Dawnwatch was changing.
From a humble village born in the dust and heat, it now pulsed with power—walls reinforced with enchanted stone, watchtowers humming with arcane energy, and elite soldiers patrolling the boundaries. The air was thick with preparation.
But nowhere was the transformation more evident than at the newly built Beast Crucible.
A circular structure of obsidian and steel, reinforced by glowing runes and monitored day and night, it sat at the southern end of the village. This was where the beast eggs—ten of them—would hatch. But these were no ordinary creatures. Each was the spoils of a thousandfold reward, plucked from Kavach's vault and now entrusted to Priya.
"Are you ready?" Arjun asked, standing beside her as the final ward was placed on the Crucible.
Priya's eyes shimmered with excitement. "These aren't beasts we hatch. They're weapons, companions, and legends. Let's begin."
The ten beast eggs pulsed with life, each a different shade and texture. One was sleek and covered in crimson scales, another shimmered with icy mist. A third vibrated faintly, as though a storm brewed within.
The Crucible's central altar began to glow, infused with power from the Arcane Core Nexus. Priya placed her hands on a control crystal and whispered an incantation granted by her System skill: Random Beast Egg Lottery.
[Priya - Beastmistress of Genesis]Skill Activated: Beast Egg RandomizationMutation Chance: 100%Bond Affinity: Enhanced (x10)
The first egg cracked.
It exploded in a burst of flame and smoke, revealing a creature no larger than a dog—sleek, jet-black, with glowing red stripes. As it blinked and stood, fire curled from its jaws.
"A Hellfire Hound… but mutated," Priya whispered in awe. "It's half elemental."
More eggs hatched in succession.
The second revealed a Stormwing Raptor—a bird with lightning-infused feathers and a shriek that cracked stone.
The third was a Tunneling Dreadwyrm, a snake-like beast with diamond-tipped horns.
By the time the tenth had hatched, Priya stood amidst an array of legendary-class creatures. All had been randomized, all had evolved. She trembled from the strain—but the smile never left her face.
"They're not just beasts," she said softly. "They're family now."
System Notification
[Dawnwatch has acquired Legendary Beast Units]Unit Synergy Bonus Activated
– Territorial Protection Aura: Increases village defense by 25% when beasts are within range.– Hatchmaster Title (Priya): All beasts under your command grow 2x faster and retain memory through reincarnation.
Beast Crucible upgraded to Tier II. Further development unlocked.
Arjun turned to his sister, pride swelling in his chest.
"You've made this village unstoppable," he said.
Priya only nodded. "This is just the beginning, bhai."
Far beyond Dawnwatch, in the tangled shadows of the Southern Wilds, a cloaked figure rode a skeletal mount. He passed ruined villages, battlefields choked with corpses, and the whispers of the wind carried only one name:
"Arjun of Dawnwatch."
In his pale hand, he held a glowing orb—an echo crystal that replayed the envoy's death.
"He has begun to break the chains," the rider murmured. "And so, the Hollow Saint shall test him."
With a flick of his wrist, the crystal shattered, releasing a black wraith that soared toward the north.
In a hidden fortress deep within the Crimson Vultures' territory, five powerful regional lords gathered.
The room was dimly lit, and each lord was accompanied by their own aura—crimson flames, shifting shadows, flesh that writhed with parasites.
"Arjun has disturbed the cycle," Enkara spat, slamming a wine goblet down. "Kavach was weak, yes—but his fall threatens balance."
"The Court watches," Mirexa purred, her eyes shimmering with violet venom. "The boy has a gift. That 1000x ability... even I'm curious."
The Hollow Saint did not speak, but shadows curled around his skeletal hands in approval.
One by one, they pledged their next moves.
"Send scouts," said Enkara. "Let's see how this Sovereign fights when we move."
Back in Dawnwatch, unaware of the gathering storm, Arjun and the others declared a night of celebration.
A festival was held in the center of the village, fires lighting the streets, food carts overflowing with meats and spiced breads. The villagers danced, laughed, and played music with handmade instruments. It was their first real moment of peace.
Arjun stood beside Meera, Shayra, Priya, Vaidehi, and even Tarun—who for once left his lab.
"You gave them hope," Meera said softly. "Don't ever forget that."
Shayra nudged him. "And a future."
Later, as the stars rose and the fire crackled low, Arjun found himself alone with Shayra again.
"Come with me," she whispered.
They walked through the newly planted grove near the eastern edge of the village. The night air was warm, filled with the scent of jasmine and new leaves.
Shayra turned to face him.
"I want a reason to fight that's mine. Not just duty. Not just vengeance." She touched his chest. "I want you."
Arjun kissed her, and beneath the whispering trees, they made love for the first time. There was no urgency, only warmth—two warriors finally allowing themselves to feel.
System Alert
[Bond Deepened – Shayra Nightblade]Emotional Synchronization: Complete
Compatibility Score: 91%Pregnancy Probability: High
Special Trait Unlocked: Shadowmother's Bloodline Awakened– Offspring will inherit hybrid combat genetics.– Unique Class chance: 70%
Side Quest Unlocked: Prepare for the HeirObjective: Ensure the survival of your bloodline through fortress defense and mate protection.Reward: ??? (Divine-class reward pending)
Arjun stared at the notification as Shayra curled into his side, eyes closed.
He wasn't just building a village anymore.
He was building a future.