Chapter 2 – The First Step
The water snake coiled lazily around Joy's wrist, its scales shimmering under the morning sun.
It wasn't large—barely the length of his arm—but to Joy, it was the greatest treasure in the world.
"I… I actually have a beast," Joy whispered, his heart racing.
The snake flicked its tongue and hissed softly, as if answering him.
> [Beast Tamed: Water Snake]
Loyalty: 40% (Cautious)
Abilities: Water Flow (Beginner), Swift Strike (Basic)
Joy blinked at the floating text.
"It… it even has skills?!"
The system chimed again.
> [System Tutorial Unlocked.]
You may strengthen beasts through training or by feeding them Beast Cores.
Loyalty determines obedience.
Beasts may evolve when certain conditions are met.
Host may also purchase skills, genetics, and evolution stones in the System Shop.
Joy's eyes widened. "Evolve? Even… humans?"
He scrolled through the glowing menu, his jaw dropping at the endless possibilities—wolves, lions, dragons, phoenixes, and even legendary beasts from myths and anime.
"…This is way too much power for me…" he muttered nervously.
Yet deep inside, a fire he never knew he had began to burn.
---
Later that day, he sneaked out into the nearby forest to test his new companion.
"Alright, buddy… let's see what you can do."
The snake slid across the grass, its body moving with a fluid grace. Joy pointed at a rock.
"Attack!"
The water snake flicked forward with a sharp strike, cracking the stone in half.
Joy's eyes nearly popped out.
"S-So strong!? If this is just a low-rank beast…"
Suddenly, rustling echoed from the bushes. Joy froze.
A pair of glowing red eyes peered at him.
> [Target Detected: Forest Wolf]
Rank: Low-tier (Stage 1)
Status: Hungry
The wolf growled, saliva dripping from its fangs.
Joy's body trembled. His knees nearly gave out.
"No… no way… I-I can't fight this thing!" he stammered.
The system chimed coldly.
> [Warning: Host must choose.]
Run.
Command your beast to fight.
Attempt Tame.
Joy clenched his fists, sweat pouring down his face. His entire life, he had run from everything—his bullies, his sister, his shame.
But now, a snake coiled around his arm, waiting for his order.
His heart pounded.
"This time… I won't run."
He pointed at the wolf, his voice shaky but firm.
"Snake… attack!"
The water snake hissed and lunged forward.
The battle… had begun.