The sun barely pierced the thick, gray haze hanging over Ashen Veil—the slums where dreams went to die and only the strongest clawed their way out. Kairo darted through the narrow alleyways, his breath sharp and ragged. His worn shoes slapped the cracked cobblestones as the scent of smoke and sweat filled the air.
He had no beast. Not yet.
In a world where your Beast Heart defined your worth, Kairo was an unchosen—a Pact Holder. His beast, Lumo, was no legend or powerhouse but a small spirit fox, flickering with faint blue light and ethereal wings too fragile to inspire fear. Others sneered, said Kairo's bond was weak, his fate sealed.
But Kairo didn't care. Survival meant everything.
Ahead, the shrill cries of a woman pierced the chaos—beast thieves were raiding a nearby stall. Without hesitation, Kairo sprinted toward the commotion. Lumo's voice buzzed in his mind, sharp and urgent.
"Be careful. They're stronger than us."
Kairo gritted his teeth, the familiar burn of determination rising. Stronger or not, I won't run.
Bursting into the street, Kairo saw three thieves wielding crude blades and twisted beasts—monsters born of stolen bonds and desperation. The crowd scattered, leaving the merchants vulnerable.
He closed the distance, Lumo's glow flaring as it formed a shimmering shield around Kairo's forearm.
"Protective Veil," Lumo whispered, and a translucent barrier shimmered, blocking a swipe from a clawed beast.
Kairo struck back, fueled by raw grit. He dodged, parried, and jabbed, relying on Lumo's buffs to keep pace. His wounds stung, but retreat was never an option.
A sudden roar split the air—the thieves' leader appeared, a towering figure with a beast heart blazing bright. Kairo's breath caught. This was his chance to prove he wasn't just a weak Pact Holder.
"Healing Light," Lumo urged.
Warm energy pulsed from Lumo's paws, knitting Kairo's bleeding arm as the battle raged on.
As Kairo faced the leader, his heart pounded—not just from fear but the fire of ambition. This was only the beginning.
I will rise.