[Ding! Your name is now Blitz!]
[You can now start cultivating your bond level! Improve your bond level to get rewards.]
[Bond Level 1 Reward: +0.01 EXP!]
[Move to Level 2: 0.01 / 1000]
[Bond with Master: +1 Point]
[Progress to Level 2: 1 / 100]
[Evolution Point: +0.01!]
[Progress to Next Evolution: 0.01 / 1000]
"Wooow…"
Ethan - no, Blitz - blinked in awe. The system had just rewarded him with his first evolution point. It wasn't much, but still… progress was progress.
Man, he thought, the SSS-Rank system was harsh.
Rivera smiled warmly at him. "Hehe… nice to meet you, Blitz."
"Squeak," Blitz replied proudly, puffing his small chest.
A few minutes later, the room had quieted.
Rivera sat on the edge of her bed, golden hair spilling down her back and over her shoulders. In her lap, Blitz lay nestled comfortably, enjoying the warmth and softness of her thighs. It felt amazing.
"I'm sorry about what happened to you, Blitz," Rivera whispered. Her voice shook.
"You must have been so scared."
Blitz looked up and gave a soft, reassuring squeak.
If only he could speak. He wanted to tell her it wasn't her fault and her father had only tried to protect her, even if his methods were extreme.
After all, she was the daughter of Alvin Dalmenton - a man of great expectations. Everyone had hoped Rivera would summon a beast worthy of her name… but she ended up with a bronze-tier prey beast.
And yet, Blitz was happy. Grateful.
He was alive.
He was free.
And somehow, he had ended up with Rivera - a girl who saw more in him than anyone else.
"I won't let anyone hurt you again," Rivera whispered, her voice tightening.
Blitz tilted his head up. A single tear slid down her cheek. Without thinking, he reached out his tiny paw and brushed it away.
I'll be with you, always, he thought softly. And I'll protect you, my dear Rivera.
Rivera laughed softly between her sobs. "Thank… you, Blitz," she whispered, her tone soft and gentle.
"Squeak," he answered, a quiet vow carried in that single sound.
They stared at each other for a very long time - an unseen promise between them.
Then-
[Ding!]
Before Blitz's eyes, the system interface shimmered.
[Your master felt your love and appreciated it.]
[Bond with Master: +1 Point]
[Progress to Level 2: 2 / 100]
[Evolution Point: +0.01!]
[Progress to Next Evolution: 0.02 / 1000]
The bond between them pulsed faintly, a golden thread glowing in the air for just a moment before fading.
After that moment of quiet and emotion, the room filled again with laughter and play.
Rivera chased Blitz across the bed, trying to catch him as he darted around like a puff of white lightning. When they were both tired, Rivera collapsed into her sheets with a smile.
Blitz climbed onto her chest and nestled against her heartbeat. The rhythm was soft, steady - comforting. He rested his head against her, feeling the warmth of her chest seep through his fur.
Slowly, both drifted into sleep.
In the end, Blitz had his bond level up eight points by the end of the day and managed to inch his evolution bar forward: small steps toward something more.
[Bond Level: 10 / 100]
[Progress to Next Evolution: 0.1 / 1000]
A faint blue glow of the system in the silence of that night hovered, then dimmed.