Leon met the Guildmaster's golden gaze, his expression unreadable.
The Eclipse Order.
A faction within the Shadow Hunt Guild that answered only to its leader. They were more than beast tamers—they were enforcers, executioners, and hunters of the highest order.
Joining them meant stepping into a world of power… but also one of bloodshed.
Veyna remained silent beside him, though Leon could feel her sharp gaze studying him.
The Guildmaster leaned back on his obsidian throne. "Well?"
Leon exhaled slowly.
"If I accept," he said, "what does that mean for me?"
The Guildmaster smirked. "It means you will have resources, training, and information beyond what any ordinary tamer could ever hope to access."
His golden eyes gleamed. "And it means… you will no longer be an ordinary beast tamer."
Leon narrowed his eyes.
"And if I refuse?"
The Guildmaster chuckled. "Then you leave here as a free tamer… but mark my words, Leon—you will be hunted."
The air between them grew thick with tension.
Leon understood the weight of the decision before him.
Accepting meant aligning himself with a force that shaped the very balance of power within the beast-taming world.
Refusing meant walking alone—and painting a target on his back.
But…
Leon had never been one to take the easy road.
A slow smirk crossed his lips. "I refuse."
Veyna tensed. The room grew silent.
The Guildmaster's eyes flickered with something unreadable—then, he laughed.
Deep and rich, the sound echoed through the chamber.
"You're bold," he said. "I expected you to say that."
Leon remained still.
The Guildmaster's laughter faded, replaced by an amused grin. "Very well. You are free to go."
Veyna blinked. "Just like that?"
The Guildmaster waved a hand lazily. "Leon isn't stupid. He knows what he's rejecting." His eyes flickered toward Leon. "And if he survives long enough… maybe he'll come to me of his own accord."
Leon didn't respond.
Instead, he turned and walked toward the doors.
Veyna followed, casting him a curious glance. "You really turned him down."
Leon smirked. "I don't like being tied down."
She chuckled. "You might regret that."
"Maybe," Leon admitted. "But I'll make my own path."
And with that, he left the Shadow Hunt Guild's inner sanctum.
---
The Road Ahead
Outside, the city of Blackthorn stretched before him, its streets bustling with tamers, merchants, and wandering beasts.
Leon took a deep breath.
He had made his choice.
And now… he would carve his own destiny.
With the Ebonshade Wraith at his side, he was no longer just another beast tamer.
He was a force waiting to be unleashed.
And soon—the world would know it.
---