Jon woke up, before dawn, beside him Riya shifted, with her head on his chest.
Jon brushed a hand through her hair.
"System Alert"
1. The white Tiger Bloodline has detected the Death of their scout.
Retaliation squad expected to enter Black Tiger borders within 48 hours.
3. CONGRATULATIONS
New skill unlock: Bloodline Devourer.
"You can now absorb the bloodline of defeated enemies."
Jon exhaled slowly.
"So they already know…"
Host killed their opponent in combat.
Riya woke up, lifting her head.
"Master…? You are awake?"
He glanced at her . "Yeah.
The whiteTiger Bloodline are moving.
"T..the white tigers? are here?"
Jon placed a hand on her shoulders
"Not now. But soon."
The spirit wolves bloodline are unpredictable, Jon lamented.
"Let's see if I can test my skill today "
Jon said as he flexed his fingers.
"Your…new skill?" Riya asked.
Yes "I can now steal bloodlines."
"Y…you can steal bloodlines…? That's impossible.
The manor gate open,as someone struck them from outside.
Boom! Boom!
Jon stood up, puting on his coat. Riya stayed close to him.
The doors opened.
A tall young woman stepped inside, with long silver hair, her eyes glowing blue.
"A spirit wolf bloodline."
Riya said.
She looked around the manor, before her eyes met Jon.
"So you are the new Black Tiger Bloodline", she said with curiosity.
"And you, are on my doorstep far earlier than expected," Jon replied.
She smiled.
"My name is Rasha Moonfang, third Princess of the spirit wolf Bloodline."
Riya stiffened.
Rasha continued.
"I sensed a surge of awakening energy last night, something powerful."
Her eyes locked on Jon.
"I came to see what kind of wolf… or tiger… created such a disturbance."
Jon didn't say anything or move.
And that annoyed her even more.
Rasha walked, around him, examining him like a prey.
"You smell…strange," she whispered.
"Like a Black Tiger… but also something else."
Jon didn't move.
"Do spirit wolves always investigate this closely?"
Riya glared.
"Please… keep your nose off him."
Rasha blinked, amused.
"Oh? A little tiger cub guarding her mate?"
Riya cheeks turned red. "He is not..l mean his my master."
Jon stepped between them.
"Enough. State your purpose."
Rasha crossed her arms.
"I came with a warning… and a request."
"Warning first."
"The whiteTiger Bloodline sent a squad. They passed near our borders"
"And your request?" Jon Asked.
"I want to witness your power. Fight me."
Riya gasped.
"Y…you want to fight him?!"
"Only a duel. No killing. I want to see his powers."
Jon cracked his neck.
"Fine."
Wind howled through the courtyard.
Rasha took her stance,claws forming around her hands, eyes glowing.
Jon stepped forward.
NEW SKILL UNLOCKED
Black Tiger Combat Art: Shadow Fang
Type: Offensive
Description: create invisible slicing arcs.
"Perfect timing."
Rasha lunged.
Jon vanished
He eyes widened
"Fast!"
Jon claw brushed her side, light but precise.
Rasha leaped back, breath heavily…then smiled.
"Oh yes," she whispered.
"You are exactly what I wanted."
The duel continued fast, brutal, graceful.
Rasha stopped.
She touched her cut side.
"I yeild."
"That's all I needed to know."
She stepped forward.
"You're are worth watching."
Riya bristled again.
"This girl.."
Then Rasha Departed.
TRACE BLOODLINE ENERGY DETECTED: ABSORB?
Jon blinked.
"Wait, you can absorb without killing?"
Affirmative. Combat resonance allows partial absorption.
Jon Smiled
"Do it."
Golden energy flow through his veins.
ADORATION COMPLETE
New Trait Gained: Lunar Sense
Description: Enhanced intuition
Riya stared at him
"Master… you keep getting stronger."
"And I will keep getting stronger."
Evening fell.
A messenger arrived with the Black Tiger Bloodline insignia.
"You are summoned," the man said.
"By the Black Tiger Bloodline Council."
Riya swallowed.
Jon remembered Rasha warning.
And now…
The Black Tigers wanted him too.
Jon looked toward the Towering council hall in the distance.
"Then let's go."
Riya bowed her head.
"I am ready."