The forest did not return to silence.
After Fenrir's howl faded, the air itself felt wounded—thick, tense, as if reality had been scratched by something unseen. Lumo stood frozen, fingers clenched so tightly her nails bit into her palms.
The system shimmered again, brighter than before.
[Taming King System — Detailed Interface Unlocked]
Host: Lumo Sparkwhistle
Level: 1
Title: Unawakened Sovereign
HP: 100 / 100
Mana: 50 / 50
Authority: 5
Bond Slots: 1 / 3
Active Bond: Fenrir (Mythical — Sealed)
Threat Rating (Area): High
Lumo stared at the floating panel. "Authority…?" she whispered.
Fenrir stepped closer, his massive form casting a protective shadow over her.
"Authority is your right to command," he explained.
"Weak authority breaks. Strong authority bends the world."
A sudden screech tore through the trees.
The bushes exploded outward as something crawled into the moonlight.
It was a beast—if it could still be called that.
Twisted antlers jutted from a wolf-like skull. Its body was covered in blackened fur, veins glowing a sickly red beneath the skin. Its jaw hung unnaturally wide, dripping a viscous, shadowy saliva onto the ground.
[Enemy Detected]
Name: Corrupted Forest Stalker
Rank: C-Class
Status: Frenzied
Weakness: Authority-based suppression
Lumo's breath caught. "That thing… is a C-Class?"
The creature lunged.
Fenrir moved instantly—too fast to follow. He slammed into the monster midair, claws carving deep into corrupted flesh. The impact cracked the ground beneath them.
But the stalker didn't die.
It shrieked, black tendrils bursting from its wounds and wrapping around Fenrir's leg. The great wolf snarled as crimson corruption began creeping up his fur.
[Alert]
Bonded Beast under Corruption Influence
Sealed State limits power output
"No!" Lumo shouted.
Her chest burned. The King's Mark on her forehead pulsed, invisible yet searing hot.
The system responded.
[New Skill Unlocked]
Skill: Sovereign's Glare
Type: Active
Cost: 10 Mana
Effect: Suppresses hostile targets below the user's Authority threshold
"I can help…" Lumo whispered, heart pounding.
"I have to."
She stepped forward.
Fear screamed at her to run—but something deeper commanded her to stand.
"Look at me," she said, her voice shaking.
The beast's head snapped toward her.
Lumo met its glowing red eyes.
"Kneel."
Her vision flared white.
[Skill Activated: Sovereign's Glare]
Authority Check…
Success (Overwhelming Compatibility)
An invisible force slammed down on the corrupted stalker. Its legs buckled, antlers scraping the earth as it collapsed with a tortured howl.
Fenrir's eyes widened—then burned with pride.
"Now," he growled.
He tore free from the tendrils and brought his jaws down in a single, merciless bite.
The monster's skull shattered.
Silence fell.
Lumo dropped to her knees, gasping as her mana drained.
[Battle Result: Victory]
Enemy Defeated: Corrupted Forest Stalker
Experience Gained: 120 XP
The system chimed again.
[Level Up!]
Level: 2
HP: 120
Mana: 70
Authority: 8
New Passive Skill: Beast Sense
Detect nearby beasts and hostility levels
Fenrir walked back to her and lowered his head until it touched her shoulder—gentle this time.
"You did not hide," he said.
"You commanded. That is the difference between prey and king."
Lumo looked at her trembling hands… then slowly clenched them into fists.
In the distance, thunder rolled—though the sky was clear.
[System Warning]
Higher-ranked entities have detected the use of Authority
Hunters. Cultivators. Gods.
Lumo lifted her head, eyes no longer filled with fear—but resolve.
"Then let them come," she said softly.
The forest shuddered.
Somewhere beyond the world, something smiled.