《Beast path》


 Chapter 0 : a look back

    The scene was set in a valley, nestled within a vast desert. The land was hot and barren, the air dry and lifeless, and the sky bright and clear. The only sound in this empty expanse was the whistle of the wind passing by. It was a world of serene silence¡ªuntil, suddenly, a massive explosion shattered the stillness. The ground near the valley erupted in a cloud of smoke, so immense that only something like dynamite could have caused it.


    After a few moments, the deafening roar of the explosion still echoed through the desert, but all that remained was the vast dust cloud, still settling. Before it could dissipate, numerous figures shot out of the smoke, soaring into the sky before landing a considerable distance away from the explosion site.


    There were five or six people. If the fact that they had jumped out of the explosion crater alive wasn¡¯t telling enough, their appearance would make it clear: these were no ordinary individuals.


    Each was dressed in battle attire¡ªsome wore plate armor, others robes and suits¡ªeach adding to their imposing and majestic presence. Yet, despite their formidable appearance, the expressions on their faces were far from confident.


    Their faces were ashen and heavy as they gazed at the crater. Finally, one of them spoke, panting. "What the hell was that?" Another added, "I know that guy has a habit of surprising everyone, but when did he get this powerful? If we¡¯d been even a second too slow to activate our defensive measures, we¡¯d have been dead."


    A third voice joined in, saying, "Guess a fight¡¯s inevitable, then." Before anyone could speak further, one of the individuals stepped forward, causing the others to stop talking and focus on him.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    This man appeared to be in his mid-twenties, with shiny black hair, bright red eyes, fair skin, and chiseled features. His well-built physique made him appear strikingly handsome, and the air around him radiated authority. It was clear he was the leader of the group.


    After a few steps, he halted and, as he gazed at the smoke, spoke solemnly, "So, it has come to this... Courage."


    At the mention of his name, a figure emerged from the smoke, dusting himself off.


    It was hard to make out his features through the dust and smoke, and his hooded cape didn¡¯t help matters. But as he fully stepped into view, he stood tall and replied, "Sorry, mate, but I¡¯ve toiled and bled to get to this point. There¡¯s no way in hell I¡¯m giving it up now."


    The leader sighed. "No point talking anymore, then." With a signal, the rest of his companions stepped forward and spread out, positioning themselves some distance apart. Their eyes locked on their target, and their intentions were clear.


    Both sides stood facing one another for a moment, until, without warning, a burst of auras erupted from each combatant. Their bodies radiated with brilliant, multicolored glows, signifying their strength. From these auras, beastly silhouettes began to manifest.


    The glow of the auras dimmed, revealing the beasts¡ªcreatures of various shapes and sizes.


    The beasts roared and screeched, ready to fight. Their target was the hooded man standing before them. Unfazed by being outnumbered, he summoned his own beast, his eyes burning with determination and will. It was clear he wasn¡¯t planning on going down without a fight.


    His beast screeched loudly, radiating intense battle intent. In an instant, his opponents charged from all directions, surrounding him. Their claws and fangs crackled with energy, and just before the violent clash could occur, the scene froze, pulling back to focus on the hooded man.


    "Yep, that¡¯s me. I bet you¡¯re all wondering how I ended up in this situation, or what¡¯s going on here. Well, it¡¯s a long story, so let me start from the very beginning. But first, a story you¡¯ve probably heard a thousand times already, so I¡¯ll speed through it. Blah, blah, blah, an apocalyptic event hit the Earth a thousand years ago, yada yada yada. Everything changed¡ªflora and fauna mutated, turning into monsters, and most technology stopped working. Humanity seemed doomed, but life found a way. The indomitable human spirit, and all that. And then, beast taming became a thing. But that¡¯s not where our story begins.


    Fast forward a thousand or two years, and in an unassuming town, there was a plain-looking forest. Deep within that forest, there was an ordinary-looking boy. But as fate would have it, that boy¡¯s story was destined to be anything but ordinary

 Chapter 1 : the boy

    The scene was that of a small open space in the middle of a dense forest. The air was clean and refreshing, carrying the subtle earthy fragrance of the woods. Sunbeams pierced through the thick canopy above, casting dancing golden patches of light on the cool ground. The chirping of birds and buzzing of insects filled the otherwise quiet forest with a sense of liveliness and energy.


    In the center of this clearing sat a youth, around fifteen or sixteen years of age, perched on a large rock. His appearance was rather ordinary: short black hair with the smokiness of coal, slightly dry yet otherwise normal-looking skin, a tanned tone that still bordered on pale. His deep brown eyes were striking¡ªso dark they nearly appeared black. As for his height, he was a little shorter than average for someone his age.


    The boy, silent and alone, was staring intently at an upside-down bucket placed in front of him. On top of the bucket, a battle was underway¡ªone fierce enough to rival gladiators in an arena.


    On one side stood a dark brown rhino beetle, roughly fist-sized, with a large, powerful horn jutting from its head and a smaller spur protruding from the front of its carapace. It bobbed its horn up and down like a rhino preparing to charge. Opposing it was a slightly smaller but equally impressive specimen¡ªa stag beetle. Its reddish-brown body gleamed under the sunlight, and instead of horns, it possessed a pair of powerful, curved mandibles positioned on either side of its wide head. These mandibles clicked sharply, a crisp sound that hinted at their incredible biting force.


    The two beetles were separated by a mere three-thumb distance, both balancing on their hind and middle legs while waving their front limbs in the air, attempting to look larger and more intimidating. It was a common strategy in the animal kingdom¡ªposturing to avoid an actual fight.


    But when it became clear that neither opponent would back down, they abandoned the theatrics and got straight to the point. Both beetles charged forward, and their mandibles and horns locked with a loud clack. They grappled fiercely, but the rhino beetle quickly gained the upper hand. Its superior footing allowed it to wedge its horn beneath the stag beetle¡¯s body, lifting and pushing it toward the bucket¡¯s edge.


    However, the stag beetle refused to go down so easily. Just as it neared the edge, it latched its hind legs onto the rim of the bucket. Digging in, it resisted the rhino beetle¡¯s push and began lowering its head, spreading its massive mandibles wide. With a swift snap, the curved tips of its mandibles hooked beneath the rhino beetle¡¯s underside. The stag beetle tightened its grip, using its other limbs to hold onto parts of the rhino beetle¡¯s body.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    The fight turned into a battle of attrition. The rhino beetle pushed with all its might, but the stag beetle¡¯s firm hold kept it from being toppled. Seconds ticked by, and the rhino beetle¡¯s movements began to weaken. Its heavy exertion had drained its stamina. Sensing this, the stag beetle seized its opportunity.


    It anchored its feet, tightened its grip, and with a mighty effort, began to lift its opponent into the air. The rhino beetle flailed its legs in desperation, but its exhaustion left it powerless to resist. In one final move, the stag beetle carried its opponent closer to the bucket¡¯s edge, hoisted it higher, and tossed it over the side.


    Victory belonged to the stag beetle.


    For a moment, silence followed. Then, the youth erupted into laughter and cheers.


    ¡°Hahaha! Well done, my champion!¡± he exclaimed, his voice proud and comical. ¡°Even at the end of your age, facing a bigger, younger opponent, you stand triumphant! Truly, the time I spent raising and training you was not for nothing. Now you shall be immortalized in the records of history, alongside the champions that came before you!¡±


    The boy¡¯s name was Courage Petacos, and his hobby was beetle-catching and battling¡ªparticularly with rhinoceros and stag beetles. He didn¡¯t know why, but he felt a strange connection to these creatures, as though he understood them and they understood him. Though to outsiders, it might have seemed weird, many other youths his age felt similar connections to different things. It was a sign¡ªbut a sign of what, you¡¯ll learn in the near future.


    For now, you should know that Courage¡¯s family did not share his enthusiasm for beetles. In fact, they hated it¡ªespecially his mother, who despised bugs in general. However, because she allowed her other children to keep pets, she begrudgingly let Courage pursue his hobby. There was one condition: he could only keep one beetle at a time. This rule meant that Courage never built the vast collections most bug enthusiasts prided themselves on.


