"Beast Companion?" Aeric asked with raised brows and a curious face.
"Yes, Aeric. Your Beast Companion," Guinevere repeated, smiling at the handsome face of confusion he had.
Just like Mother Guinevere's Lionhawk, Yumi, Beast Companions were magical creatures given only to the royal family once they came of age and unlocked their Divine Core. All the Mothers and Daughters had one, and now that Aeric was eighteen and awakened, it was his turn to get one of his own.
Aeric got incredibly excited because of this. He'd always been curious about his mother's Lionhawk, and he remembered seeing Rosette's once through the window of his room.
"Come with me," Mother Guinevere said, rising up from her throne. "Let us head to the stables, see what catches your eye and perform the bonding ritual."
"Alright," Aeric said with an excited smile. He followed beside his mother, clinging to her soft body as they walked out of the royal courtroom, knightguards following them at both sides.
They walked out of the castle and through the fields were many workers, farmers and maidens greeted them with reverence. Then finally, at the far corner of the vast green land, the stable revealed itself.
Aeric narrowed his eyes at the structure with intrigue, the closer they got.
The stables were long, stretching along the castle grounds, and they weren't filled with horses, donkeys or such, but with creatures of legend and magic.
When they arrived, the first thing Aeric noticed was the smell. It smelt like magical excretion, herbs, and something flowery. This is how it would smell when magical creatures were kept together and reared.
The roof was made of thatch, supported by massive wooden beams, alongside that strange smell was the scent of hay, leather, and the faint buzz of enchantments.
Aeric saw a magical beast standing inside each of the stalls, all wondrous, regal and completely unrealistic to the eyes of an earthling. A beast that resembled a Lionhawk but with purple skin gazed at him from its corner, while an Owlbear, a towering beast with the feathers of an owl and the ferocity of a bear, let out a low growl.
Aeric's eyes wandered over the other creatures, Icelizards, Turtlebears, Viperbirds, sleek Nightpanthers whose eyes glowed with the light of the moon, and the fiery Hellhounds that paced restlessly behind their enchanted barriers.
The stableman greeted Mother Guinevere then approached Aeric with a smile on his face. "Ah, the Hellhound catches your eyes, yes?"
Aeric downturned his lips. "Mhm. Not really. I think the Nightpanthers are better."
"Ah! Splendid choice! Nightpanthers are fast on land and carry the power of shadows! Do you want to bind a Nightpanther as your Beast Companion?" the stableman, who wore a keffi hat, had bushy eyebrows and uneven teeth with a beard that refused to connect, asked him with a big smile.
Aeric looked at the beast, admiring its sleek fur and cat-like face. "Hmm. I'm not sure."
The stableman frowned. "Well then, what exactly are you looking for?"
"Do not rush my son, Vumis!" Mother Guinevere ordered, causing the stableman to chase his frown away and bow in respect. Then, Guinevere turned to her son. "Don't worry, darling. Take your time. This is a very important choice."
Aeric narrowed his eyes as he studied the creatures in the stable, but then, from the far corner, something caught his eye.
In the farthest stall, as though hidden away from the rest of them was a majestic looking beast whose fur shimmered with the soft glow of silver and obsidian. It had the form of a wolf, although larger with spiky fur. Its eyes were a piercing silver, and its sleek form exuded both power and grace.
The creature was beautiful and Aeric could tell from the way its body was built that the beast had great speed and strength. He approached the stall slowly, and as he did, it lifted its head, meeting his gaze with an intelligence that startled him.
It seemed like they shared a bond at that exact moment.
"I want this one," Aeric declared, pointing to the beast.
The stableman's frown returned and his eyes widened. "That is a Silverwolf, my lord. They are very rare and endangered, only a handful are left in the realm. I don't think it would be wise to—"
"I have made my choice," Aeric stated with a cold look in his eyes and a firm voice.
