The dawn painted the grasslands pale silver. Lin Yue's arms were sore, his chest tight from fear and adrenaline. But the hunters were gone. For now.
The small beast nestled against him stirred. Its breathing was steady, no longer ragged. Its twisted leg moved more naturally, and Lin Yue felt the bond pulsing faintly, almost like a heartbeat. Something had changed.
He whispered, "Did… you do that?"
A warm pulse answered him. Danger had come during the night, and the beast had reacted before he even sensed it.
A rustle to his left—he froze. He clutched the creature. His heartbeat thundered in his ears.
Veil of Shadows…
The thought surfaced, unbidden, and the world blurred. Colors and shapes bent around them. Lin Yue felt himself lift, almost weightless, then land ten meters away behind a cluster of rocks. The hunters shouted behind them, confused. They had no idea where their prey went.
The beast exhaled, its first awakening complete: Veil of Shadows – Level One.
Effect: Blurs presence, muffles sound, hides scent, and allows short-range teleportation (1–2 meters for Level One, scales with bloodline).
Trigger: Life-threatening danger or intentional bond command (Level 5+).
Bloodline Scaling: Common: short distance, minor concealment. Rare+: moderate distance, enemies confused. Elite+: longer teleportation, panic among foes.
Lin Yue's chest tightened. Its first signature power wasn't aggressive—it was survival incarnate, perfectly suited to their timid nature.
He sank onto a rock. The hunters would search, but for now, they were safe. The bond pulsed again. He realized the beast's bloodline was stronger than it appeared. Even at Level Five, its powers exceeded ordinary creatures.
This is rare. Hidden evolution potential… definitely.
The air shifted, faintly, and Lin Yue pressed the beast closer. For the first time, he felt not just relief, but a spark of confidence. Survival was their first victory.