After purchasing the rare runes necessary for Rune-Beast evolution, Sebastian and Kael made a quick stop at the food stall. They stocked up on emergency rations: compact protein bars, strips of beef jerky, and sealed pouches of drinkable water – enough to sustain them for several days in the unforgiving core sectors. With their provisions secured, they left the trading terminal, their figures once again cloaked in their Shadowsilk robes and masks, and headed directly back to their hidden cave. It was time to prepare the necessary equipment, gear strong enough to handle Tier V or even higher Rune-Beasts they anticipated encountering in the island's most dangerous regions.
Upon re-entering the cave, Sebastian immediately turned to Kael. "Kael, stand guard at the entrance. Our focus now is crafting. We need to be ready for anything the core throws at us."
"Understood, My Lord," Kael replied, his massive frame settling into a watchful stance at the cave mouth. His Stoneclaw Grizzly and Umbralwing, Shade, remained ready in their beast-rings, their presences a comforting weight in his mind.
Sebastian wasted no time. From his spatial ring, he brought forth the gleaming ingots of Soul-Forged Steel (Grade A- Legendary), shimmering Moonstone Silver (Grade A Epic), refined Adamantine ingots, and refined Star-Iron ingots. These were the spoils of their relentless plundering, materials of legendary and epic grade, capable of forming weapons and armor of unparalleled quality. His Immortal Craftsman Hands (Legendary) thrummed with anticipation, eager to transform these raw elements into instruments of power.
He first meticulously inspected and repaired his Twin Starfang Blades and Kael's Star-Iron Warhammer, ensuring their edges were keen and their structures flawless. The Starfang Blades, already legendary, gained an even finer edge, their celestial resonance subtly amplified. Kael's hammer, a testament to his strength, was reinforced, its balance perfected.
Then, with a decisive motion, Sebastian began to disassemble the Thornweaver Bow, the Sunstrike Arrows, and the Starmetal Shivs. These were formidable in their own right, but Sebastian envisioned perfection. The process of upgrading was less about traditional smithing and more about Sebastian's unique talent; his hands, glowing with a faint, silvery light, manipulated the metals at a molecular level, reforming, strengthening, and imbuing them with latent magical properties.
First, the Thornweaver Bow. Sebastian transformed it into a recurve longbow, its limbs now flowing with an ornate, carved design featuring decorative scrollwork and a subtle dragon motif along the limb. The Soul-Forged Steel and Moonstone Silver were intricately woven into its structure, enhancing its tensile strength and magical conductivity, allowing for faster draw and release. He crafted a matching quiver, sleek and functional, designed to contain multiple arrows with fletching made from the finest Glimmerwing Harpy Feathers (Grade B Epic), ensuring silent flight and perfect trajectory.
He then crafted three different kinds of arrows, each designed for a specific purpose:
[Adamantine Piercing Arrows]: Their heads were forged from a combination of Star-Iron and Adamantine, designed for maximum armor penetration, capable of piercing even the toughest hides.
[Firebloom Exploding Arrows]: These featured small, volatile cores of Grade B Firebloom Essence embedded behind Star-Iron tips, designed to detonate with a concussive blast and fiery shrapnel upon impact.
[Miasma Poison Arrows]: Tipped with Grade A Miasma Serpent Venom (extracted from the glands they had harvested) and coated with a thin layer of Moonstone Silver to ensure stability and rapid delivery, these arrows delivered a debilitating neurotoxin upon penetration, paralyzing and weakening targets.
Next, he upgraded the Starmetal Shivs. These six weapons were transformed into lethal tools featuring intricate Midnight Blue engravings and geometric patterns etched into their dark metal surfaces, creating a striking contrast. Multiple razor-sharp points extended from the main body, designed for maximum damage upon impact. The metalwork displayed elaborate decorative elements, including circular motifs and flowing lines that suggested both elegance and lethality. These weapons, combining artistic beauty with deadly functionality, were tools befitting a skilled assassin or elite warrior's arsenal. For surprising his opponents, Sebastian also attached thin, invisible, but incredibly strong strings, woven from Moonstone Silver and Shadowsilk, to the Starmetal Shivs, allowing them to be recalled or manipulated after being thrown, ensuring no weapon was ever truly lost.
