my arms wide, relishing the warmth of the new day. "Today, we gather more supplies, Lune," I declared, brushing my hair back and glancing down at my fluffy companion, who chirped excitedly, his little tail wagging.

Moonbeam floated nearby, its wings shimmering like sunlight filtering through leaves. "Remember, Aoife, the forest is filled with resources waiting to be discovered. Look for herbs, spices, and fruits to enhance your journey."

With that, we set off deeper into the woods, the underbrush crunching beneath our feet. I scanned the ground and the air, searching for anything useful. The forest was alive with sounds—the rustling leaves, distant bird calls, and the soft hum of insects.

As we ventured further, I spotted a patch of vibrant green leaves nestled at the base of an ancient oak. "Look, Lune! Thyme and rosemary!" I exclaimed, kneeling to carefully harvest a handful. Their earthy scents invigorated my senses as I placed them into my storage ring. "These will add so much flavor to our meals."

After an hour of foraging, we stumbled upon a sunlit clearing. I spotted a small group of bunhopers—small, fluffy rabbits with soft, brown fur that blended perfectly into the forest floor. Their large, expressive eyes darted nervously as they grazed. My heart raced at the sight. "Let's see if we can catch a few more," I whispered, crouching low and motioning for Lune to stay quiet. He nodded, his wide eyes fixed on the rabbits.

I reached for my bow, feeling the coolness of the wood in my hands. I took a deep breath, steadying my aim. With a swift motion, I released the arrow, watching it sail through the air. It struck true, hitting one of the bunhopers. "Got one!" I exclaimed, adrenaline coursing through me. The others scattered, but I felt a rush of triumph.

[+10 Experience Points +1 Silver Ore]

After a productive morning, we returned to our camp with our bounty. I laid out the freshly caught bunhoper on a makeshift wooden surface, savoring the moment. The forest was alive with sounds as I prepared a simple meal over the fire, the flames crackling and sending sparks into the air.

That evening, I climbed back into the branches of a tall tree, feeling safe and secure among the leaves. I nestled into a cozy nook, wrapping my arms around Lune, who settled against me with a contented sigh. The sounds of the forest lulled me to sleep, and I dreamed of the adventures that awaited us.

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Day 3: The Encounter with the Pantha

The next morning, I awoke to the soft glow of dawn filtering through the branches. Today, I decided to explore further and gather more herbs, especially wild plants that might be useful for healing. "Let's go, Lune," I said, determination in my voice.

As we trekked through the forest, I kept an eye out for edible fruits and medicinal plants. We found wild berries bursting with color, and I filled my storage ring with them, excited about the potential for new recipes. Moonbeam fluttered around, guiding me toward patches of stinging nettle and yarrow.

Suddenly, a low growl pierced the air, sending a shiver down my spine. I froze in place, scanning the underbrush. My heart raced as I caught sight of a sleek pantha—a large, muscular feline with a glossy black coat that shimmered in the dappled sunlight. Its yellow eyes were fixed on us, radiating both beauty and danger.

"Stay back, Lune," I whispered, reaching for my bow. The pantha lunged at us, and I barely had time to react. I drew my weapon and released an arrow, but the pantha was quick, dodging to the side. It charged at me, claws outstretched, its powerful legs propelling it forward with lethal grace.

The fight was fierce. I dodged and weaved, but the pantha was relentless. It swiped at me, leaving deep scratches across my arm. I winced at the pain but pushed through, focusing on my training. I managed to fire another arrow, this time hitting the pantha in the flank. It roared, the sound echoing through the trees, a mixture of fury and pain.

With a surge of adrenaline, I closed the distance, using my butterfly knife to defend myself. The pantha lunged again, and I narrowly avoided its jaws, feeling the rush of air as it passed by. I countered with a swift motion, slashing at its side. The pantha stumbled but wasn't finished yet.

After a grueling battle, I finally managed to outmaneuver it, landing a decisive blow that brought the pantha down. Breathing heavily, I stood over my defeated foe, heart pounding in my chest. I felt a mix of triumph and sorrow; it was a fierce creature, but I had to protect myself and my companion.

