Dominion of The Beast Masters

Chapter 236: A Table For the Insanes



Kallistra straightened, brushing imaginary dust from her sleeve.

"Simple. I want one thing and one thing only: unique beasts. The stronger, the rarer, the more calamitous, the better. I dream of a world where every single beast is a masterpiece of chaos and beauty, a world teeming with living calamities."

Her voice rose slightly, her words carrying a fervor that bordered on madness.

"Imagine it. A world where no two beasts are the same. No mundane creatures, no boring repetitions. Every beast, a force of nature, a singularity unto itself."

"That's insane," Victoria muttered, taking a step back. "You're crazy."

"Am I?" Kallistra countered, her tone sharp but playful. "Is it so wrong to want to create? To add to the tapestry of life rather than diminish it? What's evil about that?" She turned her gaze to Eratz, her expression shifting to something softer, almost reverent.

"Evil is what they call people like us, Eratz. People like you, Ishtarians. They look at your kind and see monsters. But I? I see gifts of nature. And you, Eratz, you're the finest gift of all. A hunter of unique beasts. My dream boy, and the key to my fantasy. We're soulmates, Eratz, whether you've realized it or not. You and I? We share something no one else understands. The thrill of the hunt, the passion for discovery, the desire to uncover what lies beyond the ordinary. Look at the beasts you've hunted, the numbers, the power. You and I are the same." She spread her arms wide, her voice swelling with enthusiasm.

"So let's not waste time pretending otherwise. Let's team up. Let's find the legendaries together. And let's create a world where we'll never be able to catch every unique beast because there will always be more. A world where every step is a new discovery, every hunt a new masterpiece. And if we ever reach the end?" Her grin turned feral. "Then we'll create more. And more. And more. Until our last breath, Eratz. Until the very end."

A heavy silence hung in the air after Kallistra's impassioned speech.

She stood motionless, her chest rising and falling with each breath, her wide smile still spread across her face.

Her arms remained outstretched, as if inviting everyone to embrace her vision.

Tamara's voice broke the silence, barely above a whisper.

"You're insane."

Kallistra's smile faltered for a moment before she closed her mouth and nodded, her expression unfazed.

"Yeah. So what?"n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Leonidas stared at her, his face twisted with disgust.

"I was right to doubt you," he muttered.

Kallistra turned her head toward him, her tone light yet sharp.

"Oh, Leonidas, don't act so righteous. You had no choice back then, and you still don't. You'll help me anyway, because I'm the one with the white orb."

Leonidas's jaw tightened, his anger barely restrained. He looked away, his hands clenched into fists.

Eratz's soft laugh broke the tension.

"I knew something was off about you, Kallistra. But not to this extent."

Kallistra raised an eyebrow, tilting her head.

"And?"

Eratz's gaze shifted to Tamara.

"I think I get it now. You want constancy, a world where everything stays balanced. That's noble."

Kallistra's triumphant laughter interrupted him.

"And yet you'll find my way more..."

"But you're insane," Eratz cut her off, his tone firm.

Kallistra's laughter stopped abruptly.

"Excuse me?"

Eratz nodded.

"You are crazy. Insane. What you want is absurd, especially since you understand that it would put everyone in danger."

Kallistra crossed her arms, her smile fading into a somber expression.

"I see," she said with a sad smile. "Go on, then. Let's hear your brilliant understanding."

Eratz's voice softened.

"I don't condemn you. I understand you more now. You're not evil. You are just on something.

I don't want a world where my family is in danger for my hobby."

Kallistra's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Think about it, Eratz. In the end, you'd get everything you've ever wanted. A world filled with unique beasts, battles worth your strength. Isn't that what you're chasing too?"

Eratz shook his head.

"Maybe you don't know me as well as you think. You're not entirely wrong. I would love a world of unique beasts, intense battles. But I want that world with my people. With what we have, at our own pace. I don't see that in your eyes."

Tamara's voice was low, questioning.

"So then... what's your decision?"

Eratz exhaled, his tone calm but resolute.

"I can't guarantee I won't seek the legendaries later for your pleasure. But as of today, I'm not ready. And if I do, it will be on my terms. No pacts, no alliances."

Kallistra and Eratz locked eyes, a long moment of understanding passing between them. Finally, she sighed, shaking her head.

"Boring," she said, turning away. "You're just saying I'm right but you're too scared to do anything." She began to walk off, her voice drifting back. "Think about it, though. Before the choice imposes itself. Come on, Doggy, we leave."

Leonidas clenched his fists, hesitating, looking between Eratz and Kallistra with a conflicted

expression.

"Ignore her," he muttered to Eratz. "Think about what I said. About what we deserve."

Tamara's voice cut through his words.

"What's this minion still doing here? Get out."

Leonidas's face twisted with anger, but he turned and followed Kallistra into the darkness.

Left alone, Tamara's shoulders relaxed slightly. She glanced at Eratz, her expression

softening.

"You did well," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "You've got my pass for

anything now."

Eratz raised an eyebrow.

"I never took a side."

Tamara smirked.

"Exactly. And that's exactly why I trust you."

She raised her hand, dark energy beginning to pulse and gather in her palm. The air around them grew heavy, shadows converging into a swirling mass of power.

"I also have a dream, Eratz," she said, her tone wistful. "My dream now is to finally get some

rest and enjoy life."

The orb pulsed one last time before solidifying, its dark surface reflecting the dim lights

around them. She extended it to Eratz, her gaze steady.

"Take it. And when you're ready, come take my crown."