After repairing and upgrading his existing weapons, it was time to create entirely new equipment, focusing on defense and utility for the perilous core sectors.
Sebastian first focused on their armor. He crafted two sets of new armor, tailored precisely to their bodies, featuring a distinctive hooded design with a flowing midnight blue cloak that draped elegantly over the wearer's form. The armor itself combined dark metallic plates of Soul-Forged Steel with intricate azure blue accents and decorative engravings throughout the chest piece, gauntlets, and leg guards. The hood created a mysterious silhouette while allowing the midnight blue fabric to cascade down the back and sides. The overall aesthetic blended practical protection with ceremonial grandeur, featuring layered plate construction that would provide comprehensive coverage while maintaining mobility. The color scheme of dark metal, azure blue trim, and pristine midnight blue fabric created a striking contrast that suggested both martial prowess and noble bearing. Sebastian named this armor, [Veil of the Silent Sentinel]. This name captured the mysterious, hooded nature of the armor while suggesting its role as protective gear for a watchful guardian. The "veil" referenced the flowing midnight blue cloak and hood that concealed the wearer's identity, while "Silent Sentinel" evoked the image of a steadfast protector who stands vigilant and observant. The alliteration made it memorable, and the overall tone suggested both the armor's elegant appearance and its practical purpose as gear for someone who serves as a dedicated guardian or watchman.
Next, Sebastian decided to build two shields from Soul-Forged Steel (Grade A- Legendary) and refined Adamantine.
The first was for Kael: This was a knight's shield with a distinctive elongated kite or heater shield profile. The shield featured a sophisticated black-blue gradient that transitioned from deep teal at the edges to a light midnight blue toward the center, giving it an almost ethereal quality. The most striking feature was the elaborate midnight blue ornamentation that covered much of the surface. Intricate scrollwork and swirling patterns in blue leaf or gilt metal created flowing, vine-like designs across the shield face. The shield had reinforced edges and a central boss or raised section for deflecting blows. It was sturdy enough for combat but beautiful enough to demonstrate the bearer's status and heraldic importance. This shield was designed to fit Kael's huge body and showcase his martial prowess. Sebastian gave the shield a name: [The Obsidian Soul Shield].
The second shield was for himself: This ornate, elongated shield was designed with a distinctive teardrop or kite-like shape that would extend approximately half his body height. The shield featured a dramatic tapered design, widest at the top and narrowing to a sharp point at the bottom. It had a darker, subdued aesthetic with Soul-Forged Steel and Adamantine metallic accents forming wing-like decorative elements. At its center sat a prominent blue core of a Tier IV: Arcane Protector Rune-Beast (specifically, the core of the Glimmerwing Harpy he had defeated), which appeared to glow with inner light, set within an ornate frame. The shield was elaborate and ceremonial, featuring intricate midnight blue filigree work and multiple curved spikes or horn-like protrusions around the upper edge. Its central focal point was a larger, more complex magical crystal or gem with a cyan-blue glow, surrounded by detailed metalwork that created an almost crown-like appearance at the shield's top. The shield would serve as much for intimidation and magical enhancement as physical protection, with the Tier IV Glimmerwing Harpy core likely providing a form of enchantment and power to the wielder, possibly related to light or disorientation. The half-body coverage would protect the torso and upper legs while still allowing mobility in combat. He named this shield, [The Midnightcore Aegis].
Next, Sebastian decided to upgrade his and Kael's masks into face masks with a distinctive angular, geometric design. He made the masks with shimmering Moonstone Silver (Grade A Epic), refined Adamantine ingots, and refined Star-Iron ingots. They featured a predominantly silver/blue color scheme and black accents. The most striking feature was the sharp, jagged pattern that ran across the front, creating a chevron or zigzag design that gave it an aggressive, almost tribal aesthetic. The mask had a sleek, three-dimensional form that would cover the lower half of the face, from the nose down to the chin. The craftsmanship was quite detailed, with clean lines and precise geometric patterns that gave it a highly-technical, almost armor-like appearance.
