Chapter 5 - The First Evolution
Kai remained motionless long after the Crimson Horn Bear disappeared into the darkness.
The forest was silent once more.
Only the sound of raindrops striking the leaves broke the stillness.
He looked down at the tiny silver fox in his arms.
It had fallen asleep from exhaustion.
The mysterious golden glow in its eyes had vanished.
"What was that power?" Kai whispered.
The Book of Infinite Beasts floated before him.
Its pages turned on their own.
---
Passive Skill Identified
Beast King's Aura (Dormant)
Rank: Divine
Status: Sealed
Current Release: 0.01%
Warning: The aura cannot be controlled at the current stage.
---
Kai took a slow breath.
"A Divine skill..."
Even the Empire's strongest Beast Masters had never possessed such power.
The academy had called his partner worthless.
The Book had just declared otherwise.
---
The fox suddenly sniffed the air.
"Kyu!"
It jumped from Kai's arms and dashed into the dense undergrowth.
"Wait!"
Kai followed closely.
After several minutes, the fox stopped before a small cliff hidden behind thick vines.
A faint crimson light seeped through the cracks.
Kai pushed the vines aside.
Behind them lay a narrow cave.
Warm air flowed from within.
The deeper they ventured, the hotter it became.
Soon, the cave opened into a vast underground chamber.
The walls glowed with veins of fiery crystal.
At the centre stood a pool of molten-red water.
Growing beside it was a single crimson flower.
Its petals burned like tiny flames without being consumed.
The Book appeared instantly.
---
Target Found
Fire Spirit Herb
Purity: 98%
Evolution Material Confirmed
---
Kai's eyes lit up.
"We found it."
Just as he stepped forward—
A shrill screech echoed through the chamber.
The molten pool erupted.
A serpent nearly six metres long burst from the lava.
Its scales glowed red like burning iron.
Twin horns curved backwards from its head.
Its eyes locked onto Kai.
---
Magma Serpent
Grade: Elite
Status: Guardian Beast
Threat Level: High
---
The serpent lunged.
Kai rolled aside just in time.
Its jaws smashed into the stone floor, sending shards flying everywhere.
"Fox!"
The little fox leapt onto a boulder.
Instead of attacking directly, it barked loudly.
The serpent turned toward the smaller target.
"Now!"
Kai sprinted toward the Fire Spirit Herb.
He pulled it from the ground.
The instant the roots separated from the earth—
The cave shook violently.
The serpent let out a furious roar.
The molten pool overflowed.
Rivers of lava began spreading across the chamber.
"We have to leave!"
Kai grabbed the fox and ran.
The serpent chased them relentlessly.
Flaming rocks rained from the ceiling.
The exit seemed impossibly far away.
At the last second, Kai dove through the cave entrance.
The serpent's enormous body slammed into the narrow opening.
Unable to fit through, it roared in frustration as Kai escaped into the forest.
---
Several hours later...
The eastern horizon began to brighten.
Kai reached a quiet clearing.
The fox lay beside him, breathing heavily.
The Book floated before them once again.
Golden letters appeared.
---
Evolution Conditions Complete
✔ Fire Spirit Herb
✔ Ember Crystal (absorbed from the cave)
✔ Beast Trust: 100%
Evolution Available
---
Kai looked at the fox.
"Are you ready?"
The little fox stood proudly.
Its golden eyes shone with determination.
Kai placed the Fire Spirit Herb before it.
The fox swallowed it whole.
For a heartbeat...
Nothing happened.
Then—
A pillar of crimson light erupted into the sky.
The ground trembled.
A powerful wave of heat spread through the clearing.
The fox's tiny body was enveloped in brilliant flames.
Kai instinctively shielded his eyes.
The light grew brighter...
Brighter...
Until it resembled a second sunrise.
Within the flames, the fox's silhouette slowly changed.
Its body grew larger.
Its fur transformed from silver to brilliant white streaked with crimson.
Its single tail lengthened, becoming thicker and more elegant.
Flame-like markings appeared across its legs and forehead.
When the light finally faded...
A beautiful fox nearly the size of a wolf stood before Kai.
Its crimson eyes glowed with intelligence.
Its fur shimmered like moonlight touched by fire.
The Book revealed its new status.
---
Evolution Complete
Name: Crimson Flame Fox
Grade: Rare
Skills Unlocked:
- Flame Claw
- Ember Dash
- Fire Sense
Bloodline Awakening: 1%
---
The fox looked at Kai.
For a moment, neither moved.
Then it happily leapt into his arms just as it had when it was tiny.
Kai laughed.
"So no matter how strong you become..."
"You're still my little fox."
The Crimson Flame Fox barked proudly.
Far away, within the academy...
A mysterious crystal inside the Headmaster's office suddenly glowed crimson.
Headmaster Aldric's eyes snapped open.
"A first evolution..."
"So soon?"
"No ordinary student could achieve that."
He looked toward the Forbidden Beast Forest.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"It seems someone is hiding far more than a weak beast."