Chapter 16 – The Hatchling Awakens

The warm glow of the morning sun filtered through the town's stone buildings as Qin Sheng sat at a wooden table outside a local tavern, savoring a hearty meal. Beside him, Lia playfully tossed a small stone into the air, catching it repeatedly as they discussed the next steps.

"Are you sure about the Intermediate Zone?" Lia asked, sipping from her mug. "It's going to be brutal, even for someone like you."

Qin Sheng grinned. "That's exactly why I'm heading there. The tougher it is, the better the rewards."

Their conversation was interrupted by a soft chime in his mind.

[System Notification: Mysterious Egg is about to hatch.]

He quickly pulled up his inventory, where the glowing egg pulsed rapidly. Placing it on the table, Lia leaned in, her eyes wide with curiosity.

The egg cracked, golden light spilling from within as the shell crumbled away. A tiny creature emerged—its soft feathers shimmering in silver and blue hues. Its small wings fluttered weakly as it looked up at Qin Sheng with bright, intelligent eyes.

[System Notification: Silverwind Wyvern Hatchling acquired – Type: Mount/Pet (Rank: A).]

Lia gasped. "An A-Rank Wyvern? You're seriously lucky."

The hatchling let out a soft chirp before nuzzling against Qin Sheng's hand.

He smiled. "Looks like I've got a new companion."

[System Notification: Bond established with Silverwind Wyvern Hatchling. Mount and Pet functions unlocked. Hatchling will level alongside the player.]

The wyvern flapped its wings and hovered a few feet above the table, its tiny form surprisingly agile.

Qin Sheng checked its stats:

Silverwind Wyvern Hatchling – A-Rank

HP: 1,500

Abilities: Wind Glide, Razor Feathers, Sky Sprint

Lia laughed. "Now you'll be flying circles around everyone."

He chuckled. "That's the plan."

---

Town Square

With the wyvern perched on his shoulder, Qin Sheng made his way to the Transportation Zone. Lia walked beside him, pointing out players bustling through the square.

"You know," she said, "with your reputation growing, people will start noticing you more. Word of your dungeon clear is spreading."

As if on cue, a system announcement echoed through the air.

[World Announcement: Player Qin Sheng has cleared the Hidden Verdant Dungeon and acquired the Silverwind Wyvern Hatchling – First of its kind!]

Players nearby turned to stare, murmuring excitedly.

"Is that him?"

"No way, an A-Rank Wyvern already?!"

Qin Sheng sighed. "Great, now I'm a celebrity."

Lia grinned. "Better get used to it."

---

Verdant Wilds Outskirts – Training Grounds

Before heading to the Intermediate Zone, Qin Sheng decided to test his new wyvern's abilities. In an open field, he summoned the Silverwind Wyvern, which had already grown slightly larger.

"Let's see what you can do."

The wyvern shot into the air, its wings cutting through the sky with ease. With a thought, Qin Sheng leaped onto its back, feeling the surge of wind beneath him.

They soared high above the treetops, the vast landscape stretching out below. Lia watched from the ground, waving up at him.

"Wind Glide!"

The wyvern shot forward, a trail of shimmering wind swirling behind them. Qin Sheng felt the exhilaration of flight, the freedom of the skies.

After several passes, he landed smoothly next to Lia.

She clapped. "You're going to dominate the skies in the Intermediate Zone."

He grinned. "And with you by my side, we'll clear it in no time."

Lia blushed slightly but quickly masked it with a confident smirk. "Then let's get moving."