The underground arena still echoed with the cheers and murmurs of the crowd. Leon could feel the weight of many gazes on him—some filled with intrigue, others with quiet hostility.
Defeating an Elite Grade beast in his first fight had put him on the radar.
But Leon wasn't here for attention. He was here to grow stronger.
He glanced down at Nyx, whose sleek black fur was unmarred despite the intense battle. The Shadowfang Panther licked its claws, uninterested in the onlookers.
"Seems like we passed the test," Leon muttered.
The woman from earlier, still cloaked in her dark attire, approached him with slow, deliberate steps. Her name was Veyna.
"You're not just some wandering tamer," she said, her eyes scanning him as if trying to unravel his secrets.
Leon shrugged. "I just know how to pick my fights."
Veyna chuckled. "Then you'll do well here. But strength alone won't keep you alive. The Shadow Hunt isn't a place for lone wolves—we hunt together or die alone."
She tossed a small, black emblem shaped like a wolf's fang toward him.
"Welcome to the Shadow Hunt Guild."
Leon caught it between his fingers, feeling the cold metal press against his skin.
It was a symbol of entry—but also of commitment.
---
A Gathering of the Strong
Veyna led him through the underground complex, past the main battle arena and deeper into the Shadow Hunt's hidden headquarters.
Here, the air was different.
It wasn't just the scent of blood and sweat—it was a pressure, the silent weight of countless predators sharing the same space.
The hallways were lined with stone chambers, some sealed, others open to reveal beast tamers training their creatures.
Leon's gaze lingered on a few.
A Crimson Saber-Tooth (Rare Grade, Level 38) sparred with a heavy-armored bear.
A Void Serpent (Elite Grade, Level 42) coiled around a massive stone pillar, its glowing violet eyes watching everything.
A Nightstalker Crow (Rare Grade, Level 36) perched on a man's shoulder, its wings occasionally flickering out of existence.
These weren't ordinary tamers.
They were killers.
Veyna smirked as she saw Leon taking everything in. "Impressed?"
Leon met her gaze. "I've seen worse."
She chuckled. "You talk big, but let's see how you handle the real challenges."
She gestured toward a large set of reinforced doors at the end of the corridor.
"The Huntmaster wants to meet you."
---
The Huntmaster's Trial
Beyond the heavy doors was a massive chamber, lit by eerie blue torches. At its center stood a throne of bones and steel, where a man with long silver hair and piercing golden eyes watched him in silence.
This was the Huntmaster.
Leon could feel the sheer presence radiating from him. A man who had tamed countless beasts, fought in endless battles, and survived them all.
Beside him lay a monstrous creature—a Stormclaw Direwolf (Epic Grade, Level ???).
Leon's eyes narrowed. He had never seen one in his past life.
The Huntmaster finally spoke. "Leon, is it?"
Leon nodded. "That's right."
Golden eyes studied him for a long moment.
Then—
"Prove your worth."
The air shifted.
A side gate opened, and from the shadows emerged a Razorback Lion (Elite Grade, Level 45).
The massive beast's golden fur bristled, its fangs gleaming under the torchlight. A low growl rumbled from its throat—a predator recognizing another.
Leon sighed. "Again, huh?"
He turned to Nyx, who was already crouched, ready to fight.
Leon smirked.
"Let's show them what we can do."
---