Arden stood there, half-absorbed in the glowing interface still lingering in the corner of his vision.

His mind traced every word, every effect of this new realm he had just stepped into. Life Echo. It hummed faintly through his chest, steady, patient, like it had been waiting for him all along.

He was only pulled out of his thoughts when Rael jabbed him in the side.

"There he goes again. Phasing out after a fight like the rest of us don't exist."

Nyra crossed her arms and shook her head. "He's hopeless. You'd think after a victory like that he'd at least try to look happy."

Zephyra's deep voice rumbled, more a growl than speech. "Always drifting."

Arden blinked, then gave a crooked grin. "Well excuse me for thinking. Someone's got to stay sharp while the rest of you are busy grinning like fools."

But the banter was warm, familiar. They pulled him into the chants that still carried through the square, their names echoing from the crowd.

Arden found himself rubbing Zephyra's thick fur absentmindedly as his eyes wandered to Rael and Nyra, laughing and bumping shoulders like children.

He remembered the first days, how strange they had seemed, how unlikely their bond was. Now they were family. The brutal hunts, the endless training, the near -death scrapes… it all blurred into something that almost felt worth it. He had awakened here and aimed to live his second chance wild and free, chasing the thrill of adventure. He never expected it to feel better because he wasn't doing it alone.

The chants slowed when the Lord of Greyhold raised his hand.

The crowd hushed instantly. His voice cut clear through the silence.

"Tonight, Greyhold honors these four. Outcasts, rejected, called unstable… yet they stood with us, they fought beside us, and they showed strength that cannot be ignored. For that, you have my thanks."

The crowd erupted, but the lord lifted his hand again. His eyes lingered on Arden's group.

"You are no longer strangers here. From this day, you are recognized as full citizens of Greyhold. No scorn, no shadows. Dual affinity or not, you have proven your stability and your worth. A place in this city is yours… and if you wish, so is a place in my castle."

The square shook with cheers. Arden and his party had become more than wanderers, they were part of the city now.

As the night waned and the stars thinned, the celebration lost its fire.

One by one, the crowd slipped away, though their voices still rang with chants of victory as Arden and his party were escorted through the streets.

The guardsman leading them spoke politely, pointing out corridors and halls with a touch of pride. "This wing is for honored guests. Servants will bring meals and supplies. If you need anything, call." He bowed once, then left them to settle in.

Inside, the group sank into the couches and cushions scattered about the chamber.

The tension of the day seemed to peel away.

Rael stretched out and groaned. "Didn't think we'd end up in a noble's seat after all that."

Nyra's eyes narrowed at Arden. "Didn't think you'd go charging after an elder either. You nearly got yourself killed. Again."

Arden smirked, leaning back in his chair with his hands behind his head. "What can I say? Someone had to put on a show. Besides, you all looked like you were enjoying it."

"You're impossible," Nyra muttered.

"Unstoppable," Rael corrected, grinning.

Zephyra huffed. "Reckless."

Arden only shrugged and stood. "Call it whatever you want. Worked out in the end."

As he walked off toward the corner of the chamber, Nyra called after him. "And there he goes again, leaving us behind."

Rael added, "Don't worry, he'll come back with that smug grin once he's found something shiny."

Arden didn't bother to answer. The truth was, he'd been itching for this moment all night. He summoned the system again, the familiar glow washing across his vision.

[Processing…]

[Life signature Gained.

Source: Human Elder (Battle Mage – Wind Affinity) + Beast Infusion (Stormwing Serpent)

Name: Tempest Vein Dominion

Effect:

Wind Authority: The user's life energy passively stirs the battlefield, making air currents obey instinctive movements.

Pulse Cyclone: Every strong strike releases a spiral of compressed wind that lashes outward, disrupting balance.

Aerial Supremacy: Movement consumes less stamina while airborne; allows short bursts of sky-steps.

Disruptive Gale: Enemy projectiles and spells lose stability within the user's aura field, bending off course or dispersing].

[Life Signature Absorbed from Hybrid]

Name: Stormfang Resonance

Source: Human + Beast (Fire/Lightning Traits)

Effect: The body stores volatile arcs of energy that can be released with strikes. Fire and lightning affinities may combine in attacks, creating unstable but devastating bursts. Prolonged use risks feedback damage to the user].

Arden whistled under his breath. "Risky… but worth it."

Another notification rolled in.

[Hybrid Trait Extracted]

Trait: Beast Hide (Scaled Resistance)

Effect: Skin layers adapt to elemental pressure, slightly hardening against fire and shock-based attacks].

He nodded, pleased. At least he wouldn't fry himself while using the resonance.

The interface shifted again.

[Unanalyzed Life Signatures Detected… Processing]

[Hybrid Life Signature: Acquired]

Source: Human (Assassin – Shadow affinity) + Beast Infusion (Nightfang Panther)

Name: Umbral Predator's Veil

Effect:

Conceals presence in shadow-rich environments.

Life energy steps leave no aura trail, making tracking difficult.

Ambush strikes gain a venomous aftershock that slows enemy reactions.

Every kill heightens the user's reflexes for a brief window (Predator's Surge).

[Hybrid Life Signature: Acquired]

Source: Human (Elemental Mage – Fire) + Beast Infusion (Ashfang Direwolf)

Name: Cinderfang Resonance

Effect:

User's aura smolders, releasing residual heat that distorts vision.

Strikes ignite ember trails, which flare violently if disturbed.

When wounded, life energy lashes out in sudden fire-bursts (Scorchback Instinct).

Slight amplification of fire spells, but unstable surges erupt if pushed too hard]

[Hybrid Life Signature: Acquired]

Source: Human (Battle mage– Earth affinity) + Beast Infusion (Ironhide Behemoth)

Name: Stoneheart Pulse

Effect:

Muscles layer with earthen resilience, granting high blunt resistance.

Sustained damage builds a reactive counter-force, erupting in seismic pulses.

Life energy circulation hardens bloodflow (Stoneblood), delaying bleeding and fatigue.

Grounded stance drastically amplifies strength and stability]

[Life signature Gained]

Name: Corrosive Veil

Source: Hybrid Infusion (Corrupted Source)

Effect: Aura releases a faint corrosive mist that erodes defenses. Resistant to corrupted energy]

[Life signature Gained]

Name: Stormlash Pulse

Source: Human Mage + Sky Serpent Beast

Effect: Short-range pulse of lightning that disrupts nerve signals. Stronger if combined with wind affinity techniques]

Arden's grin grew with each new signature. "Now this… this was worth the trouble." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Fate really wants me tearing hybrids apart, huh?"

The interface dimmed and he leaned back, exhaling slowly.

Outside the chamber, the cheers had long faded. Rael and Nyra had already begun drifting off, their laughter turning quiet, while Zephyra lay curled at the corner like a silent sentinel.

Arden shut his eyes, though the hum of his new realm still pulsed through him. For once, he let himself rest.

A/N:

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