The moment he entered the mansion, a pulse of power washed over him.
Riya beside him, her movement cautious, with her eyes scanning the surroundings.
SYSTEM ONLINE
Black Tiger Territory Detected
Environmental Aura density: Extreme
Effect: increases combat reflexes, aggression and basic claw formation potential.
Warning: Low purity bloodline may experience injury.
Jon exhaled slowy.
"Riya" he said quietly, l feel it. This place… it's alive."
Her ears moved. "Master… it's more than alive. It's… judging you."
Ahead the inner courtyard opened. Stone part, with massive towers, carved with Tiger motifs.
Young Tigers were training openly, sparring, lifting heavy boulders, practicing claw strike against steal target
Jon observed each movement, noting which Tiger was reckless and which were powerful.
To the right were the administrative, as they entered, just ahead of them was a man.
Riya's breath Hitched when she saw him.
"Steward Raizen…"she whispered with fear in her voice.
Jon sensed it too, the killing intent beneath the man's calm countenance.
Raizen walked toward them with slow, measured steps, dressed in black with white fang across his coat.
He looked at Jon
"So" he said "you are the one who returned"
Raizen steeped in front of Jon and looked him up and down, examining him.
"You look weak"
Jon Smiled "And you look insecure"
Riya froze
Everyone in the hall froze
"A sharp tongue," Raizen said calmly
He snapped his fingers and three servants rushed, carrying scrolls, badges and tokens.
"This are the documents for your residence you have been assigned Manor 46. A modest home suitable for someone of no value."
Jon didn't reach out for the items.
"Is there a problem? Raizen asked.
"Yes" Jon replied "I didn't asked for scrabs."
Riya stood there still shocked.
Jon step closer to Raizen.
"I am a Black Tiger Bloodline". "my presence alone should shake the gates. And you are handling me a dog house."
Raizen froze in surprise.
He swallowed.
"Very well" he said "I will upgrade your residence."
He signaled a scribe.
"Manor 12. A mid-tier residence. Near the inner boundary."
Jon accepted the token casually.
Raizen Lean closer
"Don't get too comfortable" he whispered.
Raizen turned away as he disappeared into the halls.
Riya let out a heavy breath. "J…Jon why were you provoking everyone."
"Because" Jon replied "fear move slower than ambition."
As they walked away from the courtyard,Riya regained her voice.
"The Black Tiger Bloodline has strict rules you need to understand them before you get into trouble."
"Go on" Jon said.
"There three laws every member must follow"
1: "No matter your birth,if you defeat someone,you take their territory, their position, sometimes even their servants."
"So strength is currency."
"Exactly."
2: Disobedience to a higher status Bloodline, can be punished by Death.
Jon Smiled. "Good thing I don't plan on been lower rank bloodline for long."
3: "If you betray the bloodline… they erase you completely."
Jon stopped walking, he turned toward her.
"What about you Riya? where do you stand?"
She swallowed.
"Me… am nothing but a low purity. My life has always belong to whoever commands me."
"Not anymore."
"What do you mean?" Riya asked with curiosity.
Jon placed a hand over shoulder.
"From today onward, your life belong to yourself. Your loyalty to me is your choice.
Her tail trembled
Her eyes in disbelief.
"Is…. that alowed?"
"No," Jon said. but since when do I follow rules I didn't make?"
Her heart felt like it stopped.
She dropped to her knees.
"Then… I choose you. I with my life,I will serve you till my last breath."
NEW BOND ESTABLISHED
Name:Riya Blackfang
Status: Low purity
Position: Companion
Loyalty record:98*
Jon offered her hand
She took it.
As they approached the inner pavilion, Three youth stood blocking their paths,two male,one female. Their stripes glow better than Riya.
"Well, well. Look what the rats dragged in" said on of them.
The leader, a tall young man with silver hair, cracked his knuckles.
he turned to Riya.
"And you. You're still alive? Why bother clinging to trash?"
Riya stiffened.
The youth smirked. "I'm feeling generous today. Kneel, both of you, and I'll let you keep your teeth."
Jon didn't move. "Is that your final answer?"
The young man stepped forward. "Why? Do you want to"
Riya moved.
Faster than any of them expected.
She grabbed the young man's collar and slammed him into a tree.
"You will speak with respect," she growled. "To him especially."
The silver-haired youth was too shocked to respond.
Jon placed a hand on her shoulder gently, enough he said calmly.
She released the young man instantly.
Jon leaned in close to the trembling youth.
"I'll overlook this because I'm feeling generous. Next time you insult her or me"
His claws extended with a metallic rip.
"you won't have a throat to complain with."
The youth stumbled back, with fear and ran without looking behind.
His friends followed.
Riya stared at Jon.
"You… you protected me."
"You protected me first," he replied.
As they walked toward Manor 12, Jon felt it again, a presence watching from afar.
Someone old.
Someone powerful.
A whisper reached only him.
"Interesting… very interesting."
And then it vanished.
Jon smiled.
"So," he murmured, "even the elders are curious."
Riya glanced up. "Hm? Did you say something?"
Jon shook his head.
"No. Let's go. We have a home to see."
And together, step by step, they
approached the manor where Jon's
ascent into the Black Tiger hierarchy would truly begin.