___Back in the Academy Temple___

Nord rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck, flexing as if checking whether his body was still in proper condition. Just then, a sharp rush of wind swept past him. One of his subordinates descended from the sky, astride a flying bat-type beast, landing neatly beside him.

The man slid off the beast and dropped to one knee.

"Lord! I found their location!" he reported urgently. "It seems they've already formed a territory. It wasn't mentioned in Aurelius Hall, so it must be all the freshers. I only saw four people—two straw sheds. And…" His voice rose with excitement. "I even spotted a two-meter-tall plant with blue leaves."

Nord's eyes narrowed slightly.

"I checked it on my phone," the subordinate continued, barely containing himself. "It's a territory beacon plant. That place is their territory!"

"Good," Nord said, lips curling into a satisfied grin as he transferred 50 AC into the man's account.

The subordinate's eyes widened when he saw the amount credited. Energized by the reward, he quickly added,

"Lord, the territory's location is geographically very advantageous. If we capture it, it'll benefit us greatly. It's a mound—normally difficult to attack—but they only have 4 people. If we act before they recruit more members, it'll be a breeze!"

Nord threw his head back and laughed.

"Hahaha! We attack tomorrow morning. Get all the boys ready." His laughter faded into a cold smile.

"That bitch dared to attack me. I'll show her what it truly means to offend the great Lord Nord." His gaze turned cruel. "There are two girls, right? This will be quite fun."

___Leo's Territory___

Leon sat at the edge of the hundred-meter-wide plateau, one leg dangling freely over the slope below. Cool night air brushed against his face as he stared into the darkness, lost in thought.

After Miho absorbed the petal, the mana-dense pressure around the Fluxsoil Heart had stopped affecting her. Seeing that, Leo had quickly commanded Howl to move the sheds across the plateau, spacing them out so as not to disturb Bigfoot.

It was late, and Leon had assumed he would be alone.

But Leo proved otherwise.

Soft footsteps approached from behind before Leo casually lowered himself beside Leon, sitting close enough for Leon to sense his presence without even turning around.

"So?" Leo asked lightly. "What are your plans regarding joining my territory?"

Leon finally turned his head toward him, brows knitting slightly.

"I'm still thinking," he muttered.

Leo tilted his head. "Even when my offer could potentially heal your damaged soul?"

Leon exhaled slowly, his breath misting faintly in the cold night air.

"It's not that simple," he replied. "A one-time solution won't cut it."

Leo raised an eyebrow.

"You can tell me," he said calmly. "I might have a way to solve it."

Leon shot him an irritated look. This bastard really wouldn't let him be.

"What makes you think I wouldn't just loot you and run away?" Leon said coldly.

"Do you really believe that offer would still stand afterwards?" His words carried an unspoken threat—he was more than capable of taking the treasure and disappearing.

Leo's response was a smug smile.

And then—

Leo's aura suddenly flared, surging outward like a rising tide.

Ding!

>Tamed Beast: Obsidian Panther Cub [Shyra] has gathered enough energy and advancement materials to advance to the next existential stage.

Ding!

>Your Beast, Shyra, has ranked up!

>Pseudo 3★ → Low 3★

>Due to smooth advancement, Bloodline purity and bond strength have increased.

>Bloodline: Noble (26% → 30%)

>Bond: Blood Bond (62% -> 67%)

>Obsidian Panther Cub → Obsidian Panther

>Trait Acquired!

- Body Size Adjustment

Able to freely change body size according to the needs of the beast, a smaller size results in less energy consumption and faster movements, a larger size results in more energy consumption but greater strength and presence.

Ding!

>Tamed Beast: Dryad [Niri] has gathered enough energy and advancement materials to advance to the next existential stage.

Ding!

>Your Beast, Dryad, has ranked up!

>Pseudo 3★ → Low 3★

>Due to smooth advancement, Bloodline purity and Bond Strength have increased.

>Bond: Bloodbond (63% ->69%)

>Bloodline: Royal (0% → 5%)

Ding!

>Tamed Beast: Eclipse Sun Direwolf [Nyxa] has gathered enough energy and advancement materials to advance to the next existential stage.

Ding!

>Your Beast, Nyxa, has ranked up!

>Pseudo 3★ → Low 3★

>Due to smooth advancement, Bloodline purity and Bond Strength have increased.

>Bond: Chain Bond 99% -> 99% [Upgrade your bond to bloodbond]

>Bloodline: Royal (0% → 1%)

>Trait Acquired!

- Body Size Adjustment

Able to freely change body size according to the needs of the beast, a smaller size results in less energy consumption and faster movements, a larger size results in more energy consumption but greater strength and presence.

A powerful feedback of strength surged through Leo's body as the advancements were completed.

Ding!

Ding!

Ding!

Your strength has greatly increased!

Updated Stats: (Shyra → Niri → Nyxa)

Vitality: 780 [970 → 1020 → 1070 → 1100]

Strength: 780 [970 → 1020 → 1070 → 1100]

Agility: 640 [810 → 860 → 910 → 940]

Stamina: 765 [955 → 1005 → 1055 → 1085]

Intelligence: 1086 [1279 → 1329 → 1379 → 1409]

Mana: 108600 [127900 → 140900]

Just then, Nyxa's form materialized beside Leo. Without hesitation, Leo drew his dagger and lightly slashed his arm. Blood welled up instantly.

Nyxa lowered her head. Leo calmly poured his blood into her mouth, never breaking eye contact with Leon. A dangerous smile played on his lips as he watched Leon's stunned expression.

Ding!

Bond [Nyxa]: Chain Bond 99% → Bloodbond 12%

Strength share from Nyxa increased from 30% to 50–70%

Vitality: 780 [1100 → 1140]

Strength: 780 [1100 → 1140]

Agility: 640 [940 → 980]

Stamina: 765 [1085 → 1125]

Intelligence: 1086 [1409 → 1449]

Mana: 108600 [140900 → 144900]

As the power settled into Leo's body, his aura underwent a qualitative transformation, surging decisively into Low 4★ strength.

"So," Leo asked softly, a sly smile on his face, "still thinking of robbing me?"

"How-How did you do that?" Leon stammered. He couldn't comprehend how someone could gain such terrifying power in mere moments. Before, he'd felt confident he could handle Leo with skill and maneuvering—but now, Leo could simply brute-force his way through.

Even in my Lion form… I'd have to be prepared to lose a limb, Leon thought grimly.

"You don't need to know," Leo replied evenly. "At least, not until I trust you enough." His gaze sharpened.

"Now tell me—will you join me?"

Leon fell silent once more. After a long moment, he shook his head.

"No. It's not worth it for a single chance." He paused, then added calmly,

"Since you've revealed this much, let me tell you something in return. My soul damage isn't random—it needs constant replenishment just to remain stable. I won't gamble 20 years of my life on a single opportunity that might only help me for 5."

He looked back toward the distant darkness.

"It's better to work alone."

Leo stared at him, deep in thought.

So one petal helps him for five years… and he said it needs to be continuously filled? Does that mean something is constantly draining his soul?

Leo's lips slowly curled upward.

"Deal."

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