At the Royal Knights Training Camp, the atmosphere was charged.
The rumor of a Rank-E Tamer defeating a Rank-S Brawler spread like wildfire. Some called it a hoax. Others believed it was a misunderstanding.
But Ion Kalculos—the top trainee—knew better.
He stopped mid-swing during his sword practice, catching his breath. One of the instructors whispered the tale behind him.
> "A boy named Ares Meledric… from Uruste Village…"
Ion's grip on his sword tightened. His sharp eyes narrowed.
> "Ares…?"
Ion resumed his swings, but this time… he imagined Ares' face on the dummy.
---
Meanwhile, I had just returned home after the unexpected battle with Baran Algorit. My body was sore. My mind exhausted. I slept like a rock.
Later that night…
> "Master? Can I sleep with you?"
Aisha's soft voice woke me. She stood by the bed, her long black hair flowing, her wolf tail twitching.
> "Uh… sure. Come here."
I blushed immediately. I couldn't help it.
Her hair smelled faintly of wildflowers, and her tail brushed against my leg. I turned my face away in panic. How is anyone supposed to sleep like this?
>"My body feels strange," Aisha murmured, curling against me. "Like I'm not the same wolf anymore…"
I stayed still, too flustered to move. "Maybe it's your new form… Maybe it's part of being tamed."
"Maybe," she whispered. "But why does it feel so… nice when you're close?"
Then the door creaked open.
> "Ara~? Is this Aisha?"
Aunt Testia peeked in, grinning mischievously. Her crimson eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"She evolved beautifully~"
> "I… I don't know how it happened," I stammered. "She just transformed after the battle. Mom already knows…"
From across the room, my mother let out a tiny sneeze in her sleep—a soft, funny reminder that she'd heard her name after all.
> "Don't worry, Ares~" Testia winked. "I'm not mad. In fact… maybe you should consider building a harem?"
> "Wha—!?"
Even Aisha stirred, half-asleep, confused and flustered. Testia laughed and walked off.
> I buried my face in the pillow.
Aisha curled up next to me, cuddling my arm.
I could hear her gentle breathing.
Sleep came quickly after that.
---
The next morning, I returned to the Mavela Guild.
Baran, the Guildmaster, was waiting. His usual tough demeanor was calm—almost friendly.
> "Come in. Let's talk."
He led us into his private guest room. Aula joined us soon after.
I showed them everything: my Rank, Class, Abilities, Elements, and Tames.
Baran scratched his beard, brows furrowed.
> "You… gained the Berserker class?"
"And you're still Rank E? With 1 point in every stat?"
"How did you even survive a brawl with me, let alone win?"
I looked at him blankly.
> "I… don't know."
Aula leaned forward. "Perhaps… this has to do with your Tamer class. What if it's evolving?"
> "Evolving how?"
>"A Legendary Tamer vanished centuries ago," Aula added. "His name was Hetric or something. He tamed dragons, angels… even demons."
Baran frowned. "They say his power grew too fast. He couldn't control it. In the end, he destroyed his own kingdom."
I glanced at Aisha, whose eyes were filled with confusion—she clearly didn't know anything about the Legendary Tamer.
> "Maybe try transforming every monster into a girl…?"
"Or you're already planning to build a harem of tames!?" Aula blurted out of nowhere. "Well, it's not like having a harem is a bad thing. It's common among nobles, right?"
> "That's enough!"
Aisha jumped up, furious. "Master is mine! I won't share him with anyone!"
Tears welled in her eyes.
> "I'm not going to," I said softly.
"Never."
Aisha looked up, trembling. Then slowly nodded.
> "Then… if you have to make a harem for gaining power… just make sure I'm your first. I want to be the one who chooses your tames."
> "Wait—what!?"
My head spun. "L-Like I said, I'm not even trying to—!"
She hugged me tight.
> "It's okay, Master."
"I'll support you, no matter what."
I was too stunned to speak. A heavy silence settled over the room.
> "But using Forbidden Magic comes at a price," Baran warned.
> "Hellfire burns anything it touches. It can melt stone and vaporize flesh."
"And Blood Magic… if you run out of your own blood, it will take it from others around you."
I gulped.
He pointed at the Axe of Suzaku strapped to Aisha's back.
> "That artifact… where did you get it?"
> "My mother gave it to me."
Baran and Aula exchanged glances. Then Baran said,
> "There are three more artifacts connected to the Axe of Suzaku. Some are considered sacred. Others... are treasures held by kings."
The meeting ended soon after.
---
> "Ares?"
Aisha tugged my sleeve as we stepped outside.
> "Hmm?"
> "Sorry about earlier… are you mad at me?"
> "No. But are you sure about all this? About… the harem thing?"
She looked at me honestly.
> "At first I thought harems were just… slavery or romance drama. But now I understand."
"You need to gain more power, right?"
"So I'll help. Just promise… I'll always be your number one."
> "You don't have to force yourself—"
> "Then can I call you… Darling?"
> "N-No! Absolutely not!"
She's giggled.
Then suddenly—BOOM.
A beam of light shot into the sky from beyond the town walls.
We both turned.
> "A dungeon…?" I whispered.
A chill ran down our spines. Aisha's ears twitched—she sensed it too.
Something powerful had awakened.
Something… worthy of becoming my second tame.
From the guild balcony, Baran and Aula watched the sky with grave expressions.
> "A dungeon just manifested," Aula said. "Let's hope it's stable."
The city stirred. Cries echoed. Guards scrambled.
The peace of the city cracked like glass.
Something new was coming.
And we were going to be part of it.