It had been several days since Leon, Layla, and Jacob entered the Novice Secret Realm. From dawn till dusk, they'd battled tirelessly—cutting down wave after wave of corrupted beasts as they ventured from the outer zone to the middle, and now deep into the inner zone. Their bodies ached from exertion, but their eyes gleamed with purpose.
With every beast slain, a faint surge of energy rippled through them—small rewards from the world's heavenly laws, a silent acknowledgment of their efforts in cleansing evil. It was slow but steady progress. The stronger the beast, the stronger the reward. They had all grown tougher, sharper, and more in sync with their contracted beasts.
Jacob's Shadow Lynx, Leon's Ember, and Layla's Tiki now moved with practiced precision, instincts honed by days of real combat. Each fight taught them something new. Each scar told a story.
They didn't just gain strength—they also gathered wealth. Claws, fangs, hides, bones… every part of the corrupted beasts held value. The materials they harvested would fetch a good price in the city and serve as funding for what came next: evolution.
That evening, the trio stepped through the glowing blue portal that marked the boundary of the Novice Secret Realm. In an instant, the chaotic wilderness was replaced by the familiar sight of Rivor City's outer platform. The hum of civilization replaced the distant roars of beasts.
Leon exhaled slowly, adjusting the satchel slung over his shoulder. "We've come a long way," he murmured.
Layla rolled her shoulders. "And now it's time to cash in."
Jacob grinned. "Let's hope these claws and hides are worth all the scratches I got."
Their destination was clear: the Tamer's Exchange, one of the most reputable institutions in Rivor City for beastmasters.
By the time they reached the commercial district, the sky had taken on hues of soft orange and amber. The towering archway of the Tamer's Exchange stood like a guardian monument, its massive stone reliefs depicting epic battles between beasts of legend—tigers clashing with serpents, hawks diving at horned bears.
Two giant statues shaped like beast claws flanked the entrance, glowing faintly with inscription patterns. Incense burned at the base of the pillars, its sweet-smoky aroma mixing with the scent of leather, herbs, and the ever-present beast aura that clung to the walls.
"This place gives me chills," Layla whispered, staring up in awe.
Jacob nodded. "It's legit. Even nobles shop here."
Inside, the atmosphere shifted into an efficient, almost serene rhythm. The floors gleamed under soft magic lights. Staff in neat uniforms guided beastmasters to counters and booths, each labeled with glowing runes—Beast Material Exchange, Evolution Pavilion, Skill Crystal Vault, and more.
No shouting. No haggling. Just order.
Leon, carrying their collective harvest, led them to the Beast Material Exchange Counter. The clerk, a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and nimble hands, began sorting the items with practiced grace.
"Let's see… Rat claws, early Iron-tier… 50 copper per dozen. Hares' pelts, 70 copper each. Fox fangs—intermediate… 8 silver apiece. Bear hides—advanced Iron-tier, very nice… 1 gold coin per."
He moved quickly, scribbling on a parchment board and weighing bundles. When the final tally was complete, Leon raised his eyebrows.
"Fifteen gold and thirty-two silver," the clerk announced. "Shall I deposit it to your beastmaster accounts or provide physical currency?"
"Physical, please," Leon replied.
The coins clinked into a reinforced pouch. Their hard work had paid off.
With renewed energy, the trio made their way to the Evolution Pavilion. This was the heart of the Tamer's Exchange—a place where futures were decided. Behind the counters were racks of sealed boxes and labeled jars, each containing materials imbued with energy, gathered from rare plants, beast cores, or mystical minerals.
A young clerk with a bright smile greeted them. "Here for evolution materials?"
"We've just broken through to Advanced Iron-tier," Leon said. "It's time."
"Excellent. We have standard packages prepared for common evolution routes, tailored to common beast types. If you describe your beasts, I can—"
Leon raised his hand, casually interrupting. "Actually, we won't be going with the standard sets."
Jacob frowned. "We're not?"
Leon nodded. "I found an old volume in the restricted section of the academy's library—buried under dust. It detailed lesser-known evolution paths. Ones overlooked because they don't fit the mainstream mold… but they're tailored to specific traits. I think they suit your beasts far better."
Jacob looked uncertain. "The Evolution Masters never mentioned anything like this."
"Because it's not widely known," Leon said calmly. "But everything in that book lined up with what I've observed. If you follow the usual path, you'll grow. But if we use the right rare materials, you'll unlock your beasts' full potential."
Layla smirked. "I swear, Leon. If Tiki ends up breathing fire out of her tail…"
"I'll take full responsibility," Leon said with a grin, hiding the flicker of truth in his eyes. He wasn't lying about the book—he had read it. But what guided him now wasn't old parchment. It was the Beast Codex, the mysterious system only he could access.
The clerk, though surprised, accepted the custom order. Leon whispered the names of the rare materials he needed for each evolution. The clerk's eyebrows rose slightly, but she nodded and walked away briskly.
Moments later, she returned with three carefully sealed boxes—each marked with golden script.
"These materials are rarely purchased, but they are in our catalog. Altogether, they come to thirteen gold and fifty silver."
They paid without hesitation.
As they walked out with their boxes, Jacob nudged Leon. "I hope you're right about this."
"I am," Leon replied simply.
Their stomachs growled almost in unison.
Layla laughed. "Food first, evolution later."
They found a cozy eatery just down the street from the Exchange. It was bustling with beastmasters, the air filled with the scent of grilled meat and spiced broth. They ordered wind rabbit skewers, spicy root soup, and steamed flame-seed rice—simple, hearty fare that hit the spot after days of dried rations.
As they ate, they laughed and shared small stories about the beasts they'd faced. No one mentioned the Core Zone. That would come later. Tonight was a celebration—and a preparation.
By the time they left the restaurant, Rivor City had changed. Lanterns floated overhead, their soft golden light painting warm patterns on the cobbled streets. The city pulsed with quiet energy, as if watching over them.
When Leon and Layla finally reached home, the door creaked open to reveal warmth and the smell of stew.
"You're back," Isabella called from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel.
"We're home, Mom," Layla called out cheerfully.
Damien glanced up from the chair by the hearth. "So? How did it go?"
Leon placed the pouch of coins on the table. "Fifteen gold from the materials. And we've already bought the evolution resources."
Damien raised a brow. "Already?"
Leon nodded. "We've hit the limit of Iron rank. It's time."
Layla added with quiet confidence, "We're ready for evolution tonight."
Isabella's smile wavered. "Be careful. The process can be difficult."
"We'll be fine," Leon reassured them. "Our beasts are ready. And so are we."
They ate a light dinner with their family, but anticipation filled the air. Upstairs, evolution materials waited in their sealed boxes.
As the stars shone down on Rivor City, Leon and Layla climbed the stairs with steady hearts.
Tonight, they would evolve—and the doors to a new realm of power would open.