Raeja

Character: Raeja

Title: Future King (Provides +10 to Strength and Defense)

Class: Regal Lion

Level: 5

HP 900/900

Exp: 0/1500

Strength: 42 (+10)

Dexterity: 40

Defense: 45 (+10)

Intelligence: 37

Stamina: 51

Luck: N/A

Mana: 0

Equipment

Training Collar (Incapacitates wearer when Tamer commands)

Abilities

Pounce- Leaps onto target causing damage and stun for 5 seconds (Cooldown 3 minutes)

Regal Claw- A powerful strike capable of inflicting bleed damage (Cooldown 2 Minutes)

Roll- Evades any avoidable attack (Cooldown 5 minute)

"Abandoned by his pride at birth Raeja was captured and sold to the Zande' Trading Company. Three years of relentless training has developed this young lion into a formidable foe, currently without a master."

It seemed the lion had eyes for no one except Cas, the two engaged in a brief staring contest. Seemingly content with what he saw, the lion let out a mighty roar and began circling the training ground.

A dominating voice shouted from just behind the gate, "Raeja Sit!" The lion immediately obeying the command. In walked a woman whos garb was in conflict with all those Cas had seen so far in Xternity. She was tall and slender, her black hair fell past her shoulders, wearing a tight fitting red and black vest with a white undershirt hugging her sun kissed skin, golden epaulets decorated her shoulders, skimpy black shorts amplified her figure and knee high boots rounded out her garb. Cas thought she looked as if she stepped directly from the circus into this ancient world. In her hand she gripped a nine foot jet black whip, unfurling it with precision she struck the air causing Raeja to spring from his position and take a defensive stance in front of the women.

Character: Valeria Von Dane*

Title: Adept Professional

Class: Beast Tamer

Lvl: 10

HP 1200/1200

"Years of honing her craft has allowed Valeria to reach the apex of her profession, famed for her collection of unique beasts she is well known for breaking even the cruelest of monsters. Currently employed by the Zande' Trading firm"

"Welcome Miss Von Dane, although he isn't able to be here, Eleutiro sends his regards and hopes you find our candidate... Acceptable." Felix said as he bowed his head causally. "This is Casimiro."

"I'll be the judge of that sir." Valeria walked passed Raeja and Felix coming to stand in front of Cas. "So Casimiro, you're who they determined was suitable to command my lovely lion" Smiling, the women seemed to see right through Cas. She smelled of orange blossoms and spice, Cas knew despite her startling appearance that this was a dangerous women. Suddenly she unleashed the whip sending the barbed tip straight for Cas' face!

Parry! Barely getting his blade up to stop the whips trajectory, he leapt back stunned she had attacked him.

Laughter filled the air, she clearly took pleasure from the exchange, this women was insane! "Look behind you boy." Valeria whispered proudly.

Glancing over his shoulder Cas came face to face with a prone Raeja, his teeth bared, his aura oozing killing intent. Stunned, Cas began to grasp just how dangerous a beast tamer could be... Valeria dissipated the tension "At ease Raeja." Walking over to the lion she offered him a small treat which he happily lapped from her hand. She turned to Cas. "Not bad boy, still, you have a long way to go if you intend to be worthy of a companion formidable as Raeja. Come, its best we don't dally here any longer then we have to." Valeria headed for the gate only pausing to bid Felix farewell, "Tell your master when the boy returns he will have no issues winning the Iron Championship." With Raeja and himself in tow, Valeria led them through the gate and into Adanano. Upon venturing out, sounds danced down the stone road coming from the marketplace, "Where are we going umm mam?" Cas asked tentatively.

Valeria raised her hands in mock surprise, "HE TALKS!" The sudden outburst caused Raeja to let out a confused rumble.

"I.. I do, if I'm honest you make me a bit nervous, you did try to knock my head off back there..."

"You'd still be laying on the ground if that was my intent, merely a test, I cant be handing over such a powerful weapon to just any old slave boy." Her tone was serious. "Once we complete the transfer you'll be tamer to the beast with the most potential I've ever trained, take this seriously, your life depends on it. Eleutiro spent quite the sum to purchase Raeja for you, he will expect results in the arena. That doesn't even include the payment for coaching you."

