Kaylen, who had watched the impressive taming of the Highbeasts by Nilyna and Raelia, gave a crooked smile.
His eyes gleamed with determination. He thought: "I can't let myself fall behind."
His gaze then fell on one of the most majestic creatures of Mount Lustfor: a Qilin.
The creature was a sight to behold.
Covered in golden scales that glowed with an otherworldly light, its body combined the elegance of a deer with the power of a horse.
Its horns, similar to a stag's but spiraled like twisted spires, rose high toward the heavens, a testament to its nobility.
Its deep blue eyes studied the man with an intelligence that seemed almost human.
Kaylen took a deep breath.
This wasn't an ordinary creature.
If Tarasques and Gryphons inspired fear through raw power, the Qilin commanded respect through its serene mystical aura.
Suddenly, the Qilin struck the ground with its golden hooves.
A shiver ran through the earth. Kaylen realized too late.
The ground trembled, and sharp spikes of earth burst upward around him, aiming to impale.
With a graceful leap, Kaylen dodged the attack, his movements flowing like a dance.
"So, you can control your surroundings…" he murmured with amused interest.
"That only makes this more exciting."
The Qilin seemed to grow agitated.
Its muscles tensed, and it opened its jaws.
Kaylen barely had time to react.
A dark energy formed in the air, pulsing like a heartbeat.
A flurry of shadowy projectiles surged at him.
The attacks were fast, precise, nearly instantaneous. Kaylen rolled, leaped, twisted—dodging with practiced skill.
He was no stranger to deadly creatures, but this Qilin's speed and ferocity were extraordinary.
Then, abruptly, the Qilin vanished. Kaylen frowned, instincts warning of imminent danger.
"Where are you...?" he muttered, scanning the terrain.
He closed his eyes briefly, focusing on the air and ground vibrations.
He caught a breath a faint shift above him.
His eyes snapped open, a smile forming.
He looked up—there it was, mid-air, diving straight for him.
"I found you."
Instead of drawing his blade, Kaylen slowly raised a hand.
His gaze was calm, devoid of threat.
"Easy there, big guy… I don't want to hurt you."
The beast hesitated mid-flight, its pupils narrowing in curiosity. Kaylen sensed the shift. Slowly, he set his sword down—a gesture of peace.
"You're proud. I respect that."
He rummaged through his pouch and pulled out a bundle of herbs he'd gathered in the Izulte Forest.
Their scent was known to soothe magical creatures.
"Here," he said, extending the herbs.
"I want us to be partners, not enemies. Do you accept?"
The Qilin stared intensely.
Warm breath rose in soft clouds from its nostrils into the cool mountain air.
Slowly, cautiously, it stepped closer.
It sniffed the herbs, analyzing them carefully.
Seconds stretched into eternity.
Then, the creature nibbled the plants, before swallowing them.
Kaylen smiled, his eyes gleaming with victory.
"So… does that mean you accept?"
The Qilin leaned down and, in a surprising gesture, licked his hand.
Its tongue was warm, rough, but oddly comforting.
"My name's Kaylen. They call me the White Tiger.
From now on I will be counting on you, partner."
The Qilin let out a crystal-clear cry, as if sealing their bond.
Its horns shimmered even brighter.
"Wiiiiiiiiiiii!"
Kaylen burst into laughter.
For the first time in ages, he'd found an ally who matched his strength and nobility.
"Together, we'll be unstoppable."
From a distance, Sylena softly applauded.
"Impressive... even for you, Kaylen," she murmured, a satisfied smile on her lips.
The White Tiger had found a partner worthy of his name.