The fight was intense, but the pair worked flawlessly—both Fay and Grin doing their part.
The large hyena slammed into the lion from the side while sinking in a powerful bite. Logan, on the other hand, didn't let the opportunity slip. He drove his spear forward with all the power and speed he could muster. In the distance, he could already see the next wave approaching—at least twenty meters away, just seconds from launching another strike.
"Leave her for now, Grin. We need to get into position. Jolt, I'll need you to discharge some of your electricity. Just stall them—hopefully, Horin warns the others. I really don't think we have enough strength to take on four at once."
Grin suddenly moved in front of him. The large predator lunged forward but was struck by what looked like a ball of fire.
All Fay could do was dodge. It was the first time he had seen another beast use magic besides Jolt.
Even Grin hadn't displayed a proper ability yet. He would glow at times, but it seemed he needed to grow stronger before unlocking real magic like Jolt's.
Grin was suddenly attacked by three lionesses at once. The fourth launched more fireballs at Fay and Jolt, trying to keep them back.
"Let's go, Jolt. Use your speed to reach her—I'll help Grin before it's too late."
Fay ran toward the lioness clawing at Grin's back, slashing and jabbing to draw its attention.
Grin had one of the lionesses by the neck, shaking it violently, while the third was tearing at his arm.
Jolt managed to block another fireball but was swatted away with ease. The magical creature among the enemy wasn't just using spells—it had enhanced strength too.
Hope nearly vanished—until Fay glanced up and saw the vulture circling above.
He didn't have time to look for help. His hands were full, using the spear to keep the jaws of the lion in front of him from closing in.
Thankfully, he saw a black shadow racing toward him—and it wasn't one individual. It had a rider on its back.
Kimya readied his weapons and leaped down as his panther rushed to assist Jolt.
[Next time, don't go too far, little hunter. Being reckless will put everyone in danger.]
The man's voice echoed through the magical gems embedded in Fay's hands. He could feel Kimya's anger—but also his concern.
"Thanks for helping. And yes, it was my fault this time," Fay admitted.
He felt relieved that the others placed importance on him. Out in the distance, he saw the tribe leader running on all fours like a real lion, charging into battle.
"Well then, let's focus on this one. The one Jolt is fighting—she's the dangerous one. She can use fireballs." Find the newest release on novelFɪre.net
Kimya's brows rose at the news, but he didn't hesitate. He struck the creature Fay had been battling from behind. Their pincer attack broke through its defenses, and together they brought it down swiftly.
[One down. Call back your hyena before it's too late—I'll distract them.]
Fay nodded in agreement, holding out his hand as Grin vanished into particles of light.
Just then, the others arrived. The tribe leader was already locked in battle with the magic-wielding lioness.
Murha appeared next, riding in on his ox alongside two warriors. Together, they cleared the rest of the enemies in a flash.
[Little hunter, I won't say more—Kimya must have already warned you. Next time, have Horin track the monsters. Her bird will earn its share of the spoils. As for your creatures, call them out and let them have two of the carcasses. I will keep this one.]
Fay was curious about what the tribe leader intended to do with the magical beast. Without delay, he summoned Jolt and Grin, letting them choose their meals.
The rest were divided among the other summoned beasts. Lion meat wasn't particularly appetizing, so no one else was eager to take a share.
But Fay kept his attention on the chief.
The tribe leader dug his hand into the lioness's hide and searched for something. Then, with a swift motion, he pulled out a red crystal orb the size of a golf ball.
The strange thing was the glow it gave off. Even if the others couldn't sense it, Fay could both see and feel the power within that round jewel.
[I guess you want to know why I need this…]
The tribe leader then placed the orb in his hand, holding it near the glowing jewels embedded in his palms.
"Yes… it looks magical. I can feel the power coming off of it," Fay said softly.
Everyone around fell silent at his words. Only the chief gave a small nod.
[No wonder the guide had us find you… I'll explain, since this might happen to you as well. You will no doubt become a great monster summoner someday.]
There was a rare sincerity in the chief's voice as he spoke on.
[What I need are these gems. You see, creatures can die if they take too much damage. Their bodies won't recover, no matter how much energy you try to give them. I had one such creature... and I was the one who had to kill it.]
He paused, his expression dimming. Fay stayed quiet, allowing Nahrin—the tribe leader—time to speak.
[I lost it after that. But not all is truly gone. When a creature dies, it can still be brought back… but only after you've given it enough mana. It will no longer be quite the same. The hard part is that you must feed the fallen creature elemental stones that match its own element.]
He held the red orb higher.
[My creature was fire-aligned. So I've been searching for fire stones. This one—this helps.]
The chief looked at Fay with a faint smile.
[I suppose I should thank you. Even though your actions brought trouble, they helped me greatly. This stone brings me one step closer to summoning again.]
All Fay could do was glance at his two creatures—beasts he had once feared, but had since grown close to.