Chapter 1309: Searching for Pet

"I want a pet..."

Asad stared at Aera for several seconds.

The other five Priests also looked at her as if they had suddenly heard something completely unexpected.

"A pet?" Asad finally asked.

Aera nodded.

"Yes."

"You just fought a Demon Lord, and that is what you want as your reward?"

Aera’s cheeks immediately turned red.

"I-I know it sounds strange, but I’ve always wanted one!"

Caedryn covered his mouth, trying not to laugh.

Elysara gave Aera an amused look, while Orwyn simply shook his head.

Asad, however, did not laugh.

He seriously considered her request.

Unfortunately, he did not have any pets.

He had undead creatures, summoned monsters, and all kinds of strange creatures that he had encountered during his travels, but most of them were either dangerous or completely unsuitable for someone like Aera.

After all, giving a Priest a corpse-eating undead as a pet would probably defeat the purpose.

"Unfortunately, I don’t have a pet that would be suitable for you," Asad said.

Aera’s expression immediately fell.

"Oh..."

She lowered her head slightly.

Asad noticed her disappointed expression and sighed.

"But that doesn’t mean you can’t get one."

Aera immediately looked up.

"Really?"

"Yes. We’re going to Blood Talon Shelter."

"Blood Talon Shelter?"

Asad nodded.

"There is a shop there that specializes in monster eggs and pets. If you want a pet, that is probably the best place to start."

Aera’s eyes immediately brightened.

"Then let’s go!"

She took a step forward before suddenly realizing that everyone was staring at her again.

"What?"

Caedryn grinned.

"You really like the idea of having a pet."

"Of course I do!"

Aera puffed out her cheeks.

"What’s wrong with that?"

"Nothing," Caedryn replied. "It’s just funny seeing you get more excited about a pet than you were about fighting a Demon Lord."

Aera glared at him.

"I almost died fighting that Demon Lord!"

"And now you’re asking for a pet."

"That’s why I deserve one!"

Asad couldn’t help but smile slightly.

"Enough. Let’s go."

Aera immediately followed him.

The others exchanged amused looks as they watched the two leave the training chamber together.

Neither of them seemed to notice how much they looked like a couple going shopping together.

***

The shelter’s portal was located several floors below the main administration building.

Asad entered the portal room with Aera following closely behind him.

The room was heavily guarded, but the soldiers immediately recognized Asad.

"Lord Asad."

Asad nodded.

"Activate the portal to Blood Talon Shelter."

"Yes, Lord Asad."

The portal began to hum.

Blue-white light spread across the circular platform before forming a glowing gateway.

Aera stared at it with curiosity.

She had used shelter portals before, but she still found them fascinating.

Asad stepped onto the platform.

"Come on."

Aera quickly followed.

"Wait for me!"

Asad glanced back at her.

"You’re the one who wanted the pet."

Aera smiled.

"I’m just excited."

The portal activated.

A flash of light surrounded them.

When their vision returned, they were standing inside another portal room.

Blood Talon Shelter was considerably smaller than the shelter they had just left. Still, unlike the quiet chamber they had come from, this shelter was filled with activity.

Survivors moved through the streets carrying supplies, merchants pushed carts between buildings, and several armed teams were preparing to leave through the main gate.

There were also all kinds of strange creatures being transported throughout the shelter.

Aera immediately noticed a small winged creature sitting on a merchant’s shoulder.

Her eyes followed it as it flew past them.

"Cute..."

Asad looked at her and smiled... "Stay close."

"Yes, Lord Asad."

They walked through the crowded streets together.

Asad had visited Blood Talon Shelter several times before, so he knew exactly where he was going.

After passing several weapon shops and resource stores, they entered a quieter street toward the eastern side of the shelter.

A wooden sign hung above a large two-story building.

[ Moonfang Menagerie ]

Beneath the name was a smaller sign.

Monster Eggs, Tamed Beasts, Magical Creatures, and Companion Contracts

Aera stopped immediately.

"This is it?"

Asad nodded, "Yes."

Her eyes practically sparkled as she saw the place...

"You knew about this place?"

"I’ve bought things here before."

Aera looked at him suspiciously.

"You bought pets?"

"No... Just some materials."

"Oh."

Aera looked slightly disappointed.

Asad noticed it and asked, "Why?"

"I thought maybe you secretly had a pet."

"Haha... I am a Necromancer."

"That doesn’t mean you can’t have a cute pet."

Asad had no answer to that.

Aera smiled triumphantly while Asad sighed.

"Let’s just go inside."

Aera happily followed him.

The moment they entered, a strange mixture of warm air, magical energy, and animal cries filled the room.

Several glass enclosures lined the walls.

Inside them were small magical creatures, including tiny wolves, birds with glowing feathers, lizards covered in scales, and several creatures that Aera could not identify.

Further inside were rows of large containers...

Eggs... Dozens of them.

Some were small enough to fit in one hand, while others were nearly as large as a human.

Aera’s mouth slowly opened.

"There are so many..."

Asad walked toward the counter.

A middle-aged woman with short brown hair looked up from her ledger.

"Oh? Lord Asad."

She immediately recognized him.

"Welcome back."

Asad nodded.

"I need a pet."

The shopkeeper blinked... Then she looked at Aera.

Then back at Asad.

A small smile appeared on her face.

"I see."

Aera’s face immediately turned red.

"No! It’s not like that!"

The shopkeeper raised both hands innocently.

"I didn’t say anything."

"You were thinking it!"

Asad looked between them.

"What exactly is happening?"

"Nothing," Aera quickly said.

The shopkeeper smiled.

"Of course."

Aera glared at her, but Asad ignored the exchange.

"She wants a companion. Something suitable for a Priest."

The shopkeeper’s expression became serious.

"A Priest? Then we should avoid most ordinary magical beasts. Some are too aggressive, while others have attributes that may interfere with holy energy."

She walked toward a different section of the store.

"If you’re looking for something that can grow alongside her, I recommend some of these eggs."