[+100 Experience Points +50 Gold Ore]

Once I was certain the danger had passed, I examined my own wounds. The scratches stung, and I knew I needed to tend to them. Using the herbs I had gathered earlier, I carefully applied yarrow to disinfect the wounds, feeling a bit of relief as the coolness of the leaves soothed the pain. "I'll be alright," I reassured Lune, who watched me with wide eyes, concern evident on his face.

After gathering some of the pantha's fur and meat, I made my way back to camp, feeling a sense of accomplishment mixed with exhaustion. That night, I cooked a hearty meal over the fire, the pantha meat adding a rich flavor. As we ate, Moonbeam circled above us, its light flickering in the darkness. "You fought bravely, Aoife," it said, and I felt a swell of pride.

--------------------------------------------

Day 4: A Day of Bounty

The third day dawned bright and clear, and I awoke feeling renewed. My scratches had begun to heal, thanks to the herbs, and I was eager to continue my adventures. "Today, we hunt again," I announced to Lune, who bounced excitedly at the prospect.

With my gear ready, we set off into the forest once more, determined to gather more supplies. The morning was filled with the sounds of nature as we moved through the underbrush. I quietly observed the surroundings, searching for any signs of wildlife.

After a while, I spotted a flock of chihens—colorful, feathery birds with bright yellow and orange plumage, pecking at the ground. "Let's see if we can catch some," I whispered, crouching low. I positioned myself carefully, drawing my bow once again. With precision, I released an arrow, and one of the chihens fell, flapping its wings in surprise.

[+10 Experience Points +1 Silver Ore]

[+10 Experience Points +1 Silver Ore]

[+10 Experience Points +1 Silver Ore]

Encouraged by my success, I continued hunting, using both my bow and my butterfly knife to skillfully take down a few more animals throughout the day. Each catch reminded me of the skills I had honed: the patience needed to stalk prey, the precision required for my shots, and the quick reflexes necessary for close encounters.

[+10 Experience Points +1 Silver Ore]

[+10 Experience Points +1 Silver Ore]

[+10 Experience Points +1 Silver Ore]

[+10 Experience Points +1 Silver Ore]

[+10 Experience Points +1 Silver Ore]

[...]

By the end of the day, I had collected a dozen wild animals, including several bunhopers, chihens, and even some berries and herbs. As I returned to my camp, the weight of my bounty felt gratifying.

That evening, I built a fire and prepared a feast with all that I had gathered. The aroma of roasting meat filled the air, and I couldn't help but smile at the fruits of my labor. Sitting by the warmth of the fire, I reflected on the challenges I had faced and the skills I had developed.

I pulled out my system, checking my inventory filled with herbs, fruits, and meats. A sense of accomplishment washed over me as I admired the progress I had made.

[Character Profile]

Name: Aoife Belle Cosmo

Level: 1 (2,910/10,000)

Rank: S

Title: None

Spiritbeasts Alignment: Light, Nature, Healing

Status: Exhausted from hunting

Attributes (Average Attributes: 10):

- Strength: 25 (+12% Defense)

- Dexterity: 35 (+1% Speed)

- Constitution: 24

- Intelligence: 40

- Wisdom: 43

Magical Capacity

- Mana: 350/350

Life Spirit Condition (Weakened State Under 50)

- Life: 200/200

- Spirit: 169/200

Potential (Average Potential: B):

- Healing Potential: SS

- Intellectual Potential: S

- Magic Potential: A

- Physical Potential: A

Skills (Max Level: 10):

- Martial Arts (Level 10)

Ability: Combat Mastery

- Gymnastics (Level 10)

Ability: Agile Acrobat

- Archery (Level 10)

Ability: Hawkeye Focus

- Artist (Level 10)

Ability: Inspiring Artistry

- Ballet Dancer (Level 9)

Ability: Elegant Movement

- Ice Skating (Level 8)

Ability: Glacial Flow

- Survivalist (Level 5)

Ability: Nature's Ally

- Knife Master (Level 4)

Ability: Precision Strikes

- Cooking (Level 4)