Wafts of cooking meat and baked bread invaded Cas' senses, the marketplace was bustling, vendors called out prices and customers haggled. Stalls were set up in a semi circle around the towns fountain, milites stood at various posts, keeping the peace and watching for thievery. They regarded the group approaching with mild interest, "Well met Madam Master, do you require escort to your domus?"

"These two will suffice if we encounter trouble on the road." Pausing only to trade a few coppers for half a chicken. "Go get it boy" Valeria tossed the meat towards the fountain. Raeja gave chase, leaping, the lion snatched the roasted bird mid flight, scarfing it down in his powerful jaws. Growling with satisfaction the beast washed his meal down with a drink from the fountain, his fur shining in the mid day sun. What a magnificent animal, Cas was enamored, I'm supposed to tame that thing? He wasn't sure if he was nervous or excited for the opportunity.

"Were leaving town?" Cas inquisitively asked

"Why of course, there isn't near enough room to complete your lesson and far too many prying eyes."

Strolling on, they passed a well kept temple, a devotee scrubbing mud from the entryway. Bronze statues erected from every corner of the building each one a different God like being. Kids chased one another around the largest which depicted a herculean man wielding a mighty war hammer with one hand, his other held the head of a three horned demon. Homes lined the streets, women worked tending plants and sweeping steps. Guards patrolled the streets in groups of three wielding six foot iron tipped spears. Each guard in elaborate red and gold armor, each figure Cas focused on conveyed him information in his mind menu. It seemed with each examination he gained some knowledge and felt smarter for it. Cas found himself forgetting he was even in some odd world, the more he developed, the further away his humanity seemed. The system wanted him to forget, to fully immerse in the experience and frankly Cas found himself preferring this course. Choosing to explore Xternity further was his only option anyway. The road leaving the city remained paved until they reached a bridge, a mighty river rushed below the hundred foot crossing. On the other side, paths led in every direction. Valeria bared right, passing by a mighty oak, its branches seeming to point in the direction they headed. Without warning Valeria thrust her whip into Cas' hand.

Equipment Received

Off Hand: Lions Tooth (Silver) +15 Strength +5 Dexterity Its iron barbed tip inflicts bleed damage at +3 damage per hit for 5 seconds (Crafted specifically to control Raeja, Not Transferable once bound)

System message: Bind Weapon? Yes/No

Cas selected yes in his mind menu binding the whip, instantly he felt a link open up with Raeja.

Letting out a sigh "It's finally done, that was so much harder then I thought it would be... He's special."

"I'll take great care of him."

"More like he will take care of you, I only hope as you grow together your partnership will become one of equal standing. Now, pay attention, your first taste of combat approaches."

Rabid Hyena

Lvl 3

HP 200/200

"Traveling in small packs these creatures attack any food source they encounter"

Atop a nearby hill Cas saw three figures pacing back and forth their eyes locked on the party below. Forming a triangular pattern they descended the hill, hunger shining in their eyes. Unfurling Lions tooth, Cas cracked the whip against the sky, the pop sent Raeja barreling forward. Wordlessly Cas triggered Raeja's Pounce and set the target as the left hyena, as they entered range he also lashed out with lions tooth striking the head of formation. Raeja's target took massive damage , -110HP opponent is stunned. Cas' hyena received a modest -30HP as blood flowed from the wound the barb inflicted. Not letting up Cas attempted using whirlwind, it worked, a second blow added another 30 damage tally to the lead hyena and made the hyenas head glow red. Raeja Used regal claw to finish his target and rushed to met the last opponent.

+100exp flashed for both Cas and Raeja

Closing the distance with the head hyena Cas drew his Gladius and stabbed directly into its eye killing the beast.

+100exp flashed again raising Cas' experience bar to its limit. Lvl up, 5 allocable attribute points available outside combat.

Holding the last hyenas head in his jaw Raeja clamped down, ending the battle.

+100exp

Excitedly Valeria rushed over, "Not bad boy! Now time to collect the loot!"

*Came back and altered Valeria's level, her role in the story has expanded and she was simply too advanced.