The Duchy of Rainmere – Stormwright Keep,
The morning sun cast golden rays over the sprawling estate of Stormwright Keep, nestled within the fertile riverlands of the Duchy of Rainmere. The air was thick with the scent of blooming irises and the distant murmur of the Rainmere River, its waters glistening under the early light. The keep itself stood as a testament to the Stormwright lineage—tall, fortified walls of dark granite, adorned with sapphire-embedded banners that fluttered in the gentle breeze.
Inside the grand halls, five-year-old Sebastian Stormwright sat perched on a cushioned window seat, his small hands pressed against the stained glass as he watched the world outside with wide, curious eyes. His silver-blue hair, inherited from his mother's Stormwind bloodline, shimmered faintly in the sunlight, while his sharp, emerald-green eyes—so unlike his father's stormy grey—darted from one movement to another.
"Sebastian," a warm voice called from behind him.
He turned to see his mother, Philomena Stormwind, standing in the doorway. She was a woman of grace and quiet strength, her long, flowing gown the color of twilight, embroidered with silver threads that mimicked the constellations.
"Mother!" Sebastian beamed, scrambling down from the seat and running toward her.
Philomena knelt, catching him in her arms with a soft laugh. "What has you so fascinated this morning?"
"The birds!" Sebastian pointed eagerly toward the open courtyard where a flock of sparrows darted between the hedges. "They move so fast, but I can see every feather when they turn!"
Philomena's eyes softened. Even at this age, Sebastian's perceptiveness was uncanny. She had suspected for some time that his latent talents were already stirring, though his official Awakening was still three years away.
"Come," she said, standing and taking his hand. "Your father has returned from his hunt, and he's brought something for you."
Sebastian's eyes lit up. Duke Galen Stormwright was a towering figure, both in stature and presence, a man whose very name commanded respect across Rainmere. When he wasn't overseeing the duchy's affairs, he was often in the wilds, hunting or taming Rune-Beasts for the ducal stables.
The Courtyard of Beasts at Stormwright keep,
The courtyard was alive with activity. Stablehands tended to armored steeds, their coats shimmering with faint runic engravings—minor Rune-Beasts bred for endurance and speed. At the center stood Duke Galen, his broad frame clad in a dark leather jerkin, his storm-grey eyes scanning the area with quiet authority.
Beside him stood a massive cage draped in thick cloth, its contents hidden but emitting a low, resonant hum that made the air vibrate.
"Father!" Sebastian called, breaking into a run.
Galen turned, his stern expression melting into a rare smile as he caught his son mid-sprint, lifting him effortlessly into the air. "There you are, little storm. Did you miss me?"
Sebastian nodded vigorously. "What's in the cage?"
Galen's grin widened. "A gift. But first, tell me—what do you know of Rune-Beasts?"
Sebastian's mind whirled. He had heard stories from the maids, listened to knights boasting of their bonded companions, and even seen the lesser beasts kept in the ducal stables. But he had never been this close to one meant for bonding.
"They're magical creatures," he recited, his voice steady despite his excitement. "People bond with them after their Awakening. The stronger the beast, the harder it is to tame."
Galen chuckled. "Good. And what do you think is inside this cage?"
Sebastian hesitated, then whispered, "A Rune-Beast?"
Galen nodded. "Not just any beast. This one is special."
With a swift motion, he pulled the cloth away.
Inside the cage, perched on a thick branch, was a Storm Hawk—its feathers a mix of deep blues and silvers, crackling with faint arcs of lightning. Its golden eyes locked onto Sebastian's, and for a moment, the world seemed to still.
Sebastian gasped.
The Storm Hawk tilted its head, then let out a sharp, melodic cry—a sound like thunder given voice.
"This one hasn't bonded yet," Galen murmured. "But it's taken a liking to you."
Sebastian reached out, his fingers trembling. The Storm Hawk didn't flinch. Instead, it leaned forward, pressing its beak gently against his palm.
A spark—literal and metaphorical—passed between them.
Philomena's breath caught. Already?
Galen's eyes gleamed with pride. "When you Awaken, Sebastian, this one will be waiting."
That night, as Sebastian lay in bed, his mind buzzed with excitement. The Storm Hawk's presence lingered in his thoughts, its piercing gaze hauntingly familiar, as if it had known him far longer than a single day.
Then, something strange happened.
A warmth spread through his chest, and before his eyes, words began to form in the air—ethereal, glowing script that only he could see.