Ability: Delicious Cooking

Wealth (Currency):

- Crystals: 0

- Gold: 500

- Silver: 720

Equipment:

- Head: None

- Body: Hide Cropped Top (+1% Defense

- Arm: None

- Legs: Hide Skirt (+1% Defense)

- Feet: Leather Boots (+10% Defense +1% Speed)

Storage Ring (50 Square Meter)

- Herbs 1597

- Spices 1465

- Fruits 1604

- Sticks 1489

- Makeshift Knife 1

- Water bottle (Hide) 1 litter

- Bunhopers Meat 120

- Bunhopers Hide 120

- Chihen Meat 100

- Chihen Feathers 100

- Bufers Meat 10

- Bufers Hide 10

- Phantha Meat 1

- Pantha Hide 1

- Butterfly Knife 1

- Wooden Bow 1

- Wooden Arrows 100

"We did well, Lune," I said, feeling grateful for my loyal companion. "After leveling up, I feel much stronger than before, and I've improved several skills too. Tomorrow marks the last day of the safe zone. I'll face far more ferocious beasts, so I need to hurry and find the nearest tribe."

After enjoying the meal, I felt the weariness of the past few days settle in. I climbed back into the branches of the tree, finding a comfortable spot among the leaves. With Lune curled up beside me and the stars twinkling overhead, I closed my eyes, ready for a well-deserved rest after an incredible adventure.

--------------------------------------------

The fifth day dawned bright and clear, but an unsettling tension hung in the air. I awoke feeling renewed, yet a sense of foreboding crept in as I remembered that today marked the end of my beginner stage. Whispers of more ferocious creatures roaming the Wildwood had reached my ears, and I knew I had to stay vigilant.

After a quick breakfast, I decided to play with Lune, my fluffy companion, near our camp. We chased each other among the trees, laughter ringing through the forest. Moonbeam fluttered playfully around us, its light dancing in the shadows. Everything felt perfect—until the atmosphere shifted.

Suddenly, a howling chorus broke through the serene morning, sending chills down my spine. The sounds were low at first, but they quickly grew louder, echoing through the trees. My heart raced as I recognized the unmistakable sound of a wolf pack, their ferocious howls reverberating like a death knell.

In an instant, my head throbbed with a familiar ache, memories flooding back with startling clarity. Panic surged within me as I recalled the last time I had been hunted by a pack of wolves, back when I had fallen from the cliff and lost my life. This time, the wolves were bigger, more menacing, and I had to escape.

"Lune, we need to go! Now!" I shouted, scooping him up in my arms. His small body trembled, but I felt his determination as I sprinted away from the sound of the howls. The underbrush whipped against my legs as I ran, Moonbeam darting ahead, guiding me toward safety.

The howls grew closer, and I could feel the wolves closing in on my tracks. My breath came in ragged gasps, my heart pounding as I pushed myself harder. Memories I had buried deep began to surface—the moment my grandfather had faced those same wolves, bravely trying to protect me while I escaped. Guilt twisted in my gut, and I felt a wave of sorrow wash over me.

I stumbled, distracted by the haunting memories. My foot caught on a root, and I fell, rolling down a slope, leaves and dirt flying around me. I finally came to a stop at the base of a tree, disoriented but alive. The howling faded as the wolves lost my scent, their growls echoing in the distance.

Shaking off the daze, I crawled toward a nearby river, submerging myself in the cool water. The current washed over me, masking my scent completely. I held Lune tightly as I swam, following the flow until I emerged on the opposite bank, gasping for breath.

Coughing up water, I pulled Lune from the river. "Are we safe?" I asked, my voice trembling. Moonbeam hovered nearby, its light glimmering with reassurance. "You're doing great, Aoife. Just keep moving."

I glanced around, realizing I had escaped the wolves' immediate vicinity, but I couldn't let my guard down. It wouldn't be safe to camp out in the open, so I needed to find a place to hide first. Not far from the river, I spotted a small cave nestled among the roots of a large tree.

