Beast Taming Star Journey

My heart pounded like a drum, almost bursting from my chest. The hastily written words exploded in my mind like a thunderclap. Ruins outside the city… tomorrow noon… These words, strung together, gave me a whiff of conspiracy. Could this be evidence of the Beastmasters colluding with traitors?

I didn't dare delay, quickly refolded the note, and stuffed it back into the ink cartridge's compartment. Then, I put the cartridge back in its original place, trying to make it look exactly the same as before. After doing all this, I looked around, searching for a hiding place.

The study wasn't large, and there wasn't much room to hide. My gaze fell behind the bookshelf, where a heavy curtain might temporarily conceal me.

I held my breath, tiptoed behind the bookshelf, pulled back the curtain, and slipped inside. The curtain was thick, blocking out the light and concealing my figure. I pressed myself tightly against the bookshelf, afraid to move even a whisper.

"Who is it?!" The Beastmaster's furious voice rang out from outside the door, and my heart sank. He's back!

Through the gap in the curtains, I saw the Beastmaster storm into the study. His face was grim, his eyes sharp, like a wild beast ready to pounce.

“Strange…” The Beastmaster looked around, seemingly searching for something. “I clearly heard some noise here…”

He walked to the desk, his gaze sweeping over every item on the surface. My heart leaped into my throat, terrified he would notice the unusual ink cartridge.

Fortunately, the Beastmaster didn't notice the inconspicuous ink cartridge. He seemed to think he had misheard, and after circling the study, he turned and left.

I finally dared to breathe a sigh of relief, feeling my back soaked in cold sweat.

I gently patted Little Grey, who was perched on my shoulder, and whispered, "Little Grey, thank goodness you reminded me." Little Grey rubbed against my face and let out a soft whimper, as if to comfort me.

Remembering the clue provided by the silver-haired boy—a hidden compartment in the Iridium Beastmaster's study—I rallied my spirits and began a thorough search of the study. Although the silver-haired boy lacked beast-taming abilities, he was meticulous and observant, often noticing details others overlooked. This time, he inadvertently saw the Iridium Beastmaster tapping on the wall next to the bookshelf and heard a hollow echo. Suspecting a hidden compartment there, he told me.

Following the clues provided by the silver-haired boy, I carefully examined the wall next to the bookshelf. I gently tapped the wall with my hand, listening intently to the echo.

Suddenly, my finger touched a slightly loose brick. A surge of joy filled me – could this be the entrance to the hidden compartment?

I carefully pressed down on the brick, and with a soft "click," a small crack appeared in the wall. I pushed it harder, and the crack gradually widened, revealing a hidden compartment.

Inside the hidden compartment was a wooden box, its surface carved with intricate patterns, giving it an ancient and mysterious appearance. My heart suddenly raced. Could this be the crucial evidence I'd been searching for?

I eagerly reached for the wooden box...

"What are you doing?!" A cold voice came from behind me.

My heart pounded, vibrating like a drumbeat in my ears. The wooden box in the hidden compartment exuded an ancient and mysterious aura, as if silently telling a story. Could this be the crucial evidence I've been searching for, the one that could reveal the truth behind the Beastmaster's betrayal?

Just as my fingertips were about to touch the wooden box, hurried footsteps came from outside the door, growing closer and closer. My heart sank—it was Yi, the Beastmaster! He was back!

I had to hurry! I gritted my teeth, disregarding everything else, grabbed the wooden box, and stuffed it into my clothes. Then, I quickly closed the hidden compartment and pressed the loose bricks back into place.

With a soft click, the hidden compartment reappeared in the wall, as if it had never existed. I held my breath, hiding behind the heavy curtains, too afraid to move.

The footsteps of the Beastmaster Yi grew closer and closer, finally stopping at the door of the study.

“Strange…” His voice held a hint of doubt, “I clearly felt someone was here…”

He pushed open the study door and came in. My heart was pounding in my chest. I pressed myself tightly against the bookshelf, trying to blend into the shadows.

The Beastmaster surveyed the study, his gaze sweeping over every corner. My breathing became shallow and slow, as if afraid he would discover my presence.

His gaze lingered on the bookshelf for a moment before shifting away. I secretly breathed a sigh of relief; it seemed he hadn't discovered I was hiding there.

He walked to the desk, picked up a scroll, and examined it carefully. The image of Su Yao flashed through my mind; her resolute gaze and encouraging words gave me boundless strength.

I cannot betray her trust. I must complete this mission and expose the true face of the Iridium Beastmaster!

The Beastmaster seemed not to notice anything unusual. He put down the scroll, turned around, and left the study.

I waited until his footsteps had completely disappeared before I dared to step out from behind the curtain. I took a deep breath, feeling every muscle in my body tense.

I took the wooden box out of my pocket and examined it carefully. The surface of the box was carved with intricate patterns, giving it an ancient and mysterious look. I tried to open the box, but found it was locked with a delicate lock.

I took a small tool out of my storage bag and began trying to open the lock. My fingers trembled slightly; I was both nervous and excited.

With a soft click, the lock opened. I slowly opened the wooden box, and inside lay a letter with the words "Top Secret" written on the envelope.

My heart was pounding. What could this letter possibly say? Was it evidence that the Beastmaster of the Iridium had colluded with a traitor?

I took a deep breath and slowly opened the envelope...

"My Lord Beastmaster, everything is ready, awaiting only your command..."

I took the letter and walked to the study door. The Beastmaster was facing away from me, seemingly admiring the view outside the window.

“Lord Iridium Beastmaster,” I said.