The morning sun had barely risen when a faint glow appeared outside Chi's house. Yu was already kneeling beside a peculiar, ethereal egg resting on a soft bed of enchanted moss. The air around it shimmered subtly, humming with a strange, disciplined energy.
Yu leaned closer, eyes wide, and gently tapped the surface. A tiny crack appeared, followed by another, until a radiant fissure ran along the egg. Light spilled out, illuminating Yu's astonished face.
The system window immediately popped up with a soft chime:
---
System Window Activated
Congratulations! You have bonded with a L-Ranked Beast.
Name: [To Be Named]
Type: Primordial Guardian Beast
Bloodline Rank: L (Legendary)
Race: Primordial Originum Beast
Species: Lawweaver Aetherwing
Realm of Origin: Eclipsera – The Realm of Duality. A primordial plane where light and dark eternally intertwine, and where harmony and order maintain balance within chaos. Every particle resonates with equilibrium, governing the natural laws of existence.
Attributes:
Majestic, commanding aura radiating order, balance, and harmony.
Senses disruptions in natural law, spiritual energies, and elemental interactions.
Highly intelligent; discerns alignment, intention, and truth of beings nearby.
Calm and patient; acts only to preserve balance or prevent destructive disruption.
Unique Attribute – "Lawweave":
Stabilizes or subtly distorts natural laws, including energy flow, gravity, and elemental interactions.
Functions as a protector and regulator, preventing chaos from spiraling into disaster.
Notes:
Extremely rare; bonding signifies a destiny intertwined with cosmic balance.
Does not initially create or destroy, but profoundly influences the flow of energies and events.
Compatible only with those whose spiritual essence resonates with foresight, order, and harmony.
Yu's eyes widened as the egg cracked fully, revealing a majestic, winged beast. Its feathers shimmered with shifting hues of pale silver and deep midnight blue, and its eyes glowed softly, reflecting the surrounding light like twin stars stabilizing the sky. He had a clear boarder with darkness and light
The creature's presence radiated an overwhelming sense of law and equilibrium, and yet it moved with fluid grace, almost as if it were studying Yu — evaluating, calculating, and understanding.
Yu instinctively reached out. The beast's head tilted slightly, its eyes locking with his. A gentle warmth spread through Yu's chest, a silent acknowledgment of their bond.
The system chimed again, confirming the synchronization:
"Compatibility detected. Bond successful."
Yu exhaled, a mixture of awe and disbelief crossing his features. "You… you're incredible," he whispered.
The Lawweaver Aetherwing extended its wings partially, letting the morning light play across their shimmering surface. Though its form was grand and commanding, its gaze carried a calm reassurance — a promise that it would guide, protect, and maintain balance, not through force, but through understanding.
Yu grinned, his heart pounding. "I'll make sure we grow stronger together"
From a short distance, Chi peeked outside, eyes widening at the sight. Beside him, Liora stirred gently, sensing the presence of her counterpart. A silent, ancient connection seemed to hum in the air between the two primordial beasts, unseen yet undeniable.
It was the beginning of a new chapter — the pairing of chaos and creation with law and balance, two ten-year-olds holding the destiny of not just their own growth, but that of the spiritual world itself.
Chi opened the door, eyes lighting up. "Congratulations, Yu! He's… amazing. Have you decided on a name yet?"
Yu crouched slightly beside the newly hatched beast, his fingers brushing its soft, shimmering scales. The creature radiated a calm, majestic aura, its presence making the air feel subtly heavier, as if aware of its own power.
Yu scratched the back of his head, a shy grin spreading across his face. "Uh… I don't know… something… fun, I guess. Not too serious. Hm…" He paused, thinking, then brightened suddenly. "I'll call you… Bubby!"
Chi froze mid-smile, blinking at him. "…Bubby?"
"Yeah!" Yu said, nodding earnestly. "He's soft, he's shiny, he's… well, kinda cute! Perfect for Bubby!"
The system chimed softly, almost as if suppressing a sigh:
System Window Update:
Name: [Bubby]
Type: Primordial Guardian Beast
Bloodline Rank: L (Legendary)
Race: Primordial Originum Beast
Species: Lawweaver Aetherwing
Realm of Origin: Eclipsera — The Realm of Duality, where light and dark eternally intertwine
Chi pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to contain a laugh. "Of course you'd pick something childish…"
Yu shrugged, grinning proudly. "Hey! I like it. He's my Bubby. He's special. And trust me, Chi… Bubby's going to be incredible. You'll see."
The two beasts, Liora and Bubby, regarded each other briefly. Liora's eyes shimmered with chaotic curiosity, while Bubby's glowed with calm, balancing energy. Despite their differences, a silent acknowledgment passed between them—a hint of the partnership to come.
Chi's eyes narrowed as he watched Yu fawn over Bubby. "Yu… seriously? You named a legendary primordial beast Bubby?"
Yu pouted, crossing his arms. "What's wrong with Bubby? He's cute, right? And it fits him!"
Chi pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly. "Cute? Yu, this thing is L-rank, a primordial guardian from one of the oldest realms in existence! 'Bubby' sounds like… like a stuffed toy!"
Bubby, unaware of the debate, tilted its head and let out a low, harmonious hum, as if agreeing with Yu.
