Leon stared at the pulsating beast-taming seal in his hand. The Ebonshade Wraith was now his.
It was a victory—but also a problem.
Most tamers struggled to control Epic-grade beasts. The power difference was too vast. Without the right skills, the beast could easily turn on its master.
And right now—Leon didn't have the skill to command an Epic-grade spectral beast.
His fingers tightened around the seal.
I need to find a way to control it before I even think of summoning it.
Nyx padded closer, its violet eyes flicking toward the seal. It let out a low growl—a warning.
Even his Shadowfang Panther could sense the danger.
Leon sighed. He needed information.
And there was only one place to get it.
---
Returning to the Hunt
By the time Leon arrived back at the Shadow Hunt Guild, the underground halls were busier than before. Tamers trained their beasts, merchants bartered rare materials, and whispers of upcoming hunts filled the air.
Leon ignored it all, heading straight for the Huntmaster's chamber.
The silver-haired man was waiting, leaning against his throne, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"You're back faster than I expected," he mused. "Either you failed, or you found something interesting."
Leon smirked. He should've known the Huntmaster would see through him.
Without a word, he tossed the beast seal forward. It hit the ground, pulsing ominously.
The room grew silent.
Veyna, standing nearby, sucked in a sharp breath. "No way..."
The Huntmaster's eyes narrowed slightly. He slowly stepped forward, crouching beside the seal. He didn't touch it.
"An Ebonshade Wraith," he murmured. "And an Epic-grade one, at that."
He let out a soft chuckle. "You really don't do things halfway, do you?"
Leon crossed his arms. "You wouldn't have recruited me if I did."
The Huntmaster smirked, standing.
"True."
Then his gaze sharpened.
"But tell me, boy—can you control it?"
Leon met his stare evenly. "Not yet."
---
The Path to Control
The Huntmaster sighed, rubbing his temple.
"You have no idea what you've just brought back, do you?"
Leon arched a brow. "I know exactly what it is."
The older man scoffed. "No, you don't."
He gestured to the seal. "An Epic-grade spectral beast isn't something you 'tame' like a normal monster. If you don't bind it properly, it'll consume your mana and your mind in the process."
Leon's expression didn't change, but he understood the warning.
"So what do you suggest?"
The Huntmaster studied him for a moment before speaking.
"You need a Spectral Binding Ritual. Without it, the wraith will be nothing more than a curse waiting to be unleashed."
Leon frowned. He had never performed a Spectral Binding before—but he had heard of it.
It was a forbidden technique, used by high-ranking beast tamers who specialized in spiritual creatures.
And it required something rare—a Soul Catalyst.
Leon exhaled. "Where can I find one?"
The Huntmaster chuckled. "Now that... is the right question."
He turned, walking toward a large, ironbound chest. He opened it, rummaging through before pulling out a small, obsidian vial.
"Consider this a reward for completing your first hunt," he said, tossing it to Leon.
Leon caught it, studying the dark liquid inside. A Soul Catalyst.
"This will let me bind the wraith?"
The Huntmaster smirked. "It will let you try."
Leon nodded.
The real challenge was just beginning.
---