‘Soul Beast?’ the black bird was falling unconscious. With its last thought, it agreed.

Ben felt a familiar feeling in his soul as the black bird’s soul became a part of his, his left arm started to burn as a tattoo of the black bird covered the arm.

Looking at the tattoo Ben noticed that each black feather had thin gold edges to it, giving the bird a majestic look. Ben checked its condition; it was in a deep sleep and healing itself thanks to Ben’s soul.

Looking down at his arm Ben gave a small laugh, “I hope mom doesn't think I turned into a gangster or anything.”

Cloey saw Ben’s arm and looked at him questionly.

Seeing her gaze, “I made her into my soul beast.” he simply stated.

A complicated look appeared on Cloey’s face, “She is obviously an enemy of the Phoenix Clan, part of the Divine Beast Alliance. Are you sure you want that kind of trouble?”

“How much trouble will she create compared to travelling with you?” Ben let out a laugh as he teased her.

A light flush appeared on her cheeks, ‘A newborn calf doesn't fear a tiger.’ She thought. Cloey let it drop, as she knew that Ben didn't understand how powerful the Phoenix Clan is.

Returning to camp, Ben let out a heart breaking yell, “Nooooo!”

The rabbits they were cooking were reduced to charcoal, ruining their supper. Though Cloey’s reaction wasn't as dramatic as Ben’s, she still had a heart broken look on her face.

“I guess I will try and find something to eat.” Ben moped, dragging his feet as he walked into the woods.

…

Ben was a roller coaster of emotions that night and couldn't fall asleep. He couldn't help but think of the worse.

‘What if my family isn't there? Are they dead? Should I keep looking for them if they aren't there?’ Countless thoughts ran through Ben’s head.

Unable to sleep, Ben got up and walked away from camp into a secluded area. Sitting down and crossing his legs, Ben began to absorb Natural Energy.

Activating his right eye, black mist bellowed out from it and surrounded him. His Darkness element wasn't very strong during the day but at night it was unmatched.

His Darkness didn't only have a corrosion effect but also allowed him to blend into shadows. Bennett truly felt like a ninja when he discovered this ability and tried to scare Cloey with it. He was able to scare her and make her scream but she didn't talk to him for a week and once woke up buried in snow.

Learning his lesson, Ben practiced this new ability at night. Melding in and out of shadows was taxing on his Internal Energy but was great practice for control.

The black mist grew thicker and started to circle around Ben as he continued to cultivate his eye.

After hours of cultivating, Ben stopped absorbing Natural Energy. The black mist started to return into his eye, the eye was still a gold colour but the black ring around his pupil was thicker.

Stretching his muscles after sitting for so long, Ben grabbed his swords and started practicing. There was only an hour until sunrise so sleep was out of the question.

Ben was able to use his Beast Imitation skill better now. He could imitate a snake and make his arm super flexible, he could also cover parts of his skin with scales to increase his defense. Though they were only tiny things, they helped Ben out in tough spots.

Seeing the sunrise, he strapped the swords to his back and returned to camp, he found Cloey cooking breakfast.

Ben chuckled, ‘This girl is always hungry it seems.’

Duke was still snoring away but his ears twitched telling Ben he was awake. The black bird still hadn't woke up but Ben didn't expect her to for awhile. Thinking of the black bird, Ben opened up her stats panel.

Ava Lvl 22

Dark Phoenix (Divine Beast)

Element: Black Flame

Mana: 3/431

Vitality (VIT): 102

Strength (STR): 55

Dexterity (DEX): 45

Agility (AGI): 104

Intelligence (INT): 111

Wisdom (WIS): 120

Loyalty- 55%

Skills-

Shape Shifter

Rebirth

Fire Spells

‘What the actually fuck?’ Ben was shocked. These stats were ridiculous. She was only Lvl 22 but her stat rivaled Ben’s in some areas. Ben clicked on her skills.

Shape Shifter- able to change size of the users body.

Rebirth- exclusive skill to the Phoenix Clan. The user is bathed in flames, healing all injuries.

Ava had numerous of different fire spells that Ben didn't get into. What amazed him was the Rebirth skill. The ability to heal all injuries? How amazing was that!

Ben was pondering to himself, ‘Is the reason her stats are so incredible is because she is a Divine Beast? I will have to ask her when she wakes up.’

After having a small breakfast, Ben and Cloey climbed on top of Duke’s back. They took off heading north, looking at the map they should arrive in less than 3 hours at Duke’s normal speed.

Ben’s emotions got stronger and stronger the closer they came to the city. Cloey was able to tell how nervous Ben was, she saw him take off last night and knew he didn't get any sleep.

Putting a her hand on his shoulder she softly said, “Everything will be alright.” She had know way to know if it was the truth or not but it still calmed Ben down.

Looking at her, he smiled, “Thanks Cloey.”

‘She’s right Master! We will find them and they will give you their blessings to breed with Miss Cloey.’ Duke shouted in his mind, giving him his own version of comfort to Ben.

Giving a small smile, he nodded his head, “Well then let's go.”

…

The forest around them was getting thinner and thinner. Ben could see trails that looked used recently and even stumps left by trees being cut down.

Telling Duke to stop, Ben and Cloey jumped down from his back.

“Sorry buddy but I don't think I will be able to walk into this city with a giant wolf.” apologizing to Duke, Ben touched his head. Duke turned transparent before completely disappearing and then appearing on Ben’s arm.

Ben wore a black sleeveless shirt with a pair of black wind pants. His body was built and muscular with his light golden hair giving him an noble aura. His muscular arms were covered in black tattoos, depicting a wolf and a bird.

