Chapter 32 – Winds of the Wild Market
The morning sunlight crept over the treetops as Elric stood at the edge of the Whispering Path, a winding stone road bordered by towering beastwood trees that seemed to breathe with ancient life. Dew glistened on the moss-covered bark, and the air was filled with the distant chirps and howls of unseen beasts. Zephyr, his wind-borne companion, hovered lazily beside him, its wings creating small gusts with every beat. Frost, his quiet but fierce wolf-beast, scouted ahead with cautious eyes and sharp ears.
Behind Elric, Kaela handed him a scroll sealed with crimson wax. Her silver eyes were serious, her hair tied up in a warrior's knot. "This will get you entry into the traveling Beast Market. It only appears once every two seasons under a half-moon. You'll see every race imaginable there—beastkin, dwarves, elven merchants, spiritfolk, and even creatures from other realms. Some come to trade, others to steal. Keep your gold hidden and your heart guarded."
Elric nodded, tying the scroll to his belt. "What about Rue and Glen?"
"They'll catch up. They're strong enough now. You? You go first. The world's already whispering about the Shepherd."
> System Prompt: Side Quest Received – "Winds of the Wild Market" Objective: Reach the Beast Market alive and explore its secrets. Rewards: Beast Point Exchange Unlocked, Potential Allies or Enemies, New Shop Access
He took a deep breath. "Time to step off the path, huh?"
Kaela gave a faint smile. "You were never meant to stay on one."
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Chapter 33 – First Hunt with Zephyr
Hours passed. The forest grew quieter and more twisted. Elric's instincts prickled with tension. Zephyr suddenly screeched, a short sharp cry that only meant one thing—enemy ahead.
Frost halted, fur bristling. The air thickened.
> [Beast Pulse Activated] Target Detected: Boulderback Bear Rank: F+ Level: 10 Status: Hostile Loot: Boulderhide Pelt, Beast Core (F+), Meat
The bear emerged from the thickets like a moving boulder. Its brown hide shimmered with mineral deposits. Its roar shook the trees.
"Zephyr, right flank! Frost, bait and roll!" Elric ordered, dagger drawn. He dashed low, using the thick underbrush for cover.
Frost lunged and bit at the bear's hind leg, drawing its attention. Zephyr flew in, wings glowing with wind-element energy. It released [Gale Burst] mid-air, slamming the bear sideways.
Elric dove in, thrusting his dagger toward the beast's exposed neck, then leaping back just as a paw slammed the dirt where he had been. The bear raged but staggered.
Another [Gale Burst]—this time combined with a leap from Frost. The two companions coordinated with eerie precision.
Elric moved in for the final strike. With one swift motion, his blade pierced through the weakened hide and into the bear's chest.
> Target Defeated: Boulderback Bear Loot Acquired:
1x F+ Beast Core
3x Bear Meat
1x Boulderhide Pelt
> Experience Gained: +180 System Points Gained: +8 Level Up: 9
> New Skill Acquired: [Beast Core Absorb I] – Convert one beast core into passive attribute points or energy.
He stood over the fallen bear, panting, the smell of blood and damp earth in the air.
"We're getting stronger," he whispered.
Zephyr chirped proudly. Frost licked its paw.
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Chapter 34 – Market of Races
The Beast Market was unlike anything Elric had ever seen. A field of tents sprawled across the clearing—some stitched from beast hides, others glimmering with spiritlight. Merchants from countless races bartered, argued, and celebrated.
An elven trader demonstrated a floating orb to a group of dwarves. Beastkin children played beside a bonfire. Spiritfolk glided silently, watching everything with unreadable expressions. A centaur crafted weapons, while a siren sang near a spring.
Elric clutched the scroll and approached a jade arch. A beastman in armor inspected it and waved him through.
> [Beast Point Exchange Unlocked] Shop Unlocked:
Minor Beast Collar – 10 BP
Beast Storage Rune – 25 BP
Beast Knowledge Scroll – 20 BP
Hidden Item: Slave Collar – 50 BP (Requires Hidden Shop Access)
Elric opened his system.
> Beast Points: 30
"Buy Storage Rune and Beast Knowledge Scroll," he said.
> Purchase Confirmed. BP Remaining: 2
The rune tattooed itself onto Elric's left wrist, glowing faintly. Zephyr flew into it, disappearing instantly.
"Guess you like it in there," Elric muttered.
He walked through the market slowly, learning from observation. He saw how different races interacted, how beast cores were exchanged like currency, and how trust was rarer than gold.
A girl with feathers for hair offered him a charm. "To hide your power. Or to lie about it."
He smiled. "Maybe later."
He didn't know it yet, but others had noticed him—beastmasters, warriors, even darker figures in cloaks.
And not all had good intentions.
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Chapter 35 – A Deal with a Goblin
In a shadowed corner of the market, tucked between two broken stone pillars, a goblin merchant with a crimson hood waved Elric over.
"Hey, pup. You look like you've got brains and balls. I'm Snagg. Trader of secrets, seller of truths."
Elric eyed the goblin. "Not buying beast cores. I've got enough blood today."
Snagg chuckled. "Oh no, no. Not beast stuff. Info. Gossip. Race movement. World news. The kind of stuff you don't learn swinging a blade."
That caught Elric's attention.
"What do you want in exchange?"
Snagg pointed at Zephyr. "That pup. Wind beast. Rare. Good eyes."
"Not for sale."
Snagg shrugged. "Didn't expect it. But you've got a scent, boy. One that's traveling through other worlds. Elves are curious. Demon scouts are watching. Even the spiritfolk whisper. The Shepherd walks, and the old pacts stir."
Elric frowned. "You know about the Shepherd class?"
Snagg grinned. "Know about it? My tribe once served one. You're walking into a storm, boy. A storm across worlds."
Elric didn't reply. But he walked away with a heavier heart and a sharper edge.
The world was bigger than he thought.