Finally, Sebastian started making a new piece of equipment, one he had been thinking of developing for a very long time. This was a grappling hook weapon that combined traditional and modern aesthetics. The device features a substantial metal shaft wrapped in dark rope or cord for grip, designed for extended use. The business end showcases an intricate mechanical head with multiple curved, claw-like appendages that could presumably extend and retract to grip surfaces or ensnare targets. The weapon was connected to a heavy-duty braided rope made of Adamantine and Soul-Forged Steel (Grade A- Legendary), indicating its primary function as a ranged tool for traversal or capture. The metalwork was of high-quality steel or similar alloy, with detailed mechanical joints that looked like spring-loaded mechanisms controlling the claw deployment. Set against a desolate, rocky landscape, this weapon suggested use in harsh environments where conventional grappling equipment might fail. The overall design implied both utility and combat potential – it could serve as a climbing aid, a weapon for ensnaring enemies or huge Rune-Beasts, and a tool for manipulating objects at distance. Sebastian named this new equipment, [Irontalon Anchor].
Now all the equipment was ready. The cave, once a simple hiding spot, had been transformed into a temporary, high-tech forge, humming with the latent energy of the newly crafted items.
Kael, who had been standing guard at the entrance, turned as Sebastian called him. "Everything is ready, Kael. Pick up your new equipment, and let's get ready to enter the core sectors."
"Understood, My Lord," Kael replied, his eyes widening slightly as he saw the array of gleaming, powerful gear laid out before him. A low whistle escaped his lips as he hefted the Obsidian Soul Shield. "This is… magnificent, My Lord. I feel like a walking fortress."
Sebastian handed Kael his new armor set – the Veil of the Silent Sentinel, designed to fit his massive frame perfectly. He then gave him his fully repaired and upgraded Star-Iron Warhammer, the newly crafted Irontalon Anchor, the formidable Obsidian Soul Shield, and a new upgraded mask.
Sebastian, meanwhile, donned his own new armor set – the Veil of the Silent Sentinel. He strapped the quiver, now filled with the three types of arrows, to the right side of his shoulder-back. The Midnightcore Aegis shield, with its glowing Tier IV core, was hung on his back, alongside the upgraded Thornweaver Bow. The Twin Starfang Blades were strapped to both sides of his waistline, their celestial sheen a stark contrast to the dark armor. The Starmetal Shivs were secured in pockets around his thighs, their invisible strings ready for deployment. Finally, he put on his new upgraded mask, the angular design giving him a formidable, almost alien appearance.
At the same time, Kael also wore his equipment, his powerful physique filling out the new armor, the Obsidian Soul Shield looking like an extension of his arm. The Star-Iron Warhammer felt perfectly balanced in his grip, its celestial metal humming.
Now, both of them were fully armored, armed, and ready to move out. The silent, efficient movements of their preparations spoke volumes of their newfound synergy.
"Let's move out," Sebastian said, his voice muffled slightly by the mask, but resonating with cold determination. "And make some noise."
Meanwhile, at Mysticrium Academy's Grand Assembly Hall, the Rune-Screen continued its live feed of Trial Island Theta. A pair of eyes, other than the Heavenly Blade Emperor's, was now taking a keen interest in Sebastian's activities. This was the Senior Professor and Head of the Forging Department of Mysticrium Academy, Professor Valerius. A renowned master of materials and craftsmanship, with hands scarred from countless hours at the forge and eyes that could discern the purity of a metal from a hundred paces, he had been quietly observing all new students with talents related to forging.
Professor Valerius had been tracking Sebastian's Credit accumulation with growing interest, but it was the sudden burst of crafting activity, picked up by the academy's arcane sensors, that truly caught his attention. He watched, mesmerized, as Sebastian's Immortal Craftsman Hands (Legendary) manipulated the raw materials. He saw the intricate designs, the precise molecular restructuring, the seamless integration of different grades of metal and Rune-Beast components.
"Remarkable," Professor Valerius muttered, leaning closer to the screen. "He's not just crafting; he's re-imagining."
He saw the Thornweaver Bow transform, noting the subtle dragon motif and the recurve design. "A recurve longbow with Soul-Forged Steel and Moonstone Silver... for a child? The draw weight must be immense, yet it appears perfectly balanced. The fletching from Glimmerwing Harpy feathers... he understands aerodynamics and magical conductivity."
