989: Beastmaster Stardust

Beastmaster Stardust

Lian finally unveiled his most treasured possession, a translucent crystal that he wore close to his heart. Arthur could sense the significance it held for Lian, and as it landed in his palm, a mysterious screen materialized before him.0

[Beastmaster Stardust]

[The last stardust of the heavenly beast constellation, allowing its user to tame, reform, and store beasts within the core. It can only be used by a single person, who offers their life in exchange for its power. Removal would result in the user's death.]

Seika, with a skeptical frown, voiced her concerns, "You may not have lied about the crystal, but there's no mention of its ability to track down monsters. Have you deceived us, Lian?"

Lian, still recovering from his recent battle, breathed heavily as blood oozed from his wounds. His face was pale, but he spoke earnestly, "Finding monsters is an integral part of taming them. I can choose which creature to tame based on those I encounter. The crystal will then guide me towards them and aid me in the taming process."

Curiosity piqued, the tall Waiga sitting nearby cleaned his sword and inquired, "How did you manage to control a frost giant? Those beings are notoriously elusive and challenging to communicate with. Yet, you somehow managed to subdue one."

"I stumbled upon Skaldice by sheer chance while exploring the forest when it was in deep slumber. Its extended hibernation period worked in my favor. It took me a whole month of dedication before I gained control over it," Lian replied.

The Waiga nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging, "Indeed, they are heavy sleepers, and your commitment is commendable. However, I'm more intrigued by your ability to control intelligent races. It's a rare skill. Care to share your secret?"

Lian met the Waiga's intense gaze with determination, "I'm afraid that's a secret I'd like to keep. But rest assured, I have no power over any of you. I won't attempt to control anyone in this group."

The Waiga remained skeptical, sheathing his sword as he stated firmly, "I still believe we should remain cautious of him. Individuals driven solely by revenge can betray anyone to achieve their goals or ensure their survival."

"I understand, Sarohan," Seika said with a smile, eyeing the crystal around the tamer's neck before releasing it. "If he can help me find my long-lost friend, I'd be willing to do whatever it takes. It's been far too long without them."

"In this tower?" Lian inquired, his ragged breathing starting to calm. "If that's the case, I can begin my search. However, if the wolf isn't here, it might take some time."

"Some time?" Seika furrowed his brow, prompting the tamer to nod in response. "How long would you need to locate it?"

Lian pondered the question before replying, "Depending on the distance and the dimension level, it might take a day to navigate through the constellation. The core allows me to search for any creature in existence, including your friend. I can locate it and even send a message."

"In that case, let's head back to Sith Town. Are your monsters still attacking the town, Lian? If so, command them to retreat for now. We can't have it known that we spared the tamer from those defending against the attacks. Sarohan will guide you into Sith Town through a different gate."

Following the plan, the tall Waiga led Lian on an alternative path while Arthur and Whisker returned to the ruins of the walls. The giant, through some convincing, managed to convince Seraphine that he was no longer an enemy.

Meanwhile, Arthur came across the homunculus, now lifeless, and noticed that the other monsters' bodies had withered, drained of life force. Seraphine appeared even stronger than before, seemingly unfazed by the tamer's capture. With the battle over, she simply returned to the orphanage.

The valiant warriors of Sith Town, entrusted by Arthur to protect the city, proved their mettle, successfully fending off the majority of the monsters before the horde retreated. Arthur informed them that the threat had been eliminated, though some men needed to remain on guard at the breached wall until it could be rebuilt.

To Arthur's delight, many volunteers stepped forward, and Roderick declared the formation of Sith Guild right there and then, with every man joining without hesitation.

With the return of people to Sith Town, life gradually resumed its bustling rhythm. The establishment of Sith Guild became the talk of the town, with Roderick's reputation as a trusted figure attracting numerous new members. Yet, with the influx of newcomers came inevitable power struggles, debates about who should lead the guild.

As it turned out, there were many seasoned veterans within Sith Town who believed that someone with a cooking background shouldn't be allowed to run the guild. These dissenters had crossed paths with Vesper upon his arrival and had been attempting to gain influence during his leadership. The tensions escalated, and crowds gathered outside the stronghold where the enigmatic figure, Seika, was rumored to reside.

Sith Guild had made no efforts to hide that it was the brainchild of the man who had defeated Vesper and resided within the stronghold. As tensions grew and power struggles erupted between Roderick's faction and the three other veteran leaders, a mysterious figure appeared above the stronghold, emanating an aura that instilled fear in the hearts of all present. The once raucous crowd fell silent.

"Are you Seika?" one of the veterans mustered the courage to ask after the tense pause. "We are grateful for your role in liberating us from that tyrant, but we cannot entrust our future to a weak leader!"

"Weak?" Seika murmured, his golden eyes narrowing at them. The veteran found himself unable to respond. "Where were any of you when this town was under attack by a frost giant?"

The crowd fell silent again, faces filled with shame. Seika did not dwell on the matter further, turning his attention instead to Roderick and his men. The cook stood tall and proud, a smile forming on Seika's lips.

"Vesper left the residents of Sith Town to starve, and orphans to die of hunger," Seika reminded them of the past. "I want no one in Sith Town to go hungry again. We don't need warriors to lead, but those who know how to feed others. Before I offered Roderick the position, I inquired about him. He is the innkeeper who fed people without asking for payment. Who among you can say that Roderick hasn't fed them during their darkest times?"

Most of the crowd remained silent, their eyes reflecting deep emotions. Roderick was not a powerful warrior, but a cook. In this harsh world within the tower, many sought a formidable leader. However, they had forgotten the debt they owed to the man who nourished them.

"Sith Town is not your home; it's a waypoint on your path to freedom," Seika proclaimed, a black dagger materializing in his hand. He raised it towards the distant path. "I don't intend to stay within this tower for more than a month, and soon, a week will have passed since I arrived. The man best suited to host challengers within this tower... is Roderick!"

No one dared to argue, and after that proclamation, Seika vanished. The infighting came to an end, and the veterans offered to work with Roderick as vice-guild leaders, united in their goal to rebuild Sith Town.

The day of the monstrous horde approached, and a full moon shone brightly that night. Five unlikely companions stood in the moonlight: a demon, a feline, a Waiga, a tamer, and the man they all followed. In the distance, the cries of monsters echoed as fighters from Sith Town rose to prove their worth.

"Our parting gift shall be to take down the giant panther before we leave," Arthur declared, his gaze fixed on the colossal red pillar piercing the sky. "After that, we shall ascend to the second floor of this tower."

"We've spent enough time in this pitiful town," Seraphine said, her red mist swirling between her fingertips. "Remember our bet, Seika. If I manage to kill more than you, you must answer a question of mine."

"I highly doubt that's possible, Seraphine," Arthur responded as he raised his hand towards the sky. "For I intend to take down every elemental monster out there tonight."

A surge of black lightning crackled from Arthur's hand, drawing everyone's attention. It was this unusual lightning that had compelled them to follow Seika, as it seemed to defy the laws of the tower itself. The lightning roared with power before shooting towards the sky, creating storm clouds that attacked the monsters in the nearby forest.

Bolts of lightning crashed into the earth, illuminating the periphery of Sith Town with dazzling brilliance. The cries of monsters reverberated in response, their fear apparent as they encountered the unleashed power.

Warriors from the town had assembled near the colossal hole left by the departing frost giant, knowing that this was the spot the monsters favored for their relentless attacks. As they beheld the awe-inspiring display of lightning, a deep sense of gratitude welled up within each of them for the enigmatic figure in black and golden robes. His formidable presence had become a beacon of hope in their darkest hours.

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