After showing his Breeder Batch, the mall guards nodded and allowed Aion inside. The mall only sold beasts in bulk—no private purchases—but that worked in his favor today. He moved toward the counters, eyes scanning the rows of restless spirit cubs. His goal was clear: rank 1 beasts with good potential.
Prices varied depending on potential. Elite-potential cubs started at 50,000 star coins, while Commander-potential beasts began at 100,000 star coins—beyond what Aion was authorized to buy. Only an Intermediate Breeder could handle such a purchase.
Using his Origin Insight, Aion carefully examined each cub. Even among similar-looking beasts, he could detect subtle differences—those with sharper comprehension would learn rare skills faster, making them far more valuable. A sly smile crept across his face as he bargained, selecting five perfect cubs:
1. Ashfang Jackal – fiery, agile, and attack-focused.
2. Lithor Beast – a sturdy stone-type, earth affinity, inexpensive to raise.
3. HorizonStag – docile, wind-affinity, graceful and easy to handle.
4. Solarvine- radiant plant-type with light affinity.
5. Glowbunny – utterly adorable, earth/healing affinity, perfect for bonding and aid.
With careful calculation, Aion paid 300,000 star coins for the lot. Glowbunny alone cost 80,000, and Lithor Beast 70,000, but their dual affinities made the investment worthwhile. He provided the delivery address at the counter—the cubs would arrive at his shop by tomorrow.
Satisfied but still curious, Aion wandered to the section where spirit beast eggs were kept. These eggs were mostly abandoned, unidentified, or in poor condition, left to reduce the organization's losses. But with Origin Insight, Aion could discern their true nature—materials, potential, even energy levels—from this world and others like Kael's.
Among the worn eggs, one caught his eye:
Species: Umbriss (shadow snake-type)
Affinity: Poison, Shadow
Status: Unhatched (70%)
Potential: Mid-Commander (Rank 6)
Note: Insufficient shadow energy prevents hatching, but still alive; provide energy to awaken.
He hid his excitement and asked the shopkeeper for the price. Surprisingly, all eggs here were the same: 40,000 star coins. Aion acted as if he hesitated, then nodded in agreement.
But fate had more surprises. In a dusty corner, two stone-like eggs, one pinkish and one bluish, drew his attention. His Origin Insight struggled—the eggs were either from an unknown world or of such immense potential that even he could not read them.
"Why are these placed here?" he asked cautiously.
The shopkeeper glanced at the stones. He didn't speak, but Aion could sense the thought in his mind: "Some fool might buy these."
Aion only nodded, hiding his grin, and purchased the two mysterious stones for 120,000 star coins.
Next, he visited the spirit material shop, stocking up on pet food for the cubs (30,000 star coins) and special materials to craft food for Hazel, now at Elite level (50,000 star coins).
In total, he spent more than half his fund—500,000 star coins—but each purchase was strategic. He now had five promising cubs, a Commander-potential Umbriss egg, and two mysterious eggs of unknown origin. Unlike online purchases via the Spirit Web, he could personally inspect quality and bargain with precision, making this a rare stroke of luck.
With his purchases arranged for delivery, Aion stored the three spirit eggs and the food in his beast pouch. Leaving the mall, he walked home, humming a quiet tune, excitement bubbling beneath his calm exterior. The future of his shop—and his growing stable of beasts—felt brighter than ever.
Meanwhile,In the outskirts of Mosaka Town, where the lantern lights of evening flickered against the velvet sky, Kyle hurried home, clutching the Origin Pet Token as if it were a priceless jewel. The air smelled of roasted chestnuts from a nearby stall, and to him, everything felt strangely magical—like the world itself was whispering of adventures waiting to unfold.
By the time he pushed open the door, the clock had already crept past seven. His father, Albert, sat comfortably on the sofa, eyes glued to the television. From the kitchen came the familiar clatter of pots—his mother, Lisa, humming softly as she stirred dinner.
"Kyle," Albert's deep voice cut through the cozy atmosphere, "you're still running around outside? Your beast is still in infancy! It hasn't even crossed Rank 1. If you want a decent academy, talent alone won't cut it. They'll judge your beast too."
Kyle winced, already bracing himself for a lecture, when his mother called out with perfect timing,
"Enough, Albert. Let him breathe. Kyle, go wash up and come for dinner!"
Kyle darted toward his room like a rabbit escaping a wolf. Albert sighed, muttering at the kitchen, "You spoil him too much. He'll grow up carefree at this rate."
Lisa chuckled from behind the clatter of her ladle. "And what's so wrong with letting him smile a little? Not every boy has to carry the weight of the world before supper."
Albert grumbled, but the faint smile tugging at his lips betrayed him. Once, he had been a Rank 6 King-level Beast Tamer, feared and respected, until his last mission had shattered everything—his beasts, his space, and his future. Now, he was a man bound to ordinary life, though his heart never forgot what it once was.
Lisa, a Rank 5 Tamer and a respected professor, knew her husband's silence well. Behind his scolding was only worry for their son.
Just then, Kyle burst back into the living room, his face alight with excitement.
"Mom, Dad! You won't believe what happened today!"
Albert raised a brow. "If it involves skipping practice again—"
"No, no! It's something amazing!" Kyle practically bounced on his feet as he spilled everything—the mysterious shop, the strange items, and finally, with a flourish, he pulled out the Origin Token. "See? And I even bought these!"
Lisa set down her ladle and took the token. She channeled her beast power into it, but nothing stirred. Kyle puffed his chest, proud as a rooster.
"See? Only I can use it!"
Albert reached for the food and elixirs, giving them a long sniff. His eyes widened, though he tried to hide it. "This… this quality is pure. Too pure."
Lisa tested them herself and let out a low whistle. "Not a trace of flaw. Whoever crafted these knew what they were doing." She packed a portion aside for later, then ruffled Kyle's hair.
"You can feed the rest to your pet. But listen—don't tell anyone about this. Not even your closest friend. Understand?"
"Yes, Mom!" Kyle said quickly, though his wide grin made her wonder if he'd burst from holding in the secret.
Albert leaned forward, his voice suddenly low. "Kyle, you said the shop sells everything?"
"That's what the owner told me." Kyle nodded, then hesitated. "But… the cost isn't ordinary coins."
Albert's eyes darkened, but a faint spark flickered there too—hope. For the first time in years, he dared to imagine. "Next time you go… ask about the price to heal a soul injury. And to repair a broken beast space."
Kyle's expression softened. He knew his father's pain, even if Albert rarely spoke of it. "I will, Dad. I promise."
Dinner passed with laughter and chatter—Lisa teasing Albert for "talking like an old general again," Albert countering with mock seriousness, and Kyle sneaking bites of food for his still-tiny beast.
Later, as Kyle vanished into his room, Lisa said quietly, "The simplest food he brought back carries more purity than I've ever seen. Perhaps this is a blessing."
Albert sat silently for a long while, his hands clenched on the table. Then, almost to himself, he whispered, "If there's even a chance… perhaps I'm not finished yet."
And so, under the silver light of Arivania's twin moons, the family drifted toward sleep. Yet in each of their hearts glowed the same spark—the sense that fate had opened a door, and beyond it lay the path to something greater.