Then came the Starmetal Shivs. Professor Valerius gasped. "Midnight blue engravings... razor-sharp points... and invisible strings? Exquisite! The combination of artistic beauty with deadly functionality... tools befitting a skilled assassin or elite warrior's arsenal indeed. And the precision of those attachments... unheard of."
When Sebastian began crafting the armor, the Veil of the Silent Sentinel, Professor Valerius's eyes widened. "A distinctive hooded design with a flowing midnight blue cloak... dark metallic plates with intricate azure blue accents... layered plate construction for comprehensive coverage while maintaining mobility. This design is both elegant and incredibly practical. The 'Silent Sentinel' name captures it perfectly. It's a blend of protection and psychological warfare."
He then observed the shields. Kael's Obsidian Soul Shield, with its black-blue gradient and intricate scrollwork, drew a low whistle. "A knight's shield, built for a giant. The sophistication of that gradient alone is a masterwork. Adamantine reinforcement… it will deflect almost anything."
But Sebastian's Midnightcore Aegis made him sit bolt upright. "A teardrop shape... Soul-Forged Steel and Adamantine accents forming wing-like elements... and a Tier IV Arcane Protector Rune-Beast's core at its center, glowing with inner light! This isn't just a shield; it's a magical conduit! The intricate filigree work, the curved spikes... it's a piece of art, a symbol of power. He's using a Glimmerwing Harpy core, I recognize the resonance. This child understands synergy on a fundamental level! He's channeling the very essence of the beast into a defensive and offensive tool."
Finally, the Irontalon Anchor. Professor Valerius leaned forward, his hands, calloused from a lifetime of forging, trembling slightly. "A grappling hook weapon... substantial metal shaft wrapped in dark rope... intricate mechanical head with multiple curved, claw-like appendages... and a heavy-duty braided rope of Adamantine and Soul-Forged Steel! This isn't just for climbing; it's a combat tool for ensnaring, manipulating, and traversing. The utility, the combat potential... I've never seen such a practical and innovative design from a first-year student, let alone one crafted on the fly in the wilderness! He's thinking like a siege engineer and a close-quarters combatant all at once!"
Professor Valerius turned to the Headmaster, his face alight with a mixture of excitement and profound respect. "Headmaster, this Sebastian Stormwright... he is not merely a talented crafter. He possesses a knowledge of minerals and materials, an understanding of intricate and practical designs, and an innate ability to fuse them into exquisite and functional equipment that rivals masters of our own department! He is developing new equipment, designs that even I have never seen. His Immortal Craftsman Hands are a gift beyond measure, but it is his mind that truly sets him apart. He is a genius, a true artisan of war!"
The Headmaster, who had been watching with a serene smile, merely nodded. "Indeed, Valerius. It seems the Sapphire Empire has sent us a diamond in the rough. Or perhaps, a storm in the making." He looked at the screen, where Sebastian and Kael, now fully armored and armed, were stepping out of their hidden cave, ready to plunge into the core sectors of Trial Island Theta. The true hunt was about to begin.
The transition from the outer jungle to the core sectors of Trial Island Theta was abrupt and stark. The trees grew taller, their canopies so dense that only slivers of sunlight pierced through, creating an eternal twilight. The air grew heavier, thick with an almost palpable magical energy, and the sounds of the jungle deepened – no longer just chirps and chitters, but guttural roars, earth-shaking thuds, and the crackle of raw power.
Sebastian, clad in his Veil of the Silent Sentinel armor, his upgraded mask obscuring his face, moved with a newfound confidence. The Midnightcore Aegis felt like an extension of his arm, the Twin Starfang Blades a familiar weight at his waist. Kael, a walking fortress in his own Veil of the Silent Sentinel and bearing the Obsidian Soul Shield and Star-Iron Warhammer, strode beside him, his presence radiating an unshakeable resolve.
"My Lord," Kael rumbled, his voice slightly distorted by his new mask, "the air here feels… different. Stronger."
