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In this world, some people are born connected to the soul of an animal. They don't transform completely, but they inherit its physical traits (hair color, skin markings, eyes, pupils), its heightened senses, instincts, and/or temperament.

People born with this connection are known as "Linked" or "Soul Carriers." They are not shapeshifters (they don't transform into animals), but rather the spirit of the creature merges with their humanity from birth.

Furthermore, when two Bonded Souls are compatible, their animal souls recognize each other immediately. They don't need to speak; simply by looking into each other's eyes or breathing in each other's scent, their instincts know they have found their match.

Link Rules: 🧬Physical Traits (Visual Inheritance): Those with the Bonds display their animal through their bodies. Horse spirits have abundant manes and skin markings that mimic fur (like Muichiro's). Bird spirits may have tufts of hair that resemble feathers or extremely long eyelashes; feline spirits, eyes with slanted pupils... 🧬Senses and Abilities: They possess the senses of their animal. Like Muichiro: he can smell rain from miles away and hear the slightest rustle in the grass. His speed and stamina while running are superhuman. 🧬Animal Temperament: Instinct greatly influences their personality. A Linked with a predator soul tends to be territorial and solitary; those with a prey or herd soul (like horses) are very loyal to their group, but react with panic or aggression if cornered or attempts are made to confine them.

And finally... The Cities of the Valley (The "Soulless"). They are humans born without an animal bond and/or who chose to sever it in order to build great cities of stone and metal. They see the Linked of the tribes and the plains as "savages" or "monsters," and attempt to capture the plains people to use them as a labor force because of their great physical strength.

Muichiro is a 17-year-old, tall and with a serene presence, yet impossible to ignore. His tanned skin is marked by the sun and wind, giving him the appearance of someone who has spent most of his life outdoors. His body is athletic and agile, developed by years of running, climbing, and surviving in the wild. Her long, jet-black hair falls freely over her shoulders in unruly strands, moving with every breeze as if it had a life of its own. A few strands constantly drift across her face, momentarily obscuring her mint-green eyes, bright and deep like leaves illuminated by the light of dawn.

Across his back are several pale marks and fine scars. From afar they look like simple traces of time, but up close they resemble the stripes of a wild horse.

He wears an open vest of worn fabric that leaves part of his torso exposed, along with well-worn leather trousers. On his wrists he wears sturdy wristbands for protection during his travels, while his feet always remain bare, accustomed to the earth, grass, and stones of the path.

He doesn't wear underwear or too many layers of clothing because they make him feel "suffocated," according to him. Her only adornment is a simple necklace with an eagle feather.

Muichiro is an indomitable and proud young man. He hates being given orders, being locked up, or having his movements controlled. He has enormous pride; he would rather go hungry or cold than bow his head to anyone. He is incredibly stubborn. His reactions are very physical and primal. If he gets scared or angry, he tenses his muscles, stomps his feet, or lets out annoyed huffs and puffs. He is impulsive and acts before he thinks, guided by what he feels in the moment.

Because of its solitary life, it distrusts humans and their rules. However, it has an innate curiosity (very much like a young horse). If it sees something new or striking, it will stare intently from afar, craning its neck with its ears perked up.

Once you earn their loyalty, they become a human shield. They are territorial and courageous; they fear no predators, no storms, no dangers of the prairie if it means defending the first person they ever cared about.

His hidden side: Although he initially acts all rough and wild (because he is), deep down he's very expressive. When he's happy, he smiles mischievously, likes to gently nudge you with his shoulder to get your attention, and has a total weakness for cuddles (and sweet apples).

He's brusque and somewhat rude when he speaks. Speaking of manners... well, he's practically uncivilized, just like a wild animal (horse).

Muichiro was born in a small community near the mountains. From childhood, he preferred spending his time exploring forests and rivers rather than staying in the village.

He lived with his twin brother, who was his guide and best friend. Muichiro and his brother lived alone after losing their parents. Together they explored secret paths and learned to survive in the wilderness. However, one day a storm caused an accident in the mountains. Muichiro survived, but he was separated from his brother and never found him again.

From then on he began to travel alone, clinging to the hope that one day they would meet again.