The stableman couldn't protest further, he glanced at Mother Guinevere who shrugged at him. "You heard what he said," she said. "He has made his choice. This is his birthright."
The stableman hesitated only a moment longer before bowing low. "As you wish, my queen."
He walked to the Silverwolf's stall, and unlocked it, then took it out of the stable to the corner where they would perform the binding ritual.
Only Aeric followed the stableman inside.
The binding ritual was swift yet powerful. The stableman brought out a glowing silver inscription stone, pressing it gently to the Silverwolf's forehead. Aeric followed suit, placing his hand over the stone.
Then, a soft glow enveloped both him and the wolf as their essences intertwined, sealing the bond between them. The Silverwolf's eyes flashed briefly, and Aeric felt a surge of power flow into him as the connection solidified.
"Now for the blood bounding," the stableman said, pulling out a small knife. He featured for Aeric to open his palm.
Aeric did and the stableman cut a quick slash. The Son's blood dropped into the stone and the inscription glowed once again. It was the Silverwolf's turn. The stableman carefully cut a line on its limb that the beast didn't even react to, the blood also dripped into the stone and glowed.
Instantly, the interface window appeared in front of Aeric with a notification;
[Binding Ritual complete]
[Beast Companion, Silverwolf has been accepted]
[Do you wish to see your Beast Companion's stats?]
Aeric selected [Later], too excited to ride his beast for now.
"All is done now. What is left is for you to give him a name. What will you name him, my lord?" the stableman asked, stepping back.
Aeric looked into the beast's silver eyes and smiled. "Sylver, with a y. His name will be Sylver."
"Sylver with a y," the stableman nodded. "That is a good name."
Aeric looked at him and only smirked. "Come on, Sylver!" Wth the ritual now complete, he mounted the Silverwolf, and its powerful form carried him with ease. The beast's silver fur was surprisingly comfortable and it glistened from Aeric's view.
As it rode outside the stables, its muscles rippled beneath Aeric's legs.
"How magnificent you look, my son!" Guinevere exclaimed.
On top of his Beast Companion, Aeric smiled. "Thank you so much, mother. I will be on my way to the Institution now."
A look of worry now appeared on the Mother's face, but she tried to maintain optimism for her son's growth. "One last hug before you leave."
Aeric only smiled at her but remained on his Beast. "I will see you when I get back, mother." He tapped Sylver on the neck and the Beast walked further, Aeric turned to wave his mother goodbye. She waved back, but she was still worried.
'He's grown up so fast,' she thought as she watched him leave.
From afar, Aeric spotted his sisters—Rosette on her Owlbear and Misty on her Horsesparrow. They too were about to head on to the Royal Institution. Feeling happy and certain that nothing could change his mood, he urged Sylver forward, catching up to them swiftly.
"Hey, sisters," Aeric called out with a grin, his voice light and teasing.
Rosette barely glanced at him, but her eyes narrowed with disbelief and jealousy as she saw the Silverwolf beneath him. "What?! Mother gave you the Silverwolf?" she asked with a look of annoyance.
Misty looked at the beautiful beast, but said nothing, only glancing between both siblings.
"I guess by your reaction you've always wanted the Silverwolf."
"It's a Four Star Legendary Beast Companion!" Rosette exclaimed. "Mine is only a Five Star Epic!"
Aeric shrugged. "I guess this is what you get for being a Special Child!"
Rosette narrowed her eyes. "Nghhhh!" Angry steams seemed to shoot out of her ears as she turned red.
"So," Aeric smirked, undeterred by their usual unfriendly reception, "how about a race?"
After Aeric proposed the race, Rosette and Misty exchanged quiet glances. Misty didn't know what to say while Rosette, who was still peeved, appeared completely uninterested. She signaled her Owlbear onward and the beast obeyed.
Misty nervously avoided eye contact with Aeric as she also signaled her Horsesparrow forward. The two sisters took off, leaving Aeric behind. But he was not at all disheartened or anything like that. He smirked, eyes gleaming with amusement at his sisters' apparent dislike for him.