    Still, beetles have short lifespans. The average species lives only six months, and even the longest-lived ones rarely make it past six years. Over time, Courage had raised a fair number of beetles as pets¡ªfrom dung beetles to the mighty elephant beetle.


    As his beetles neared the end of their lives, Courage developed a ritual. He would take them back to the place he had found them and let them fight one last epic battle against the best opponent he could find. To him, this was a ¡°farewell ceremony,¡± a chance for his beetles to bask in one last glorious victory before being released into the wild to live their final days.


    Deep down, he knew the truth¡ªdeath was inevitable, and no amount of ceremony would change that. But this ritual made it easier for him to let go. It was his way of coping.


    After finishing his celebratory speech, Courage picked up the defeated rhino beetle and gently carried it to a nearby tree branch. He placed a small piece of fruit jelly beside it as a consolation prize. The rhino beetle accepted it without protest.


    Turning back, Courage picked up his champion beetle and the bucket he had used to carry it. He began walking away, only stopping once he reached the base of a tall tree.


    ¡°Sigh¡­ Time sure flies,¡± he said wistfully, glancing at the tree¡¯s roots. ¡°I still remember the day I found you right here. You were just a grub back then, but now you¡¯re all grown up and retiring. It feels like it all happened yesterday.¡±


    His expression turned fond before breaking into a small smile. ¡°Well, it¡¯s been real, my boy. I wish you a peaceful end.¡± Then, more jokingly, he added, ¡°I¡¯d say more, but it¡¯s almost lunchtime, and you know what Mom will do if I¡¯m late. At least you won¡¯t have to live in fear of her fury anymore. Goodbye now, Red Tusk. I¡¯ll remember you.¡±


    Courage crouched and gently placed the beetle on the ground at the tree¡¯s base. He gave it one last, lingering glance before turning around and walking back toward home

 Chapter 2 : the family

    Courage was on his way back home. After several minutes of walking, he reached the edge of the forest. Stepping out from the shade of the treeline, his eyes were hit by the bright, hot sunshine. It took him a moment to adjust, but then he was back on his merry way.


    The time of the year was near the end of summer. Despite the lingering heat, gusts of cool air signaled that autumn was approaching. The change in season also meant the return to school, which weighed heavily on Courage''s mood. Not because he hated school or felt his summer vacation was too short, but because this year was different. This year, he was finally of age to participate in the Awakening Ceremony.


    What is the Awakening Ceremony, you ask? It¡¯s the most important event in any person¡¯s life. An event that determines if you can join the most revered profession in the world¡ªa profession around which society is built and sustained. Beast Taming.


    Leaving the woodlands and passing through the suburban area, Courage walked a couple more streets before stopping in front of his house. Without wasting time, he opened the front door and stepped inside. Not long after, a voice called from deeper in the house, coming from the kitchen.


    ¡°Courage, is that you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ma, it¡¯s me. Hope I¡¯m not late,¡± Courage replied.


    ¡°No, honey, you¡¯re just in time. Please help me set the table and call your siblings to come eat. After the meal, we¡¯re having a family meeting.¡±


    ¡°A... family meeting?¡± Courage stammered nervously. He already knew what it could only be about.


    Pushing that thought aside for the moment, he helped his mother set the table and called for his siblings.


    The dining table seated six people. Courage sat at one end, his mother, Amber, at the other. Amber was a beautiful woman with a slender physique, shiny orange hair, and sharp, bright eyes. The way she dressed, ate, and even handled the tableware exuded elegance.


    Between them sat Courage¡¯s four younger half-siblings. First was Besmouth, a good-looking young man with shiny gray hair and gem-like silver eyes. Beside him was Opal, a fair girl with a long braided ponytail and pale, ocean-blue eyes. They were Courage¡¯s first younger brother and sister, twins born two years after him. A year later came Ruby and Sapphire, the second set of twins. Ruby and Sapphire shared many similarities, as twins often do, but their defining features were their striking eyes¡ªdeep red for Ruby and vibrant blue for Sapphire.


    The meal started quietly until Sapphire broke the silence, playfully teasing Courage.


    ¡°So, did you immortalize another champion today, Courage? By now, the number of champions you¡¯ve created should be enough to put high-ranking tamers to shame!¡±Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    Ruby giggled, and the rest of the siblings joined in teasing.


    ¡°Shut up,¡± Courage muttered, clearly annoyed.


    Yet Sapphire leaned back, smirking. ¡°Sigh. My dear brother, why do you sentence yourself to a life of zero game with this silly hobby of yours? I already had five boys confess to me this month, yet you haven¡¯t managed a single girlfriend.¡±


    ¡°Do you want me to beat you up?¡± Courage snapped, his temper rising.


    ¡°Easy, easy! Don¡¯t get mad; I¡¯m just teasing,¡± Sapphire said, laughing. ¡°Besides, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll score someday. I just hope we¡¯re all still alive when that happens.¡±


    ¡°Or worse¡ªhe starts dating a bug,¡± Ruby added.


    Everyone burst into laughter.


    ¡°Why, you two little¡ª¡±


    ¡°Enough, kids!¡± Amber interrupted, her voice sharp but kind. ¡°Courage is still your older brother. Show him some respect.¡±


    Courage allowed himself a moment of relief. ¡°Thank you, Ma¡ª¡±


    ¡°But seriously though, Courage,¡± Amber continued, ¡°work on your social skills. I want grandkids someday, you know. And I¡¯d prefer if they¡¯re not bugs.¡±


    The room exploded with laughter again.


    ¡°Damn, I have no allies in this house,¡± Courage muttered bitterly under his breath.


    The humiliating meal dragged on, but eventually, everyone gathered in the living room for the family meeting. As they all settled into their seats, Amber stepped forward, her expression serious.


    ¡°As you all know, the Awakening Ceremony will take place in two weeks. This is your opportunity to follow in your father¡¯s footsteps.¡±


    Courage glanced around the room. Although Amber referred to their ¡°father,¡± the truth was more complicated. Courage¡¯s biological father, Dan Petacos, had left Amber tow years after he was  born. After their separation, Amber remarried and had the besmouth and opal and then two years after that she had ruby and sapphire with a man called dorsen edelstein . This made Courage the only one biologically unrelated to his younger siblings.


    But Amber¡¯s speech wasn¡¯t just for Courage, despite him being the only one of the right age to awaken. Because in fact His siblings were prodigies. From a young age, they had demonstrated remarkable aptitude and talent, excelling in academics, athletics, and even artistic pursuits. Early tests measuring their spiritual affinity returned exceptional results, marking them as rare talents seen only once in a generation. Their mother, along with educators and even the mayor, pushed for them to attempt an early awakening this year.


    The mayor himself supported the idea, hoping great talents would emerge from their community and strengthen the garrison¡¯s reputation.


    Amber¡¯s voice softened as she continued. ¡°I know you all aspire to become Beast Tamers, but I¡¯ve said this before, and I¡¯ll say it again: even if you qualify, you are not obligated to walk this path. Remember, being a tamer may bring great prestige, but it also comes with risk. The dangers are real, and this profession carries the highest casualty rate.¡±


    Despite her ambitious hopes for her children, Amber feared for their safety. If forced to choose between their success and their lives, she would always choose the latter.


    Yet her children¡¯s resolve remained unshaken. Inspired by the heroes of the taming world¡ªand determined to follow in their parents¡¯ footsteps¡ªthey confirmed their decisions. Amber gave them each her final blessings and words of encouragement.


    As the meeting wrapped up and everyone began leaving, Amber stopped Courage.


    ¡°Courage, stay for a moment. I want to talk to you privately.¡±


    The others dispersed to their rooms, leaving the two of them alone in the living room. A brief silence hung between them before Amber spoke in a low tone.


    ¡°So, are you sure this is what you want?¡±


    Courage didn¡¯t reply, staring silently at the floor.


    Amber sighed. ¡°Courage, honey, please understand¡ªI¡¯m not trying to discourage you. But you and I both know about your... condition. If you choose this path, it will be harder for you than for anyone else.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m aware,¡± Courage said quietly.