"It is," Sebastian confirmed, his All-Seeing Eyes (Rare) already piercing the magical veil that permeated the core. He saw the ley lines of the island converging here, creating pockets of intense elemental energy. The Book of Beast Records (Unique) hummed, its pages ready for new, more powerful entries. "The Rune-Beasts here feed directly from the island's core. Expect higher tiers, and more aggressive ones."
Their first encounter came swiftly, not with a roar, but with a chilling silence.
[First Encounter: "Void Panther – Tier V (Soul Sentinel)"
* Rune Power Level: 1650
* Bonding Difficulty: Veteran (9 Rune Requirements)
* Magical Resonance: Elite
* Characteristics: Elusive, predatory feline with fur as dark as a black hole, capable of manipulating localized pockets of void energy to blink in and out of existence. Its movements are silent, its attacks precise and devastating.
* Abilities: Void Blink (short-range teleportation), Shadow Rend (claws infused with void energy), Silence Field (suppresses sound and minor magic), Void Maw (creates small, temporary void rifts).
* Encounter Rate: Very Rare (2-5% in wild)
* Evolution Stages: 3-4 possible evolutions
* Bonding Time: 1-3 years
* Lifespan: 800-1200 years
* Threat Level: Very High (Extreme due to stealth and void abilities) ]
A ripple in the shadows. A sudden drop in temperature. Sebastian's All-Seeing Eyes caught the anomaly first – a distortion in the air, a faint shimmer that others would miss. "Kael, right flank! Void Panther!"
Kael reacted instantly, bringing the Obsidian Soul Shield up just as the Void Panther materialized from a shimmer of darkness, its eyes glowing with malevolent intent. Its Shadow Rend claws, infused with void energy, raked across the shield, leaving faint scorch marks but failing to penetrate the Soul-Forged Steel and Adamantine. The impact sent Kael skidding back, but the shield held.
"Blairon Giant, engage! Stoneclaw Grizzly, support Kael!" Sebastian commanded, deploying his two most durable Rune-Beasts. The Blairon Giant lumbered forward, its metallic fists ready, while the Stoneclaw Grizzly roared, its massive paws prepared to tear into the elusive foe.
The Void Panther was fast, its Void Blink ability making it incredibly difficult to track. It would appear, strike, and vanish, its Silence Field muffling the sounds of its movements. Sebastian's Book of Beast Records highlighted its weaknesses: vulnerable during the brief moment of materialization, and its void energy could be disrupted by concentrated light or elemental attacks.
Sebastian moved with the fluid grace of his Unified Twilight Blade Art. He didn't chase the phantom. He anticipated.
- First Stance: Twilight Draw – "Heaven's Threshold"
As the Void Panther blinked into existence behind the Blairon Giant, aiming for its vulnerable joints, Sebastian spun. Both Twin Starfang Blades flashed, the Dawn Blade arcing upwards in a blazing slash, designed to overwhelm the Panther's Night Vision and disrupt its void energy. The Dusk Blade descended in a silent, precise cleave, targeting the brief moment of its materialization. The Panther shrieked as the Dawn Blade's light momentarily disoriented it, and the Dusk Blade bit deep into its flank, leaving a shimmering, dark wound.
The Void Panther recoiled, its Silence Field flickering. Kael, seeing the opening, brought his Star-Iron Warhammer down with a brutal Storm Hammer Technique. The hammer, infused with celestial energy, slammed into the Panther, sending it tumbling.
"Storm Hawk, Lightning Barrage! Cicada, Sonic Wave!" Sebastian commanded. The Storm Hawk rained down crackling bolts, disrupting the Panther's attempts to re-engage its Void Blink. The Gale Shield Cicada emitted a powerful Sonic Wave, further disorienting the creature and preventing its escape.
The Void Panther, trapped and enraged, unleashed a Void Maw, opening a small, temporary rift that threatened to pull in the Stoneclaw Grizzly.
"Boulder Fang, Earth Shatter! Disrupt the rift!" Sebastian roared, deploying Kael's Tier IV Arcane Protector.
[Boulder Fang – Tier IV (Arcane Protector)
* Rune Power Level: 950
* Bonding Difficulty: Expert (7 Rune Requirements)
* Magical Resonance: Very High
* Characteristics: Massive, heavily armored wolf-like beast with crystalline fangs, capable of manipulating earth and stone with powerful attacks.
