Malina POV
The village in the west lay in ruins, scorched earth and smoldering rooftops marking the aftermath of yet another phoenix attack. Villagers huddled in fear, eyes wide as they watched the sky, hoping the legendary creature would not return.
I adjusted the straps of my gear, feeling the familiar weight of my tools and beast-taming equipment. This wasn't a simple dungeon raid or a combat mission—it was a delicate task that required understanding, intuition, and careful handling.
I muttered under my breath, "Alright… let's see why a phoenix is attacking innocent villagers."
---
Arrival at the Scene
I landed lightly on the ground outside the village, scanning the area with my enhanced senses. Smoke and ash rose into the sky, carrying faint residual magic. My system pinged immediately:
[Phoenix Detected — Aggression Level: High]
[Mana Signature: Intense Fire Elemental]
[Possible Cause: Unknown]
I narrowed my eyes. The phoenix's attacks were too frequent and precise to be random. Someone—or something—had provoked it.
I turned to speak with the villagers, who looked at me with a mix of fear and hope. "I'm here to help," I said calmly. "Tell me everything you know about the attacks."
One elderly man stepped forward. "It's… it's the eggs," he stammered. "Some outsiders came and took the phoenix's eggs. Ever since, the fire has rained upon us!"
I frowned. "Outsiders… merchants, adventurers, anyone else?"
The man nodded. "A few adventurers and some nobles from nearby towns. They wanted the eggs to sell. They didn't care about the phoenix or the danger."
My jaw tightened. Greed had a way of bringing chaos. This wasn't random aggression—the phoenix was defending its nest.
---
Investigation
I activated my Beast Tamer Instincts, sensing the phoenix's energy through the lingering mana in the air. It was furious, yet precise. Unlike most wild beasts, it wasn't attacking aimlessly—it was targeting structures and people who had disturbed its territory.
"Alright," I muttered, "first step—locate the eggs. Second step—return them."
I followed the faint magical trail left by the thieves, leading me to a nearby cave guarded by a few hired mercenaries. They hadn't expected anyone to track them this closely.
I crouched behind a boulder, observing their positions. The eggs lay in the center, glowing faintly with the phoenix's protective aura. My system pinged:
[Beast Taming Potential: Phoenix Eggs Detected]
[New Skill Potential: Fire Resistance Lv.1]
I smiled faintly. Not only would this help the phoenix, but it would also strengthen my own skills for future encounters.
---
Negotiation and Retrieval
I stepped forward, staff in hand, projecting calm energy. "Step aside," I commanded softly, letting the phoenix's residual aura amplify my presence. "These eggs belong to the phoenix. Leave them, or face consequences."
The mercenaries laughed. "And who's going to stop us? Some girl and her tricks?"
I didn't respond with words. I activated Beast Tamer Aura, a subtle yet commanding presence that made the eggs glow brighter. The phoenix, sensing my intent, unleashed a call—a warning cry that echoed through the cave and hills.
The mercenaries faltered, fear crossing their faces. The system pinged:
[Beast Tamer Aura — Success: +15% Influence on Phoenix]
[Experience: +40,000]
I seized the moment, carefully retrieving the eggs. They hummed with warmth, a pulsing life force stronger than I expected. I held them carefully, feeling their energy resonate with my own.
---
Returning the Eggs
I moved swiftly, avoiding detection, and made my way to the phoenix's nesting ground. The bird circled above, wings beating like molten fire against the sky. As I approached, I placed the eggs gently in their original nest.
The phoenix's cry shifted—anger replaced by recognition. Flames flickered harmlessly around me, but I could sense the tension in the air. I focused, letting my aura harmonize with the phoenix's energy. Slowly, the bird's fiery aggression subsided.
System pinged:
[Phoenix Tamed — Relationship Established]
[Skill Acquired: Fire Resistance Lv.1]
[Experience: +80,000]
I exhaled in relief. "There… all safe now."
The villagers, who had been watching from a distance, began to cheer cautiously. The phoenix circled higher, wings spreading, before finally flying away with a loud, protective cry—its territory secure once more.
---
Reflection
As I walked back toward REF, I felt a mix of pride and concern. The phoenix attacks weren't malicious—they were reactive, triggered by human greed. Every action we take in this world—small or large—has consequences.
I also realized my own growth. Handling the phoenix, returning its eggs, and resisting the urge to fight recklessly had strengthened my abilities. Fire Resistance would prove invaluable in future encounters, and my bond with magical beasts continued to deepen.
System pinged again:
[Mission Complete — Phoenix Investigation]
[New Objective: Monitor Phoenix Nesting Areas]
I smiled faintly. "Another day, another challenge. But REF and the people around it… they're worth protecting. And I'll make sure creatures like the phoenix aren't harmed because of human mistakes."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, I mounted my steed and began the journey home. REF awaited, my friends were counting on me, and the Celestial War's shadow might loom over distant worlds—but I was ready.
For every beast, every village, every mission… Malina Eldrath, beast tamer of REF, would always step forward.