Kaelvir stiffened under Fay's suspicious gaze. Her eyes were sharp, almost accusing, and for a heartbeat he couldn't find his words. Then, forcing himself to breathe, he put on a guilty look.
"Actually… I had a headache in the crowd and slipped away to find a quiet place to rest. Sorry I didn't tell you before leaving."
His tone carried enough guilt to soften her suspicion. Fay's eyes flicked to his pale face, and her anger melted into worry.
"Young master, forgive me. I wasn't angry—I was only worried." Her voice gentled. "Does this mean you're not fully healed from yesterday? We should go to the Patriarch and have you treated thoroughly."
Kaelvir shook his head quickly. "No, no, I'm fine now. Look." He raised his arm, revealing the small fox nestled against him. "I even found this little one. Isn't it beautiful?"
Fay's breath caught. Her stern face lit with warmth as her hands reached instinctively toward the tiny creature. The fox's soft blue fur shimmered faintly under the fading light.
"She's injured," Fay murmured, pity filling her expression. "How pitiful… she must be in pain. We should hurry back to the clan and heal her."
Inside, Kaelvir smirked. No matter the world, women always melt at something small and pitiful. Good. She'll forget about me going missing.
But then he froze. "Wait. She?"
Fay blinked at him, smiling as though at a child. "Yes, young master. She, not he."
Kaelvir's lips twisted with exaggerated disappointment. "Ah… and here I thought I had a brave little warrior who would grow strong and fight for me in the future. No wonder she's so pretty."
Fay laughed softly at his dramatics. "That doesn't matter. What matters is talent. The stronger the potential, the stronger the pet will grow. For example, this fox should be—"
Her words cut off. Her eyes widened, lips parting in disbelief.
"What is it?" Kaelvir asked, brow furrowed.
Fay hesitated, then sighed. "Young master… do you know the classification of beast rarity?"
Kaelvir nodded. Solune and Nythra had already taught him. "From the lowest: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, Legendary, Mythic, and Primordial."
Fay slowly nodded. "Correct. Now… foxes are unique. Their rarity is reflected by the number of tails they grow. From one to three tails marks a common beast. Nine tails…" her voice softened in awe, "…marks a peak Mythic beast."
Understanding flickered in Kaelvir's eyes as he looked down at the fox in his arms. "Then she's a one-tail fox… a common beast?"
"Yes," Fay said carefully. "But here lies the problem. She has only one tail… yet her aura—her aura is irregular. I cannot sense it properly. That's not how it should be."
Kaelvir frowned, staring at the slumbering creature. Irregular?
Stories flashed through his mind. Orien—his half-soul—had read many such tales on Earth. Stories of weak-looking pets that turned out to be extraordinary, beasts who defied their classifications and evolved into powers beyond imagination.
His lips curved faintly. Even if I'm wrong, I'll still keep her.
Aloud he said, "No matter what, I'm keeping her."
Fay's lips softened into a smile. "Then I'll help you care for her." She reached out and gently stroked the fox's soft fur.
The creature stirred, pinkish-red light flashing briefly in her eyes before she snarled at Fay, baring tiny teeth. Fay pulled back in shock.
"She… doesn't like me?"
Kaelvir chuckled and rubbed the fox's head to calm her. The snarling ceased instantly. "Seems she doesn't like strangers. But she's fine with me."
Fay frowned, genuinely hurt. "I've always been good with animals. Why is she like this?"
Kaelvir laughed harder at her sulking face. "Don't worry. She's injured. Probably cranky." He glanced up at the sky. The sun was dipping, shadows stretching long across the ground. "We should head back before a search party comes looking for us."
Fay pouted but followed behind, their shadows lengthening in the fading light.
---
Zaryth Clan
Elder Cale stood before Patriarch Malrik, delivering his report from the Silver Chalice Street. Malrik's green eyes glowed coldly in the lantern light, his face unreadable.
"Do you know the masked boy's identity?"
