Days turned into weeks. Roman, utilizing his newly acquired wealth, focused on nurturing Shiro. He fed the tiger cub a diet of mystical fruits and potent beast proteins, a regimen that cost him a considerable 30,000 sect points, but the investment was paying dividends. Shiro's growth was nothing short of astonishing. His frail body rapidly transformed, becoming lean and powerful. His initial two wings fully developed, adding to his already impressive size. He became a ferocious hunter, his instincts honed by relentless practice. The transformation was a testament to Shiro's innate abilities and Roman's dedicated care. Roman discovered that Alpha Titan cubs, especially those of royal bloodlines, required an extraordinary amount of nutrition during their formative years. If deprived, they remained weak; but with proper sustenance, they could reach breathtaking levels of power, surpassing even the most formidable beasts. Shiro had the potential to reach SS+ rank, even challenging the strongest of the Monarch-tier beasts if properly trained.
One day, Roman returned to camp, a massive tiger carcass slung over his shoulder. The tiger, larger than any he'd faced before, had been an apex predator, its white fur marked with the same runes as Shiro. The tiger had been a formidable opponent, but even with its superior size and skill, it proved no match for Roman's enhanced abilities and Shiro's growing ferocity. After the grueling fight, Roman removed the tiger's core stone—a radiant gem pulsing with potent energy—and presented it to Shiro. Shiro devoured the core stone, a low growl rumbling in his chest.
The transformation was immediate and dramatic. Shiro's two wings multiplied into four, his body now adorned with an almost ethereal grace. His fur shimmered with a newfound power. He now possessed the "Hardened Titan Body," an ability that allowed him to solidify his body into an almost impenetrable state, rendering him exceptionally durable. He also developed the "Roar of the Titans," a sonic attack capable of suppressing weaker beasts and inflicting significant damage on stronger ones.
Roman was astounded. Shiro was no longer merely an ally; he was a powerful asset, a formidable force to be reckoned with. But it was Shiro's next revelation that truly shocked Roman. Shiro spoke.
"Master," Shiro said, his voice a low rumble, "I like the name Shiro. Thank you for saving me."
Roman stared, speechless. "You… you can speak?"
"Yes, Master. My intelligence is growing. I was… suppressed before. Like a puppet. But now, I can learn. I can understand, and I can communicate. I am learning from observing your behavior, your words, your actions. And because of our shared bond, I possess much of your knowledge and understanding of the world. I am gaining mastery of concepts and understandings of energy flows. I am mastering your skills."
Roman sat back, overwhelmed. "Incredible."
"Master," Shiro continued, "what is your most powerful ability?"
Roman chuckled. "That's for me to know, and for you to find out. We shall see." He then asked Shiro what his most powerful ability was.
"It's the 'Screaming Slash of the Titans'," Shiro replied. "A scream that unleashes a barrage of razor-sharp slashes, capable of cutting through almost anything."
Roman felt a surge of excitement course through him. This was more than he could have hoped for. He had found not just a powerful ally, but an intelligent and loyal companion, a creature that could learn, adapt, and grow alongside him. This was just the beginning of their incredible adventure. Their combined might would change everything. The future stretched before them, full of promise, full of power, full of unimaginable possibilities. The path of the cultivator was one of constant learning, adaptation, and growth. Together, they were unstoppable.
"Shiro," Roman began, his curiosity piqued, "do you have a human form? I've heard that all Alpha Titans possess one."
Shiro's response was immediate. "Yes, Master. I am female, though still young, and my human form… well, it's quite unique."
Roman's eyebrows shot up. "Show me."
Shiro transformed. Her four magnificent wings folded seamlessly into her back, her sharp claws retracting into elegant fingers. Her sharp teeth receded, giving way to beautifully sculpted lips. Her stunning eyes shone with intelligence and power, and her figure was perfectly proportioned. Her once thick fur receded into delicate, almost iridescent skin tones. She resembled a mythical creature: an angelic being with a hint of ethereal beauty that was both alluring and awe-inspiring. Her furry skin now looked stunningly beautiful on her, a unique form that was both wild and elegant.
Roman whistled softly. "Well, you're certainly more attractive than me."
Shiro chuckled, a melodic sound that belied her immense power. "My human form is merely one aspect of my being, Master. It's not my true form, just a convenient guise." She paused, then added, "Although, I wouldn't mind spending more time in this form."
Roman laughed. "Yes, well, let's get back to your beast form. We need to head back to the sect."
Shiro shifted back into her tiger form. As they returned, they found the sect in an uproar. News of Roman's extraordinary beast had spread like wildfire. It wasn't merely the fact that he had tamed an Alpha Titan—it was the knowledge that Shiro was of royal lineage, a creature of immense potential. The Second Elder, who had previously mentored Roman, approached them, his eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and admiration.
"Young Roman," the Elder said, his voice resonating with authority, "you possess remarkable abilities. To have tamed an Alpha Titan, especially one of royal bloodline, is unprecedented. Shiro's potential is immense. She is young, inexperienced, but with proper training, she could become a force to be reckoned with."
The Elder turned his gaze towards Shiro, who regarded him with regal calm. "Her lineage indicates exceptionally high potential, perhaps exceeding even that of a Monarch. Your duty now is to hone her skills, to nurture her potential. This will benefit not only yourselves but the entire sect. The potential of both of you is great. Do not squander it."
Roman felt a renewed surge of determination. He had acquired not merely a powerful beast but an incredible responsibility. Shiro's potential was staggering, and he would do everything in his power to ensure her growth and success. Their partnership would be instrumental in changing the dynamics of the sect. His journey had only just begun.