* Abilities: Earth Shatter, Crystalline Fang, Stone Armor, Tremor Sense.
* Encounter Rate: Rare (3-10% in wild)
* Evolution Stages: 4-5 possible evolutions
* Bonding Time: 6 months - 2 years
* Lifespan: 500-1000 years
* Threat Level: Very High
The Boulder Fang, a reptilian-headed, scale-covered gorilla-like beast with elephant tusks and a long, sharp reptilian tail, slammed its massive paws into the ground. A powerful Earth Shatter rippled outwards, destabilizing the ground around the Void Maw, causing the rift to shudder and collapse.
Sebastian seized the opportunity.
- Second Stance: Radiant Fang, Fading Claw – "Eclipse Fang"
He feinted with the Dawn Blade (bright, aggressive) towards the Panther's head, drawing its attention. As the beast tried to evade, the Dusk Blade followed in a curve from its blindside, a silent, deadly arc aimed at the large rune-core pulsing faintly on its chest. The Star-Iron blade, empowered by Sebastian's Immortal Craftsman Hands, sliced through the Panther's defenses, severing the core.
The Void Panther convulsed, its dark form dissolving into wisps of shadow.
"Kael, collect its core and any valuable remains!" Sebastian commanded, his voice sharp. "And check for eggs. A Tier V egg would be invaluable."
They quickly harvested the Void Panther Core (Grade A Legendary) and its incredibly dark, soft hide (Grade A Epic), which Sebastian knew would be perfect for crafting stealth-enhancing gear. They found a clutch of two Void Panther Eggs (Grade A Legendary), which Sebastian carefully placed into incubators.
"My Lord," Kael said, holding up the core, "this is a massive haul for one beast!"
"Indeed," Sebastian replied, his gaze already sweeping the dense jungle with his All-Seeing Eyes. "The core sectors live up to their name. The rewards are greater, but so are the risks. We need to move fast, but intelligently."
They continued their relentless hunt, their movements a seamless blend of stealth, precision, and overwhelming force. Sebastian's Unified Twilight Blade Art allowed him to adapt to any foe, his blades a blur of light and shadow. Kael's Storm Hammer Technique provided the raw, destructive power, shattering defenses and creating openings. Their Rune-Beasts, now a well-oiled team, executed complex maneuvers, supporting their masters with devastating elemental attacks and impenetrable defenses.
They encountered other powerful Rune-Beasts.
[First Encounter: "Crystal Sentinel – Tier V (Soul Sentinel)"
* Rune Power Level: 1800
* Bonding Difficulty: Veteran (9 Rune Requirements)
* Magical Resonance: Elite
* Characteristics: Massive, humanoid construct made of living, multi-faceted crystals. Slow but incredibly durable, reflecting magical attacks and capable of powerful energy blasts. Often guards ancient mineral deposits.
* Abilities: Crystal Shard Barrage, Reflective Shield (absorbs and redirects magic), Gemstone Fist (physical impact), Mana Drain (drains energy from nearby magical sources).
* Encounter Rate: Very Rare (2-5% in wild)
* Evolution Stages: 3-4 possible evolutions
* Bonding Time: 1-3 years
* Lifespan: 800-1200 years
* Threat Level: Extreme (due to durability and magic reflection) ]
A Crystal Sentinel, its body shimmering with reflected light, stood guard over a vein of Grade A Mythril Ore. This was a prize they couldn't ignore.
"Its Reflective Shield will make magic useless, My Lord," Kael observed, his Obsidian Soul Shield ready.
"Precisely," Sebastian confirmed. "We go physical. Kael, you and Blairon Giant draw its attention. Focus on its joints. Stoneclaw Grizzly, go for the legs. I'll get the ore."
Kael, with his Star-Iron Warhammer and Obsidian Soul Shield, charged the Crystal Sentinel, a whirlwind of brute force. The Blairon Giant joined him, its metallic fists pounding the Sentinel's crystalline hide. The Stoneclaw Grizzly lunged, its claws raking at the Sentinel's knees, attempting to destabilize it.