    Amber¡¯s voice grew gentler. ¡°You don¡¯t have to act on what he said. If you choose a different path, we¡¯ll all support you. To me, you¡¯re not ¡®cursed¡¯ or anything like that. You¡¯re perfect just the way you are. You don¡¯t have to do this to prove anything to anyone. You don¡¯t need to meet anyone¡¯s expectations.¡±


    Courage lifted his head, his voice calm but firm. ¡°I know, Mother. But trust me¡ªthis isn¡¯t about satisfying others. It¡¯s about satisfying myself. As much as I hate to admit it, what he said that day still holds some truth.¡±


    The ¡°he¡± they were referring to was Dan Petacos¡ªCourage¡¯s father. And what he said on that day was the harsh truth about the Petacos family curse.

 Chapter three : last words and final regrets

    It was three years ago when it all happened courage was still barely twelve at the time and  back then he was sitting in a class room surrounded by other kids his age and in front of them was a teacher about to start giving the lesson of the day


    " Ok class today lesson is a very important one , today were going to learn about how our world came to be and how it''s structured , now I am sure you all heard this story before so who wants to narrate it to the rest of the class so we can get started " said the teacher and not long after that many hands were raised until the teacher picked one saying " claire why don''t you go " and after that a blonde young girl got up from her seat went and stood near the board and began narrating " long ago humanity lived in ancient times very different than our own , not much is known about the old world how it was like and what sort of things that were in it like culture , belief or even structure but one thing we do know for certain that one day it all changed . for reasons that we are yet to uncover the old world was struck with a supernatural event of unknown nature and origin that caused rapid and drastic changes to it . flora and fonna begin to mutat to what we now know as spirit beasts leading nature to rise up and take over the world all over again and combined with the fact that the rapid changes to the world has rendered all previous technology useless , humanity was pushed back into the corners of the world kicking them from the apex of the world back into a primitive state where they had to constantly fight for survival until the first awakening where the ancestors of the current world discovered and learned to harness spiritual energy unlocking new found powers and ability which allowed them to turn the tide and give humanity a second chance . through the power of spiritual energy we managed to fight back against the beasts and later on we learned how to make them submit to us and use their power for our own and from that act alone sprung the profession that spear headed humanity new rise beast taming "


    Clap clap " Well done Claire go back to your seat I wiIl take it from here , now as you all know in our continent there are four regions the northern Alps a region mostly dominated by mountains ranges ,the western dunes a region consisting of a sea of sands , the southern plains a region of vast plains and forests and the eastren shores a place mostly comprised of a series of Islands in the vastness of oceans and seas and when humanity pushed back against the beasts this the four regions that their efforts concentrated on and after humanity got back on it''s feat and begin to rebuild Thier civilization the human population of that time split amongst those four regions populating them into what we are today and the human population that live today is spilt between core city''s and garrisons . A core city is a city established by a previously Powerful beast tamer mainly to function as a core connecting between it and all garrison around it a core city is protected by a powerful method left behind by it''s founder to ensure it thrives and because of that the people that live in core citys are usually either descendants of the founder , high born people or powerful tamers which leaves the rest of the population spread amongst the garrisons , garrisons are fortified settlements that other than just housing the commen folks functions as stations for the military and other organisations to be able to move around the wild areas outside the citys and garrisons walls and also to function as front line bases spread out across the region thus allowing to confront any incoming threat much easier . Each core city in it''s respective region function as the local government governing all the garrison under Thier jurisdiction and other than that core citys don''t cooperate much with each other instead they''d often compete with some even having hostile relationships with one another but there is one organisation that linked all of them together , the imperial court , which is an organisation founded by the legendary tamers that rose up with humanity and it''s goal is to safe keep and insure humanity survival they''re rule extendense to all four regions , they usually don''t involve themselves with the affairs of the four regions only acting and giving orders when it''s something that involves humanity as whole and since the imperial court is founded and is run by the best tamers there is their word is absolute with none daring to go against them  for centuries they worked to maintain peace and stability for humanity making them respected and revered by all  "


    The lesson went on for a couple of hours until the school bell rang signaling the end of school for today courage gathered his stuff and went marching back home he had no interest to hangout after school as he didn''t have many friends in school and he preferred to just go bug catching in the woods but on his way to drop his stuff home and head out his step father dorsen intercepted him  his step father was a tall handsome man with shiny blonde hair and golden eyes a strong physique as you''d expect from a beast tamer all of this explaining where his siblings got Thier looks from , usually his step father always had a stoic and confident air around him so he never expected to ever see him with distrote look on his face but before he could ask anything " courage listen to me carefully and try to stay calm something has befallen your father and the doctors say that his condition is dire so we need to hurry into the hospital to go see him he said he wants to meet you before he could possibly ...." he couldn''t bring himself to say that last word but what he said already was enough for courage to know what he was hinting at just as the thought passed courage''s mind his heart went into a wild state beating with a savage rhythm and without a another second wasted they both made a dash to the hospital when they got there courage was already panting and drenched in sweat all from running to the hospital as well as the fear and the worry burning his heart . Making Thier way through the hospital''s corridors the two finally meet with courage''s mother amber she was standing Infront of a patient room door talking with some doctors her expression full of worry and anxiety, and when she turned her head to the side and saw her husband her expression lifted a bit but when her gaze laid on courage she couldn''t help but make a pained expression and again before courage could ask anything his mother went for him and held him between her arms and then said with a choked voice " oh honey I am so SO sorry"


    " What do you mean , can someone please just explain what''s going on "  asked courage with a horrid voice while he was saying that a doctor has finished talking with dorsen leaving him with a solemn look on his face but then he turned and faced courage he gave one glance to his wife who was already in tears because of what her child was gonna have to face , he put his hand on her shoulder and said " amber let me " and then as she give a nod and let go of courage, dorsen pulled him closer and grabbed his shoulders and then said " courage son your father has sustained a very bad injury the doctors couldn''t pinpoint the cause of which but they think it''s the result of a failed breakthrough attempt, the doctors tried Thier best without saving any effort or cost but they couldn''t prevent his inevitable demise the best they could do is buy him some time to say his last goodbyes to his family so courage were going need you to stand to your name and ..." his voice choking " and say goodbye to your father " and when he finished talking courage was already drowning in tears hicking and sobbing loudly the state he was on was heartbreaking to see , dorsen give him a tight hug while he was crying his heart out but he had to make him hold his tears for now and step into the room as his father didn''t have much time left . When all three of courage amber and dorsen walked into the room Thier were met with a grousome site , courage''s father was laying down on the hospital bed with all sorts of tubes and wires of the various life supports and medical machines hooked to his body and a layer of bloody bandages was covering his torso one could only imagine the horrible injury that was hiden under them the sound of his heavy breathing was felling the roam each breath weighting down on courage''s heart but before he could burst back into tears his father''s turned his head slowly towards him and said with a heavy saffucating voice " hey kid" his father struggled to straighten his posture with amber saying " Dan don''t move if you push yourself now you could..." Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    But before she could finish he replied " amber.... It''s ok now that courage is here everything is going be ok cough cough now if you two would please leave the room I wish to speak to my son alone"


    amber hastated to complie as she didn''t want to leave her son now that he was in such a state but dorsen grabbed her and pulled her out the room wishing to respect a dying man last wishs . Now  Leaving courage and his father in the room alone a heavy atmosphere sat in . Courage struggled to say something but he found no words to describe what he was feeling and leaving courage unable to speak first again his father took a deep breath and then sighed a long sigh and then started speaking " well courage guess this the end of line for me but before I leave I figure that there are a couple things i should give to you first so firstly some truth , courage you and I are cursed , our whole family is for that matter "


    cursed ? Courage wonderd in his head , he came in expecting a goodbye so what with this news about his family being cursed all of the sudden and continuing with his father speech


    " I know what I am saying might seem random especially at the moment but trust what I am saying is something very important to you for you see this curse is something that been plaguing our family for generations and it''s that curse what got me in this state I am in and that curse is the curse of ambition and inaptitude "


