"There are countless beasts living in this world.
Whether in the skies, on the land, in the oceans, or in the forests and grasslands—you can see them everywhere.
But not all beasts are the same. Some can breathe fire, some discharge lightning, while others attack with leaves and petals.
And this… is what I call Types."
"Depending on the energy a beast specializes in, they are divided into different types. Those skilled with fire are Fire-type, those who spray water are Water-type… Zorua, for example, wields dark, malicious energy, so I call it a Dark-type beast."
Raven simplified everything he knew to match the current era's understanding.
"Dark-type…" Anna murmured, then asked curiously, "What about Snover? Are they Snow-type beasts?"
Raven chuckled and shook his head. "More accurately, they should be called Ice-type. And from what I've observed, Snover don't have just one type. I'll explain more later—but you can also make discoveries yourself."
Anna's eyes sparkled with interest.
"Types and energy are inseparable. The energy a beast can use is tied to its type. And when that energy is unleashed as beams, orbs, and other forms—that's what I call Moves."
"I know this one! Zorua's Confusion is one of its moves!" Anna exclaimed.
"Exactly." Raven nodded with a smile. "And today, I'll teach you how to train beasts—to make them stronger."
Anna and Zorua sat up straight, listening intently.
"In many ways, beasts are no different from humans. We strengthen our bodies through training, building muscles. Beasts can do the same.
Daily running builds leg strength and agility. If you add weights, they can build power and become much stronger.
But physical training alone isn't enough. For a beast to truly grow strong, mastering moves is essential."
"My advice: have your beast practice moves every day. The more they use them, the more proficient they become. Their battle ability improves—and sometimes, they might even surprise you by learning a new move on their own."
Anna's face was full of focus.
Raven stopped there. Too much at once would only overwhelm her.
"That's enough for today. Try letting Zorua start a training regimen. If you run into trouble, come ask me."
"Yes!" Anna could hardly wait to begin training.
Seeing her excitement, Raven didn't stop her.
After she left, he turned to Dratini. "Alright, let's continue your training too."
Dratini.
Over time, Raven had seen its friendliness rise from 20 to 70. It had begun to trust him, to rely on him.
Once again, it was Twister training.
Dratini opened its mouth, whipping up spiraling gales again and again.
Raven observed carefully.
After a full day of training yesterday, Dratini's proficiency with the move had clearly improved.
At first, it took four or five seconds to gather its Dragon-type energy in its mouth before releasing a Twister.
Now it needed only two seconds.
No doubt—proof of progress.
But Dratini was still only in its infancy. Before long, it was exhausted, lying limp in Raven's arms like a tired little eel.
"You did great today, Dratini. Well done." Raven praised warmly.
He gazed at the river, lost in thought.
At present, Dratini only knew three moves: Wrap, Leer, and Twister.
Even Wrap could be developed further as an offensive technique.
It was a Normal-type move: constricting an enemy with its long body, tightening its grip to attack.
Just like how a serpent crushes its prey.
If Dratini grew stronger, Wrap could become quite formidable.
Raven considered this deeply—
Until Dratini suddenly stirred, letting out a questioning call.
Dratini?
In the next moment, yellow sparks crackled from its body, electricity dancing wildly.
Raven felt a sharp jolt through him.
Wait…
Then it hit him—Dratini had learned a new move!
"Dratini, try that again!" he urged, excited.
Thanks to the first attempt, the method for summoning the move now surfaced naturally in Dratini's instincts, as if written into its very genes.
Dratini floated up, gathering a faint yellow current across its body.
"Thunder Wave… Yes, that's it!" Raven's eyes lit up.
Thunder Wave, an Electric-type move. It didn't deal damage, but it could paralyze opponents.
First, Wrap to restrain. Then Thunder Wave at close range. The combination could leave foes unable to act.
This meant Dratini now had genuine combat ability!
If Raven pushed its training further, honing its control over Electric energy, perhaps soon it could master stronger moves like Thunderbolt or even Thunder.
With that, Dratini could unleash electricity in the river—stunning fish en masse for easy catches!
Near noon, to save time for building homes before winter, the workers didn't return for lunch.
They sat together in the forest, eating dry rations they'd brought along.
But despite the cold, their hearts were warm—
Because with the three Snover helping, they had chopped several times more trees in one morning than they had in the past few days.
The Snover sat among the children, exhausted from working all morning.
Yet seeing their friends' smiles filled them with joy.
"You're amazing, Snover!" the children cheered, admiration on their faces.
Snover beamed, eyes narrowing with delight. Snover—they would get to play together once the work was done!
Just then, several tall figures appeared before them.
Snover?
The Snover looked up, confused.
But instead of fear or anger, they saw gratitude on the humans' faces.
The men carried bread and biscuits in their hands.
Setting the food down, they said, "Thank you, Snover!"
The Snover blinked.
"This is human food. If you don't mind, please have some!" one man offered, nervously but sincerely.
…Everyone…
Joy welled up inside the Snover.
At first, these people had always avoided them, shunned them.
That had made the Snover so sad. They thought the grown-ups disliked them.
But now—these same adults were looking at them with kindness and thanks.
The Snover couldn't help but cry out happily.
Snover!
Though exhausted, they were filled with joy—humans were sharing their food with them!
They liked these people so much!
So, in return, they plucked the freshly-grown fruit from their bodies and handed it over.
As the man stared at the simple, innocent gift and those bright, trusting eyes, a strange new feeling stirred in his heart.
Perhaps… beasts weren't so terrifying after all.
(End of Chapter)
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