Cherreads

Chapter 8 - Whisper of the Beast Princess

Northern Wilds – The Forgotten Frontier

While the empire obsessed over sect wars and spirit stones, the North was left to itself.

Frozen plains.

Ancient ruins half-buried in snow.

And deep within the forests — the Beastkin Tribes.

Powerful, proud, and barely civilized.

The empire called them barbarians.

But Priyanshu?

He saw them as untapped power.

Dark Heaven Society – Planning Hall

Anaya pinned a scroll onto the map wall.

"The North holds three ancient ruins believed to be connected to pre-spiritual civilizations."

Meera added, "The Beastkin rule these regions. Most sects avoid them due to tribal customs and unpredictable temperaments."

Priyanshu leaned forward.

"Which tribe is strongest?"

"The Crimson Fang Tribe," said Anaya. "And their future queen…"

She smirked. "...is known as the most dangerous beauty of the wild."

Priyanshu arched an eyebrow.

"Name?"

"Aaravi. Beast Princess. Divine Beast Bloodline — part Phoenix."

System Notification:

❖ High-Tier Target Detected: Aaravi Crimsonfang➤ Race: Beastkin (Phoenix Variant)➤ Rank: Peak Core Formation➤ Bloodline: Fire-Phoenix Hybrid➤ Personality: Fierce, Proud, Independent➤ Affinity: Fire + Sky Elemental Qi➤ Hidden Weakness: Curiosity for "Human Schemes"

❖ Mission Available: [Tame the Crimson Flame]Objective: Bring Aaravi under your bannerBonus: +2,000 CP, Divine Flame Skill, Beastkin Influence TreeDifficulty: ★★★★★Warning: Direct domination will fail. Use wit and manipulation.

Scene – Crimsonfang Territory, Outskirts

Disguised in rough beast robes, Priyanshu stood before a giant gate made of tusks and obsidian.

Beast warriors glared at him.

"Outsiders are not welcome, weakling."

Priyanshu held out a token — a blood-marked crystal carved with a sigil only beast elders knew.

It shimmered red.

A sign of challenge.

But not of war.

Of games.

The Beast Princess Appears

Inside a crimson hall lined with torches and bones, she stood on a raised platform.

Long wild red hair. Sharp golden eyes. And fiery tattoos that pulsed with divine Qi.

Aaravi Crimsonfang.

She stepped down slowly.

"You? You challenged my tribe with a game token?"

Priyanshu smiled faintly.

"I offer a contest of wits. If I win… you give me your time."

She raised an eyebrow. "And if you lose?"

"I'll leave your land with nothing but shame."

Silence.

Then she laughed. A melodic, dangerous sound.

"Fine. Let's play."

Challenge One: The Hunt of Shadows

She tossed him a dagger.

"Hunt a soul fox in the Crimson Woods. Alone. Before moonrise."

Soul foxes were known for illusion, speed, and unpredictability.

No ordinary man could catch one.

But Priyanshu wasn't ordinary.

System Activated:

✔ Skill Used: [Flame Puppet Technique Lv.1]✔ Illusion Clone Sent as Bait✔ Trap Formations Activated✔ Soul Fox Lured Successfully✔ Beast Mark Imprinted Without Damage

Reward: +300 CPAaravi's Impression: +18Status: "Mild Curiosity"

He returned before sunset, fox asleep in his arms.

Aaravi narrowed her eyes.

"You didn't kill it?"

"I don't need to destroy something to prove I'm stronger."

She blinked. A rare moment of reflection.

System Notification:✔ Emotional Trigger Activated: "Respect"✔ Harem Flag Level 1: [Potential Mate – Beast Instinct]✔ +800 CP

Challenge Two: Truthfire Trial

Aaravi led him to a circle of blue flames.

"You stand in the flames and answer three questions. Lie, and the fire burns you."

Priyanshu stepped in. Calm.

She asked:

"What do you desire most?"

"Control. Not of others... but of the story itself."

"What do you fear?"

"Becoming ordinary again."

"Would you betray someone you love?"

Priyanshu looked her in the eyes.

"Only if they stood in my way."

The fire flickered, then calmed.

Truth spoken.

Aaravi didn't say anything.

But her heartbeat… quickened.

System Notification:

✔ Emotional Conflict Triggered: Curiosity + Intrigue✔ Beast Instinct Bond: 42%✔ Unlockable Title Progress: [Tamer of Divine Beasts 1/3]✔ Hidden Affinity: Forbidden Flame Union Technique (Locked)✔ +900 CP

Later That Night – Private Tent

Aaravi stood before Priyanshu.

No guards.

No weapons.

Just her.

"You've played your game well, outsider. You've earned a place by my side… for now."

Priyanshu smiled.

"I only need a step inside the door."

She stared at him, sharp and unreadable.

"But know this—if you betray me, even the heavens can't protect you."

He stepped closer.

"I never betray. I convert."

And somehow, that answer made her smirk.

System Update:

✔ New Agent Acquired: Aaravi Crimsonfang➤ Rank: High-Tier Female Agent➤ Title: Beast Princess of the North➤ Loyalty: 48%➤ Status: Cautiously Curious (Growing Bond)➤ Bonus Unlocked: Divine Flame Art (Tier 1)➤ Territory Influence: Northern Wilds (Initial foothold established)

Total CP: 6,730Flame Qi Integration: 25%Beastkin Conversion Tree: [Unlocked]

Final Scene – Return to the Shadows

Back in his war room, Priyanshu marked the Northern Wilds as "claimed."

Meera, Anaya, Ishika, Vaidehi, and now Aaravi...

Different powers.

Different personalities.

All loyal to the same master.

And yet the world still thought he was just a weak fourth son in the Yadav Clan.

He chuckled.

"By the time they see the real me… their thrones will already be under my feet."

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