Douluo Dalu:Shards of Fate

Chapter 7: The Hunt Begins

Two months had passed since Ryo arrived at Nuoding Academy. In that time, he had adjusted to the mundane rhythm of student life. His sharp crimson eyes took in everything, yet his thoughts often wandered far beyond the walls of the academy. The lessons were easy to master; the spars were repetitive. His true focus lay elsewhere.

When Ryo wasn't sitting at the back of a classroom or enduring sparring matches, he spent hours alone in his dorm room, his martial soul hovering before him like a puzzle waiting to be solved.

Today was no different. He sat cross-legged on the floor, the glass box floating silently in the dim light. Its translucent edges refracted faint rainbows as it spun gently under Ryo's control.

"It's strong, but not strong enough," he murmured, running a hand through his black-and-red hair. "Glass is fragile by nature. It needs to be more durable… but it can't lose its core properties. It still needs to bend, reflect, and refract."

His notes, scattered across the floor, were filled with diagrams and theories. For weeks, he had researched soul rings and the unique attributes they imparted. A soul ring wasn't just a source of power—it was the essence of the soul beast it came from. If he could find the right beast, he could enhance the durability of the glass box while preserving its intrinsic qualities.

Finally, he leaned back and smirked. "Crystal Tortoise," he said softly.

The Crystal Tortoise was a rare beast, known for its near-indestructible shell and its ability to manipulate light to create illusions. Its attributes were a perfect match for what Ryo needed.

Without hesitation, Ryo reached for the communication insert Li had given him. The small device glowed faintly as he sent a message to his grandfather. As always, his words were brief and direct.

The next morning, Ryo stood outside the academy gates, waiting. The streets of Nuoding City were still quiet, the morning light casting long shadows across the cobblestone roads.

In the distance, a familiar figure strode confidently toward him. Li Anye moved with the energy of a man half his age, his crescent-shaped mustache twitching as he waved in greeting.

"You've grown sharper, boy," Li said as he approached, his keen eyes sweeping over Ryo. "I knew this place would be good for you."

"I haven't learned much from the academy," Ryo replied, his tone even. "You taught me more than any of them could. But I've reached rank 10."

Li's grin widened. "Reaching rank 10 in just two months—most would call that a miracle. Well done, boy. You've earned your first soul ring."

"That's why you're here," Ryo said. "The Crystal Tortoise."

Li's expression turned thoughtful. "A good choice. Durable, clever, and its abilities complement your martial soul perfectly. You've got a sharp eye for compatibility."

Ryo nodded, taking the praise in stride. "The dean will help arrange entry into the Soul Hunting Forest."

"Then let's not waste time," Li said, clapping a hand on Ryo's shoulder. "Your first soul ring is a big step. Let's make it count."

The Soul Hunting Forest was alive with sound, the air thick with the hum of life. Birds chirped in the distance, insects buzzed in the underbrush, and every so often, the faint growl of a distant predator pierced the stillness.

The forest canopy stretched high above, its thick branches weaving a web of shadows across the forest floor. Shafts of sunlight broke through in scattered beams, illuminating patches of vibrant green moss and twisting roots.

Li moved ahead, his footsteps silent as he led the way. His presence alone seemed to repel weaker soul beasts, their faint auras retreating as he passed. Ryo followed closely, his senses sharp and his crimson eyes scanning every shadow.

"The Crystal Tortoise won't be easy to find," Li said over his shoulder. "It's not fast, but it's clever. It uses light to create illusions, bending it to blend into its surroundings."

Ryo didn't respond. He was already studying their surroundings, looking for any sign of disturbance. Faint tracks in the mud, scratches on the bark of a tree—every detail mattered.

After nearly an hour, Li stopped abruptly, holding up a hand.

"There," he said quietly, pointing ahead.

Through the dense undergrowth, Ryo spotted a sunlit clearing. At first glance, it appeared empty, but as he focused, he noticed something strange. The light in the clearing shimmered unnaturally, bending in subtle, unnatural ways.

"It's using its illusion," Ryo thought, his eyes narrowing.

Li stepped into the clearing, his movements slow and deliberate. The shimmering patch of light shifted slightly, almost as if it were alive.

The old man raised his hand, golden energy gathering around his palm. With a swift motion, he slammed his hand into the ground, sending a shockwave rippling through the clearing.

The shimmering light distorted violently, and a low, rumbling hiss filled the air. A massive figure materialized in the center of the clearing—a Crystal Tortoise, its shell gleaming like polished quartz. Its body shimmered faintly, the refracted light making it seem almost ethereal.

The tortoise hissed again, its beady eyes locking onto Li. Its massive legs pushed against the ground as it began to move, its weight causing the earth to tremble.

Li didn't hesitate. He darted forward, his movements impossibly fast for a man of his age. His palm struck the ground again, sending another shockwave through the earth. The Crystal Tortoise stumbled, its balance shifting as it reared back slightly.

With a sharp movement, Li twisted his body and struck the beast's side with his hand. The force of the blow sent the tortoise toppling onto its back, its shell gleaming in the sunlight as its legs flailed helplessly in the air.

"Finish it, boy," Li said, stepping back to give Ryo space.

Ryo stepped into the clearing, his expression calm and focused. He summoned the glass box, the translucent object floating silently in his hand.

The Crystal Tortoise hissed again, its limbs thrashing wildly in an attempt to right itself. Ryo moved closer, his crimson eyes locked onto the beast's exposed underbelly. With a single motion, he drove the glass box into its chest, the edges of the box cutting through the tortoise's flesh like a blade.

The tortoise let out one final, ear-splitting hiss before falling silent. Its body began to dissolve into golden light, the essence of its soul rising into the air.

Ryo sat cross-legged beside the fading light, closing his eyes as the golden soul ring began to circle him. He took a deep breath, steadying himself as the energy began to flow into his body.