The tension in the air was suffocating.
The Shadowfang Guardian prowled in a slow circle, its golden eyes never leaving Leon. Its muscles were taut, coiled like a spring ready to snap.
It was testing him.
A lesser man would have already fled.
But Leon?
He stood his ground.
Because he knew the rules of this world better than anyone.
---
The Nature of Beasts
In Devia, taming a beast wasn't as simple as throwing a skill or using an item.
Stronger creatures had instincts—pride.
And the higher their grade, the more powerful their will.
That's why most early-game Beast Tamers were considered weak—they had to rely on docile, low-grade creatures.
But Leon had no intention of following that path.
He was going to do what no player had ever done in the early game.
Tame an Epic-grade beast before the game even launched.
---
The Trial Begins
The Shadowfang Guardian stopped circling.
Its ears flattened.
Its growl deepened.
Leon's muscles tensed.
Here it comes.
With a blur of movement, the beast lunged—faster than anything a human should be able to react to.
Leon barely twisted his body in time, the rush of wind from its claws slicing past his cheek. A sharp sting bloomed on his skin, but he ignored it.
Dodge first. Observe second. Counter third.
This wasn't just a battle.
It was a negotiation.
A conversation of strength.
---
A Beast's Respect
Leon rolled to the side, his foot digging into the dirt as he straightened.
The beast didn't immediately follow up.
It was watching.
Gauging his reaction.
Leon exhaled, his heart hammering against his ribs.
He couldn't win in raw strength.
But winning wasn't the goal.
He raised his hands slowly, his voice steady.
"I'm not here to fight."
The Shadowfang growled, baring its fangs.
Leon took a step forward.
"But I'm not here to submit either."
The beast's growl faltered—just for a second.
Leon smirked.
He knew how beasts worked.
Strength wasn't just about power. It was about presence.
And Leon?
He was someone who had already seen the future.
---
Breaking the Boundaries
The Shadowfang charged again.
This time, Leon didn't dodge completely.
He let its claws scrape his arm—just enough to draw blood.
A show of defiance.
Not recklessness.
Resolve.
The Shadowfang stopped.
Its golden eyes locked onto the crimson dripping from Leon's arm.
Silence stretched between them.
Then—it stepped back.
And lowered its head.
Leon grinned.
Taming wasn't about control.
It was about earning respect.
And he had just taken the first step toward something impossible.
---
A New Bond
A system prompt flickered in his vision.
> [The Shadowfang Guardian acknowledges you.]
[Would you like to attempt a beast contract?]
Leon inhaled sharply.
This was it.
The moment that would change everything.
With a steady voice, he spoke.
"Yes."
The jungle pulsed with energy.
And in that moment—a legend was born.
---