"Book of Beast Records"
Sebastian sat up, heart pounding. The words shimmered, then rearranged themselves into a flowing script:
"Storm Hawk – Tier III: Flame Warden"
"Potential: ☆☆☆☆☆"
"Element: Lightning/Air"
"Bond Compatibility: 92%"
Sebastian's breath hitched. This… this wasn't normal. No one had ever mentioned a book appearing during childhood. Was this part of his Awakening?
Then, another line appeared:
"Talent Detected: All-Seeing Eyes (Rare)"
"Talent Detected: Beast Whisperer (Uncommon)"
Sebastian's fingers trembled. These were talents—abilities meant to manifest only after Awakening. Yet here they were, revealing themselves years early.
A soft coo came from the balcony.
The Storm Hawk was there, watching him.
And Sebastian understood.
Not in words, not in language, but in something deeper—an instinctual knowledge.
This creature would be his.
And the world of Rune-Beasts had just opened its gates to him.
The Day of Awakening,
Three years had passed since the Storm Hawk first touched Sebastian's hand.
Now, on the morning of his eighth birthday, the grand hall of Stormwright Keep was filled with nobles, knights, and servants—all gathered to witness the Awakening of the young heir.
Sebastian stood at the center of the hall, dressed in ceremonial silver-blue robes embroidered with the Stormwright crest—a lightning-wreathed tower. His heart pounded, not from fear, but from anticipation. Today, he would finally step into the world of Rune-Beasts, just as his father had promised.
At the far end of the hall, beneath the arched stained-glass windows depicting legendary beasts of old, stood the Awakening Altar—a circular platform of enchanted sapphire, humming with latent energy.
His father, Duke Galen Stormwright, stood beside it, arms crossed, his storm-grey eyes filled with quiet pride. His mother, Philomena, stood at his side, her fingers laced together in silent prayer. Behind them, the imposing figure of Grand Duke Roderic Stormwind—Sebastian's maternal grandfather—observed with sharp, calculating eyes. His uncle, Lord Aldric Stormwind, a famed beast tamer, smirked as if already predicting greatness.
The air was thick with murmurs.
"They say the Stormwright bloodline always awakens powerful talents."
"His mother's side has produced legendary beastmasters—what if he inherits that?"
"I heard Duke Galen captured a Thunderjaw Wyrm last month… do you think—?"
Sebastian ignored them all. His focus was on one thing only.
Where was the Storm Hawk?
The Ceremony Began,
A horn blared, silencing the crowd.
High Priest Orlan, a wizened man draped in sapphire vestments, stepped forward, his voice echoing through the hall.
"Sebastian Stormwright, heir to the Duchy of Rainmere, step forth."
Sebastian took a deep breath and approached the altar. The moment his bare feet touched the sapphire platform, a pulse of energy surged through him, making his skin tingle.
The priest raised his hands. "By the ancient rites, we call upon the threads of fate to reveal the gifts bestowed upon this child. Awaken, Sebastian Stormwright, and let the world bear witness to your destiny!"
A blinding light erupted from the altar.
Sebastian's vision whited out.
Inside the radiance, time seemed to slow.A voice—no, not a voice, but a knowing—whispered in his mind.
"War God Body – Legendary Tier – Confirmed" "Immortal Craftsman Hands – Legendary Tier – Confirmed"
Sebastian gasped as power surged through his veins. His muscles thrummed with newfound strength, his bones hardening as if reforged in celestial fire. At the same time, his fingertips buzzed with an eerie precision, as though he could carve magic itself into existence.
Then, something else flickered at the edge of his awareness.
"Book of Beast Records – Unique Talent – Activated"
The spectral tome materialized before him, its pages flipping rapidly, revealing lines of glowing script only he could see.
"All-Seeing Eyes (Rare) – Granted" "Beast Whisperer (Uncommon) – Granted"
Sebastian's pulse quickened. This was his secret. His alone.
The light faded.
Silence.
Then—uproar.
"Two Legendary-tier talents!" someone shouted.
"War God Body and Immortal Craftsman Hands?! That's unheard of!
"Grand Duke Roderic's eyes gleamed with something akin to hunger. "The Stormwind bloodline runs strong in him.
"Duke Galen's grin was fierce. "That's my son."
Sebastian barely heard them. His attention was pulled toward the arched windows—where three shadows descended from the sky.
A gust of wind howled through the hall as the stained-glass windows rattled.
Then—
SCREEEEE!
