The morning after the festival, the manor was quiet but not empty—there was a new energy in the air, a sense that the city's long winter might finally be breaking. I sat at my father's desk, the Fenris signet heavy on my hand, Fen curled at my feet. Sunlight caught the dust in golden beams, and the system's presence was a calm, steady hum behind my thoughts.
I glanced at my tattoo, tracing the ancient runes. Every Fenris family head, since the days of the founder, had carried the bloodright—the unique ability to evolve the pets of those under their banner. It was a secret power, whispered about in legend but known only to the chosen. The others in my family could train, could use rare resources, but only the head could truly unlock a companion's next form. That much was tradition, and law.
But I had something more. The system—silent, invisible, and entirely my own—was my edge. It didn't give me the power to evolve pets; I'd inherited that as my birthright. Instead, the system helped me see what others could not: the hidden potential in my people, the best evolution paths, and the resources I'd need to make the most of this rare gift. It was a guide, a strategist, and a secret weapon, all in one.
I spoke softly, careful to keep my secret. "System, I need your help."
Command received, Lysar Fenris.
"I want to make the most of our evolution slots. Give me a list of the five best candidates—people and pets—with the highest growth potential and loyalty. Prioritize those ready for evolution or close to it."
Compiling data…
Top 5 Evolution Candidates
1. Gregor Fenris | Guard Captain
• Loyalty: 91
• Growth Potential: A
• Stoneback Bear
• Current Evolution: Unawakened
• Level: 5 (Evolution Available)
• Element: Earth
• Max Evolution: Epic (with right path)
2. Sera Fenris | Personal Guard
• Loyalty: 88
• Growth Potential: S
• Wind Lynx
• Current Evolution: Unawakened
• Level: 3
• Element: Air
• Max Evolution: Legendary (with right path)
3. Mira Fenris | Senior Retainer
• Loyalty: 97
• Growth Potential: A
• Ember Fox
• Current Evolution: Epic
• Level: 5 (Evolution Available)
• Element: Fire
• Max Evolution: Epic (unless special conditions met)
4. Lio Fenris | Stablehand
• Loyalty: 93
• Growth Potential: S
• Water Otter
• Current Evolution: Rare
• Level: 1
• Element: Water
• Max Evolution: Legendary (with right path)
5. Lira Fenris | New Guard
• Loyalty: 77
• Growth Potential: A
• Shade (Shadow Fox)
• Current Evolution: Unawakened
• Level: 2
• Element: Shadow
• Max Evolution: Epic
Note: Sera and Lio possess the highest long-term growth potential (S Rank). Gregor and Mira are most immediately ready for evolution. Lira is included for her rare affinity and high growth ceiling.
I studied the list, satisfaction blooming in my chest. Sera's exceptional potential and Lio's rare gift were rays of hope—proof that greatness could be found even in the ashes. Mira's loyalty was unwavering, and Gregor's strength was the bedrock of our defenses. Lira, though new, had a shadow fox with rare affinity—a wild card, but one worth betting on.
Fen yawned and stretched, his ears flicking as he sensed my mood. I scratched his head, feeling the weight of the decision settle on my shoulders.
"System, what about Fen? Does he take up an evolution slot?"
No. As Family Head, your personal pet can be evolved independently of the five designated evolution slots. Fen's evolution is not limited by this system.
I blinked, relief and excitement mingling. "What is Fen's potential?"
Fen | Dimensional Wolf Pup
• Growth Potential: SSS (Legendary Max)
• Current Evolution: Unawakened
• Level: 4
• Element: Shadow/Neutral
• Max Evolution: Legendary
A thrill ran through me. Fen's future was limitless—if I could guide him well.
"System, is there anything else I should know before I choose?"
Additional functions available. Would you like to access the Shop or try the Wheel of Fortune?
I frowned. "Wheel of Fortune?"
The Wheel of Fortune is a weekly bonus for the Family Head. You receive three spins per week. Rewards range from currency and rare items to new pets. Would you like to spin now?
Curiosity piqued, I nodded. "Spin."
A glowing wheel appeared in my mind's eye, segments labeled with coins, items, and mysterious icons. I watched as it spun, the system's voice counting down.
Spin 1: Bread (Restores minor stamina and health)
A loaf of fresh bread materialized in my inventory. I almost laughed—humble, but useful.
Spin 2: 10,000 Fenris Coins
My eyes widened. That was more money than I'd seen in months—enough to buy several useful items from the shop.
Spin 3: Random Pet Egg
A shimmering egg appeared in my inventory, pulsing with hidden power.
You have received: Random Pet Egg. Hatch to reveal a new companion with randomized element and potential.
I grinned, hope swelling in my chest. "System, show me the Shop."
Shop Function Unlocked. The Shop allows the Family Head to purchase rare resources, evolution materials, skill books, and enhancement items. Currency: Fenris Coins. Shop inventory updates weekly.
