Dominion of The Beast Masters

Chapter 39: Man of Steel



The cave was still shaking as the battle came to a close. Dust and debris hung in the air, illuminated by the soft glow of Eratz's aura.

The Terrakrus lay on the ground, its massive body heaving with labored breaths.

The powerful beam of white and pink energy had struck the creature, leaving cracks and scorched marks across its rocky hide.

Eratz stood across from it, his own body trembling from the exertion. Blood trickled down his face, matting his white hair, and his muscles screamed with exhaustion, but he didn't waver. His aura, now calmer and more radiant, wrapped around him like a protective cocoon.

He felt different, his senses sharper, his body covered in light that flickered like embers. His form was marked by heavenly symbols, glowing softly on his skin. This was the beastification with the aetheri.

He felt not just stronger, but enlightened, as though a new layer of understanding had awakened inside him.

Beside him, the aetheri stood taller than before.

Its new form was humanoid, its mystical figure glowing with the same serene light as Eratz.

The creature had evolved, its body slender and elegant.

Its limbs were long, almost graceful, and it floated effortlessly just above the ground, emitting an aura of tranquility.

Eratz glanced at the aetheri, amazed by its transformation.

"You've changed..." he whispered.

The creature turned its head slightly, meeting his gaze with soft, glowing eyes. It nodded once, its power now fully in sync with Eratz.

Together, they faced the Terrakrus, ready for whatever came next.

The Terrakrus, weakened and battered, lifted its head slowly. Its amber eyes still burned with defiance, but it was clear the fight had drained it. Eratz tightened his fists, ready to strike again if needed.

His aura flared brighter, the symbols on his skin glowing in unison with the aetheri's radiant light.

"Whenever you want." Eratz called out, his voice calm but firm.

The tension in the air was palpable, the entire cave was holding its breath.

For a moment, the Terrakrus seemed to consider it. Its massive body shifted as it tried to lift itself up.

But then, with a low, rumbling growl, the creature lowered its head and let its body fall to the ground, as though it had finally admitted defeat. Its claws dug into the earth, and it laid still, breathing heavily.

Eratz exhaled deeply, relief washing over him. The beast had surrendered, the fight was over. His shoulders relaxed, but only slightly.

He stepped forward, reaching out with his spiritual pressure, letting it cover the Terrakrus like a blanket.

The power flowed from him, surrounding the fallen dragon as he prepared to absorb it.

The process was slow, but steady, the Terrakrus's energy seeping into him as it became a part of his growing strength.

Once it was done, Eratz stood there for a moment, his body still trembling from the intensity of the battle.

Blood coated him from head to toe, so much so that he had to close one eye, but there was a smile on his face. He had won. He had tamed the Terrakrus.

He glanced over at the aetheri, who gave him a solemn nod, then began to fade back into his shadow, returning to its place of rest.

"Thank you," Eratz whispered, his voice barely audible.

He then turned to the cavern, feeling the presence of all his other beasts, and with a hoarse voice, he spoke again.

"Thank you all. You fought well.... you, too," he added, directing his words at the Terrakrus inside him.

The light around him began to dim as his aura faded away, leaving him in his normal form. He felt the weight of exhaustion hit him like a truck. His body swayed, his knees buckling slightly.

Blood still dripped from his brow, his vision blurring. For a moment, he felt like he was going to fall, to collapse under the weight of it all.

But then, with a groan, he planted his foot forward, stomping hard into the ground, using the last of his strength to steady himself.

A thought burned in his mind, Mercury, Colin, Milo. They were waiting for him. He fell that if fell now, he would be done for the night, and they'd be worried sick. He couldn't do that to

them.

He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stand tall, to not let the exhaustion win.

His breathing was labored, his muscles screamed, but he refused to give in. He couldn't afford to collapse, not now.

Drawing on the remaining power of the aetheri, Eratz closed his eyes and concentrated. He could feel the energy swirling within him, weak but still there.

He tapped into it, summoning the aetheri's power one last time. The air around him shimmered, and with a final push of willpower, he teleported.

Rain poured heavily over the forest, turning the ground to mud and filling the air with the steady patter of droplets.

The sound was almost deafening, but it only added to the tension in the small camp where Mercury, Colin, and Milo waited.

The tent barely held up against the downpour, the fabric sagging under the weight of the water.

Inside, Colin and Milo sat in silence, their anxious faces illuminated only by the occasional flash of lightning.

Colin hugged her knees to her chest, her eyes fixed on the ground, while Milo fidgeted nervously, stealing glances at the tent's entrance.

Mercury, on the other hand, sat at the opening, her arms crossed as she stared out into the

rain.

Her gaze was distant. Every minute that passed felt like an eternity.

And suddenly, Her heart skipped a beat.

Without thinking, she stepped out into the rain, her boots sinking into the mud as she began

to run.

The rain was relentless, soaking her to the bone as she splashed through puddles, her feet squelching in the mud.

Her breaths came in quick bursts, the cold air biting at her skin, but she didn't slow down.

Colin and Milo crawled to the tent entrance, exchanging confused looks before they spotted Mercury running off into the rain.

They peered through the downpour, their hearts racing as they tried to make out what she hadn/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

seen.

Mercury's pace slowed as she got closer, her eyes wide, and finally, she stopped. There,

standing in front of her, was Eratz.

He was covered in blood, his clothes torn, his white hair clinging to his face, but he was smiling, a tired, crooked smile, but a smile.

His chest heaved with heavy breaths, and his legs shook, but he was still standing.

He looked at her, rainwater and blood mixing and dripping from his chin, his good eye

glinting in the soft light of the storm.

"Tomorrow's breakfast... it's on me," he said, his voice hoarse but playful.

For a moment, Mercury just stood there, staring at him.

Her eyes trembled, caught somewhere between a cry and a laugh.

She bit her lip, and let out a choked laugh, her hands trembling as she wiped away the rain and

tears from her face.

"You idiot," she whispered, her voice shaky.

But she smiled, a soft, genuine smile, full of relief and warmth.