Beast Tamer Episode 10: Darkness in Horizon

Orun sits alone, the only light from a desk lamp illuminating the profiles he studies. He murmurs the names: Sofia, Logan, Caroline. He notes they are all

The Head Priest Orun and Selma are greeted by an overly enthusiastic Estella, whose desk is in charming disarray. Carla, from Search Management, joins them, confirming her support for the new recruits. Estella then drops a bombshell: she wants the new Pathfinders to clear the 10th stratum within half a year. Orun is taken aback by the ambition, but Estella's faith in him is unwavering.

Walking through the arched hallways, Selma confides in Orun about Sofia's troubled past. Sofia's mother, a maid, died after childbirth, leaving Sofia to endure hardships in the Croudelle household as her father's mistress. Selma recounts trying to protect her, but after she left home, Sofia's treatment worsened, leaving her with vacant eyes. Selma's hope is for Sofia to become a respectable Pathfinder, an aspiration Orun promises to help fulfill.

Orun finds Sofia, Logan, and Carol already waiting for him, their enthusiasm palpable. He clarifies his role as instructor, not just a master. He then lays down two crucial rules for his students: always think flexibly and never assume his words are absolute truth. He insists they question everything, making knowledge their own.

Sofia, shyly, admits her initial motivation is to emulate her sister, Selma, and find her own dream as a Pathfinder. Orun promises to guide her. Logan then declares his straightforward goal: to earn money to repay his impoverished village. He confesses his past arrogance, now humbled by Orun's strength and the Black Dragon's terror, and vows to become stronger for his people.

Carol, with unsettling cheerfulness, states her reason for being a Pathfinder is to defeat monsters so everyone can smile. When pressed, she reveals a chilling detail: smiling people do not hurt her. Orun is visibly shaken, recognizing the deep trauma beneath her innocent words. He acknowledges the importance of smiles and thanks her for her honesty.

Orun affirms his understanding of their motivations, urging them to hold onto their resolve. He then shares his own dream: to become strong enough to protect what is important, never losing anything again. Flashbacks show his past surrounded by loss, solidifying his determination. He then gives Carol, Logan, and Sofia new nicknames, cementing their bond before declaring the start of their rigorous training.

Training begins in a dungeon, where Carol's reckless fighting style immediately concerns Orun. She attacks with abandon, seeming to welcome danger, which prompts Orun to demonstrate his own protective magic and swift sword work. He confronts her about her disregard for her own safety, leading to her chilling confession: she cannot die and is used to pain. Flashbacks reveal her horrific past as a prisoner of a demon-worshipping cult, subjected to experiments exploiting her regenerative abilities, and the subsequent loss of her rescuer, Albert. This trauma leaves Orun visibly enraged, his fist clenching tight.

Orun challenges Carol to look at her comrades, Sofia and Logan, whose concern is evident. He explains that her pain is their pain, and her injuries erase their smiles, the very thing she claims to protect. Carol's facade crumbles, tears streaming as she asks what to do. Orun pulls her into a comforting hug, promising that no one will hurt her here, providing the solace she has long been denied.

The training intensifies for Sofia and Logan. Sofia practices parallel construction, simultaneously performing mental calculations and casting spells, honing her ability to act under pressure. Logan spars with the senior Pathfinder Will, showing significant improvement and dedication. Both are pushed to their limits, demonstrating their commitment to Orun's demanding but effective methods.

Orun, having passed the first stage of training, receives a new sword crafted from a Black Dragon's scale. He declares it perfect and, holding it, renews his vow to protect his comrades, no matter the situation. Later, in a relaxing bath, Sofia and Carol reflect on Orun's strictness, acknowledging their growth and determination to become stronger. The episode closes with a sense of calm and renewed purpose, highlighting the enduring bonds forged through shared trials.