    Ambition ? Inaptitude ? The more courage listened the more confused he got


    " Well courage do you what aptitude is ? , well for tamers it represents Thier potential and the heights they could most likely reach in Thier lifetime and although that the aptitude one could awaken with is mostly determined by thier bloodline it is not a guaranteed thing as you could have a good heratige but still awaken with a low aptitude and vice Versa but there are groups of people who''s bloodline is so potent that they can consistently awaken high aptitude individuals and even in some rare cases awaken special powers and characteristics those  groups of people are called the blessed but now tell me what would you call a group of people of whom no matter the circumstances , no matter how high the bloodline that they''re own is mixed with would always produce people with low aptitude or have unique disadvantages, well those can only be called the cursed and if you haven''t figured it already you and I are of those cursed but our blight doesn''t end there for in our family case the unique disadvantage we have is ambition for you see in every individual in our family that became a beast tamer there has always been a sense of emptyness and unsatisfaction in Thier hearts we didn''t understand why but we always felt a hunger for more and constant desire to soar higher and not to be below any one it''s start''s of mild at the beginning but as you keep going it grows bigger and bigger and the more you try to forget it the more it hounds you and it pushes you to put all your effort into satisfying it but because of our low aptitude we could never satisfy it and eventually it consumes you driving you mad trying to push you to keep going higher and higher to the point you become willing to do anything to climb higher either turning you into a monster that''s only a Husk of his former self or leading you end your life in the pursuit of felling that emptyness so in summary we were cursed with one of the most cruel things you could do to a man and that is to make him always want to soar to the skies but to always make him born with broken wings "


    Courage was in a daze listening to all this , this was all to much for him at once so he didn''t know what to make of it but before he could finish processing what he heard his father continued " but there might still be hope for you to survive this fate and also save the future generations of our family form it


    for you see the early generations of our family knew a secret about beast taming, a secret that they passed on through out the generations to give hope and a goal to all who came after. And that secret was about a fact about the highest ranks in the beast tamer world the master rank , for it is said that once a person ascend to the master rank They undergo a rebirth like transformation and it''s said that''s that rebirth has many effects such as granting great power and wisdom but it is also said that it can cleanse , purify and strength bloodline meaning if someone in our family could reach the master rank then they could break the curse and end it for good but you must understand that reaching the master rank is no ordinary feat for a master rank tamer to appear is something that rarely happens every couple of hundreds of years and rightfully so for being a master rank would mean that you are able to establish your own dynasty and core cities and through out the human history and the four regions there were only ever a couple of hundreds of master rank tamers and even less existing today but even those were regarded as mythical figures with no one from our status being able to confirm Thier existence and so even after countless generations of our family trying none could even come close to reaching such height with the best being me but even I is still only at the first thirth of the expert rank only reaching the second thirth at the cost of my life but don''t let that discourage you because with every generation each member of our family would collect Thier experience and wisdom and pass it on to the next generation giving them a better chance than before and after so many years we collected enough to create an inheritance that could help you reach to my current level but that not all . for my death isn''t just the result of a desperate struggle but also the result of me trying to create an opportunity for you , an opportunity that could help you surpass me and maybe ----just maybe even succeeded where we all failed but I am not going to force it on you . it''s yours if you choose to walk that path because I am not going to lie to you the path that our family walked on for decades is one of endless struggles and trails and if you choose not to follow it no one would blame you for many had tried to just give up and not become beast tamers with even some trying to let the curse die with them but they couldn''t , for that curse is malevolent and mysterious and it would affect your mind so even if you could resist it by not becoming a beast master it would affect you subconsciously to make sure that you''d always continue the bloodline and thus continue the curse and finally for your rightful inheritance I am afraid I can''t give it to you yet as you are not yet ready for it but in three years from now you would be at the right age to have your own awakening and by then you should be ready as well as you should have made your decision about following my path or not"


    And after he said that he began coughing roughly spewing blood form his mouth and nose after grasping for air for a moment he turned to his son again and said " courage I know you and I didn''t have the best relationship with me being absent most of your life and although I don''t want to simply just blame the curse it''s still plays a major factor in all of this because I wanted to be the one to break the curse and I wanted to spare you it''s cruel fate but ultimately I let drive me away for what really important , my duty as a husband and a father and maybe if I just focused on you and your mother then things could have turned out better maybe at least for you " courage was standing frozen he didn''t know what to say after all this he could barely string two thoughts together let alone say anything but once again before he could say anything the monitor''s that were attached to His father suddenly went hei wire beeping and sounding alarms loudly that''s when a team of doctors burst into the room


    " Breathing unstable, heart rate steadily falling"


    " He is losing vital signs ! we''re losing him"


    " Prepare for an emergency surgery "


    " there''s no time for surgery he won''t even last to the time we get him on the table"


    and just as everyone were yelling and dashing back and forth around the room courage who was still frozen in place suddenly felt a strange felling and looking through the crowd to his father eyes that were staring at him caringly he suddenly heard his father voice in his head saying " courage just know one a thing that despite my actions I did love you and your mother so much and I only wish I spent more time expressing than just fighting this curse by alas it''s to late and finally all a I want to say to you is ___


    always aim for the moon cause even if you miss you''ll land amongst the stars"


    courage struggled to reply and to tell his father goodbye and that he loved him too but his heart was being crushed by the site of light leaving his father''s eyes and before he could witness the final ambers die out he was pulled out of the room by dorsen who didn''t want him to see the life go out in his own father for that is something no child should ever have to see and that was the end for Dan petacos

 Chapter 4 : the awakening ceremony

    A couple of hours had passed since the events at the hospital. Courage and his family were back home. During their time at the hospital, Courage¡¯s siblings had been taken care of by the neighbors, as their mother had asked them to look after the children while she was away.


    Courage sat in his room on his bed, staring blankly at the floor. He was drained¡ªemotionally, physically, and mentally¡ªunable to even shed a tear. His mind felt empty, and he didn¡¯t know what to think or feel anymore. He could only sit there in silence.


    The door creaked open, and Ruby, his little brother, peeked inside. He had a deeply saddened look on his face. ¡°Hey, Courage¡­ it¡¯s already past dinner time. Why don¡¯t you come down and eat something? You must be hungry.¡±


    Courage didn¡¯t reply. Ruby¡¯s expression faltered, his sadness deepening. He wanted to say something to make his brother feel better but didn¡¯t know what. Just then, their mother appeared behind Ruby, gently pulling him back. She whispered, ¡°Ruby, dear, your brother¡¯s had a long day. Let him rest for now.¡±


    Ruby gave a reluctant nod and went downstairs. Their mother slowly stepped into the room, closing the door behind her. She sat down beside Courage, placing her hand gently on his head and smoothing his hair. ¡°Hey, baby. How are you feeling?¡±


    Still, there was no response. She sat quietly beside him for nearly half an hour, waiting. Finally, Courage spoke in a weak voice. ¡°Mom¡­ can I ask you something?¡±


    His mother¡¯s heart lifted at the sound of his voice. She quickly replied, ¡°Of course, honey. Anything.¡±


    ¡°Why did you and Dad separate?¡± Courage¡¯s question caught her by surprise. She hesitated, unsure of how to answer. She didn¡¯t often speak about his father, and when she did, it was usually bitter. But after a moment, she decided to respond.


    ¡°Courage... when I first met your father, he was very different. Back then, he was full of spirit, always talking about his dreams and ambitions. He¡¯d joke around and mess with people, but when the time came, he was always the most reliable person. One day, he asked me out on a date. At first, I didn¡¯t pay much attention to him. But no matter how many times I rejected him or how much my family disapproved, he kept saying he¡¯d improve himself until he was worthy of me. At first, I thought he was just stubborn, but over time, I started to like him. Eventually, I gave him a chance, and that fondness turned into love¡ªlove for his spirit, his hard work, and his determination.¡±


    She paused, her face softening as memories resurfaced. ¡°We got married, and we were so happy back then. But as time went on, something changed. The man I loved started to fade. His fiery spirit dimmed, and he became distant, closed off. I tried to reach him, to understand what was happening, but he wouldn¡¯t let me. He seemed obsessed with something, something I couldn¡¯t grasp. When I found out I was pregnant with you, I thought that it would bring him back to us, that it would snap him out of whatever was consuming him. But when he found out, he snapped. He yelled at me, saying, ¡®What have you done?¡¯¡±


    Her voice cracked as she continued, her eyes welling up. ¡°Hearing the man I once loved yell at me like that¡ªit was the final straw. I tried, Courage, I really did, but after that, your father was gone for me. We broke up, and although he tried to reconnect with us later, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to let him back in. I was too hurt. We reached an agreement that he could meet you on certain occasions, but that was it. And after that I married Dorsen, not only because he helped me fill the void your father left but also because I wanted you to have a stable father figure in your life. And after a few years, your siblings were born.¡±


    Courage absorbed his mother¡¯s words, a heavy silence settling in the room. He could now understand how his father¡¯s story and his mother¡¯s version aligned. If what she said was true, then perhaps the other things his father had told him were also true. But as he thought about it, doubt crept in. He had grown up believing he was an unwanted son, and his father¡¯s sudden confession of love had felt foreign to him. The idea of a curse¡ªcould it really be the cause of his father¡¯s downfall? Could it be the same fate awaiting him?