"Perfect," I muttered, hastily making my way inside. The cave was dark and cool, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me as I settled in. I quickly gathered some dry leaves and twigs to start a small fire, the flickering light offering comfort in the shadows.

Sitting against the cave wall, I took a moment to catch my breath, munching on some wild fruits I had collected earlier. The taste was refreshing, but the unease lingered in my mind. As I stared into the fire, memories of my grandfather flooded back, a bittersweet ache in my heart.

"Moonbeam, about my family—my grandfather—what happened to Earth when I died?" I whispered, feeling tears prick at my eyes. Moonbeam floated closer, its glow illuminating my face. "After you fell, rescuers found him in the forest. He was injured but alive," it reassured me. "He's safe, Aoife."

I felt a mix of relief and sorrow, knowing I had left him behind. "Can I ever return to Earth?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Moonbeam hesitated before answering, "Everything will be alright in the end. Trust in yourself and your journey."

The words hung in the air, a flicker of hope amid my despair. I closed my eyes, letting the warmth of the fire seep into my bones. I knew I had to push through this, for my grandfather and for myself. As the night deepened, I vowed to find strength in my memories, drawing courage from the love that had once surrounded me. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but I would face them head-on, ready to carve my path in the Wildwood.

Determined not to waste any time, I pressed on, knowing I had to find the nearest tribe. Safety from the wild beasts, especially the wolves that had been pursuing me, was my priority. Hours passed as Lune and I ventured along the path, but I couldn't shake the feeling of heaviness in my heart.

Sighing, I trudged forward, when Moonbeam suddenly chimed in, "How about a proper bath at the lake? It's just a few meters away, and you could use some relaxation."

Excitement surged through me at the thought. "You're right! It's been days since I've had a proper wash!" I exclaimed, picking up my pace, with Lune bounding after me.

When we reached the lake, the sight was breathtaking. The water shimmered under the sun, inviting me in. Without a second thought, I quickly shed my clothes and dashed into the cool water. The sensation was heavenly as I splashed around, allowing the lake to wash away the grime and worries of the past days.

As I submerged, my hair flowed like silk around me. Surfacing, I closed my eyes, relishing the tranquility. "This is so relaxing," I murmured, when suddenly, a rustle in the forest caught my attention.

Lune's fur bristled, and I could sense his fear. From the shadows of the trees, a massive black lion emerged, its fur as dark as the night, with a striking golden pattern on its forehead and a five-star beast mark on its left leg. My breath caught in my throat; I realized this was no ordinary creature—it was a spiritbeast king.

Panic surged through me. I had heard tales of such beasts, and the thought of facing one sent shivers down my spine. Could I die again? My heart raced as the lion's gaze fell upon me, seemingly captivated by my presence.

To my astonishment, the lion transformed before my eyes, morphing into a tan, muscular man with long, straight black hair that flowed like a river of ink. His golden eyes sparkled with an intensity that sent a thrill through me, and the golden markings on his forehead glimmered like jewels in the sunlight. He stood before me, exuding an aura of power and grace.

I felt my cheeks flush, and I was so taken aback that I nearly fainted. Before I could process the situation, the spiritbeast king caught me in his arms. "You're so beautiful," he said, his voice deep and rich, resonating with a power that made my heart race.

His presence filled the air with warmth, and I found myself lost in the depths of his golden eyes. They held a mix of ancient wisdom and youthful mischief, drawing me in like a moth to a flame. I could hardly breathe, captivated by the striking contrast of his dark hair against his tan skin and golden markings, the way his muscular form seemed to radiate strength and protection.

"Likewise," I managed to whisper, my voice barely above a breath.

He cradled me like a bride, announcing, "Beautiful female, you're my mate from now on!" My heart raced at his words, and a rush of embarrassment washed over me. This was exactly what Moonbeam had hinted at, but I had never expected it to happen so soon.

Despite my shock, I felt a sense of safety I hadn't experienced in a long time. I let him carry me out of the lake, the warm sun drying my skin. As he stepped onto the shore, droplets of water cascaded down his chiseled torso, glistening in the sunlight. I couldn't help but notice the way his muscles rippled with each movement, the very embodiment of strength.

