The morning sun had barely reached the top of the sky when the first-year students were led to the Training Field of Valmere Academy. It was a vast open area, surrounded by tall trees and observation platforms for the instructors. Today would be the first day of practical training.


    Ethan remained silent while the students around him murmured among themselves. Many were excited to test their newly acquired beasts, while others were still analyzing their choices. The Dark Wolf and some fierce beasts drew attention, but all eyes kept returning to him.


    For the boy with a deer.


    Master Varian positioned himself in front of the students and folded his arms.


    “Today, we are going to evaluate your initial skills as tamers. The training will be simple: a simulated battle. Each student will face a randomly assigned opponent.”


    The anticipation grew within the group. A fight on the very first day?


    “You are not here just to study. Valmere Academy trains tamers who are prepared for the challenges of the real world. Use this opportunity to get to know your beasts better and refine your strategies.”


    The instructors began organizing the matchups, calling two students at a time to the center of the field. The first duel was between a Flaming Lion and a Venomous Serpent. The clash was swift, with the lion winning by encircling the serpent in flames and forcing it to retreat.


    Other battles followed, each demonstrating the beasts’ strengths and weaknesses. Some fights were evenly matched, while others ended quickly.


    Then, Ethan’s name was called.


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    “Ethan Valtieri versus Damian Rael.”


    He looked up and saw his adversary walking to the center of the field. Damian was the same silver-haired boy who had spoken to him in the sanctuary. His sharp gaze exuded confidence.


    “So, finally I’ll see what that deer of yours can do,” said Damian, a challenging smile forming on his lips.


    Beside him, a Thunder Eagle spread its wings, letting out a piercing cry. Its bluish plumage shimmered with electricity, and sparks danced around it.


    The crowd reacted immediately.


    “A Thunder-type beast!”


    “That’s not fair! The deer doesn’t stand a chance against such speed!”


    Ethan did not respond to the taunts. He simply stepped forward and touched the Ancient Forest Deer, feeling the natural energy pulsating through its body.


    Master Varian raised his hand.


    “Begin!”


    The Thunder Eagle dashed across the sky, moving in a swift arc before diving at high speed. Lightning tinkled on its feathers as it prepared to strike.


    But Ethan was already ready.


    “Growing Roots!”


    The deer struck the ground with its hoof, and at that very moment, thick roots erupted from the earth, rising like living spears. The Thunder Eagle dodged at the last second, but the sudden movement destabilized its flight, causing its trajectory to become erratic.


    Damian’s eyes widened.


    “Terrain control skill?!”


    Ethan remained calm.


    “Forest Winds!”


    A breeze swirled around the deer, scattering luminous leaves across the field. Each bright leaf carried particles of natural energy, forming a defensive barrier.


    The Thunder Eagle attacked again, but as soon as it entered the area of the glowing leaves, its movement slowed.


    “What…?”


    “It’s an energy dissipation technique,” murmured one of the instructors. “The particles in the air absorb some of the eagle’s electricity, reducing its speed and attack power.”


    Damian clenched his fists.


    “Not bad… But let’s see if your deer can keep up with this!”


    He snapped his fingers.


    “Thundering Dive!”


    The Thunder Eagle soared high into the sky before plummeting in a burst of pure electricity, slicing through the air with explosive force.


    Ethan smiled for the first time.


    “Verdant Cascade!”


    The deer lifted its head, and green light emerged from its body, expanding into a vibrant aura. At the moment of impact, the electricity was dissipated in a wave of natural energy, and the eagle was repelled by the shock of elemental resistance.


    The field fell silent.


    The Thunder Eagle crashed to the ground, dazed.


    Damian stepped back.


    “How…?”


    Master Varian observed the scene for a moment before raising his hand.


    “Winner: Ethan Valtieri.”


    The silence was broken by murmurs.


    “He won?!”


    “That deer… is not ordinary.”


    Ethan walked up to his partner and placed his hand on its head.


    The Ancient Forest Deer was no ordinary beast.


    And, in time, everyone would come to realize that.