The Storm Hawk burst through, its wings crackling with lightning, its piercing cry shaking the very air. The nobles gasped, some stumbling back in shock.
But it wasn't alone.
From the eastern window, a massive serpentine form slithered in—Thunderjaw Wyrm, its scales gleaming like polished steel, arcs of electricity dancing between its fangs.
And from above, fluttering down like a living shield, came the Gale Shield Cicada—its translucent wings humming with a sound like a thousand whispering winds.
The three beasts landed before Sebastian, their eyes locked onto him with unmistakable recognition.
The Storm Hawk bowed its head.
The Thunderjaw Wyrm coiled protectively around him.
The Gale Shield Cicada perched on his shoulder, its wings casting a faint glow over his face.
Silence.
Then—
"They're bowing to him!" a knight blurted.
Sebastian didn't hesitate. He reached out, pressing his palm against the Storm Hawk's chest.
A pulse of light erupted from his fingertips as the Beast-Ring on his wrist—previously dull iron—flared to life, its metal shifting into stormforged silver, etched with lightning runes.
The Thunderjaw Wyrm and Gale Shield Cicada pressed closer, and two more rings ignited—one turning into crackling fulgurite, the other into crystalline windstone.
The crowd erupted into cheers.
Duke Galen's laughter boomed across the hall. "Three beasts on the first day! Hah!"
Grand Duke Roderic's smirk deepened. "Just like his mother."
Philomena's eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
Sebastian, however, was staring at the Book of Beast Records, its pages updating before his eyes:
"Storm Hawk – Bonded – Tier III (Flame Warden) – Lightning/Air"
"Thunderjaw Wyrm – Bonded – Tier IV (Arcane Protector) – Lightning/Earth" "Gale Shield Cicada – Bonded – Tier III (Flame Warden) – Wind/Barrier"
And beneath them, a new line appeared:"Awaiting Evolution…"
Sebastian smiled.
This was only the beginning.
The celebration lasted well into the night. Wine flowed, roasted meats piled high on silver platters, and the great hall of Stormwright Keep echoed with laughter and song. Nobles from across Rainmere—and even a few visiting dignitaries from neighboring duchies—had come to witness the heir's Awakening. None left disappointed.
Sebastian sat at the high table, flanked by his parents, his three Rune-Beasts coiled, perched, and hovering around him like living sentinels. The Storm Hawk remained on his shoulder, its sharp golden eyes scanning the room for threats. The Thunderjaw Wyrm lay draped across the back of his chair, its tail flicking lazily, though its muscles were coiled tight, ready to strike. The Gale Shield Cicada buzzed softly near his ear, its translucent wings casting prismatic reflections across the table.
"Three bonds in a single day," murmured Count Alaric Redmoor, swirling his wine. "Not even your grandfather managed that, and he tamed a Frost Drake before he was ten."
Grand Duke Roderic Stormwind, seated beside Sebastian, chuckled. "The boy has his mother's gift." His gaze flicked to Philomena. "And his father's stubbornness."
Duke Galen smirked but didn't deny it.
Sebastian, however, was only half-listening. His mind was still locked onto the Book of Beast Records, its pages now filled with details about his bonded companions.
"Storm Hawk – Tier III (Flame Warden)"
- Primary Abilities: Lightning Dive, Gale Slash, Stormcaller's Cry
- Evolution Paths: Tempest Monarch (Tier IV), Sky Emperor (Tier V)
- Current Bond Strength: ★★★☆☆
"Thunderjaw Wyrm – Tier IV (Arcane Protector)"
- Primary Abilities: Thunder Coil, Earthshaker Strike, Static Barrier
- Evolution Paths: Stormfang Leviathan (Tier V), Celestial Thunderbeast (Tier VI)
- Current Bond Strength: ★★☆☆☆
"Gale Shield Cicada – Tier III (Flame Warden)"
- Primary Abilities: Windwall, Sonic Screech, Mirage Cloak
- Evolution Paths: Zephyr Sentinel (Tier IV), Aegis Monarch (Tier V)
- Current Bond Strength: ★★★☆☆
No one else could see it. No one else even knew it existed.
This was his advantage.
As the feast wound down, a loud voice cut through the murmur of conversation.
"A fine display, young Stormwright! But bonding is one thing—commanding is another."
The crowd parted as Sir Alden Crestwing, a knight of Sunswatch and a seasoned beastmaster, stepped forward. At his side prowled a massive Ember Wolf, its fur like molten copper, its fangs bared in a silent snarl.