    Amber noticed the troubled look on her son¡¯s face. ¡°Courage¡­ is something wrong?¡±


    Courage took a deep breath. ¡°Well¡­ there¡¯s something my father told me before he died. I think you should know.¡± He then recounted the strange, mysterious tale his father had shared with him on his deathbed. He spoke of the curse, of the bloodline, and of the struggles ahead.


    By the end of his story, his mother was speechless, just as he had been when he first heard it. She didn¡¯t know what to make of it all. It was too much to process, too much to believe. But deep down, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder: if there was any truth to it, could it explain what happened to her ex-husband?


    As her thoughts raced, Courage struggled with his own fears. If the curse was real, then his path as a beast tamer seemed bleak. The more he thought about it, the more uncertain he became. Was this really his dream, his ambition? Or was it the curse, luring him down the same dark road that had doomed his father? Anxiety and fear gripped his heart.


    Amber, sensing his distress, reached out instinctively. She didn¡¯t want to see her son spiral further into despair. So, she patted his head gently and began recalling a story. ¡°Courage, do you know why I named your siblings the way I did?¡±


    Courage blinked in surprise. ¡°Yeah, I know. It¡¯s because of their eye colors, right?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± she said with a soft smile. ¡°But do you know why I named you ¡®Courage¡¯?¡±


    Courage¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°No¡­ I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± she began, ¡°when you were born, you were so small¡ªsmaller than a loaf of bread. I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about how tiny you were and how big this world was. It was overwhelming for someone so small. I thought about how scary the world could be for you, so I named you Courage. I wanted you to grow up with the strength to face whatever challenges life would throw at you, to find the courage to make your way in this vast world.¡±


    Courage¡¯s heart skipped a beat as he took in his mother¡¯s words. His name¡ªsomething he¡¯d often been teased about¡ªheld so much more meaning than he had ever realized. It was a name full of hope, a wish for him to rise above the difficulties in his life. A sense of warmth and determination began to stir inside him, like a fire rekindling in his chest. He could feel a new resolve growing within him, stronger than any fear or doubt. This desire to chase his ambition¡ªno matter how difficult the path ahead would be¡ªwas his, and his alone.


    Tears welled up in Courage¡¯s eyes, but before he could cry, his mother pulled him into a tight, comforting hug.


    And so, one of the hardest days of Courage¡¯s life came to an end. Unbeknownst to him, something deep inside had changed.


    The next day, the awakening ceremony had arrived. At the foot of a mountain, large crowds had gathered¡ªchildren chosen for this year¡¯s awakening and their families, all excited for this important moment. The air buzzed with anticipation, filled with loud cheers, nervous whispers, and quiet prayers of good luck.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    After a brief wait, a grey-haired, middle-aged man wearing traditional robes stepped onto a large platform. It was the mayor, here to give the opening speech. He grabbed a speaker and, with a voice full of authority, addressed the crowd. ¡°Greetings, citizens of Blue Orchid Garrison. Today, we plant the seeds for our future, putting our sons and daughters to the test to receive the greatest gift of our world.¡±


    He paused for effect before continuing, ¡°And now, without further ado, let the ceremony begin.¡±


    The children were ushered forward by their instructors to begin their ascent up the mountain. After a brief walk, they arrived at a spring¡ªone of great significance. This was Blue Orchid¡¯s spirit spring, a crucial resource for any garrison that wished to awaken beast tamers. Every garrison, no matter how small, would have at least one.


    The children stood at the edge of the spring, their instructors behind them. Families watched from distant platforms, as only the chosen children and special personnel were allowed near the sacred water.


    One of the instructors addressed the group. ¡°Alright, listen up. You all know that spirit energy is the power generated by all living beings. It can condense and gather, as it does in this spring. Today, we¡¯re going to direct a controlled wave of spirit energy toward you. Your bodies will think they are under attack and will instinctively trap the spirit energy inside you as a defense mechanism. This is how you will awaken your totem, the sign of a successful awakening.¡±


    The children nodded in understanding, including Courage, who stood with his siblings nearby.


    The instructor continued, ¡°Once you enter the spring, you¡¯ll feel strange. Don¡¯t resist it¡ªlet the energy wash over you. We¡¯ll observe from afar and tell you when to retreat. If necessary, we¡¯ll pull you out. Now, step into the spring when you¡¯re ready.¡±


    A moment of quiet tension followed, with the children hesitant to step in. But finally, one child bravely waded into the water, and others followed suit. Courage, with his siblings close by, was among them.


    As Courage stepped into the spring, he immediately felt a strange heat envelop his body. At first, it was warm, like a blanket. But as time passed, it grew unbearable, almost as if he were standing in a sauna. The heat surged, seeping into his body, threatening to overwhelm him.


    But then, something strange happened. Cool energy began to emanate from his body, like steam. This cold energy seeped inward, gathering in his torso. It began to condense into a sphere that radiated a refreshing cold, pushing the heat back out. Courage instinctively focused on the sphere, and as he did, the energy grew stronger.


    From an outside perspective, it looked as though a light was radiating from the center of his body, and Courage stood motionless, caught in a trance-like state. The sphere of light grew brighter until, with a final burst, it exploded in a blinding flash.


    When the light faded, Courage felt a sensory overload¡ªnew sensations flooded him. And within him, something stirred¡ªsomething powerful, desperate to emerge. Without thinking, he followed that pull, and from the glowing sphere in his chest, a figure emerged.


    A semi-transparent, white rhinoceros beetle, made of light, appeared before him. This was Courage¡¯s totem, the proof that he had awakened as a beast tamer


    The observers on the distant platforms were murmuring as they took note of the children¡¯s progress. Their voices, though distant, reached Courage¡¯s ears clearly, and he could hear the rising excitement in their tone. "Look at them. The children¡ªsuch high aptitude this year."


    Courage, still lost in his trance-like state, turned his head as he saw his younger siblings entering the spring one by one. Opal, Besmouth, and the twins, Ruby and Sapphire, were stepping into the water with the same hesitant steps Courage had taken earlier. But as soon as they did, the atmosphere around them seemed to change.


    First, it was Opal, who stepped forward. She hesitated for only a moment before the water around her began to glow. The pool shimmered beneath her feet, as though the very essence of the spring was responding to her. Courage watched in awe as a majestic, ethereal sea horse began to materialize beside her. Its body was composed of shining, translucent light, and its flowing mane seemed to ripple as if it were part of the water itself. The onlookers gasped in admiration.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ that¡¯s a high-tier totem!¡± one observer exclaimed. ¡°The sea horse is rare and difficult to awaken. It¡¯s a symbol of great strength and grace.¡±


    Courage¡¯s heart swelled with pride for his younger sister. He could see the determination in her eyes as she stood before the shimmering creature, the sea horse turning its head to acknowledge her with a gentle whinny, its eyes sparkling with intelligence.


    Next was Besmouth, stepping forward with an air of confidence. As soon as he entered the spring, the water around him flared brightly, and a brilliant, silver falcon took shape beside him. The bird''s wings stretched out wide, shimmering like polished metal, its eyes gleaming with an almost regal intensity. The falcon¡¯s cry pierced the air, and the crowd''s reaction was immediate.


    ¡°Unbelievable! A silver falcon! This child¡¯s aptitude is unparalleled!¡± another observer remarked, his voice full of awe.