Once we settled beneath a nearby tree, I asked, "What's your name?"

"Noir," he replied simply, his golden eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my pulse quicken.

The name sounded familiar, almost like a French name from Earth. A smile crept onto my face. "Nice to meet you, Noir. I'm Aoife."

An awkward silence fell between us as we both took in the reality of our nakedness. My heart raced, and I felt a mix of vulnerability and exhilaration. Finally, I broke the silence, asking, "Where are your clothes?"

He looked confused. "What clothes?"

I realized then that this realm had its own customs and knowledge, and they were more beast than human. Reaching into my storage ring, I pulled out my clothes and quickly dressed. As I slipped on my attire, Noir's eyes widened in admiration. "You're even more beautiful," he breathed, a hint of awe in his voice. "Are you a spirit saint? I've never seen magic like that before."

I shook my head, chuckling. "I don't even have a tribe. I've been alone for quite some time."

Noir dismissed the idea, looking at me earnestly. "You're not alone anymore; I am your mate now."

Laughter bubbled within me, a sweet relief from the tension I had felt. I reached into my storage ring again and pulled out a hide—a trophy from the pantha I had defeated. "Here, let me give you something to wear," I said, draping the black hide around his waist. It matched him perfectly.

He looked at me with gratitude and something deeper—a longing that sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach. As I adjusted the hide, I noticed minor scratches on his chest and arms, faint but noticeable against his sun-kissed skin.

"How did you get these?" I asked, concern lacing my voice.

Noir shrugged, a slight smile on his lips. "Just a few encounters in the forest. Nothing to worry about."

I felt an urge to help. "Let me take care of them." I reached into my storage ring and pulled out some herbs. He watched, puzzled yet trusting, as I began to crush the herbs and combine them with a bit of water, creating a sticky ointment.

"What are you doing?" he asked, his golden eyes filled with curiosity.

"A simple remedy," I replied, kneeling beside him. "It'll help with the scratches." I gently began applying the ointment to his hard abs, my fingers brushing against his warm skin.

Noir inhaled sharply, a mixture of surprise and pleasure crossing his face. "You have a delicate touch," he murmured, his gaze intense as he watched me work.

I focused on the task, my heart racing as I felt the warmth radiating from his body. "Just a little more," I said softly, smoothing the ointment over another scratch.

As I finished, he leaned closer, his breath warm against my cheek. "Thank you, Aoife. I appreciate your kindness."

Before I could respond, he captured my lips with his in an unexpected kiss. It was deep and passionate, igniting a spark within me that sent shivers down my spine. My hands found their way to his hair, tangling in the silky strands as I leaned into him, surrendering to the heat of the moment.

After what felt like an eternity, we pulled back, breathless. Noir's golden eyes searched mine, filled with desire and a hint of vulnerability. "You're unlike anyone I've ever met," he murmured, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "Your spirit is fierce, yet you carry such grace."

I felt my cheeks flush at his words, a mix of embarrassment and delight. "And you, Noir... you're like a dark prince from a fairy tale. I've never seen anyone so striking."

He stepped back slightly, a playful smile on his lips. "I will take you to my tribe, the Roaring Tribe, nearby. I will bring you home, Aoife."

As I gazed into his golden eyes, filled with promise and adventure, I knew that together we could face whatever lay ahead. In that moment, I felt a sense of belonging, a connection that transcended the chaos of the Wildwood. With Noir by my side, I was ready to embrace whatever challenges awaited us.

Just then, Lune, who had been sitting quietly nearby, trotted over, his head cocked to the side, as if curious about the unfolding scene. He nudged my leg with his small nose, breaking the romantic tension.

"What is it, Lune?" I laughed, bending down to scratch behind his ears.

Lune looked between us, his big eyes wide with concern, and let out a little chirp, as if to say, "Hey, I'm still here too, you know!"

Noir chuckled, his golden eyes sparkling with amusement. "It seems your little friend wants to be part of this moment."

I grinned, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "Of course! Lune is part of my family now."