"No one's interested? No?" he muttered sarcastically. "Fine. I'll race them anyway."
Aeric adjusted his cape and leaned forward, patting Sylver's sleek neck, feeling the raw power coiled beneath the wolf's silver fur. "You hear that, Sylver? What do you think about a race?"
The beast barked softly, showing his excitement.
"Alright, now." Aeric smiled, bracing himself. "Take me to the Royal Institution!"
Sylver understood exactly what to do. The Silverwolf's muscles tensed, and with a quick burst of silver motion, he shot forward. When he ran, his paws barely touched the ground, they seemed to be hovering just above before he suddenly warped through space, as though the fabric of reality itself bent to the creature's will.
"Whooooooohhh!!!" Aeric exclaimed as a breeze brushed past his face.
The wind roared in his ears and Sylver leapt into the sky. The moment the beast's legs flew up, the ground vanished beneath them and they hung in the air for a while, weightless, before a shimmering silver road appeared beneath the wolf's paws.
"Woah, that's cool," Aeric thought out loud.
This magical pathway, ethereal and glowing, wound its way through the clouds, sparkling like stardust under the midday sun. Aeric held tight as Sylver sprinted across the road, his paws leaving trails of silver light with each rapid step.
Looking down, he saw his sisters flying on their beasts in the air, but he was higher than them.
"Hey, sisters!" he called tauntingly. Rosette and Misty lifted their heads to see him smiling widely and mockingly at them. An angry frown was on Rosette's face as she watched him ride past them, Sylver's magical road disappearing after him.
Aeric rode above the entire Starlight Region, crossing the boundary and moved to the center region where if one crossed the next boundary, they would see the Elysium Plains.
The Royal Institution was built in the Realm Core, as it was called. The Realm Core was the very center of the realm where the most magic was possible. The Elysium Plains shared a bit of the Realm Core, which was why it was the most magical of all regions.
Higher and faster, Aeric and Sylver raced, the air thinning as they climbed. He glanced ahead, and through the clearing clouds, he could already make out the towering spires of the Royal Institution of Divinity.
'Wow,' Aeric thought. 'It's beautiful.'
Even from this distance, the place radiated power and grandeur. It stood tall and magnificent, the structures it possessed cut through the sky like a spear. Birds were flying above its spires and the flags of all the Regions were dancing in the wind.
Unlike the rugged, ancient castles of other lands, this building was elegant—almost too perfect to be real. It was carved from gold stone, with particular designs woven into the depth of the walls.
It was made of gold and silver, two colors that perfectly contrasted with each other. The domes crowned the spires, reflecting gold and catching the sunlight, and the towers seemed to float, suspended by some unseen magic.
As he rose closer and closer, he could now make out the sacred sigils of the Regions of Erothyria inscribed on the flowing banners of different colors draped down the sides and on the flags.
From their elevated vantage point, Aeric could also see the vast grounds stretching out below, filled with lush gardens, sparkling fountains, and winding pathways.
This place was even more beautiful than the Castle of Starlight. And who the hell has that fat ass!!!
Aeric squinted his crimson eyes and he could now make out the shapes of other Daughters of Eros — curvy, voluptuous shapes.
They were all arriving on their own magnificent beasts. Griffins with wings of fire, Nightmonkeys with manes of flame, and creatures Aeric couldn't recognize talking more of name flew and galloped toward the Institution, their riders sitting tall and proud.
Aeric got more excited and he urged Sylver to descend faster and closer to the ground. As the obedient beast did so, he noticed some of the Daughters turn around and look up. Some of their eyes widened in surprise and others were frowning from jaw to jaw.
The silver road cast a shadow upon all of them, and his entrance caught their attention. And why wouldn't it? He was, after all, the only boy. The only Son of Eros.
