Chapter 3: You’re, not a Glob?

The rest of the day passed quickly.

Before leaving, the Overseer handed each of us ten empty Kýrings along with a small black band called a Kýlog.

The moment I put them on, both the Kýrings and the Kýlog adjusted themselves to fit perfectly around my fingers and wrist.

The Kýrings were specially made for Wielders. By raising the hand wearing a Kýring and calling a captured Kýrex’s name, a small magic circle would appear before the ring. The Kýrex would then transform into a beam of light and return inside. Calling its name again would recreate the same magic circle, allowing the Kýrex to emerge in a flash of light beside you.

The Kýlog, meanwhile, was a band worn around the wrist. It could project a small square holographic screen that displayed maps, quests, detailed information about Kýrex, and many other useful features every Wielder needed.

As for how it worked…

How exactly it was made…

I had no idea.

It was said to be created using runes and magic far beyond the understanding of ordinary people.

After thanking the Overseer, we all began our own journeys.

…

Now that I had become an official Wielder, countless paths lay before me.

Some people became explorers, searching for hidden dungeons and ancient ruins. Some focused on catching powerful Kýrex. Others made a living gathering rare materials or completing requests for the Association.

As for me…

I’d already decided.

I wanted to challenge the Grand Trial.

Every year, thousands of new Wielders from across Asteera set out to challenge the ten Guardian Halls. Only those who overcame all ten could qualify for the Grand Trial.

It wouldn’t be easy.

Along the way, I’d need to catch more Kýrex, earn enough money to support my journey, and gather the rare materials needed to awaken my partners.

It was a long road.

But as I looked down at the little Glob happily bouncing beside me…

“Blob… blob…”

I couldn’t wait to begin.

…

“Glob…”

The little Glob bounced in front of me.

“You ready?”

“…Blo!”

It gave an eager nod.

A few meters ahead, a small puppy-like Kýrex stood in our path. Its yellow fur swayed gently with the breeze, while a pair of leaf-shaped ears twitched curiously as it watched us.

I raised my wrist.

“Kýlog.”

A square holographic screen appeared before me.

────────────────────

Species: Hound

Element: Wind

A young canine Kýrex commonly found in forests and open grasslands across Asteera. Curious by nature, Hounds are highly alert and often live and hunt in small packs. They are quick on their feet, possess an excellent sense of smell, and rarely attack unless they feel threatened or are protecting their territory.

────────────────────

After reading the description, I looked around.

“…Looks like it’s alone.”

A small smile spread across my face.

“Glob…”

“Let’s do our best.”

“…Blo!”

The little Glob ran ahead while I followed behind.

The Hound stared right back at us.

“…Alright.”

“Glob, attack!”

“…Blo!”

Glob charged forward as fast as it could.

The Hound calmly waited until the last second before suddenly swinging its paw.

Boing!

“…Blooo!”

Glob was hit hard and sent rolling across the grass before finally stopping upside down, struggling to get back on its feet.

I blinked.

“…”

The Hound looked at me and let out a low growl.

“Hoooooo…”

Its small body looked harmless at first glance, but the moment it opened its mouth, rows of tiny, razor-sharp fangs became visible, making it seem far more intimidating than before.

I didn’t waste another second.

I rushed forward, scooped Glob into my arms, and turned around.

“Run!”

“…Blo?!”

The Hound gave an excited bark and immediately chased after us.

“Aaaaah!”

For the next few minutes, the peaceful forest echoed with my screams.

…

A moment later, I collapsed onto the grass, breathing heavily.

“Haa… Haa…”

Glob slowly bounced over beside me and stopped. Its body drooped as it stared at me, looking small and sad.

I gently patted its head.

“Don’t blame yourself. This one’s on me.”

“I challenged another Kýrex without even knowing what you could do.”

I raised my Kýlog.

“Let’s check your information.”

The moment I held it toward Glob…

Error. Unable to identify Kýrex…

“…Huh?”

I frowned.

“Did it break?”

Just then, a small bird Kýrex landed on a nearby branch. It was about the size of my palm, covered in soft green feathers with a pale white chest. Its long tail feathers swayed gently in the breeze as it curiously tilted its head.

The Kýlog immediately lit up.

────────────────────

Species: Flet

Element: Grass

A small bird Kýrex commonly found in forests across Asteera. Despite its timid nature, it is surprisingly quick and is often seen gathering seeds and berries.

────────────────────

I stared at the screen for a moment before looking back at the little bird.

“…It works.”

“Ettt…” The Flet chirped before flying away.

I turned the Kýlog back toward Glob.

Error: Unable to identify target.

“…Again?”

I frowned.

“Then let’s search manually.”

I tapped the search icon and typed:

Dark Glob

A result immediately appeared.

────────────────────

Species: Dark Glob

Element: Dark

A rare variant of the Glob species. Unlike other Globs, Dark Globs possess a naturally aggressive temperament and are most active at night.

────────────────────

I looked at the image beside the information.

“…Huh?”

Then at the little Glob beside me.

Back to the image.

“…”

At first, I’d assumed the differences were simply because of its unusual color.

But now that I looked closely…

The Dark Glob in the image had a soft, jelly-like body that was still slightly transparent, just like every other Glob I’d seen.

But the little Glob beside me was different.

Its body was smoother, firmer, and completely opaque. Its bright blue eyes looked nothing like the crimson eyes shown in the Kýlog.

“…”

I looked from the image…

Back to the little Glob…

Then back to the image again.

“…Blo?”

The little Glob tilted its body, looking at me curiously.

I slowly lowered the Kýlog and said,

“You’re… not a Glob?”