Quick warning: This chapter might contain some dark language so it's an advance warning for younger readers.
"Welcome back from the dead grey fox." A smug smile stretched across Phonzo's face as he gazed at the grey fox, which remained plastered to the floor, its weary body unable to move a paw. The cold gushing breeze blew across its dimly lit grey fur as its dark brown eyes locked onto him.
At first, Phonzo considered the possibility that the fox might be a Nightmare species due to the similarities it shared with other fox types. However, the thought left his mind once he realized it didn't possess the Revarbitm (mana characteristics)
In the Cultivation world, magical beasts were ranked differently than humans. They were classified by breed and species, with numerous beasts unable to be determined in rank falling under a specific category. Among them was the Nightmare species, one of the worst and rarest, which only the most unlucky few could encounter.
The Nightmare species was known for its ability to curse those who made contact with it through nightmares. Their snowy white fur emitted a white gas that could induce realistic nightmares in those who encountered them. No antidote to their curse existed, and the effects lasted until death.
Given the grey fox's appearance, Phonzo didn't think it fit the description of a Nightmare species, which gave him a slight feeling of relief. Nevertheless, he maintained a calculated distance, keeping the wooden stick by his side.
Suddenly, the creature shrugged, triggering Phonzo's senses. He leaped from his seat, pointing the stick like a blade, his arms trembling. The fox responded with a flickered glare before turning its body away, ignoring Phonzo.
"What the?!" Phonzo shrieked, feeling a mix of emotions. Humans weren't the only beings who found his presence uncompelling. A wistful feeling swirled within him, and memories of his father's actions flashed through his mind.
The stick felt heavier than he could carry, and it fell to the ground with a loud clank, echoing through the concrete walls. Phonzo's anxiety overwhelmed him, and he sat down, bowing his head over his broad shoulders, sobbing.
It wasn't bad enough that Ammaina had left him alone, living her best life as the new kin to his family while he remained weak and unable to act beyond his words.
Phonzo begun to dig the ground, his nails clenching the concrete tightly as he dragged them till the tip of his skin bled.
The loud scratching sound caught the grey fox's attention, and it struggled to move its frail body towards Phonzo's direction. Phonzo's body sprang forward, and he rushed to the fox's side, his expression filled with distress.
"Are you okay?!" Phonzo exclaimed, grabbing the fox's body tightly and pulling it towards his own. The fox's purple gleam reflected on his body like a mirror as its tongue brushed against his bruised fingers, causing a sharp stinging sensation.
A faint purple glow seeped out of his fingers, and his skin mended at an incredible speed. The burning sensation cooled, and the pain surged through his body began to subside.
Phonzo wondered to himself, "It healed me?" He knew that many magic beasts could perform healing, but only silver-gold level beasts were capable of such extensive melioration.
It would only make sense it was being hunted by poachers or even the mafia which was the reason for it's current frail condition.
Phonzo had two options: risk his life to protect the fox or negotiate with poachers to sell it and possibly gain some funds. Of course the latter seemed more profitable, even if he didn't get reward money anything was better than being a dead man.
As he looked into the fox's hypnotic eyes, he decided, "I'll probably just sell it."
The grey fox continued to stare at him without showing gratitude or joy. Phonzo carefully reached out his hand and placed the tip of his healed fingers on its fur. "I'll name you after someone very close to me, her name was... Laura."
As he stroked the fox's back gently, Phonzo felt a deep emotional connection.
Meanwhile, in the bustling city of Belto, located in Hagis part of Earth, life carried on as usual. Citizens walked freely, hustlers worked beneath the scorching sun, and food stalls sold their wares on the roadside. The aromas of various dishes and soups filled the air, sparking hunger in those who couldn't afford to eat.
Within the towering glass building of the Hashborn Hotel, a symbol of luxury, a man sat quietly staring at the blazing sun. "How long will it take for the next day to arrive?" he whispered to himself, tapping his fingers on his arm and shifting his restless feet.
His spiky red-haired colleague, who was busy devouring pastries, commented, "You're way too stressed about this, you know?" The two men were the same mysterious individuals searching for the grey fox, unaware that it was currently in Phonzo's possession.
"I don't want to waste any more time," the first man said, his voice turning grim. "The grey wolf is far too dangerous to be left roaming about."
"What's so dangerous about it?" his colleague asked.
The man's expression turned serious. "You don't understand what we're dealing with. Even I don't fully comprehend it, but we need to capture it before it bonds with someone."
The colleague's eyes widened in confusion. "Uh...?"
Letting out a brief sigh, the man explained, "The grey wolf is a beast of unknown power and origin. One of its abilities is to control and manipulate emotions. Those who harbor fear in their hearts for it will lose their will to hate it once they make contact with its radiant purple light. Anyone under its control would risk their lives to protect it, thinking they've shared a bond with it."
The colleague's face reflected his awe and fear. "Wait, so it's a hypnotic type of magic beast? But why does its magic mechanism seem similar to nightmares?"
The man's expression remained grave. "It has a wide range of abilities similar to many species. It's a hybrid of some sort, referred to as 'the ultimate magic beast.' Its presence is extremely dangerous, and the limits of its abilities are yet to be known."
Fear was evident on the colleague's face as he asked, "So, what are our chances of making it out alive?"
The man's response was laced with pessimism. "Why are you afraid of death?"
The colleague hesitated before asking, "Wait, how do you even know all this?"
The man's vibrating voice held annoyance. "It's a bit of a long story. Either way, we're simply business partners. I paid you to help me look for the grey wolf. End of story. Don't get too nosy."
The colleague's demeanor turned skeptical. "So, what happens if the wolf has already made contact with someone?"
The man's face stiffened with rage. "If so, then for their own sake and others... kill them."