Chapter 8: Beast Selection
Bloodline ranks.
They gave a rough idea of how far a beast could grow in terms of strength.
Ordinary Bloodline: a beast's strength would cap at a maximum of 2 stars.
Mortal Bloodline: most beasts with such a bloodline reached a strength ceiling at a maximum of 3 stars, with rare cases touching 4 stars.
Super Bloodline: these beasts could grow up to 5 stars, and in extremely rare cases, even 6 stars.
Noble Bloodline: these were beasts capable of reaching a maximum of 7 stars.
Royal Bloodline: 7 stars was an easy achievement for them, but some possessed the capability to reach 8 stars or rival the ones with 8 stars in terms of strength.
And finally, the strongest of all bloodlines—
Divine Bloodline: these beasts were expected to have at least 9 stars. Legends even claimed they could ascend into God Beasts if given enough time.
But no one truly knew if that was possible… because no one had lived long enough near them to confirm it.
_____
As soon as people saw the variety of beasts locked in cages, they rushed forward in excitement to see them.
Just then, a guard's voice cut through the noise.
"Don't be reckless. Trying to tame a beast stronger than yourself can result in a backlash… and in the worst case, you will die."
The warning cooled down the excitement. Everyone nodded and began looking for their new beasts.
Most of the beasts were in poor condition, making it easier for the newcomer to tame them.
Still, it didn't take long before a fight broke out for the ownership of a beast.
Leo noticed the commotion nearby; a battered and bruised beast lay on the cage floor. It looked like a bear at first glance, but its sharp tusks and patchy metallic skin told a different story.
"I saw this bear first! It's mine!" a rough-looking, bearded middle-aged man shouted.
Leo checked the beast's details and was taken aback instantly.
[ Ironhide Boar (Low 2★) – Mortal Bloodline. ]
[ Personality: Aggressive against weaker foes, but panics in real danger. ]
"What type of logic is that!" another lively young man with brown hair shot back. "By that reasoning, doesn't it mean that if I see your wife first thing in the morning, I get to keep her?"
"You—! Watch your tongue before it gets cut off, boy!" The bearded man barked, his face turning red with fury.
Just before things could escalate further, another voice rang out, cold and filled with disdain.
"Tsk. Pathetic commoners. Even if they receive noble status, they remain the same."
Zolton stood beside a cage which was being unlocked by a guard. It seemed like he had already chosen his beast.
Inside was a wolf-like beast with dark grey fur and streaks of red and orange running across its body. Its fangs dripped with hot saliva, which looked like lava, giving it a dangerous, almost fiery aura.
Leo looked at the beast's details.
[ Ashfang Hyena (Peak 1★) – Mortal Bloodline. ]
[ Personality: Works well in packs, cruel to weaker prey, runs from stronger beasts. ]
Do similar types attract each other? Keke, it's fun. Keep training that thing… it might just get better at running away when fighting.
Unlike the others, Leo didn't rush to choose his beast. He wandered around the place calmly.
Well, I have got time until evening.
His gaze kept on sweeping across various beasts.
[ Fangsnout Boar (Peak 1★): A stocky black boar with short tusks, a bristly mane, and mud-caked legs. ]
- Mortal Bloodline.
- Personality: Aggressive when provoked, but otherwise obedient. Loves charging blindly.
[ Bog Lizard (Mid 1★): A green, slimy reptile with short legs. ]
- Ordinary Bloodline.
- Personality: Lazy, ambush predator.
[ Hollow-Eyed Hare (Low 1★): White rabbit with eerie dark circles around its eyes. ]
- Ordinary Bloodline.
- Personality: Skittish, reproduces endlessly. Useful for training, but useless in real combat.
Eek! They even got a gooner rabbit in here.
He kept on looking.
[ Ashplume Crow (High 1★): A scruffy crow with feathers that look singed at the tips. Lets out a constant hoarse caw and has one squinted eye.]
- Ordinary Bloodline
- Personality: Mocking and noisy. Likes to bully weaker beasts. Not loyal, but pretends to be if treated well.
[ Cinder Mongoose (Mid 1★): A sleek, orange-brown mongoose with faint ash streaks on its back and nimble claws. ]
- Mortal Bloodline
- Personality: Curious and brave, but reckless. Often likes to pick fights with beasts much larger than itself.
No… I need Something Better.
Then, finally—something caught his eye.
A Super Bloodline beast.
[ Ironmane Cub (Mid 1★): A scrawny lion cub with patchy fur and a dull, wiry mane that looks like rusted straw. Its eyes burn faintly amber, as if filled with anger. ]
- Super Bloodline.
- Personality: Proud yet patient. Endures beatings silently and never lowers its gaze—even when outmatched. Shows hints of leadership.
This one looks promising, but let's keep on looking…
He spotted a few more Super types.
[ Stormwing Jay (Mid 1★): A small, thin bird with pale-blue feathers that look faded and frayed, its wings twitch in restless bursts. ]
- Super Bloodline.
- Personality: Quick-tempered and bold. Challenges beasts far stronger and larger than itself and refuses to back down once engaged.
[ Grimscale Pupfish (Low 1★): A tiny, bony fish with dull silver scales and bulging eyes. It barely moves in its shallow trough and looks half-dead. ]
- Super Bloodline.
- Personality: Tenacious beyond reason—can survive without food and clings to life under impossible conditions. Yet, when threatened, it shows sudden flashes of ferocity.
_____
By now, he had completed a full circle and found himself back at the starting point. Most people had already chosen their beast and left to carry out the next process inside the Beast Hall.
Hmm… I guess super bloodlines are the only ones here.
He was about to settle on the Ironmane cub—it seemed like the best choice since it was the safest and strongest option—when something caught his eye.
At the far corner, hidden within the shadows of what looked like an empty cage, he noticed some movement.
He narrowed his eyes, trying to get a better view.
[ Obsidian Panther Cub (Low 1★)]
- Noble Bloodline
- Personality: Calculating, cautious, and a lone wolf, but immensely loyal if bonded early.
Noble Bloodline!
The cub looked like an ordinary household black cat. And in the dim lighting, it was barely visible as it blended seamlessly into the shadows of the cage. But as he focused, he noticed that it looked tired and weak… but beneath that, there was an unmistakable strength.
No wonder everyone ignored it… it was right under their noses!
It even is a lone wolf. Which means it can work independently; this is good.
Without hesitation, Leo called over a nearby guard who was dressed in simple light armor over the Beast Hall's orange uniform.
The guard approached, confused at first, since the cage seemed empty. But then, he also spotted the cub.
"A cat? Are you sure about your decision to tame it?" the guard asked, frowning slightly. "I mean, it looks like a normal cat… or it might just really be one. Who knows?"
The guard thought Leo was mistaken and wanted to make sure Leo wanted it.
"Yes," Leo replied calmly. "I am sure I want to tame it. I have a common-rank soul, so I am not confident in taming stronger beasts."
"Ohh… well, if you say so."
Leo noticed that there was no mockery in the guard's tone. Then he realised why it was so.
This guy isn't a beast master…
With that, the guard unlocked the cage and carefully brought the cub out before placing it in front of Leo.
"Now, extend your hand forward and try to concentrate on your talent," the guard instructed.
Leo did as told and raised his one hand forward.
Closing his eyes, he tried to focus on his talent.
A warm, yellow glow began to radiate from his palm before it flowed gently toward the cub.
At first, it was startled by the sudden sensation but soon relaxed and let the light envelope its body.
The bond formed successfully.
Ding!