I scrolled through the catalog—evolution stones, rare herbs, training manuals, and mysterious locked options labeled "???" The powerful items were still out of reach, but with my new funds, I could afford a few key upgrades.
A knock at the door pulled me from the interface. Mira entered, her silver hair pulled back, eyes sharp as ever. Her Ember Fox padded in behind her, tail flickering with embers.
"You're up early," she said, voice soft but steady.
"There's work to do," I replied, gesturing to the desk. "I'm making decisions about the evolution slots."
She nodded, pride and worry mingling in her expression. "Choose wisely, Lysar. The family's future depends on it."
I smiled, careful not to let my eyes linger on the floating blue windows only I could see. "I have help," I said, but left it at that. My secret was mine alone, and I intended to keep it that way.
We spent the morning reviewing reports—crop yields, guard rotations, the city's defenses. Mira's insight was invaluable, her memory a living archive of Fenris history. As we worked, I kept the system's list in mind, weighing each candidate's strengths and needs.
By midday, the city was stirring. The remnants of the festival lingered—children chasing pets through the alleys, vendors packing up their stalls, laughter echoing off stone. I walked the manor grounds, Fen at my side, the system feeding me quiet updates.
Gregor Fenris and Stoneback Bear: Awaiting evolution selection. Loyalty and readiness optimal.
I found Gregor drilling the younger guards in the courtyard. He straightened as I approached, his bear rumbling a greeting.
Gregor was imposing: tall, broad-shouldered, his bald head gleaming in the sun, a jagged scar running from temple to jaw. His Stoneback Bear sat at his side, massive and calm, its fur streaked with veins of gray.
"Captain," I said, nodding. "You and your companion are at the threshold. Are you ready for what comes next?"
Gregor grinned, pride shining in his eyes. "We've been waiting a long time for this, my lord. Whatever path you choose, we'll see it through."
I placed a hand on his shoulder, the system highlighting three possible evolution paths for his bear:
• Granite Ursine (Rare): Enhanced defense, earth manipulation, max evolution Epic.
• Ironhide Beast (Epic): Superior strength, metal affinity, max evolution Epic.
• Seismic Titan (Legendary, locked): Earthquake generation, massive size, max evolution Legendary. Requires S-Rank potential and special item.
The choices were daunting. I thanked Gregor and promised a decision soon.
Back inside, I reviewed the other candidates. Sera was training with her Lynx, the pair moving in perfect synchrony. Sera was tall and lean, with copper skin and a shock of white hair, her eyes sharp with ambition. Her Wind Lynx, a lithe, emerald-eyed cat with tufts of silver fur, moved with restless energy.
Mira was tending to the wounded, her Ember Fox a comforting presence. Lio was in the stables, coaxing his otter through a series of clever tricks. Lira, the newest addition, was practicing with her shadow fox, Shade, in the training yard—a young woman with midnight curls and wary, intelligent eyes.
I returned to my father's room, the weight of leadership pressing close. The system's AI waited patiently.
"System, summarize the risks and rewards for each candidate. Help me decide."
Summary:
• Gregor: Immediate boost to frontline strength. High loyalty, reliable. Evolution path can be upgraded with effort and resources.
• Sera: Exceptional long-term potential (S Rank). Will surpass others with training. Evolution path may unlock Legendary with further growth.
• Mira: Trusted advisor, high loyalty. Ember Fox at evolution threshold, but further growth requires rare resources.
• Lio: Young, S-Rank potential. Needs time and guidance, but could become a future pillar.
• Lira: New, but high affinity and A-Rank potential. Shadow element offers unique tactical options.
Recommendation: Prioritize Sera and Lio for long-term growth. Gregor for immediate strength. Mira if resources allow. Lira for unique potential and team balance.
I nodded, the decision crystallizing. "Thank you, System."
You're welcome, Lysar. Remember: Your choices shape the legacy of Fenris. Would you like to confirm your selections now, or wait until all candidates are ready?
"I'll wait until Sera and Lio reach the threshold. Notify me the moment they do."
Acknowledged. Notification will be sent immediately upon eligibility.
I closed the interface with a silent thought, careful to keep my face neutral as I left the room. No one could know about the system—not even Mira. The power to evolve pets was my birthright as family head, but this secret guidance was mine alone—a silent partner in the long game to come.
As evening fell, I gathered the family and retainers in the great hall. The embers of the festival still glowed in their eyes, tempered now by resolve.
I stood at the head of the table, Fen at my side, and spoke from the heart.
"We are not the family we once were. Our walls are cracked, our coffers thin. But I have seen the strength in each of you. I have seen loyalty, courage, and the spark of greatness. If we stand together, if we fight for every inch, we can build something new—something worthy of the Fenris name."
A hush settled. Then, slowly, applause began—soft at first, then swelling. For the first time in years, I saw hope in their faces.
The system's voice was a whisper only I could hear.
Hope index: Rising. Family morale: Improved. The future is yours to shape.
I smiled, knowing that whatever came next, I would not face it alone—even if my greatest strength was a secret I could never share.