Sebastian's fingers tightened around his goblet.
Duke Galen's expression darkened. "Alden. This is neither the time nor the place."
Sir Alden grinned, undeterred. "Come now, my lord. What better way to test the boy's mettle than a friendly duel? Unless, of course, he's afraid?"
A hush fell over the hall.
Sebastian's War God Body flared in response to the challenge, his blood singing with battle-lust. But before he could speak, his mother's hand settled on his wrist.
"Careful," she whispered. "He's baiting you."
Sebastian exhaled, then stood.
"I accept."
The courtyard was cleared, torches lit along the perimeter as nobles and knights gathered to watch. The Ember Wolf stalked forward, its growl reverberating through the stone.
Sebastian stepped onto the sand, his three beasts moving into position.
"Storm Hawk—lightning dive on my mark."
"Thunderjaw Wyrm—hold the line."
"Gale Shield Cicada—be ready to shield."
The mental commands flowed effortlessly, his Beast Whisperer talent allowing him to communicate without words.
Sir Alden smirked. "Begin!"
The Ember Wolf lunged—a blur of fangs and flame.
Sebastian didn't flinch.
"NOW."
The Storm Hawk shot upward, then plummeted like a bolt of living lightning, striking the wolf mid-leap. The Thunderjaw Wyrm lashed out, its tail slamming into the ground, sending a shockwave that disrupted the wolf's footing. The Gale Shield Cicada's wings hummed, erecting a shimmering barrier just as the wolf retaliated with a burst of fire.
The crowd gasped.
Sebastian's eyes narrowed.
"Again."
The battle was swift, brutal, and utterly one-sided.
Within minutes, the Ember Wolf lay panting on the ground, defeated.
Sir Alden's smirk had vanished.
As the crowd erupted into cheers, Sebastian's Book of Beast Records flickered with new text.
"Battle Data Analyzed – Combat Efficiency: 89%"
"Recommended Evolution Paths Unlocked"
"Storm Hawk – Lightning Dive Mastery Increased"
"Thunderjaw Wyrm – Static Barrier Efficiency Improved"
Sebastian's lips curled into a small, satisfied smile.
This was only the beginning.
Before he could celebrate, a horn blared from the gates.
A messenger in imperial colors strode forward, unrolling a scroll.
"By decree of His Imperial Majesty, Aurelius IV Arindhelm, Sebastian Stormwright is summoned to Celesthaven to present himself before the throne!"
The hall fell deathly silent.
Duke Galen's expression turned grim.
Grand Duke Roderic's eyes gleamed.
And Sebastian?
He knew—his peaceful days were over.
The Blackiron Mountains,
The morning mist clung to the jagged peaks of the Blackiron Mountains as Duke Galen Stormwright led Sebastian up the winding path behind Stormwright Keep. The air was thick with the scent of damp stone and the distant rumble of shifting earth.
Sebastian adjusted the beast-ring on his wrist—now three of them gleamed with elemental hues: storm-forged silver, crackling fulgurite, and crystalline windstone. His three Rune-Beasts—Storm Hawk, Thunderjaw Wyrm, and Gale Shield Cicada—moved alongside him, their presence a comforting weight.
"Father," Sebastian asked, his breath forming small clouds in the cold air, "why are we here?"
Galen didn't slow his stride. "Because you're not leaving for the capital with only three beasts."
Sebastian blinked. "You want me to capture another one?"
Galen smirked. "Not just any beast. A Blairon Giant."
Sebastian's pulse quickened. Blairon Giants were rare—massive constructs of living blackiron ore, classified as Tier II Spark Guardians. They were notoriously difficult to tame, their stone-like bodies nearly impervious to conventional attacks.
Galen stopped at the mouth of a cavern, its depths humming with a deep, resonant energy. "This is where it nests. Ready?"
Sebastian nodded, calling upon the Book of Beast Records. The spectral tome materialized before him, its pages flipping silently until it displayed:
"Blairon Giant – Tier II (Spark Guardian)"
"Element: Earth/Metal"
"Abilities: Ore Crush, Iron Shell, Seismic Stomp"
"Weakness: Joint fractures, lightning-based attacks"
Sebastian relayed the information to his father in a hushed tone.
Galen's eyes gleamed. "Good. Then let's begin."