Yu grinned, completely unbothered. "See? Even he likes it! Right, Bubby?"
Chi groaned, massaging his temples. "I swear, one day you're going to regret giving a name like that. People will laugh at you."
Yu shrugged, eyes sparkling. "Nah… I like it. Bubby's mine, and I think he's perfect. Besides…" He leaned closer to the beast, whispering, "And someday, you'll thank me when everyone fears him but calls him Bubby!"
Chi blinked, speechless, and then muttered under his breath, "I don't think I can fix this…"
The room filled with a quiet tension, but both beasts—Liora and Bubby—seemed completely at ease. One chaotic, one orderly, yet somehow perfectly complementing each other. Chi realized, despite the ridiculous name, Yu's choice reflected his spirit: playful, fearless, and utterly confident in his own way.
Chi shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Fine… Bubby it is. But don't think I won't make fun of you later."
Yu's face suddenly paled. "But… Chi, something's wrong," he whispered, clutching his head.
Chi, still smiling from their earlier exchange, frowned slightly. "What is it now? Don't tell me Bubby's trying to fly already."
Yu shook his head quickly. "No, it's not that—there's a voice in my head." His tone trembled. "It's saying things… about Bubby. Like his name, powers, bloodline—and it says it's called something like… a system window."
Chi froze for a moment, the smile fading from his face.
Yu's breathing quickened. "I'm not crazy, right? I—I know what happens to crazy people! I don't want to lose it, Chi!" His voice cracked as he spoke, eyes wide and scared, like a child trying to hold back tears.
Chi quickly stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on Yu's shoulder. "Hey, hey, calm down," he said softly. "You're not crazy."
Yu blinked up at him, confused. "Then what's happening to me?"
Chi looked at him seriously now, a glint of understanding flashing in his eyes. "It's alright, Yu. I've seen it before… That voice—it's not in your head. It's real. It's something special."
Yu's brows furrowed. "Special? It feels like someone's whispering in my brain!"
Chi chuckled lightly, though his tone carried a hint of nervousness. "Yeah… I know the feeling. That voice—it's called the system. Looks like it's decided you're ready for it too."
Yu's mouth hung open. "Wait, too?"
Buddy and Liora, sensing each other as part of the same family, began to play around gently, their chaotic and harmonious energies intertwining like a dance. They chased each other, their ethereal forms glowing faintly, leaving shimmering trails in the air.
Haoran and Lianhua watched from a distance, their expressions a mix of amusement and awe.
"What… what is even happening?" Lianhua chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. "All of this feels so unreal."
Haoran's lips curled into a smirk as he observed the two primordial beasts. "Imagine Yanhais' reaction when I tell him about this." His tone held a playful curiosity, though a hint of pride flickered in his eyes.
---
The days passed quickly. Yu and Chi, both prodigies, advanced to 11th grade with full marks, their talents unmatched by most peers. With the new school year came the choice of their streams—a specialization that would shape their future training and path.
The air was thick with anticipation as students discussed their options, the weight of their decisions palpable. Chi and Yu exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them: no matter which path they chose, their journey with their primordial beasts had only just begun.
Both Chi and Yu returned home, clutching their stream selection slips. They approached their guardians, anticipation and pride written across their faces.
Haoran glanced at the papers, raising an eyebrow. "What's this?"
Chi held it out. "It's the stream selection paper. You're supposed to sign it. I've already decided my cultivation path… just sign it, please."
Haoran leaned back slightly, placing a hand on his head, eyes wide in disbelief. "Hmm… stream selection, is it? How did you grow so quickly? This… this is insane."
Liora, sensing Haoran's presence, floated closer and gently hugged the stubbled area of his shaved beard, her ethereal warmth brushing against his face. The faint, melodic trill she made seemed almost like a chuckle.
Haoran blinked, momentarily distracted by the affectionate gesture. A small smile tugged at his lips despite his astonishment. "And… she's… affectionate too? Unbelievable."
Chi grinned, watching the interaction. "See? She's not just powerful—she's part of the family now."
Yu, standing beside Chi, chuckled softly, glancing down at Buddy, who hovered near him with a calm, observant gaze. "Looks like we're all going to have our hands full."
Haoran shook his head, still trying to process everything. "I swear… this house just keeps getting weirder and weirder."
Lianhua, carrying the baby, peeked in and smiled softly. "At least it's a happy kind of weird," she said, her eyes shining with pride.
Chi knelt beside the baby, smiling warmly. "Let me hold her," he said softly.
The baby gurgled happily, reaching out tiny hands. Liora, sensing Chi's gentle intent, floated closer and swayed her head affectionately, brushing a soft, warm glow over the baby. Her ethereal mane shimmered as if joining in the play, creating a cocoon of light and warmth.
Chi carefully lifted the baby into his arms, and Liora nuzzled closer, her presence radiating a protective, calming aura. The baby cooed, giggling as Liora's glowing form moved in gentle, playful arcs around them.
It was a daily routine
Liora responded with a soft trill, nudging the baby lightly, as if encouraging her tiny hands to reach out and explore. Chi chuckled quietly, feeling a deep sense of warmth and family.
The moment felt timeless—Chi, the baby, and Liora, sharing a quiet connection that went beyond words, a bond that promised protection, affection, and shared adventures to come.
Next chapter: the long awaited cultivation