While Others Tame Beasts, I Level Up

With the semi-annual assessments only a week away, preparation was key.

After selling the boar tusks and pelts to a local merchant for 80 silver, I headed toward the equipment shop in the nearby town. My current gear had served me well, but it was clearly nearing its limits. My sword bore cracks from the relentless battles, and my boots had holes that let dirt and water seep through. If I wanted to dominate the assessments, I needed better equipment.

The shop was modest but well-stocked, with rows of weapons, armor, and accessories glinting under the dim lantern light. The blacksmith behind the counter was a burly man with calloused hands and a stern expression. He looked me over as I entered, his eyes lingering on the worn sword strapped to my side.

"You look like someone who's been pushing their limits," he said, gesturing to the cracked blade. "You're lucky that thing hasn't snapped mid-battle."

I nodded. "That's why I'm here. I need upgrades—something durable and powerful."

He smirked and motioned to a display of weapons. "Take your pick. Got some fine pieces here."

I scanned the options, my eyes landing on a sleek sword with a faint silver gleam.

[D-rank Mythril-Edged Sword - 30 silver]

(Boosts user fighting power by 60%, made of 80% iron, 15% mythril ore)

"That one," I said, pointing to the sword.

"Good choice," the blacksmith replied. "Lightweight, sharp, and tough enough to handle beasts twice your size."

I moved to the armor section next, selecting pieces to replace my tattered gear.

[E-rank Iron Helmet, Chest Plate, and Pads - 20 silver each]

(Boosts defense by 20% each)

Finally, I spotted a pair of boots displayed on a pedestal. Their design was sleek, with faint runes etched into the leather.

[D+ rank Magic Boots - 80 silver]

(Boosts speed by 50%)

I hesitated for a moment, the price making my stomach twist. But speed was vital in combat, and these boots could give me a significant edge.

"I'll take the boots too," I said, handing over the silver.

By the time I left the shop, my purse was considerably lighter, but I felt the investment was worth it. Clad in new gear and armed with a superior weapon, I was ready to test my limits.

The academy's training grounds were bustling with students preparing for the assessments. Sparring matches, magical demonstrations, and beast-taming drills filled the air with a cacophony of sound.

I found an unoccupied corner and unsheathed my new sword. The weight felt perfect in my hands, balanced and responsive. Kas coiled nearby, watching me with unblinking eyes.

"Alright, Kas," I said, activating Animal-Stance: Unity. The familiar surge of heightened senses washed over me, sharpening my focus. "Let's see what this sword can do."

I began practicing my forms, each swing of the blade cutting through the air with precision and power. The difference was immediately noticeable—the mythril edge sliced effortlessly, and the boost in fighting power was evident with every movement.

After an hour of practice, I decided it was time to push myself further. I approached one of the sparring arenas where students tested their skills against each other.

A boy with a smug expression and a hulking bear-like beast at his side stood in the center of the ring. His name was Felix Rocker, a known bully who prided himself on his brute strength. Rumors said he had C rank potential when he joined.

"Who's next?" Felix called out, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Anyone brave enough to face me and Brutus?"

I stepped forward, Kas slithering beside me. "I'll take you on."

Felix's eyes narrowed, then widened in recognition. "George Carter? The stray who thinks he belongs here?" He chuckled. "This will be fun."

Felix wasted no time, ordering his beast to attack. Brutus charged, its massive paws kicking up dust as it barreled toward Kas and me.

"Quick Dash!" I activated the skill, darting to the side and slashing at Brutus's flank with my new sword. The blade cut deep, drawing a roar of pain from the beast.

[-80 HP]

"Kas, Erosion Spit!"

Kas hissed and launched a glob of venom at Brutus's exposed wound. The venom sizzled on contact, and the beast staggered, its movements sluggish.

Felix's smug grin faltered. "Brutus, get up! Crush him!"

But I wasn't about to give him the chance. Activating Double Jump, I leaped into the air, flipping over Brutus's head and landing behind him. With a swift strike to the back of his legs, the beast crumpled to the ground.

[-120 HP]

Felix stared in disbelief as Brutus lay defeated. "Impossible," he muttered. "How—?"

I pointed my sword at him, my voice cold. "Next time, think twice before underestimating me."

The crowd erupted into murmurs as I walked out of the ring, Kas coiling around my arm triumphantly.

Back in my dorm, I reviewed my progress.

[George Carter - Adapted Tamer I]

Level: 16

EXP: 2300/3500

Strength: 9.6(+60%) (Def +60%)

Agility: 9.8( +50%)

Intelligence: 8.1

Soul Power: 12

Skills:

Animal-Stance: Unity

Madness (Lvl 7)

Quick Dash (Lvl 4)

Low-Level Swordsmanship (Lvl 4)

Double Jump (Lvl 1)

[Kas - Chaos Snake]

Level: 15

Exp: 4300/4500

Health: 320

Strength: 14.1

Agility: 14.8

Intelligence: 10.1

Soul Power: 12

Skills: Language understanding lvl 3, Venom Bite Lvl 5, Coiling Strike Lvl 3, Erosion Spit(Venom)- Lvl 3, Mana Resonance lvl 3, Coiling Dominion lvl 2

Time to grow stronger.

The following morning I went to the academy, grabbed a few potion pots, then I went to the Academy Billboard.

It was a lively scene as students jostled and talked over each other, eager to grab missions that promised quick rewards. The assessments were just weeks away, and every point of experience or coin earned could make the difference.

Kas, coiled loosely around my arm, flicked his tongue in and out, as though impatient to get moving.

