Chapter 3: Into the Grove of Trials
Kazuki Ren trekked across the uneven plains, Nyx trotting at his side like a silent shadow. The wind stirred the grass around them, whispering secrets of the land—a land full of spirit beasts, ancient forces, and, if the System was right, endless danger.
But Ren was calm.
This world, for all its strangeness, made more sense than the one he left behind.
At least here, strength meant something.
> [Distance to Trial Site: 1.3 km]
[Environmental hazard detected: Wild Beast Territory ahead.]
[Recommended: Caution. F-Rank threat minimum.]
Ren squinted ahead. Trees now towered in the distance, thick and twisted like ancient sentinels. Above them, floating blue motes shimmered between branches—a sure sign of a Spirit Grove.
Nyx suddenly tensed, fur rising along his spine. His ears twitched.
"Something's close," Ren muttered, tightening his stance.
A low growl answered him. Then another.
Three shapes emerged from the underbrush—short, hunched, and baring jagged teeth. Their fur was patchy, their claws sharp. Beady yellow eyes locked onto Ren like prey.
> [Enemy Identified: Scavenger Grawlings (x3)]
Spirit Beast Rank: F
Temperament: Pack Hunters
Status: Agitated and Hungry
Risk Level: Moderate
> [Combat Scenario: Active Engagement Recommended]
[Options Available:
→ Direct Battle
→ Tactical Retreat
→ Use Skill: Soul Link]
Ren gritted his teeth. "Retreat isn't happening. Not again."
He glanced at Nyx. "Ready?"
Nyx responded with a quiet growl, his injured paw still stiff—but his eyes burned with fire.
> [Skill Activated: Soul Link (Rank I)]
[Status Shared: +5% Speed, +5% Reflex Sync, Mental Bond: Stable]
A blue tether of energy surged between Ren and Nyx. Their breaths synchronized. Their instincts merged.
The first Grawling lunged—only to be intercepted mid-air by Nyx's claw, enhanced by Soul Link. It yelped, crashing into the grass.
The other two came from the flanks.
> [New Instinct Unlocked: Shared Vision (Passive)]
[Host can now process limited peripheral data from beast's field of awareness.]
With sudden clarity, Ren saw the second Grawling coming from the left—Nyx's point of view lacing into his peripheral vision. Without thinking, Ren pivoted, slammed his elbow into the beast's snout, then rolled out of reach.
The third beast pounced on Nyx—but this time the wolf cub spun under it and snapped upward, biting into its exposed belly. Blood splashed the grass.
> [Enemy Defeated: 1 Grawling]
[+35 EXP]
The remaining two backed off, snarling—but wary now.
Ren stepped forward.
He wasn't the same helpless boy in the alley anymore. He had a beast. A bond. A second chance.
"I suggest you run."
The Grawlings hissed—then fled into the underbrush.
> [Victory Achieved.]
[Combat Evaluation: Grade B+]
[+15 Bonus EXP]
[Beast Bond Strengthened: Nyx → Loyalty +2]
[Beast Codex Updated]
[Loot Obtained: Lesser Beast Claw x2, Cracked Spirit Core (F-Rank)]
Ren knelt beside Nyx, inspecting the wolf's paw. "Still hurts?"
Nyx barked once in defiance. Stubborn as hell, even for a beast cub.
The System pinged again.
> [Proximity Alert: Trial Grove 200m ahead.]
[Warning: Trial is timed. Preliminary scouting ends in 30 minutes.]
Ren rose to his feet. The path ahead had become denser—massive roots tangled the trail, while floating spores shimmered above glowing stones that marked the grove's edge.
A massive circular clearing waited in the center of the forest, dominated by a monolithic stone covered in ancient runes.
> [You have arrived at the Trial Site: Beast Tamer's Grove]
[Commencing Trial of Awakening…]
> [Objective: Survive the Beast Tide. Duration: 5 minutes.]
[Enemies Incoming: Spirit Beasts x???]
[Rewards Scale Based on Performance.]
> [Begin.]
The clearing rumbled.
Trees shook.
The sky above cracked with golden energy.
And the ground split open—dozens of spirit beasts began pouring from shadowy portals at the grove's edge.
Ren's eyes narrowed, and he raised his hand. "Nyx, let's go wild."
End of Chapter 3