This Beast-Tamer is a Little Strange

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an amber glow over the dense forest as Kain and his friends settled into the spiritual beast carriage.

The rhythmic clatter of wheels on the track filled the air, blending with the murmured conversations of the group. Everyone was very relaxed. The journey to Moonvale village was expected to be smooth, and the mission ahead clear and straightforward, especially with the help of Bea.

Kain sent his consciousness into the Planetarium to not waste time on the trip that he could be practicing. Bridge, had released both Lady and Princess and was fussing over them.

The twins Aiden and Addison were deep in discussion about the latest gossip they had heard; Leonara, looked serene as always, but especially so when taking a nap like she was currently; Finn, absorbed in his own thoughts; and Elias appeared to be playing a game of chess against himself with a board that appeared out of nowhere.

However, despite their separate actions, the sense of camaraderie among them was palpable. As was their collective excitement about the upcoming mission mixed with a tangible sense of anticipation.

Suddenly, the peaceful journey was shattered by a deafening roar.

From the dense forests ahead, a pack of rogue spiritual beasts emerged, their eyes glinting with hunger.

The workers on the carriage exchanged alarmed glances and sprang into action. "Stay back!" one of them shouted, his voice tense. "This is a dangerous situation!"

Attacking the carriages were a group of red and orange-grade creatures from several species: Hungralisks—massive, serpent-like creatures with razor-sharp teeth and mouth so large they could easily swallow a full-grown man in one bite; Brambleskins—a stout, thorn-covered creatures resembling a walking thorn bush that launched spikes like projectiles and manipulated the surrounding vegetation to attack; and Shadeclaws—nimble, feline-type spiritual creatures with dark fur that seem to absorb all light, that were occasionally unleashing disorienting bursts of shadows to confuse the workers.

"Stay inside!" one of the workers barked at Kain and his friends. "It's unnecessary for paying customers to step in!"

"I thought different species of spiritual creatures only work together in the event of a beast tide?" Leonara questioned within the carriage.

"They usually do…unless they are that desperate for food and resources. This doesn't bode well. There may be another beast tide within the next year," Aiden said solemnly.

"But wasn't there one just last year? They used it for the previous entrance exam." Bridge questioned.

"Yeah… and there's usually at least 3 to 5 years between them. But they have apparently been picking up in frequency lately, but another one in less than 2 years must be a record…I wonder what the reason is?"

The workers, though experienced, were clearly overwhelmed.

Their variety of contracts deployed barriers and elemental skills, but the relentless assault of the rogue beasts made it clear they needed more help.

There were at least 16 creatures attacking. A Hungralisk had wrapped its coils around the wheels of the carriage, and the Shadeclaws' shadows were causing chaos. The Brambleskins hurled thorns and created barriers of tangled vines, further complicating the workers' efforts.

Despite the workers telling them to stay in the carriage, Kain and his companions could see the severity of the situation. The carriage was being battered, and the workers struggled to maintain control. It was clear that they needed to step in.

Kain immediately released all of his Vespirae guards, now the full 12, who quickly flew through the field and began sniping at the attackers with their ejected stingers. He didn't release a Bea containing mist to not reduce visibility for the workers and further endanger them.

Bridge sprang into action next, releasing Lady, who promptly darted around the battlefield with breathtaking speed, her incredible agility allowing her to evade a Hungralisk's attacks before counterattacking.

Aiden and Addison, each called upon their contracts to target the surrounding Brambleskins. Like themselves, they also had similar contracts, bound to wind and fire sprites, respectively.

The Wind Sprite soared through the air, its wind blasts sending the searing flames produced by the Fire Sprite flying above the battlefield at the Brambleskins, incinerating their thorny projectiles and forcing several to retreat with the overwhelming blaze.

Leonara's contract, a light-attribute butterfly the Aurelia, soared high with its wings emitting brilliant beams of light that cut through the darkness and inhibited the creation of shadows by the Shadeclaws. Aurelia's light not only dispelled the shadows cast by the Shadeclaws but also had a calming effect on the minds of the scared and disoriented workers below.

Finn summoned an ice-attribute serpent, a Frostfang. Biting into the Hungralisk wrapped around the carriage, it caused it to be afflicted by an icy chill that hindered its further constricting, buying time for Elias to take action before the carriage was permanently damaged.

However, Elias' contract was probably the most surprising. In contrast to his sombre appearance, he was bound to a large ball of cotton with large drowsy-looking eyes, a Slumberpuff. Pieces of fluff began to stick to the Hungralisk wrapped around the carriage. Gradually, its eyes also began to look as drowsy as the Slumberpuff's.

The battle was intense, but the combined efforts of Kain's group and the workers eventually began to turn the tide. Bridge took out his heavy sword and began to chop the large snake wrapped around the carriage's wheel into pieces. The Shadeclaw, once a formidable opponent, was repelled by Aurelia's radiant light.

Addison and Aiden's combined attacks successfully subdued the Brambleskins, rendering them harmless.

Exhausted but victorious, Kain and his friends helped secure the carriage and assess the damage.

The workers, though relieved, were visibly shaken. However, they did not scold Kain and the others for going against their instructions, and thanked them for their timely assistance.

Although they knew they were students at a top 5 college, in the face of a group of orange-grade beasts, they had not expected the group of 2-star beast tamers with only red-grade contracts to actually be the key to turning the tides of the battle.

As the carriage resumed its journey to Moonvale village, Kain and the others reflected on the unexpected battle.

The ambush gave them a chance to better understand each other's abilities, and though it had delayed their progress, they were more prepared for their future missions.