Chapter 4: Pet Beast Information

When someone holds a Contract Card, they establish a special connection with it. In simple terms, the cardholder gains the ability to inject their mental energy into the black card.

This is the key to capturing a pet beast!

The process of contracting a pet beast involves three steps:

1. Hold the Contract Card.
2. Identify the target creature, focus your thoughts on it, and channel your strong desire to contract it into the card.
3. Bring the Contract Card close to the target creature.

Once the Contract Card nears the target, it uses the Beast Tamer’s mental energy to capture the creature. If successful, the contract is complete.

—

“Arf—woo!”

Following these steps with ease, Lu Ran succeeded. The white light from the card engulfed Ha Zong, who seemed to recognize Lu Ran’s familiar aura within the glow. Without resistance, the husky let out a confused bark before vanishing into the light, transforming into a beam absorbed by the black card.

At that moment, Lu Ran felt his mind roar, a pleasant warmth coursing through his body. The mental fatigue from injecting his energy into the card vanished entirely, replaced by a refreshing surge of vitality.

Even more astonishing, he sensed a deeper connection between himself, the Contract Card, and Ha Zong.

“Fascinating,” Lu Ran murmured, his eyes glinting with wonder. With a mere thought, the Contract Card, which had fallen to the ground, instantly reappeared in his hand as if it had teleported. This ability was new—something he hadn’t possessed before completing the contract.

Now, he and the card were fully bound.

The black card itself had also undergone a transformation. On one side, the once pitch-black surface now displayed an image of Ha Zong, replacing the blank slate. Beneath the image, lines of white text appeared:

[Species]: Snowfield Dog
[Attribute]: Unawakened
[Species Level]: Mid-Tier Extraordinary
[Growth Level]: Level 1
[Skills]: None

“It’s like a game card,” Lu Ran muttered as he examined the image and details on the card. His curiosity deepened. Who could’ve created something like this? And for what purpose?

His musings were interrupted when the initial messages he’d seen upon receiving the card vanished. In their place, a mysterious countdown timer appeared in his vision, hovering like an augmented reality overlay.

[Beginner Trial Realm Transfer Countdown: 59:59]

Lu Ran fell silent. The countdown didn’t surprise him.

“So, it’s just as I thought… A beginner trial,” he muttered. “That forum poster must’ve failed at this stage.”

He clenched the card tightly. “Ha Zong, come out.”

“Arf—woo!” With a thought, Lu Ran summoned Ha Zong back from the card. A large circular summoning array appeared on the floor, glowing brilliantly before dissipating. Out stepped Ha Zong, now noticeably larger than before—almost a full size bigger.

The husky blinked in bewilderment, spinning in circles to inspect its bulkier frame. It could feel the changes—stronger muscles, sharper senses, and an increased appetite. After a couple of spins, its stomach let out a loud growl. Ha Zong turned to Lu Ran with a pitiful look.

“Alright, let’s get you fed first. We’ve got time,” Lu Ran said with a small laugh.

Since they’d be heading into a dangerous place soon, it was crucial to ensure Ha Zong was well-fed and ready.

Lu Ran quickly prepared food for his companion—a simple but hearty mix of pig trotters, minced meat, chopped vegetables, and broth.

“Woof!” Ha Zong barked excitedly before diving headfirst into the meal.

As the husky ate ravenously, Lu Ran observed its transformation. Previously a medium-sized dog, Ha Zong now had the stature of a large breed.

No wonder that pet beast cat from earlier was so massive, Lu Ran thought. The contract must’ve significantly enhanced its physique.

“Looks like my strength’s improved too,” he muttered, flexing his arm. “Though I don’t think I’ve gotten any taller…”

Curious about his changes, Lu Ran first weighed himself, then measured his height. Finally, he grabbed a one-handed sword from his room and gave it a few swings. The blade felt lighter and more balanced in his grip.

Lu Ran’s upbringing had been anything but ordinary. Both his parents were renowned zoologists, and their wealth afforded him a privileged lifestyle. This not only fueled his fascination with animals but also allowed him to explore various hobbies.

Like many teenagers, Lu Ran had been drawn to weapons—swords and firearms in particular. His parents encouraged his interests, enrolling him in a prestigious kendo dojo during his childhood. He even accompanied his father to Hawaii one summer to learn shooting.

What once seemed like frivolous hobbies now felt surprisingly practical. With the trial realm looming, having a weapon for self-defense seemed like a wise choice.

In the past, even when Ha Zong was at its most aggressive, Lu Ran could easily subdue it with a weapon in hand. But now? He could sense that the husky’s combat power had surpassed that of a typical dog. It was likely on par with predators like lions or tigers—an extraordinary beast.

While Lu Ran himself had gained some enhancements from the contract, they paled in comparison to Ha Zong’s transformation. His primary benefit was gaining greater control over his pet beast.

Still, relying solely on Ha Zong wasn’t ideal. Having a weapon for backup was crucial. The only question was whether the weapon could be transported into the trial realm alongside him.

“Guess I’ll take this too,” he said, setting down his custom-made Iron-Cleaving Sword. Opening a drawer, he retrieved a small pendant—a broken white antler strung on a cord.

The pendant was an heirloom from his mother’s side of the family, passed down through generations as a protective charm. To Lu Ran, it was more than just a trinket—it was a symbol of hope and connection to his parents.

Thinking about them brought a pang of sorrow. His parents had died overseas while investigating an undiscovered rare beast. Their bodies were never recovered; all that remained was a haunting recording of their screams as they were attacked.

Lu Ran refused to believe they were truly gone. He’d always dreamed of venturing into that rainforest himself to uncover the truth. Fang Lan had suspected as much when he mentioned his interest in hunting, but she misunderstood. If he ever did embark on such a dangerous expedition, he wouldn’t rely solely on Ha Zong—he’d hire an entire professional team.

But now…

Clutching the antler pendant and gripping the Iron-Cleaving Sword, Lu Ran returned to the living room. Ha Zong had finished its meal and was sprawled lazily on the floor.

When it saw Lu Ran approach, the husky perked up, wagging its tail with a mischievous grin.

“Woof!”

Lu Ran’s expression darkened.

The husky’s thoughts were clear: That felt great earlier! Can we do it again?

It seemed… Ha Zong wanted to become even stronger.

“You’re greedy,” Lu Ran said with a wry smile. “No more for now. But you’ll have plenty of battles ahead.”

“If you can defeat your opponents and make it back safely, you might just grow even stronger.”

Ha Zong tilted its head in confusion before striking a dramatic pose. Grabbing a pair of sunglasses from under the coffee table, it slipped them onto its snout, exuding an air of undeniable swagger.