The Crystal Sentinel retaliated with Crystal Shard Barrages and Gemstone Fists, its movements slow but devastating. Its Reflective Shield shimmered, deflecting a stray Lightning Barrage from Sebastian's Storm Hawk back at the jungle canopy.
While Kael and his beasts kept the Sentinel occupied, Sebastian moved with incredible speed. He activated his Irontalon Anchor, firing the grappling hook. The Adamantine claws bit into the cliff face above the Sentinel, and Sebastian rapidly ascended, using the mechanical winch to pull himself up. He landed silently on a ledge directly above the Mythril vein.
His Immortal Craftsman Hands flared. He didn't need mining tools. He simply placed his hands on the Mythril vein, and with a focused surge of his talent, began to extract the ore directly, pulling out large, pure chunks of the shimmering metal.
The Crystal Sentinel roared, sensing the theft, and tried to turn, but Kael and his beasts were relentless, keeping it pinned. Sebastian finished extracting a substantial amount of Mythril Ore (Grade A Legendary), then dropped back down.
"Kael, disengage! We have what we need!" Sebastian commanded. They retreated, leaving the enraged but undamaged Crystal Sentinel to guard its now-depleted vein.
Their Credit total continued to climb, nearing the 600,000 mark. They also added more valuable eggs to their collection:
• Earthsplitter Worm Eggs (Tier III Flame Warden - Grade B Epic): For their tunneling and earth-shattering abilities, perfect for Kael's Boulder Fang evolution path.
• Windstrider Deer Eggs (Tier III Flame Warden - Grade B Epic): For their speed and wind affinity, potentially useful for Sebastian's Gale Shield Cicada or a new, agile companion.
As the third day drew to a close, Sebastian's All-Seeing Eyes detected a massive energy signature – a Tier V Soul Sentinel – engaged in a fierce battle with another powerful student. The location was a vast, ancient ruin, partially overgrown by jungle, radiating a chaotic mix of elemental energies. This was a prime opportunity to observe, and perhaps, to scavenge.
They approached cautiously, using their Veil of the Silent Sentinel armor and Sebastian's Shadowsilk-enhanced mask for maximum stealth. Peering through a crumbling archway, Sebastian's Book of Beast Records immediately identified the combatants.
The Tier V Soul Sentinel was a "Diamond Bear – Tier V (Soul Sentinel)".
[ First Encounter: "Diamond Bear – Tier V (Soul Sentinel)"
* Rune Power Level: 1900
* Bonding Difficulty: Veteran (9 Rune Requirements)
* Magical Resonance: Elite
* Characteristics: Colossal bear-like beast with fur made of living diamond, incredibly tough and capable of generating devastating shockwaves. Territorial and protective of its crystal den.
* Abilities: Diamond Quake (AOE shockwave), Crystal Claw (shatters stone, deflects attacks), Gemstone Armor (passive damage reduction, reflects light), Sonic Roar (disorients, stuns).
* Encounter Rate: Very Rare (2-5% in wild)
* Evolution Stages: 3-4 possible evolutions
* Bonding Time: 1-3 years
* Lifespan: 800-1200 years
* Threat Level: Extreme (immense durability and destructive power) ]
The Diamond Bear was a terrifying sight, its diamond fur shimmering under the faint light, shrugging off attacks with ease. Its Diamond Quake sent tremors through the ruins, shattering ancient pillars.
Opposing it was Prince Leopold Amadeus Von Hohencrist from the Valtenerra Empire, the student Kael had noted for possessing a Tier V Quartzion Rhino.
["Quartzion Rhino – Tier V (Soul Sentinel)"
* Rune Power Level: 1750
* Bonding Difficulty: Veteran (9 Rune Requirements)
* Magical Resonance: Elite
* Characteristics: Massive rhino-like beast with a hide composed of hardened quartz, incredibly durable and capable of devastating charges and earth-shattering impacts.
* Abilities: Quartz Charge (unstoppable physical attack), Crystal Horn Drill (pierces defenses), Seismic Stomp (localized earthquake), Mana Shield (absorbs magical attacks).