I scanned the board for a suitable challenge. My eyes settled on one particular mission:

Hunt the Shadowfang Pack

Threat Level: D+

Objective: Eliminate the pack of Shadowfang Wolves terrorizing the eastern forest.

Reward: 4,500 EXP, 2 Gold Coins

Bonus: Extra gold for retrieving Alpha's Fang.

"Shadowfang Wolves," I muttered. "Perfect."

Kas hissed softly, his tail tightening slightly in anticipation. I tore the slip from the board and headed to the registration desk.

As I walked, a few students whispered behind me.

"Isn't that too dangerous for him?"

"He barely hit Level 16. Those wolves are no joke."

"Let's see if he even comes back."

I ignored them, my grip tightening on the hilt of my D-rank Mythril-Edged Sword. The Shadowfang Wolves were dangerous, sure, but I was ready. With my new gear and Kas's skills, this was going to be the perfect opportunity to prove myself.

By midday, I'd reached the dense woods of the eastern forest. The shadows here felt heavier, almost alive. It was the perfect territory for Shadowfang Wolves, predators that thrived in darkness and used it to their advantage.

I activated Animal-Stance: Unity, sharpening my senses to pick up every sound and movement. Kas, resting on my shoulder now, hissed softly and whispered through our bond.

"Wolves nearby. Five. No...six. Alpha among them."

Kas's Language Understanding (Level 3) allowed him to interpret subtle signs and share critical information. I nodded and prepared for the ambush.

It came faster than expected.

Two wolves darted out from the shadows, their glowing red eyes locking onto me. Their black fur bristled, and they moved in near-perfect unison, their claws scraping against the forest floor.

"Quick Dash!" I shouted, activating the skill to avoid their pincer attack. I slashed at the closest wolf, my D-rank Sword cutting deep into its side.

[-90 HP]

Kas leapt from my shoulder, coiling midair before latching onto the second wolf's neck.

"Coiling Strike!" I commanded.

His tail snapped tightly around the wolf, constricting its windpipe. The wolf thrashed wildly, but Kas bit down with Venom Bite (Level 5), injecting a potent toxin into its bloodstream.

[Poison Effect: -70 HP per second]

[Critical Hit! -150 HP]

The wolf collapsed, twitching, as Kas slithered off its limp body.

Before I could catch my breath, three more wolves emerged from the underbrush. One growled menacingly, its larger size marking it as the pack's Beta. It howled, and the others spread out, trying to flank me.

"Kas, Erosion Spit!" I shouted.

Kas hissed and launched a glob of venom at the Beta. The acidic liquid sizzled on contact, eating away at its dark fur and flesh.

[-100 HP]

[Poison Effect: -50 HP per second]

The Beta yelped but kept advancing. One of the smaller wolves lunged at me, its claws swiping for my legs. I activated Double Jump, launching myself into the air and twisting mid-flight. My blade connected with the wolf's exposed flank, cutting deep.

[Critical Hit! -130 HP]

As I landed, the Beta snarled and charged me directly. I barely raised my E-rank Shield in time to block its powerful swipe. The impact sent me sliding back, the force rattling my arms.

"Coiling Dominion!" I shouted.

Kas darted toward the Beta, wrapping around its legs and neck. His scales glinted as he tightened his grip, pinning the wolf to the ground. I took the opportunity to strike, driving my sword into its chest.

[Finishing Blow! -180 HP]

The Beta went still, its red eyes dimming.

[Beta Shadowfang Wolf Defeated! +1,000 EXP]

[Kas has leveled up!

Level 15 achieved!]

A low, guttural growl echoed through the forest. The remaining wolves stepped aside, their heads bowed. From the shadows emerged the Alpha. It was nearly twice the size of the others, its black fur streaked with silver, and its glowing red eyes burned with intelligence.

Kas hissed, his body coiling tighter around my arm.

"Kas, stay sharp," I said, gripping my sword. The Alpha wouldn't be easy to defeat.

The beast didn't wait. It lunged, moving faster than I'd expected. I barely dodged, the air shifting as its claws swiped past my face. The Alpha snarled, activating Shadow Veil, and its body dissolved into the darkness around us.

I activated Animal-Stance: Unity again, heightening my senses to catch the Alpha's subtle movements. A faint rustle to my right warned me just in time. I spun, slashing at the shadows, and felt my blade connect.

[Critical Hit! -200 HP]

The Alpha howled, its shadowy form solidifying. Kas leapt forward, launching another Erosion Spit at its exposed flank. The venom hit, sizzling as it ate into the Alpha's flesh.

The beast roared, its glowing eyes narrowing on Kas. It charged, but I intercepted it with Quick Dash, slashing across its path and forcing it back.

"Mana Resonance!" I commanded.

Kas's body glowed faintly as he synchronized his energy with mine, boosting my speed and precision. The Alpha staggered, its movements faltering as the combined assault overwhelmed it.

"Finish it, Kas!" I shouted.

Kas launched himself onto the Alpha's back, coiling tightly and biting down with Venom Bite. The poison coursed through the beast's veins, weakening it further.

I seized the moment, leaping into the air with Double Jump and driving my sword into the Alpha's neck with all my strength.

[Finishing Blow! -300 HP]

The Alpha collapsed, its body shuddering before going still.

Victory and Rewards

[Mission Complete!

You have defeated the Alpha Shadowfang Wolf!

+4,500 EXP]

[Bonus Objective Completed! Retrieved Alpha's Fang! +1 Gold Coin]

[Level Up!

Congratulations, George Carter! You have reached Level 17!

Congratulations, Kas has reached Level 16!]

[Inventory Update]

Gold: 6

Silver: 56

Bronze: 50