Rebirth : The Alchemist's Path

Chapter 20: The Bold Gamble

A few minutes later, Corvin and his group continued their trek through the Beast Mountain Range.

Although Teddy and Muir were still shocked by Corvin's unexpected success in taming the Nether Panther, they chose not to ask too many questions.

After Muir confirmed through inspection that Corvin hadn't used any forbidden techniques, they let the matter rest. Both men knew that the trap in Corvin's possession had likely been the key to his success.

Teddy, being a businessman, understood the immense value of a magical tool that could not only help knights capture a mount but also encourage the captured beast to willingly form a **Blood Sacrifice Contract**. Such an item was priceless.

But now was not the time to probe further, especially with so many people around. If word got out, the family would undoubtedly become a target for those with ill intentions. Even though they were powerful, it was better to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Muir , too, was curious about the magical trap Corvin had used, but since Teddy himself had refrained from asking, Muir remained silent, not wanting to overstep his bounds.

As a result, Corvin wasn't pressured with any immediate questions and was allowed to proceed with his plan to seek out stronger beasts.

However, much to Corvin's frustration, the trap failed to capture any of the other Fourth, Fifth, or even Sixth-Grade beasts they encountered.

"Corvin, it's time to head back. You already have a Third-Grade Nether Panther. That qualifies you to be the heir. Let's not push our luck," Teddy said, a rare smile on his face.

For the first time in a long while, Teddy felt optimistic. Although Corvin's mount was only Third-Grade, it met the qualifications necessary to inherit the family title.

Before Corvin could respond, a deep, thunderous roar echoed throughout the mountain range. The overwhelming aura of a powerful creature swept over them, causing numerous beasts to cower in submission.

"That roar... it sounds like the **Sky-Shattering Twin-Winged Tiger**, an Eighth-Grade beast!" Muir 's face paled.

An Eighth-Grade beast was on par with a Saint Archmage. And while Muir himself was a Saint Archmage, he was only at the One-Star level. The Twin-Winged Tiger was at least Three-Star, meaning a direct confrontation would be suicide.

"An Eighth-Grade beast? Father, let's go after it!" Corvin's eyes gleamed with excitement.

This was it—a chance to attempt capturing an Eighth-Grade beast, even though the trap's success rate was only 30% for such a high-level target. The trap had already sustained several cracks after the previous attempts, but Corvin figured he had nothing to lose.

If he succeeded, it would be a monumental win.

"You've lost your mind! An Eighth-Grade beast would never willingly serve as your mount. If you provoke it, we'll all be dead within minutes!" Teddy shouted, his frustration boiling over. His son, who had been quivering in fear earlier, was now daring to take on an Eighth-Grade beast.

There wasn't a single knight in existence who had tamed such a powerful creature as their mount. Even Platinum Knights only managed to raise beasts to that level through years of nurturing from infancy.

"Father, didn't you say that if I couldn't capture a beast, I might as well die in this mountain range? Even though I've succeeded, I'm not satisfied. I must at least try!" Corvin's determination was palpable.

He knew how the family members secretly ridiculed him as a failure despite their outward respect. Capturing an Eighth-Grade beast would silence them forever.

And if he only returned with a Third-Grade Nether Panther, it wouldn't be enough to truly secure his place. His father had sacrificed too much for him already—he had to earn the position of family head himself.

Teddy, who had been on the verge of forbidding the plan, was suddenly struck by a wave of memories—he had been just like Corvin in his youth, full of the same fiery determination.

"Father, I have to walk my own path," Corvin insisted, his voice unwavering.

Teddy took a deep breath before bursting into laughter.

"Well, I didn't raise a coward after all! Muir , what do you say?"

"Master, my life has always been in your hands," Muir responded without hesitation.

Teddy nodded in satisfaction.

"In that case, let's go see this Eighth-Grade beast!" Teddy exclaimed, launching himself into the air.

Muir grabbed Corvin, and the two followed closely behind, while the rest of the group stayed behind at Teddy's command.

Within minutes, the trio arrived at a peak where the **Sky-Shattering Twin-Winged Tiger** stood roaring. The massive creature's body was black and white, and its wings stretched out like dark clouds over the mountain.

"What a majestic Eighth-Grade beast," Corvin whispered, awe-struck by the sheer presence of the creature.

Even from a distance, the pressure emanating from the beast was enough to make him feel weak in the knees. If he could tame this beast, he would stand on equal footing with even the strongest Saint Archmages.

"Master, the Twin-Winged Tiger is at least a Four-Star Saint Archmage in strength. If we get any closer, it will definitely notice us," Muir warned, his voice low.

"Let's stay here then. Corvin, throw your trap. If it fails, we'll leave immediately," Teddy instructed.

"Got it!" Corvin took a deep breath, positioning himself for the best possible throw.

Gathering every ounce of his strength, he hurled the nearly shattered **beast trap** toward the Sky-Shattering Twin-Winged Tiger.

...