    Courage couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of envy. Besmouth had always been quick to show his abilities, and this totem was a true testament to that. The falcon hovered gracefully beside Besmouth, its wings cutting through the air in smooth, controlled motions, as if it had always been his companion.


    Then came Ruby and Sapphire. The twins, always so close to each other, stepped into the spring at the same time. As they did, the water around them began to churn with energy. Ruby¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement as an energetic, vibrant ferret appeared in front of him. The ferret was small and quick, darting around Ruby¡¯s feet in a blur of light. Its fur shimmered with golden hues, and its eyes gleamed with a mischievous intelligence, a perfect match for Ruby¡¯s playful and eager nature.


    ¡°That¡¯s a ferret totem¡­ an excellent sign of agility and speed!¡± an observer shouted.


    The crowd murmured in approval, but it was time for Sapphire to steal the show. As she stood still, an enchanting owl materialized beside her. The owl¡¯s feathers glowed with a soft, ethereal light, and its large eyes held a sense of ancient wisdom and grace. It perched beside Sapphire, its wings unfurled in a quiet, majestic display. The owl¡¯s wings shimmered like moonlight, and its eyes locked onto Sapphire¡¯s, a silent connection forming between them.


    ¡°What a beautiful owl,¡± an elder remarked. ¡°Her aptitude is extraordinary. The owl represents wisdom, perception, and subtlety¡ªtraits that will serve her well.¡±


    The glowing totems surrounding the twins, as well as Opal and Besmouth, were so bright that they lit up the entire pool, casting long, sparkling reflections across the water. Courage stood in awe, his heart swelling with pride and a twinge of confusion. How was it possible for all of them to awaken such powerful totems? He had barely even processed the awakening of his own totem when their lights seemed to outshine his in every way.


    The energy around him was so overwhelming now that he could no longer ignore it. The instructor''s voice cut through his thoughts, calling out to him from the platform. ¡°Courage, it¡¯s time to leave the spring! The awakening process is complete.¡±


    But Courage didn¡¯t move. He watched his siblings, transfixed by the beauty and power of their totems. Opal, Besmouth, Ruby, and Sapphire stood with their totems , each of them glowing with an aura that seemed to make them shine brighter than the rest.  This was a moment he would never forget.


    Courage was still standing in the spring, The light around him had already faded, and in its place, a new, silent understanding settled deep within him. He could feel the weight of the spirit energy, and his totem¡ªhis semi-transparent white rhinoceros beetle¡ªfloated beside him, shimmering in the light.


    It wasn¡¯t much. It wasn¡¯t grand or majestic like the others. He had seen Opal¡¯s sea horse, Besmouth¡¯s silver falcon, and Ruby and Sapphire¡¯s energetic ferret and enchanting owl. Their totems radiated power and beauty, making Courage feel smaller and more insignificant in comparison. His beetle was simple, its form faint and delicate, barely noticeable next to the shimmering brilliance of his siblings¡¯ awakenings.


    As the last of the energy left him, Courage slowly stepped out of the pool, his legs heavy from the intensity of the experience. He tried to keep his head high, but doubt and disappointment clouded his heart. He glanced at his siblings, who stood proudly with their radiant totems. The crowd was cheering, their applause echoing through the air, but Courage barely noticed. His gaze was locked on his own totem, still floating quietly beside him.


    Courage felt small, unnoticed in the background. His beetle¡ªso plain and simple¡ªseemed to disappear under the glow of his siblings¡¯ totems. He couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of disappointment. Why did his totem feel so¡­ inadequate?


    His gaze drifted to his siblings, who were still surrounded by their radiant totems.


    Opal¡¯s sea horse shimmered brightly, its form majestic as it danced through the air. ¡°That¡¯s my girl! Look at you, Opal!¡± Amber¡¯s voice rang out in the background, filled with pride.


    Besmouth¡¯s silver falcon soared high above him, its wings glowing as the crowd watched in awe. ¡°Besmouth, that¡¯s incredible!¡± Amber cheered again, her tone full of admiration.


    Ruby¡¯s ferret darted around him with boundless energy, a blur of motion as it bounded about. ¡°Good job, Ruby! You¡¯re amazing!¡± Amber called out joyfully, her voice overflowing with love.


    Sapphire¡¯s owl perched gracefully at her side, glowing with an otherworldly aura. ¡°My sweet Sapphire, you did it!¡± Amber cried out, her voice thick with emotion.


    Courage couldn¡¯t help but look at his siblings, feeling a quiet heaviness settle over him. His beetle, still floating beside him, seemed almost insignificant in comparison to the radiant displays around him. He felt a pang in his chest, but before he could dwell on it, an instructor, a tall man with graying hair, approached him.


    ¡°Courage,¡± the instructor began gently, noticing the quiet look on the boy¡¯s face. ¡°I see that you''re taking everything in. It¡¯s natural to compare yourself to others, but remember, your totem is your own. It is as unique as you are.¡±


    Courage looked up at the instructor, uncertain. The man placed a hand on his shoulder, his voice warm and encouraging. ¡°The key is to accept your totem for what it is. It may seem simple, but it is yours¡ªsomething no one else will ever have. The bond you form with it is what truly matters. Your totem is a part of you, and only you will ever know its true potential.¡±


    He paused, giving Courage a moment to absorb the words. ¡°Don¡¯t compare it to anyone else¡¯s, because it is yours alone. Embrace it. Focus on nurturing that connection. Your path is yours to walk, Courage. No one else¡¯s journey can be yours.¡±


    The words seemed to settle over Courage like a gentle wave. His totem wasn¡¯t meant to look like anyone else¡¯s, and it wasn¡¯t about how big or flashy it was. It was his. And that alone made it special.


    In the distance, Courage heard his mother¡¯s voice ring out once more, filled with pride. ¡°Courage! You¡¯ve done great, honey!¡± Amber¡¯s words washed over him, offering a sense of warmth and reassurance.


    Courage turned toward his mother¡¯s voice, feeling a rush of affection and pride welling up inside him. The crowd¡¯s cheers continued, but this time, they didn¡¯t feel so distant. He realized that the glow of his beetle¡ªsmall as it was¡ªwas something uniquely his, And With the instructor¡¯s words echoing in his mind, Courage looked down at his totem again. It may not be grand, but it was his. And that was enough.

 Chapter five : the highest highs and the lowest lows

    At the foot of the mountain, the aftermath of the Awakening Ceremony unfolded like a chaotic symphony. Families were scattered across the open grounds where the Spirit Spring¡¯s glow still lingered faintly in the air, its energy having left its mark on the young participants.


    The sounds of celebration and sorrow blended into a singular cacophony. On one side, joyous cries erupted as proud parents embraced their children who had successfully awakened their Totems. Shouts of triumph rang out as families congratulated each other, eyes shining with hope and pride.


    ¡°Look at his Totem! A wolf, no less! My son has awakened a wolf!¡±


    ¡°Ha! My daughter¡¯s falcon will soar above all others!¡±


    Amidst the joy, there were those who quietly wept. Mothers knelt, holding their children close, their tears falling silently as fathers stood by, grim-faced. Some children sat in shock, hollow-eyed and trembling, as the weight of failure bore down upon them.


    ¡°I¡­ I couldn¡¯t¡­¡± a boy stammered, his voice barely audible.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry, my love,¡± his mother whispered, holding him tightly. ¡°We¡¯ll try again. You¡¯re still strong.¡±


    The contrast was stark¡ªone side filled with laughter and hope, the other with sobs and despair. Such was the nature of the Awakening Ceremony: it gave dreams to some and stole them from others


    Near the edge of the gathering, Courage¡¯s family stood out in their own small bubble of warmth and happiness. Amber, tears of pride streaming down her face, had all five of her children trapped within the circle of her arms. She showered them with hugs, kisses, and endless praise.