Cale shook his head. "Not yet, Patriarch. But we will soon."
Malrik leaned back, eyes narrowing. "Good. Once you do, bring him to me. And Dorian?"
"No physical injuries," Cale replied. "But mentally… he was shaken. He nearly died today."
Malrik nodded without sympathy. "Then let this be his wake-up call. If he truly wants something, he must grow strong enough to seize it. Only strength matters."
Malrik inclined his head. "But… Cale, are you sure that boy isn't from Kaevor or another major power?"
Cale hesitated, recalling the glow he'd seen from the boy's palm. "No… I doubt it. He doesn't seem tied to any power. Likely a lone cultivator."
Malrik's lips curved into a thin, chilling smile. "An unknown variable then. And such things… must be eliminated quickly."
His words lingered like poison in the quiet hall as darkness swallowed the last traces of light.
---
Kaevor Clan
In the Kaevor clan's main hall, Torvak's fury shook the air. His gaze was a storm as it locked on Ganru.
"Why didn't you cripple that bastard? He dared to harbor thoughts about my daughter! Who does he think he is? Does Malrik think I'm invisible!?"
Ganru swallowed, searching for words, but his eyes darted to Meyra. Blindfolded though she was, she sensed his silent plea. She smiled faintly and stepped in.
"Father, don't blame Elder Ganru. I asked him to stay his hand. After all, Nyvar saved both me and Nina. Please, let this matter go."
Torvak's rage wavered. His daughter's calm voice softened his heart. Still, his frown deepened. "Meyra, who is that boy? How do you know him? Ganru says he's far too young to wield the power of a Soulforge expert."
Meyra smiled again, her blindfold hiding the truth of her eyes. "He saved me, thinking I was just a blind girl. He only learned who I was during today's incident. He has no schemes against me."
Torvak exhaled, relieved. Good. My daughter hasn't fallen for some nameless brat.
Turning to Ganru, he spoke with authority. "And the hidden expert you mentioned—leave them be. If they wish to be found, they'll be found. Otherwise, it's useless to chase shadows. Just make sure the clan's defenses are tightened. No slacking."
Ganru bowed, though unease lingered in his eyes, and withdrew.
Torvak looked at Meyra and Nina. "You two should rest after today's chaos."
They bowed, but before leaving, Meyra paused. Her back was to her father as she spoke. "Father, could you… keep an eye out? If the Zaryth clan moves against Nyvar, please help him. That will repay the debt I owe him."
Torvak studied her silently, sensing the emotions she hid. After a long breath, he nodded. "If they move against him, I'll intervene. That will be your repayment."
"Hm," Meyra answered softly and left with Nina.
Alone, Torvak muttered, "What has that boy done to my daughter? If I catch him… he'll beg for death before I hand him to the Zaryths."
Darkness swallowed the city, giving way to the glittering night.
---
Kaelvir's Room
Back in his chamber, Kaelvir sat with the now-treated fox curled on his lap. Her breathing was steady, her fur brighter, her aura faint but mysterious.
He stroked her gently, murmuring, "Now then… what should I name you? Solune? Nythra? What do you think?"
The fox's ears twitched, eyes snapping open. She glanced around, bewildered. Who is he talking to?
Her confusion deepened when two flashes of light—one black-gold, one blue—erupted from Kaelvir's body. Solune and Nythra manifested, their forms tall and radiant.
The fox froze, eyes wide, stunned into silence.
Nythra bent down, scooping her up in slender hands. She smiled sweetly. "Aww… what a cute little fox. Such fine color." Her golden eyes narrowed. "But… why does she feel strange?"
Her gaze sharpened, probing deeper. The warmth in her aura shifted.
In an instant, her golden eyes chilled. Murderous intent seeped from her like frost, her aura wrapping around the tiny fox.
The room stilled. The fox's tiny body trembled in her grip.
Kaelvir's heart lurched. Nythra… what are you doing?
---