Leo quickly recalled the second effect of his talent, [Beastiary of Souls].

Effect 2: Can collect the soul essence of Beasts that have gained intelligence and use it to enhance the soul of the talent holder. With an extremely rare chance to gain a talent from the soul.

And this Alpha male definitely counted as intelligent. Not just him—the female, too. The way they coordinated, led, commanded… beasts didn't move like that without a considerable level of thought. Leo's train of reasoning broke when the ringing boom finally subsided. Dust drifted through the air, and he spotted another turtle-shell barrier snapping shut over the last remaining core—apparently activated because of the rebounded rebound slamming back into the golem, leaving the construct's body splintered in a dozen places.

The alpha's expression twisted into raw rage as it applied even more pressure to the clamped cores, crushing them with a bone-creaking sound. The cores dissolved over his claws, and the alpha absorbed the energy right from that spot. Before the rebound could erupt again, the female stepped forward and pressed her other paw firmly onto the alpha's back. She stood almost perched atop him, as if using him as a springboard. The same exchange happened—the redirected energy detonated backward into the golem.

Boom!

This time, the golem didn't survive. Its entire frame ruptured, collapsing into rubble. One last core tumbled free, rolling down over broken stone—until the alpha flicked his tail with a slick, practiced motion, batting it straight toward the noble-blooded beta. The beta snapped it up happily. Both wolves glowed with a faint white aura before it gradually faded—much like Leo himself when absorbing Earthpulse Heartstones.

Leo stayed crouched low behind the stones, a cold breeze brushing his cheek as he raked a hand through his hair.

"How the hell am I supposed to compete with these wolves?" he muttered, voice tight with nerves. His legs were ready to bolt.

Should I just be satisfied with the cores and bodies I already got? Or do I risk everything for a chance at more power…?

Then suddenly—

Ding!

Dryad [Niri] (Peak 2-star) → Pseudo 3-star — Royal Bloodline

Skill Acquired!

[Solar Beam] –

By drawing in the sun's essence, the user channels a pure ray of solar power, compressing it into a continuous line of scorching radiance. The beam travels in a straight path with high penetration, Deadly against beasts weak to heat or light, even if higher ranked. Most effective during the day, least at night, and nearly negligible during the new moon.

Mana: 1000 - 2000

Ding!

Stats Updated! [Niri's upgraded stats attribute share]

Vitality: 36.4 [86.4 → 111.4]

Strength: 39.4 [89.3 → 114.3]

Agility: 38.5 [88.5 → 113.5]

Stamina: 38.7 [88.7 → 113.7]

Intelligence: 56.1 → 72.8 [106.1 → 122.8 → 147.8] {Half-Spirit increases innate mana at a 2:3 ratio for the tamer}

Mana: 5049 → 6552 [9549 → 11052 → 13302]

{A/N: If anyone wants a proper explanation for stat increments due to beast rank-ups, just say so in the comments, and I'll explain it.}

Leo's urge to run vanished instantly—snuffed out the moment fresh power flooded the screen. That's right… I have the system's assistance.

He glanced at Shyra, whose tail flicked with restless impatience. After sensing Niri's advancement—thanks to devouring the cores and corpses inside the spiritual space—she could barely stay still. Her eyes practically shimmered with the unspoken message: Send me back. Let me advance too.

Leo didn't hesitate. He summoned her back into the spiritual space, then waited—heart thumping with rising anticipation.

A few minutes later—

Ding!

Obsidian Panther Cub [Shyra] (Peak 2-star) → Pseudo 3-star — Noble Bloodline

Ding!

Stats Updated!

Vitality: 36.4 [111.4 → 136.4]

Strength: 39.4 [114.3 → 139.3]

Agility: 38.5 [113.5 → 138.5]

Stamina: 38.7 [113.7 → 138.7]

Intelligence: 72.8 [147.8 → 172.8]

Mana: 6552 [13302 → 15552]

With this, he was now a low 3-star too—enough to make confidence surge through his chest. He could survive anything this place threw at him. The instructors had said this forest contained beasts only up to low 3-star… which meant he had just become one of the top contenders here.

But before he could let himself enjoy that thought, he felt something prick at his skin.

A gaze.

A discerning gaze.

One that was searching for him.

Leo stiffened and slowly looked up—only for his breath to freeze halfway in his throat.

The wolf pack, which had been preparing to charge as soon as their alpha finished digesting the core, now had every head turned toward Leo's direction.

Most of the wolves looked puzzled… but one pair of eyes was locked directly onto him.

The female alpha's.

That was when he noticed it—the faintly glowing white crescent-moon mark in her grey fur along her temple, shimmering subtly as she stared unblinkingly in his direction. A low growl rumbled from her chest, the kind that wasn't quite a threat but definitely a signal.

The male alpha followed her gaze, confusion flickering across his blue-crystal eyes. He tilted his head, clearly not understanding what he was supposed to be seeing. But after being with her for so long, he knew better than to ignore her instincts.

He rose to his full height, fur bristling, and forced the digestion process to accelerate. Even before he was done absorbing the energy, he stepped up beside her.

And in the very next instant, he threw his head back, opening his mouth wide—

HOOOOWWWWLLL!

Leo didn't even get a heartbeat's worth of time to question whether they had actually found him. Because the moment that howl erupted, a chain ring-shaped shockwave blasted out of the alpha's maw—straight toward him.

His pupils tightened.There was no time to dodge.

He could only brace for impact.

Gritting his teeth, he crossed his arms in front of him and dropped into a lowered stance.

You idiot, he cursed himself, getting complacent just because you were in stealth—

THUM!—BAM!—GRRRRRR!

The shockwave slammed into him full-force. Pain rippled across his arms and chest as his boots dug into the dirt, skidding him backward. Two deep grooves carved themselves into the ground beneath his heels.

His stealth shattered instantly.

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