    ¡°Oh, my beautiful children! I¡¯m the luckiest mother in the world!¡± she exclaimed, her voice brimming with joy. ¡°To have all of you succeed! My Opal, my Besmouth, my Ruby, my Sapphire, and¡ª¡± she turned to Courage, squeezing his cheeks fondly, ¡°my sweet Courage!¡±


    ¡°Mother, please!¡± Opal whined, her face flushed as she wriggled helplessly in Amber¡¯s embrace. ¡°You¡¯re embarrassing us!¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Ruby chimed in, his voice muffled as Amber smothered him with kisses. ¡°Can¡¯t you¡­ calm down a little?¡±


    ¡°Not a chance!¡± Amber declared playfully, pulling her children even closer. ¡°I will never stop celebrating my children¡¯s success. Never!¡±


    ¡°Help¡­ can¡¯t breathe,¡± Sapphire groaned dramatically, though her smile betrayed her amusement. Besmouth, ever the calm one, tried to endure it with quiet dignity, but even he looked pleadingly at his mother.


    Standing off to the side, Dorsen¡ªone of the instructors overseeing the ceremony¡ªwatched the scene with clear amusement. A hearty laugh escaped him, loud and full of warmth, as the children¡¯s half-hearted struggles only made Amber tighten her grip.


    ¡°Amber, you¡¯re relentless!¡± Dorsen called out, grinning from ear to ear. ¡°Let the poor kids breathe before you smother them to death!¡±


    Amber turned to him with a beaming smile. ¡°Not until they realize how proud they¡¯ve made me!¡±


    Dorsen shook his head, still laughing. ¡°You¡¯re unbelievable.¡±


    Away from the celebrating families, near a small pavilion overlooking the ceremony grounds, the mayor of Blue Orchid Garrison stood with his hands clasped tightly in front of him, his face stretched into an overly wide smile. His every word dripped with careful reverence as he spoke to the man beside him.


    ¡°Truly, it¡¯s an honor to have someone of your station here, sir,¡± the mayor said, his tone bordering on obsequious. ¡°We¡¯ve prepared everything to the best of our ability to ensure you¡¯re impressed.¡±


    The man beside him¡ªdressed in dark, finely tailored official robes¡ªremained silent for a moment, his gaze sweeping across the grounds. His most striking feature was the golden emblem pinned to his chest, a stylized star surrounded by a flowing river: the unmistakable mark of Star River City, the core city governing Blue Orchid Garrison.


    The envoy¡¯s posture was straight, his demeanor calm but commanding. His presence alone seemed to carry weight. To the side, a few local officials fidgeted nervously, acutely aware of the man¡¯s importance.


    The mayor, desperate to impress, had spent months pulling every string he could to secure the envoy¡¯s presence at this year¡¯s Awakening Ceremony. Such visits were rare¡ªalmost unheard of. But to the mayor, this was a golden opportunity. If Blue Orchid Garrison could rise in the yearly evaluation rankings, it might attract more resources, attention, and investment from Star River City.


    ¡°I must say, sir,¡± the mayor continued, his voice shaking slightly with anticipation, ¡°this year¡¯s results are quite promising, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    The envoy finally spoke, his voice deep and steady. ¡°Indeed.¡± He glanced toward the children still lingering on the grounds, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. ¡°The success rate here is impressive, particularly for a garrison of this size. I can see the effort that¡¯s gone into this ceremony.¡±


    The mayor practically beamed, his chest puffing out with pride. ¡°Thank you, sir! I knew this year would¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m especially interested,¡± the envoy interrupted, ¡°in those four siblings.¡±


    ¡°The edelstein children?¡± the mayor asked quickly, trying to mask his surprise.


    ¡°Yes,¡± the envoy said, folding his hands behind his back. ¡°It¡¯s rare to see multiple siblings display such promise. Each of their Totems appears to have qualities worth noting . I¡¯ll be reporting this to my superiors.¡±


    The mayor¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°R-Really? That¡¯s excellent news, sir!¡±


    The envoy nodded. ¡°Star River City has instructed to monitor cases like these. Core cities are offering substantial benefits to garrisons that perform well in their evaluations. With results like today, Blue Orchid Garrison may soon see a rise in its standing.¡±


    For a moment, the mayor¡¯s face froze in sheer delight. His mind raced with the implications¡ªgreater funding, more resources, and perhaps even prestige among neighboring garrisons. The dream he had been chasing for years might finally be within reach.


    ¡°That is¡­ truly wonderful to hear,¡± the mayor said, his voice trembling slightly as he struggled to keep his composure. ¡°We are honored¡ªhonored, sir¡ªto have your attention.¡±


    The envoy merely gave a small, approving nod before turning his gaze back to the ceremony grounds.


    The mayor barely managed to suppress the giddy smile threatening to break across his face. Finally, he thought. Finally, things are looking up for Blue Orchid Garrison.


    The testing grounds were a sprawling collection of tents, each marked with banners and signs, bustling with activity as instructors and personnel managed the ceremony''s aftermath. Rows of children lined up in front of the tents, their numbers thinning as each group was called forward. Inside the tents, instructors shuffled paperwork, monitored machines humming with energy, and directed children with brisk efficiency.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    The air buzzed with tension and curiosity, the lines moving steadily as every few moments an instructor would step out, call a name, and usher the next group inside. The children standing in line shuffled forward with each call, their steps slow and hesitant.


    Among the crowd, Courage stood quietly in his line, his gaze fixed on the small, glowing white beetle Totem resting on his open palm. It floated just above his skin, shimmering faintly, the light of the Totem casting soft shadows across his fingers. Lost in thought, he barely registered the line inching forward around him.


    I have a Totem now, Courage thought to himself, eyes narrowing at the translucent beetle. That means¡­ I can really become a beast tamer.


    He knew the Awakening Ceremony was the first step for anyone wishing to tame beasts, but now that he stood there holding his Totem, an entirely new question plagued him: How exactly does this help me tame anything?


    His mind drifted back to the countless times Dorsen, the family¡¯s instructor and a seasoned beast tamer himself, spoke to Courage and his siblings about Totems and beast taming. Dorsen had described the process¡ªhow crucial a Totem was, how it connected with spirit energy, and how it allowed beast tamers to channel their willpower. But no matter how much he explained, none of it ever seemed to make sense.


    ¡°Spirit energy is something you¡¯ll feel,¡± Dorsen had once said with a knowing smile. ¡°It¡¯s not something you can describe. Until you awaken, you won¡¯t understand it.¡±


    At the time, Courage and his siblings had dismissed it as one of those mysteries adults loved to overcomplicate. But now that he had awakened, Dorsen¡¯s words rang true. Courage could feel it¡ªsomething within him that wasn¡¯t there before.


    His brow furrowed as he tried to recall that feeling, to describe it, even to himself. It was unlike anything he had ever imagined.


    It felt¡­ strange, he thought. Hot and cold at the same time¡ªlike standing in sunlight while touching snow. Calm, like a still pond¡­ but also rushing, like a river after a storm.


    The memories of the Awakening Ceremony flashed in his mind. He remembered the spirit energy surging through his body, like a breath of fresh air filling his lungs, yet sharp and alive, like a crackling bolt of electricity running across his skin.


    How do you even explain something like that? he wondered, shaking his head slightly. It was like trying to describe a color to someone who had never seen it.


    Before he could delve deeper into his thoughts, a sudden voice jolted him back to reality.


    ¡°Courage Petacos!¡±


    The call was sharp and clear, ringing out above the quiet murmur of the crowd. Courage blinked, his fingers curling protectively around his Totem as his head snapped up. An instructor stood near the entrance to the tent, holding a clipboard and gesturing for him to come forward.


    Behind him, his siblings¡ªOpal, Ruby, Besmouth, and Sapphire¡ªwere also called, their names echoing in quick succession. Courage turned to glance at them briefly. They met his gaze, offering nods and small smiles of encouragement. Without wasting another moment, they all stepped forward and disappeared into the tent.


    The interior of the tent was a hive of organized chaos. Several instructors moved about, some hunched over stacks of paperwork, others monitoring glowing screens and machines that hummed with energy. A few security personnel stood quietly in the corners, their watchful eyes scanning the tent.


    Courage¡¯s gaze darted around, taking in the unfamiliar equipment and the sharp smell of something sterile in the air. Just as his curiosity began to get the better of him, an instructor near the center of the room called out.


    ¡°Over here, kid. Step forward and sit down,¡± the man instructed, pointing to a small medical bench tucked into one corner.


