Groomers (Part 1)

Around 6 kilometers from Grand Weaver Residence, there was Altru Park.

Beneath the lush plane trees, a slender figure sat cross-legged in the shade, engrossed in a book.

Fire Dog had lost count of how many laps it had circled the park.

Whenever it grew tired and returned to its Beast Tamer, it would see Riley looking at it with trusting eyes, cheering it on. This made Fire Dog feel powerful and eager to continue. And before it knew it, it was already running again.

Riley closed his book, shaking his head as he observed Fire Dog slowly advancing not too far away.

Fire Dog just couldn't keep up; it was already exhausted after only ten laps.

The morning run training wasn't for helping Fire Dog increase its speed; it merely just to improved its endurance. It also did allow Riley to gauge the dog's physical limits.

When Fire Dog reached him once again, the morning run came to a close.

Riley handed over a bottle of Silph Milk to Fire Dog.

Silph Milk is a Spirit Beast beverage brand. It was brand known for its quality and reputation on the market. it can helped a Spirit Beast replenish its stamina. He had bought it at a breakfast store he stumbled upon, that specialize in making food for a Spirit Beast.

Prices for Spirit Beast related items were always expensive, but Silph Milk had been consistently priced at 98 League Coins per bottle for decades, making it an affordable choice.

With weak paws, Fire Dog took the milk and quickly drank it, emptying the bottle in just a few sips.

"Bark."

Fire Dog cast a hopeful look at Riley.

Riley paused, realizing he had bought only one bottle.

Unable to resist Fire Dog's longing gaze, he handed over a bowl of tofu pudding he had bought for himself for an extra 3 League Coins.

Fire Dog stared at the nearly empty bowl of tofu pudding for a moment.

"Bark!"

Fire Dog's watery eyes were filled with accusations.

"Alright, alright, I'll get you more later," Riley consoled.

He couldn't let his Spirit Beast suffer. If its cravings couldn't be satisfied, how could it train properly? He had 50,000 League Coins now, so what was a bit of Silph Milk? He'd buy it!

Fifteen minutes later, Riley stood with a bag full of Silph Milk, deep in thought.

Surely 50,000 League Coins could last him only for a while...

After Fire Dog had consumed three bottles, there were still seven left in the bag.

Having drunk four bottles of Silph Milk, Fire Dog finally perked up, but its limbs were still weak, and it walked unsteadily.

Seeing this, Riley decided not to start the move training immediately.

"I'm taking you to get something nice," Riley said with a smile to Fire Dog.

"Bark."

Fire Dog's eyes lit up, clearly interested in this "nice thing."

...