With a playful gesture, Noir reached down and picked Lune up, cradling him in his strong arms. "Then let us all go to my tribe together. My people will welcome you both as kin."

Lune squirmed a bit but then settled into Noir's embrace, clearly enjoying the attention. I couldn't help but laugh at the sight of the fierce spiritbeast king holding my fluffy companion, a perfect blend of strength and gentleness.

Feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, I took Noir's hand, feeling the warmth of his grip. "How do you live? What are your customs?"

Noir smiled, a hint of pride in his voice. "We live simply and in tune with nature. We hunt and protect our territory. When we catch fresh prey, we eat it right away; we don't cook our food. It is the way of the wild."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You eat it raw? That sounds... primal."

"It is," Noir admitted, his gaze growing distant as he recalled the essence of his existence. "Our way of life is rooted in instinct and survival. We have learned to read the signs of nature—the rustle of leaves, the tracks in the soil. Each sound and scent tells a story, guiding us in the hunt."

He continued, his voice steady, "We gather in groups, sharing responsibilities. The hunt is a ritual; it bonds us as a tribe. We track our prey for days, understanding their patterns and habits. When we finally catch fresh meat, it's a celebration of our connection to the earth. Eating it raw allows us to absorb the energy of the animal, to honor its spirit."

Curious, I asked, "What about shelter? Where do you stay?"

Noir nodded, his expression serious. "We find refuge beneath towering trees or in the cool embrace of caves. Nature provides for us; we adapt to her rhythms. Our shelters are temporary, shifting with the seasons. In the winter, we huddle together for warmth, sharing stories and passing down our knowledge. In the summer, we roam freely, following the sun and the flow of rivers."

He paused, searching my eyes. "Our way of life is not just about surviving; it's about embracing the primal instincts within us. We celebrate the hunt, the bonds we form, and the respect we show for the land. Each day is a dance with nature, a reminder that we are part of something much larger than ourselves."

"So, tell me more about you," I prompted, eager to learn more about him and this new world.

Noir's expression turned serious, yet a smile lingered on his lips. "The Roaring Tribe is a powerful community led by a patriarchy, with traditions steeped in strength, loyalty, and the blessings of the beast gods. At the heart of the tribe is I, Noir, the lion king spiritbeast, chosen by the divine forces that govern our world. My ascendance to leadership was determined through a rigorous succession process, where spiritbeasts must awaken their beast marks and prove their strength in battle."

I nodded, intrigued. "So leadership is earned through strength?"

"Yes," he explained. "In the Roaring Tribe, the leadership is determined by a rite of passage. When a spiritbeast inherits and awakens their beast mark, they become eligible for succession. The ultimate winner of a series of challenges is chosen as the leader. This competitive process ensures that only the strongest and most capable individuals can rise to power, fostering a culture of strength and resilience."

I could see the pride in his eyes as he continued, "As the current leader, I embody the qualities that the beast gods value. My prowess in battle and my ability to unite the tribe have solidified my position as their protector and guide."

"That sounds like a heavy burden," I said, sensing the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.

"It is," he replied, his expression growing serious. "Despite our strength, the Roaring Tribe faces serious challenges. Many of the spiritbeasts are suffering from illness, hampering our ability to hunt and protect our territory effectively. This health crisis has created a sense of urgency within the tribe, as we struggle to maintain our way of life against external threats."

I nodded slowly, absorbing his words. "It must be challenging, especially with so many in the tribe."

"Yes," he replied, his expression growing serious. "It weighs heavily on me. Many don't understand the healing practices I've seen you use. I believe you are a spirit saint sent by the beast gods to help us."

His faith in me sent a rush of warmth through my chest. "I want to help," I said earnestly. "What can I do?"

"We need to heal our tribe, both physically and spiritually. Your knowledge could be the key to turning things around," Noir replied, his eyes filled with determination.

As we continued our conversation, I felt the bond between us deepen, the laughter and shared stories weaving an invisible thread that connected our hearts. In that moment, I knew I was ready to embrace this new life, with Noir and Lune by my side, as we ventured toward the unknown together.