* Encounter Rate: Very Rare (2-5% in wild)
* Evolution Stages: 3-4 possible evolutions
* Bonding Time: 1-3 years
* Lifespan: 800-1200 years
* Threat Level: Extreme (immense physical power and durability) ]
Prince Leopold, a burly young man, wielded a massive, enchanted warhammer, his Atlas's Burden (Mythical Tier) talent making him seem to effortlessly carry immense weight. His Quartzion Rhino was a force of nature, its Quartz Charge slamming into the Diamond Bear, creating concussive blasts that shook the very foundations of the ruins. Leopold's other Rune-Beasts – a Magistor Owl (Tier IV Arcane Protector), a Willowmane (Tier IV Arcane Protector), and a Geodrake (Tier IV Arcane Protector) – provided support, harassing the Diamond Bear with magical attacks and physical assaults.
It was a true clash of titans, two Tier V Soul Sentinels locked in a brutal struggle, surrounded by their Tier IV support. Sebastian watched, his Book of Beast Records absorbing every detail of their combat styles, their strengths, and potential weaknesses. Prince Leopold was powerful, but he was also direct, relying on overwhelming force. The Diamond Bear was a defensive powerhouse, but its attacks were predictable.
"My Lord," Kael whispered, awe in his voice, "they're fighting a Tier V beast! And Prince Leopold has his own Tier V!"
"Indeed," Sebastian replied, his mind racing. "This is a rare opportunity. Not to interfere, but to learn. And perhaps… to scavenge." He noticed that both the Diamond Bear and Quartzion Rhino were shedding small fragments of their crystalline hides during their impacts – valuable Grade A Mythical materials.
He also spotted something else. Tucked away in a hidden crevice, behind the Diamond Bear's den, was a cluster of Moonlit Bloom (Grade A Legendary) herbs, glowing faintly. These were incredibly rare, known for their mana-restoring and healing properties, far more potent than anything they had found so far.
"Kael," Sebastian whispered, "we're not engaging. But we're going for the Moonlit Bloom. And if any fragments from those two beasts fall nearby, we collect them."
"Understood, My Lord. Stealth operation," Kael confirmed, his Umbralwing, Shade, already preparing its Shadow Veil.
While the titanic battle raged, Sebastian and Kael moved like ghosts. Shade's Shadow Veil provided cover, and Sebastian's All-Seeing Eyes navigated them through the crumbling ruins, avoiding stray attacks and pinpointing the falling crystalline fragments. Kael, with his Irontalon Anchor, secured their positions, ready to pull them to safety if needed.
They managed to collect a significant amount of Moonlit Bloom (Grade A Legendary) and several fragments of Diamond Bear Hide (Grade A Mythical) and Quartzion Rhino Hide (Grade A Mythical). These were incredibly valuable, pushing their Credit total even higher, well past the 600,000 mark.
As the battle between Prince Leopold and the Diamond Bear continued, showing no signs of stopping soon, Sebastian and Kael decided to withdraw. They had gained invaluable materials and crucial intelligence without risking a direct confrontation with a Tier V beast or a powerful rival.
Back in their hidden cave, as the third day officially ended and the fourth began, Sebastian reviewed their haul. Their spatial rings were bursting with high-grade materials and Rune-Beast eggs. Their Credit total was astronomical. They had achieved their financial goal for ten years, and then some.
"My Lord," Kael said, looking at the glowing Rune-scroll, "we've got enough Credits. What's next?"
Sebastian looked at the map of Trial Island Theta, his finger tracing the lines towards the deepest, most dangerous part of the core. "Now, Kael, we hunt for something else. Something far more valuable than Credits."
Kael's eyes gleamed. "Treasures, My Lord?"
"Precisely," Sebastian confirmed. "The kind of treasures the other Empires are truly after. Ancient artifacts, unique Rune-Beasts hidden in forgotten ruins, perhaps even clues to higher-tier evolutions or lost talents. We have the resources, the equipment, and the intelligence. We will become the true apex predators of this island."
He then looked at his beast-rings, a cold, calculating glint in his eyes. He still had Frostmaw hidden, a Tier IV Arcane Protector of immense power, yet to be unleashed. And he had a growing collection of powerful Rune-Beast eggs, waiting for the right moment to be bonded and evolved.
The trial was no longer just about survival or Credits. For Sebastian Stormwright, it had become a game of dominance. And he intended to win.