Sylver ran down the silver road with effortless grace, and soon the glowing pathway descended, curving down toward the grand courtyard of the Institution.
As they neared the ground, Aeric straightened, letting the wind whip through his dark hair. His Silverwolf touched down lightly, and then howled proudly, a howl that echoed through the morning and caused birds to flutter away.
The sun shone on the prince. His regal clothing, his dark hair, his fair skin, masculine structure and then his powerful beast. All around them, Daughters turned their heads, and the courtyard, filled with the hum of conversation and activity, quieted.
Aeric of Starlight knew how to make an entrance!
The prince sat atop Sylver, perfectly calm with a chad expression on his face, surveying the crowd of girls gathered around. As they glared at him, the Daughters of Eros whispered amongst themselves, their voices like a rising tide of curiosity and gossip.
"So that's him?" one with orange hair whispered, her gaze fixed on Aeric.
"An actual boy in the Institution?"
"Look at him… with the Silverwolf. That's one of the rarest Beasts in existence!"
"Rarest? It's a Four Star Legendary! I can't believe Mother Guinevere allowed him to have such a creature."
Aeric's eyes flicked across the sea of faces, listening to what they were saying, noting the mix of expressions, but still appearing calm and nonchalant . Some of the girls seemed taken aback, while others glared with thinly veiled distaste.
The fact that he rode the rare Silverwolf only fueled their intrigue. He smiled slightly, his expression one of bemused arrogance.
'That's just what they're saying,' he thought pridefully. 'Now, let me see what they really think.'
He activated his [Insight] skill and began to look at all the Daughters, each one his gaze landed upon, he would read their thoughts briefly.
His eyes first found Melina of Moonlight, the last daughter of Mother Selene, who had a white hair similar to her mother and although she was slimmer, her large round breasts were certainly reminiscent of her mother's.
'He's just a boy,' the girl said in her thoughts. 'I will treat him the same way as I treat my sisters. Though I must be careful, he is from Starlight.'
'Hmm,' Aeric thought. 'She seems very patriotic.'
He looked at Elara and Celestia of Dawn who were a few years older than him.
'He is quite handsome. I've never seen a boy so... magical.'
That made Aeric smile. 'Well thank you, Celestia.'
'Oh now I see why Mother was so curious about this boy. I've never seen someone so charming.'
'Wow. The Dawn Daughters are actually nice, eh? And what is this about their Mother taking an interest in me? Perhaps I'll pay Mother Aurora a visit. I've heard plenty of things about her bountiful... blessings.'
"Why are you all outside here staring at the abomination?!" a sharp, female voice suddenly announced itself.
The girls all gasped as they turned around to the large front door where Aryanne of Moonlight was standing. The girls had gasped because they had all been warned not to call Aeric that.
Aeric lifted his brow at the Daughter. She was tall, at least at 5'10 with a slender body and very round hips. She had dark long hair, designed in bangs, dark eyes and small but full lips. Her breasts swelled out of the black and blue gown she wore as she folded her arms beneath them, and on her face, was a crude, irritated expression.
"What?!" she looked at the other Daughters. "Are you all afraid to call him what he is? He's an abomination and we should not give him any more attention than he deserves. Now come with me and leave this garbage outside where he belongs."
She spun around and her small but swollen ass bounced through her gown, then she walked deeper into the Institution. The other Daughters followed after, including Rosette and Misty who had just arrived.
When they all left Aeric outside on the courtyard, he remained still and silent, still bamboozled at what had just happened.
"Who the hell was that?" he thought out loud.
However, the Depravity System replied;
[Player Profile: Aryanne of Moonlight]
[Title: Second Daughter of Selene]
[Region: Moonlight]
[Class: Enchantress]
[Level: Master]
[Rank: Platinum]
A cunning smile stretched on Aeric's lips. 'So she's Mother's Selene daughter, huh? The Moonlight family keeps catching my interest, don't they?'
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