The House of Acrex.
For generations, it stood among the four great noble families of the Kingdom of Lecratia, a pillar of strength and prestige. Known as the "Land of Holy Warriors," the Acrex household had produced knight after knight of legendary skill, each heir carving their name into the kingdom's history.
The legacy was a burden as much as it was a blessing. Every child of Acrex was expected to carry that torch.
But the second son, Keiz Acrex, could not.
Inside the lord's study, a stern man sat behind a heavy oak desk, flipping through a parchment sealed by the temple. His sharp eyes read the words once more before narrowing.
"I see you've finally received your blessing," said Erion Acrex, head of the household, his voice flat. "The priest claims it is a… Monster Taming skill?"
Keiz stood stiffly before him, trying to keep his voice steady. "Yes, Father. That is correct."
Erion's expression darkened. "Hmph. First, your swordsmanship is worthless. And now this. A Monster Tamer?" He spat the words like poison. "How utterly disappointing."
Keiz clenched his fists. The words stung, but he refused to lower his gaze. "It may not seem like much, but with this skill, I could tame a mighty beast. I could become a Beast Knight—a warrior who fights with his partner."
His father's laughter was cold. "Foolish dreams. According to the priest's report, your 'Low-Grade Monster Taming' skill allows you to contract only one creature. And not even a worthy one. Slimes, rabbits, vermin… that is the limit of your power."
Keiz froze. His heart pounded in his ears. He had thought "low-rank" meant goblins, wolves—monsters that, while weak, could at least fight. But this? Worthless animals with no potential?
"Father… but you once told me a wolf was considered low-rank."
"In a battle, yes." Erion's eyes sharpened. "But tamers measure differently. A wolf has potential. It can evolve, grow stronger. That makes it middle-tier for a tamer. What you can tame has no potential at all. They will never rise above weakness. That is the path you were given."
The words crushed what little hope Keiz had clung to.
But then, Erion sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Still… you are my son. I will grant you one chance."
Keiz's eyes flickered with desperate hope. "…A chance?"
"Prove that this skill of yours is worth something. Tame a monster—any monster. Do so, and you may remain in this house. Fail, and you will be cast out. You have two days. Take some coin and leave."
The sentence was final.
Keiz bowed deeply, hiding the turmoil on his face. "…Yes, Father."
The next morning, Keiz stood before the Adventurer Guild.
With the silver coins given to him, he had purchased a fine steel sword and armor woven from silver wolf hide. The equipment gleamed as though brand-new, drawing stares from adventurers as he entered. Their whispers followed him like shadows.
"Who's that kid?""Look at that armor. Nobleborn, obviously.""Heh. Bet he's never seen blood."
Keiz ignored them and strode to the counter. The guild bustled with noise—mercenaries boasting of hunts, clerks pinning requests to the board, steel boots clanging against wooden floors.
"I'd like to hire adventurers," Keiz said to the receptionist. "A guide into the forest. I'm looking for a monster to tame."
The woman blinked. "Do you have an adventurer license?"
"No. And I don't plan to register. I only need a guide who knows the forests."
"…I see." She tapped her chin. "That would count as a personal request. And yes, we do have people experienced with monsters. I'll check the profiles—"
Before she could finish, three men stepped forward.
"You don't need to look far," said the one in front, grinning. "We overheard your request, and we'll take the job."
The leader was tall, with broad shoulders and muscles that flexed under his leather armor. His confident grin gave away the type immediately—a warrior who thrived in battle.
The receptionist sighed but nodded. "They are reliable. They've been with the guild for years and know the forests well."
Keiz studied them carefully. "And who exactly are you?"
The leader crossed his arms proudly. "Name's Avin, warrior. The thief beside me is Cian—quick with knives and quicker with his mouth. And the quiet one's Keska, a wizard. Together, we're the Red Lion party."
The thief gave a cocky salute. "Pleasure to rob you of your coin, noble."The wizard adjusted his glasses but said nothing.
"…I see." Keiz straightened his back. "Do you know where I might find a monster worth taming?"
Avin chuckled. "Depends on what you're after. But from what I hear… you're a Monster Tamer?"
At that, all three froze for a moment—then burst out laughing.
"A Monster Tamer?!" Cian wheezed. "And here I thought you were a knight-in-training. That shiny armor fooled me!"
Keiz forced a wry smile. "Believe what you like. I only need someone to take me where monsters dwell."
Avin waved a hand, still grinning. "No offense, but most tamers wear charms, whistles, binding ropes… you've got none of that. You look more like a knight than a summoner."
Keiz's jaw tightened. He hadn't known tamers even had special gear.
"…Equipment aside, will you guide me or not?"
Avin's grin returned. "Of course. But our services aren't cheap—fifty silver coins per day."
Keiz didn't hesitate. "Fine." He handed the coins to the receptionist to make the request official.
The Red Lion party exchanged amused looks, clearly surprised he agreed so quickly. But Avin only slapped him on the shoulder with a laugh.
"Then it's settled, noble. Let's see what kind of beast you can find."
Together, Keiz followed the trio out of the guild, his heart heavy with both dread and determination.
Two days. That was all the time he had to prove himself.
And if his father was right… his skill could never amount to anything.