The Beast Tamer Clan's Monster Overlord

Tarn stepped forward calmly and looked at Axelius's hand. "Must be because the young lord doesn't have a mana core."

Axelius frowned more. "And?"

Lyrielle lowered her eyes and spoke quietly. "In our clan, we don't usually serve others nyah. But if we truly find someone we want to follow… a mark appears on the back of our palm when we form a proper contract."

She held up her hand, palm facing up, and pointed to the center with her other finger. "Right here… it should glow. Like a symbol of loyalty. But… nothing appeared this time Nyahh."

Millie looked worried for a second. "Is that bad?"

Lyrielle shook her head with a soft smile, though her tail was still low. "Not bad nyah… just sad. It means the bond didn't fully connect."

Tarn looked between the two and added, "Maybe it's because the contract was one-sided? Normally, both the master and the follower offer a bond… a full magic link."

Axelius crossed his arms and muttered, "Well, I don't have magic… I don't even have a mana core, so I guess I can't give any link."

Lyrielle gave a little pout but didn't say anything more. She just nodded slowly and looked down.

There was a moment of quiet in the workshop, only the sound of tools lightly clinking and the soft breeze coming through the window.

Then Axelius turned around. "Anyway… contracts or not… I expect results."

"Yes, boss!" Lyrielle replied, tail perking up again. "I'll work hard nyah!"

The peaceful air that had settled around Axelius's new workshop was suddenly shattered by screams and hurried footsteps. Shouts echoed from beyond the gate, and when they all stepped outside, the quiet morning turned into a scene of panic.

Townspeople were running, their faces pale with fear, as smoke curled upward from the heart of the town. The ground shook faintly beneath their feet, and in the far distance, the thunderous roar of something huge and not human echoed.

Lyrielle gasped and clutched her head as she looked toward the smoke. Her wide cat-like eyes filled with panic, and without waiting for anyone, she shouted, "Nyaahh! My shop!" and darted off toward the chaos, her tail swishing wildly behind her.

Axelius narrowed his eyes, watching the direction she ran to.

Then, with a sharp whistle, he tilted his head slightly, and from the blue sky, a white monster bird swooped down and it landed gracefully on Axelius's shoulder with a low, screeching sound.

"Crow," Axelius said in a calm voice, though his expression was anything but calm. "What's going on?"

Beside him, Tarn watched quietly, raising an eyebrow when he saw the monster sitting on Axelius's shoulder and whispered to himself, "Hmm… a monster bird? That's interesting."

The bird gave another sharp screech and through the strange bond between them, Axelius could see the images flowing directly into his mind.

Flashes of wings. Shadows in the sky. Wyverns—huge, flying beasts—carrying armored monsters on their backs. He saw them drop into the center of the town like raiders from the sky, smashing rooftops as they landed, their heavy armor glowing faintly with crimson runes. Around them, people screamed and ran.

Axelius clicked his tongue. "Wyverns… and Orcs."

Millie had a worried look on her face as she stepped closer to her young master, standing protectively near him.

Axelius turned and looked at them both. "The town is under attack,"

Tarn's voice was steady but concerned. "Young lord, you should leave this place. Now. Adventurers will take care of it."

"I know," Axelius replied, his voice soft but firm.

Then, turning toward Millie, "Millie," he said, "go help the people. I'll return alone."

Millie blinked, shocked, and immediately shook her head. "I can't! I'm your personal maid, young master! I serve only you, not the others."

Axelius gave a small sigh and he reached out, gently resting his hand on her shoulder.

"Don't be like me," he said quietly his eyes not angry but tired. "Don't shut your eyes to others. Go… help them. Find a way to hide your appearance. Use a cloak, a scarf—anything. But help the ones screaming. That's an order."

Millie's mouth trembled, and for a moment, she looked like she might argue again but instead she bowed her head and whispered, "Yes… young master."

She took one last look at him, then pulled up her hood, adjusted the scarf around her neck, and took off running toward the noise and smoke.

Tarn stepped closer, his arms crossed as he watched Millie disappear down the road. "That girl is loyal," he said as he followed as well, leaving Axelius alone.

Axelius stood there for a moment, watching Millie disappear into the smoke-covered streets. The air was thick, the smell of burning wood and dust clinging to everything and he smiled.

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and leaned slightly backward with his hands on his hips. "Finally… I'm alone," he muttered with relief, a grin forming on his lips. "Time to enjoy a little peace."

But just as he about to walk, A shadow loomed over him and His smile disappeared.

"What the—?"

He looked up sharply, and his golden eyes widened. A huge figure was falling fast from the sky—right above him.

Instinct kicked in.

Axelius immediately threw himself to the side, rolling across the soft grass just in time as something heavy slammed into the ground where he had been standing. The impact shook the earth with a loud thud, a short wave of dirt and grass bursting upward as small leaves fluttered down from the nearby trees.

He stopped rolling and got up on one knee, his coat now dusted with green stains.

In front of him stood a large, heavy creature—an orc. Its green-gray skin was thick and rough like bark, its arms muscular and covered with leather straps and iron spikes. Yellow eyes gleamed beneath a thick brow, and two long tusks curled upward from its lower jaw.

It wore armor, but barely—just enough to protect its chest and legs and it was holding a sharp black axe with blood crusted on the edge.

"Tch," Axelius clicked his tongue, narrowing his eyes. "That's not something I wanted to deal with right now."