Chapter 205: The Call of the Plains and Bighorn’s Herd

The gargantuan bull, resigned and trembling beneath the weight of its trauma, lowered its head until its snout rested against the dirt.

Instantly, a system notification flashed before Kellar’s vision:

[A Black Golden-Horned Stud Bull requests to become a slave of the Overlord Tribe] [Accept] / [Reject]

Kellar selected [Accept] without hesitation.

Seeing that the submission process was complete and the system’s mark glowed briefly on the beast’s forehead, Ignis withdrew his claws and took a couple of steps back. As the bull was freed, the severity of the clash became apparent: its neck was torn from the bear’s grip. Severed muscle and flesh were exposed; had Ignis’s claws dug a fraction deeper, the creature would not have survived.

Kellar walked over, extended his hand over the blood, and activated his skill:

[Healing]

A green and golden light erupted from his palm, enveloping the open wound. Before their eyes, the torn tissues knit together, the skin sealed, and the black fur regrew within seconds. The bull lifted its head, feeling instant relief, and looked at the small human with gratitude.

"My lord, I present myself. My name is Bighorn, and I am the leader of a herd of thousands of cows and bulls in the high plains of the Great Valley Pass," said Bighorn’s voice within Kellar’s mind.

"Welcome, Bighorn. From this day forth, this will be your new home," said Kellar, patting the creature’s snout. "Even though I don’t know where that valley is, you have nothing to worry about. I will help you build a new herd. For now, stay right here while I summon more beasts."

Kellar reached into his pouch and pulled out the second summoning scroll. Upon seeing the ancient parchment, Bighorn’s eyes widened.

"Was that... was that what brought me here, my lord?" asked Bighorn.

"Yes, this is what brought you," answered Kellar, examining the scroll before meeting its gaze. "I’m curious... how exactly did you end up coming through? What did you experience on the other side?"

"It’s hard to explain," admitted Bighorn, huffing a cloud of steam from its nostrils. "Out of nowhere, a portal appeared, and I caught a delicious scent wafting from it... It was an aroma so rich that I charged right in without thinking. It was as if I couldn’t resist it."

"I see... so it works through scent," muttered Kellar, smiling as he pieced together the hidden item mechanic. "That’s a huge clue. Thanks, Bighorn."

"My lord... may I try calling out to my mates when you use the next one?" requested Bighorn, taking a step forward. "If the portal carries sound, perhaps I can make my bellow reach them so they follow me."

"Sure, it would be fantastic if that works," agreed Kellar.

Kellar tore the second scroll down the middle. Golden light erupted once more, tracing the spinning magic circle onto the ground. Before anything could step through, Bighorn rushed to the edge of the glowing rift, craned his neck, and released a colossal bellow that echoed across the distant peaks:

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

The portal throbbed, responding to the call. Moments later, a figure burst through the light at full speed. It was a female of the same species, slightly smaller than Bighorn, possessing a sleek jet-black coat and gracefully curved short horns.

Crossing through the realm and spotting Bighorn waiting for her, the cow let out a joyous low. Bighorn pawed the dirt, snorting as he trotted up to meet her.

The two massive beasts met in the center of the grounds. Completely oblivious to the humans and apex predators surrounding them, they rubbed their snouts together, entwining their horns in an embrace, releasing soft nuzzles into the open air.

Through their mental link, Kellar could hear every word of their reunion:

"My love! Is that truly you?" lowed the cow softly, nuzzling her face into Bighorn’s neck. "I thought a monster had dragged you into the glowing abyss... I jumped after your scent without a second thought!"

"It is me, my sweet Daisy," rumbled Bighorn back, his deep voice dripping with affection as he wrapped his broad neck over hers. "I was lost, but I have found a legendary realm! Look around us... no wolves, no harsh winters, only rich earth and a great lord who healed my wounds!"

"Oh, Bighorn... I was so frightened," she whimpered softly, leaning her entire weight against his muscular flank. "The herd was in chaos the moment you vanished..."

"Shh, you are safe now, my darling," reassured Bighorn, gently licking her brow. "We will build a new kingdom right here, together."

Kellar stood nearby, watching the massive black beasts exchange sweet endearments in his mind. He blinked slowly, feeling a mixture of amusement and bewilderment.

"Well... I didn’t expect to play matchmaker for giant magical cattle today," muttered Kellar, shaking his head with a smile.

Bighorn turned toward Kellar and lowered his head, showing reverence before stepping aside to present his mate.

"My lord, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing my companion to my side," said Bighorn. "This is Daisy, the mother of my calves and the strongest female in my herd."

Daisy bent her front legs and bowed her head to the dirt. Unlike Bighorn’s jet-black coat, she possessed a thick ash-gray hide that mirrored the color of the dense mists that often shrouded their home peaks.

"I thank you for your generosity, Great Lord," said Daisy softly.

"Congratulations to you both," said Kellar, smiling at the scene. "That leaves us with two more opportunities with these last two summons."

Without wasting time, Kellar tore the third scroll. Bighorn rushed to the magic circle and released a thunderous bellow to guide whoever was on the other side. Moments later, a third cow of the same species came bursting out of the portal, stumbling onto the dirt with a pain-filled low. Her left flank bore deep claw marks dripping with fresh blood.

The wounded cow breathed heavily, looking at Bighorn with eyes glossy from trauma.