The Blairon Giant emerged like a waking mountain—a towering mass of jagged blackiron, its glowing rune-core pulsing deep within its chest. The moment it spotted them, it let out a ground-shaking roar and charged.
"Storm Hawk, lightning barrage!" Sebastian commanded.
The hawk shot forward, diving in a crackling arc, its talons raking across the Giant's shoulder. Sparks flew, but the beast barely flinched.
"Thunderjaw, bind it!"
The wyrm lunged, coiling around the Giant's legs, electricity surging through its scales. But the Giant retaliated with a devastating Seismic Stomp, sending a shockwave that threw the wyrm back—
And then, something extraordinary happened.
The Thunderjaw Wyrm convulsed, its body glowing white-hot. Its form twisted, elongated—scales melting into sleek, draconic armor, its stubby limbs stretching into powerful wings.
When the light faded, where the Thunderjaw Wyrm had been now stood a Thunderjaw Wyvern—its body sleeker, its wings crackling with storm energy.
But something was wrong.
Sebastian's Book of Beast Records updated instantly:
"Thunderjaw Wyvern – Tier III (Flame Warden)"
"Status: Mutated (Tier Regression)"
"Note: Mutation has unlocked potential for higher-tier evolution paths"
Galen let out a sharp laugh. "Well, that's new."
Sebastian stared. "It… downgraded?"
"Temporarily," Galen said, eyes alight with interest. "Mutations are rare, but they can rewrite a beast's destiny. This one might reach Tier V or higher now."
Sebastian exhaled. That changed things.
"Then let's finish this."
With the Wyvern's newfound agility and the Storm Hawk's relentless strikes, they wore the Blairon Giant down. When it finally staggered, Sebastian activated a fresh beast-ring—a plain iron band—and pressed it against the Giant's rune-core.
A pulse of light.
The ring transformed into onyx-black metal, etched with earth runes.
"Blairon Giant – Bonded – Tier II (Spark Guardian)"
His fourth Rune-Beast.
After saying goodbye to Philomena, Sebastian and Galen started their journey to capital.
The road to Celesthaven was long, winding through dense forests and rolling hills. Sebastian rode alongside his father, their escort of knights keeping a watchful eye on the wilderness.
Along the way, they encountered,
A pack of Ember Wolves, which Sebastian's Storm Hawk scattered with a single lightning-charged dive.
A Crystal Stag, its antlers shimmering like cut gemstones—too majestic to tame, but a sight to behold.
And most notably, a group of young nobles from the Duchy of Dunweld, led by Count Darius Flinthearth's son, Joric.
Joric, a boy of ten with a sneer permanently etched on his face, eyed Sebastian's beast-ring with open jealousy. "Three bonds at eight years old? Lucky."
Sebastian said nothing.
If only he knew about the fourth.
The Imperial Capital – Celesthaven,
Celesthaven was a city of white marble and sapphire spires, its streets bustling with merchants, scholars, and armored legions. The imperial palace loomed at its heart, its towers piercing the clouds.
At the grand gates, they were met by imperial heralds.
"Duke Galen Stormwright and heir Sebastian Stormwright, here by His Majesty's summons!"
The gates swung open.
The throne room was a vast hall of gold and azure, lined with nobles in glittering regalia. At its center, upon the Sapphire Throne, sat Emperor Aurelius IV Arindhelm—a man whose presence commanded reverence. His silver hair was tied back in a warrior's knot, his piercing violet eyes missing nothing. Beside him, the Empress Liora radiated warmth, her smile kind but sharp with intelligence.
Sebastian and Galen knelt.
"Rise," the Emperor said, his voice deep and resonant. "So, this is the boy who tamed three beasts in a day."
Sebastian kept his gaze respectfully lowered, but he could feel the weight of scrutiny—not just from the Emperor, but from the other children present.
There, standing near the throne, were the imperial grandchildren.
And among them—
Prince Theren Arindhelm and Princess Maelis Arindhelm, twins of nine years, their postures regal, their eyes alight with curiosity.
Theren's fingers twitched toward his own beast-ring—a band of royal gold.
Sebastian's instincts flared.
This one would be trouble.
As the formalities concluded, the Emperor leaned forward slightly.
"Tomorrow, the imperial arena will host a demonstration," he announced. "All Awakened children present shall showcase their bonds."
A murmur of excitement rippled through the court.
Sebastian's fingers brushed his fourth beast-ring—the onyx-black band hidden beneath his sleeve.
No one knew about the Blairon Giant.
And he intended to keep it that way.