Midnight—his first and only Sacred Beast from the game. A majestic, rare creature hidden deep within Beast Realm 50.
Sacred Beasts weren't like the usual spirit beasts found in the realms. They were special—each one was unique, considered the "core" or "leader" of their respective realms. If a challenger formed a contract with one, they gained command over the realm's native beasts. That kind of influence was game-changing.
Not only could they control other beasts within the zone of the Sacred Beast, but they could also be upgraded—strengthened with the use of beast crystals.
That's why players in the game were obsessed with finding them. They were treasures in beast form. Hunting one down felt like stumbling upon a myth made real.
Wein had been lucky to encounter one—and luckier still to obtain it. Midnight had been his partner ever since. He only had one, but it was more than most players ever achieved.
Now, seated in the warmth of a busy restaurant, the clinking of cutlery and hum of voices around him, Wein paused and leaned closer to the group.
"What kind of beast is it?" someone asked, voice low but urgent.
"I heard it's one of those special ones—something out of the old rumors."
Wein blinked.
A special beast? From rumors?
He cast a glance at the group, who were deep in animated conversation. Around them, other tables began to quiet, ears turning subtly toward the source. Even Terr, seated across from Wein, had perked up—his expression tense, his head tilted slightly to catch the voices.
Wein's brow creased in confusion.
He had already guessed that the beast they were talking about was a Sacred Beast… but no one else seemed to realize it. The people around him looked curious, even concerned—but not surprised. Not like they should have been.
Do they not know?
Don't they recognize a Sacred Beast?
If this were Earth—if this were the game—players would've been in a frenzy by now. A Sacred Beast sighting would've sparked thousands of posts, guides, livestream hunts. But here? The reaction was calm. Curious, yes. Concerned. But not shocked.
"No one here even corrected him…" Wein thought, leaning back in his chair. "Could it be… they don't know what Sacred Beasts really are?"
The thought made his chest tighten.
He looked at Terr. "Brother, what do they mean by 'special beasts'?"
Terr rubbed his chin. "I don't know much about them, but there have always been rumors—about a special kind of beast. Some hunters claim to have seen strange creatures deep within certain realms. Beasts that weren't just powerful, but... different. Smarter. They say these beasts possessed intelligence beyond the norm. One group tried to hunt one down, but it escaped. Said it was too smart—like it had human intellect. The Alliance looked into it, but by the time they got there, the beast had vanished. So it was not really proven to be true."
Wein's eyes widened slightly.
So they've seen them—but never caught one?
And no one has officially confirmed their existence?
That meant this world hadn't discovered Sacred Beasts yet. Or if someone had, they weren't sharing the knowledge. Probably keeping it a secret to find and capture them first.
Wein's pulse quickened.
He knew where some of them were. Back in the game, forums had shared locations. He had them memorized.
If I can find the Sacred Beasts here before anyone else…
Just imagining it—owning Sacred Beasts, commanding whole realms of spirit beasts—it sent a thrill down his spine. He wouldn't just be strong. He'd be untouchable.
A quiet grin tugged at his lips.
"This world has no clue what's hidden in the Beast Realms," he whispered to himself. "Then I'll be the first to uncover it."
He clenched his fist.
He had planned to find Midnight in Realm 50, just like in the game. But the beast had already broken free. It had come into this world on its own.
Then what if the other Sacred Beasts are still in their realms, waiting?
He had to return to the Ratcha Realm after the tower trial. If the Sacred Beast there was still untouched, he had a chance.
He just hoped he wasn't too late.
—
When they finished eating, dusk had fallen over the town. The streets were bathed in amber light from glowing spirit lanterns. Warm glows spilled from tavern doors, and the air was rich with the scent of roasted meat and fresh bread.
Merchants closed their stalls one by one. Music drifted softly from a plaza nearby, where a group of performers played wind instruments under a lantern tree.
The two walked slowly, searching for an inn.
Children darted through the streets, shouting advertisements.
"Inn with hot baths over here!"
"Clean rooms! One gold a night!"
"New beds and meat stew for dinner!"
A small boy, no older than eight, ran up to them. His clothes were dusty but neatly patched, and he smiled up at them with wide eyes.
"Sir, are you looking for a place to stay? I know a good one. It's cheap, and the rooms are clean. My uncle owns it. Want me to take you there?"
Wein exchanged a look with Terr, who nodded.
"Alright," Terr said. "Lead the way."
The boy's eyes lit up. "This way!"
He took off down the road, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease.
Eventually, they arrived at a modest three-story inn tucked between a tea house and an herbalist's shop. Lanterns hung at the entrance, casting a soft golden glow on the steps. Above the door, a wooden sign swayed gently in the breeze.
Moonfeather Lodge
The script was carved in graceful strokes, framed by painted feathers.
Just as they stepped toward the entrance—
KREEEEEEEEE!
A sharp, ear-splitting shriek tore through the evening air.
Everyone on the street froze.
Wein whipped his head toward the sky.
Against the backdrop of a fading orange sunset, a massive shadow circled the sky, its wings spread wide, catching the last rays of light. It soared effortlessly, its feathers gleaming like black glass. Four wings moved in perfect coordination, and its glowing blue eyes scanned the town below.
Gasps echoed all around them.
"What the—?!"
"Whose Spirit Beast is that?!"
"Is that… is that even a Spirit Beast?"
Wein's heart dropped.
His gaze locked onto the figure above.
Midnight…?