The morning skies over House Calvier stirred with unusual movement.
A low, distant rumble echoed across the valley—like thunder on a clear day. The guards raised their heads. Servants halted mid-task. Even the birds fell into a sudden hush.
Then they saw it.
A colossal, sky-blue beast soared through the air, wings like crescent blades slicing through clouds. Its body shimmered with soft fur that sparkled under the sunlight, and crystalline horns curved back over its sleek head. Its eyes held a lazy gentleness—until it roared, shaking the skies with pride.
Taryn rushed out into the courtyard, eyes wide. "That's... that's the Cloudhorn Wyvern!"
A rare high-grade spirit beast known not for its combat, but for its pride, speed, and beauty—a creature that would only bond with someone truly free-spirited and powerful in aura.
Upon its back stood a tall young man in blue robes lazily fluttering in the wind. His dark-gold hair was windswept, his smile brighter than the sun. Around his shoulders, spirit beasts clung like oversized pets—one nuzzled his neck, another flapped comically beside his head.
He leapt down in a smooth arc, landing with dramatic flair, arms wide.
"TARYN!"
Taryn blinked, then grinned. "Big brother!"
The eldest brother didn't wait—he rushed forward and picked Taryn up in a crushing hug, spinning him around like a ragdoll.
"Look at you! Muscles! Spiritual essence! A scent that isn't sick-bed herbal tea!" He held Taryn at arm's length. "You look alive, finally!"
Taryn laughed, trying to wriggle free. "You're embarrassing me…"
"You were always the small one," his brother said, placing a hand on his head fondly. "And now you're becoming... not-so-small."
Just then, the doors to the great hall opened, and their parents walked out, warm smiles on their faces.
"My little troublemaker," their mother said. "You made quite the entrance again."
"Is there another way to enter?" the eldest said cheekily. "Father, mother." He bowed deeply, respectfully.
His father gave him a nod of approval. "Your presence always brings energy to the estate. We're glad you're home."
Taryn stood beside them all, for once not feeling like an outsider—no longer weak, no longer forgotten. His brother leaned toward him.
"Oh right! I nearly forgot." He reached into his storage ring and pulled out a small box glowing with soft golden runes. "This is for you, Taryn."
Taryn opened it slowly—and gasped.
Inside was a spirit beast egg. Soft blue scales shimmered on the shell, pulsing gently with life.
"I found it in the north ridge near the Moonwell Forest. It hasn't hatched yet—but when it does, it'll choose you if you form a bond early." His brother winked. "A gift. From one beast master to a soon-to-be one."
The system popped up beside Taryn, whispering dramatically:
"A legendary egg, a mysterious bond, a lazy brother with overpowered pets—your story just got a side quest."
Taryn's heart pounded with excitement.
A spirit beast of his own?
This… was only the beginning.