Ben thought of changing but the clothes he had left were all tore from battles. Taking a deep breath he started to walk towards the city’s gate.

This wasn't Ben’s first time seeing these cities but it still took his breath away. The walls stood like mountains in front of Ben. Seeing people coming in and out of the gate, Cloey lowered her head and tried to cover her ears with her hair.

“You don't have to hide. I already told you if anyone tries to fuck with you, I will kill them.” Ben gave a dangerous smile.

‘Me too!’ Duke added.

“Duke says he will too.”

Cloey saw the promise in Ben’s eyes. A tinge of red appeared on her cheeks as she nodded lightly.

As they walked towards the door, people started to notice them.

Both of them stood out from the norm, Cloey with her unmatched beauty and Ben with his gold eyes and hair.

The two guards immediately noticed them, “Are you two new to the city?”

“Yes, is there a problem?” Ben asked.

The guards stiffened, a invisible pressure surrounded their bodies making it hard to breath.

“N-no sir. You're suppose to pay 1 gold for newcomers to enter.” the guard stammered.

“Gold?” Ben frowned, was it the new form of currency?

Cloey walked up and handed two gold coins over to the guards. Ben was shocked, he had never seen these coins but Cloey seemed to have them.

“I'll explain later to you idiot.” she softly said. Her favourite thing to call Ben, besides pervert, was idiot.

Giving her a quick nod, they entered the gate.

“Go report to the Lord about this. He will be interested in that man’s power.” the guards smile turned evil, “Or that woman’s body.”

…

[Entering City #01. Shop feature unlocked in system.]

Entering the city Ben and Cloey were amazed. The streets were wide and had countless vendors and shops lines up. People were yelling, trying to sell their product.

Ben shook his head, ‘Humans sure are able to adapt.’

The new world only began 6 months ago but everyone here was already accustomed to this world. Seeing this Ben actually started to believe that they had a chance to survive in this world.

Everyone in the city was over level 20 which surprised Ben.

Heads turned when they saw Ben and Cloey. It was expected but Ben didn't think it would be this bad. Cloey was attracting most of the attention with her beauty outshining anyone close to her.

Though she was still shy and nervous, she did what Ben told her and didn't hide. She looked straight ahead, not hiding her face and her ears were on display for everyone to see.

Ben was catching flirty glances from some girls selling merchandise. Though Cloey outshone Ben, he was able to catch some attention to with his tattooed muscular arms on display and golden hair.

Cloey’s eye lit up as she saw a food vendor, glancing at Ben. Giving a slight nod, they both approached the vendor.

“What can a get the lovely couple?” A greasy man with a stained white apron asked with a large smile.

Ignoring the couple comment, Cloey ordered, “I’ll have 4 kebabs please.”

“That will be 50 silvers.” passing over the money, Cloey grabbed the kebabs greedily.

“Excuse sir, do you know of anyone called Joe Arnott?” Ben asked hoping for some information about his dad.

“Can't say I have but there's a Grayson Arnott. He’s one of the strongest mages this city has.” the greasy man told him.

Ben almost burst with excitement! His brother was alive! “Do you know where I can find him!?” Ben almost yelled at the man.

Taking a step back in fear, “The stadium. I heard Lord Cassie challenged him to a duel.”

“A duel? About what?” Ben’s expression grew dark. If they injured his little brother…

“There’s a rumor saying that Lord Cassie wants to make Grayson Arnott’s girlfriend his women but wasn't able to do it by force because Grayson was too strong. So he set up this duel with dirty intentions. Grayson had to accept because they started targeting his parents.” the man let out a small cry as he finished talking.

Ben’s anger was white hot and a faint red aura surrounded him.

‘They will all die.’ he vowed.

“Where is the stadium?” his voice was ice cold. The greasy man could smell blood coming off him.

Pointing towards the stadium, Ben grabbed Cloey’s hand and took off in that direction.

…

Grayson dodged another sword strike before sending a fireball at Cassie. Cassie was able to deflect the fireball with his sword.

Grayson was in terrible shape. His magician robes were tore and dirty and his blonde hair a mess. He had a shallow cut on his cheek that wouldn't stop bleeding giving him a bloody look.

“I am finally able to kill you Grayson. You have no idea how much I have looked forward to this.” Cassie gave an evil smile. He had dark hair with a short stocky build. He had shiny new armour and a new sword that had to be at least Rare item.

Grayson sneered and sent another fireball towards Cassie, “Had to resort to poisoning me before the fight. I have less than half my mana and yet you still can't beat me cleanly. How pathetic is that Cassie?”

Cassie gave a shrug, not ruffled by his words, “A win is a win. But don't worry Grayson. I will take good care of your girlfriend, she will become my third wife.”

Grayson became furious, “I'll kill you before that happens.”

Grayson only had enough mana for one spell so he had to make it count. He ran towards Cassie to get closer.

“Pff idiot. Challenging a warrior in close combat?” Cassie shot towards him to.

Cassie swung his sword, aiming to cut Grayson’s head off. Grayson sent a fire spear straight for Cassie’s heart, hoping to pierce him and kill him.

“Ice wall!” a voice rang out.

A large wall of ice stopped both attacks from connecting and they looked for who had interfered with their match.

“Who dares stops our match?!” Cassie roared.

A man walked unto the field. His light gold hair flickered in the wind and his bright gold eyes seemed to pierce their souls. Dressed in all black, the man gave a bloodthirsty aura.

The man stared at Cassie before saying one word.

“Die.”