    Courage obeyed, slipping onto the bench as his siblings were directed to others nearby. He felt the eyes of the instructors on him as they moved closer, a woman with a clipboard stepping up to confirm his details.


    ¡°Name?¡± she asked without looking up.


    ¡°Courage Petacos,¡± he replied.


    The instructor marked something on her sheet before continuing with a series of questions. ¡°Age? Any known health conditions? Have you ever experienced dizziness, nausea, or fainting in the last month?¡±


    Courage answered each question dutifully while another instructor moved in to give him a quick but thorough physical checkup. They checked his pulse, peered into his eyes, and even made notes about the faint glow still emanating from his chest, where the Totem had first appeared.


    ¡°Looks good,¡± one of the instructors finally said, stepping back. ¡°Now, come with me.¡±


    Courage stood, following as he was guided toward a platform in the center of the tent. It caught his attention immediately.


    The platform was unlike anything he had seen before. Thick black wires snaked from its edges, connecting it to several machines that hummed softly. The surface of the platform was composed of interlocking segments, each seam glowing faintly. Between the segments, crystalline orbs were embedded, pulsing with soft light as though alive.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Courage muttered, unable to hide his fascination.


    One of the instructors, a tall man with a kind face, stepped forward and smiled reassuringly. ¡°This machine measures your aptitude,¡± he explained. ¡°It allows us to collect precise data on your spirit energy and rank your potential as a beast tamer.¡±


    Courage blinked, his attention now split between the man¡¯s words and the strange platform.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry,¡± the instructor continued. ¡°It¡¯s completely safe, and you won¡¯t feel a thing. This is all just part of the process to help us¡ªand you¡ªunderstand your potential.¡±


    Another instructor stepped up, clapping his hands together with forced cheer. ¡°Alright then! Who wants to go first?¡±


    A nervous murmur spread through the tent as Courage glanced toward his siblings. For the first time since the ceremony began, hesitation began to creep in. The platform, for all its glowing beauty, suddenly felt a little ominous.


    ¡°Come now, kids,¡± the instructor encouraged with a smile. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be afraid of. Step up when you¡¯re ready.¡±


    Courage took a deep breath, his hand instinctively tightening around his glowing Totem. I¡¯ve made it this far, he thought. No turning back now.Slowly, he stepped forward.


    Courage stood on the platform, clutching his glowing Totem tightly in his hand. The soft light from the beetle flickered and shifted, casting strange shadows across his fingers. His heart beat faster as he looked around, realizing how much he was about to be scrutinized.


    One of the instructors stepped forward, eyeing Courage carefully.


    "Are you ready?" the instructor asked, his tone measured.


    Courage nodded, offering a small but resolute thumbs-up in response.


    "Alright then," the instructor said with a nod, signaling to another figure standing by the machines. "In three, two, one¡ª"


    With the count, the second instructor pressed a button. The entire platform buzzed to life, a low hum vibrating through the air. Courage flinched at the sudden sensation, his grip tightening around his Totem. Then, to his shock, the small beetle in his palm erupted in a brilliant flash of light.


    The light was so intense, so sudden, it left Courage blinking rapidly in the afterglow. His heart skipped a beat as the glow swelled brighter than he had ever imagined, almost blinding in its brilliance.


    Such a great light, he thought quickly, his mind racing. Maybe my Totem really does have some hidden potential¡ªsomething I didn¡¯t realize before.


    But just as rapidly as it had come, the light began to fade. In the span of a heartbeat, the dazzling glow dimmed, settling to a soft, almost imperceptible radiance, like a lightbulb barely glowing in the dark.


    Courage blinked, momentarily stunned. His fingers tingled as the last remnants of light faded into nothingness, leaving only the faintest glow from his Totem.


    The sudden change left him bewildered, his thoughts scrambling to catch up. He glanced around, searching for answers, and noticed the instructors staring intently at the monitors, their faces awkwardly tense.


    Before he could even open his mouth to ask, one of them let out a soft sigh and shut down the machine with a click.


    "You can get down now," the instructor said quickly, his voice a little too distracted for comfort.


    As Courage stepped off the platform, his confusion only deepened. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something had gone wrong¡ªor at least, that it hadn¡¯t gone how he had expected.


    He turned to the instructor. "Is¡­ is this whole process usually this quick? I thought it would take longer¡­"


    The instructor sighed again, rubbing his temple. "Normally, yes. But..." He trailed off as the tent''s entrance suddenly flung open, cutting off any further explanation.


    The sound of footsteps filled the tent as the Mayor, accompanied by the envoy and the children''s parents, walked in. The suddenness of their arrival left the staff scrambling in confusion.


    The instructors froze for a moment before they hastily rearranged themselves, attempting to form a neat line, rushing to tidy up the area. It was clear they hadn''t been expecting this.


    Courage stood back, feeling like an invisible bystander in the commotion. The staff buzzed around, frantically trying to set up a good viewing spot for the envoy, while the Mayor offered polite but hurried instructions. Everyone seemed to forget about him entirely.


    The Mayor, oblivious to the tension, stepped toward the four siblings who had just entered. He greeted them warmly, his smile bright with obvious pride.


    ¡°I must say,¡± the Mayor began, his voice booming across the room, ¡°your performance in the Awakening Ceremony was exceptional. It did not go unnoticed.¡±


    Courage''s siblings exchanged wide-eyed glances, their hearts beating faster in response to the unexpected praise.


    The Mayor turned slightly to the envoy, who was standing beside him. ¡°This, honored guest, is the edelstein family. Their children, all of them, have shown great promise. I thought it fitting to invite their parents to witness the evaluation firsthand. After all, we cannot underestimate their potential."


    The envoy, a tall figure with a sharp, thoughtful gaze, nodded approvingly. "I have seen their remarkable performance and felt the need to confirm my thoughts."


    The siblings, still standing together, could hardly contain their excitement. The idea that someone from a core city had taken notice of them was almost overwhelming. Courage could see the excitement reflected in his parents'' faces too¡ªeyes wide, lips stretched into smiles. For parents who had worked so hard to support their children''s future, this was an incredible opportunity.


    A chance to be noticed by the core cities meant doors to higher ranks, better resources, and perhaps even partnerships with the most prestigious tamers. It could mean everything.


    The weight of the moment settled around them, and even Courage, despite the earlier confusion and uncertainty, couldn''t help but feel the pulse of excitement in the air. He glanced at his siblings, their smiles contagious, and for the first time that day, a small smile tugged at his lips.


    After a brief pause to prepare, the instructors signaled the continuation of the evaluations. With the new guests eagerly watching, the siblings decided the order in which they would proceed through a quick game. Ruby was the first to step onto the platform.


    Following the same process as Courage, he activated the mechanism, and in mere moments, a brilliant radiance enveloped the tent. Ruby¡¯s Totem began to shine, resembling a miniature sun, its intense glow piercing through the fabric of the tent and becoming visible to the world outside.


    Gasps of awe rippled through the crowd, and one of the instructors exclaimed in disbelief, "Oh my god! A peak-grade aptitude! And the Totem ability¡­ it¡¯s Energy Synthesis! A truly remarkable power!"


    The declaration sent shockwaves through the room. Peak-grade aptitude, the highest possible, was a rarity¡ªsomething most tamers could only dream of. To see such an exceptional result was already extraordinary, but the day was far from over.


    As Ruby descended the platform amidst murmurs of amazement, his twin sister, Sapphire, took his place. She activated the mechanism, and this time the tent was bathed in a serene, silver glow. A soft, melodic hoot echoed, creating an ethereal atmosphere that left everyone spellbound.


    Another shocked cry came from the instructors. "A¡ªanother peak-grade aptitude! And this time, the Totem ability is Foresight! One of the most coveted abilities!"


    The crowd was now visibly trembling, struggling to comprehend what they were witnessing. To awaken one peak-grade aptitude in a single generation was already a rarity; to see two in succession was nearly unheard of. Even the envoy, though composed, couldn''t entirely mask his astonishment. His superiors would be overjoyed by this unprecedented discovery.


    As Sapphire gracefully left the platform, her older sister, Opal, confidently stepped up. The process was repeated

 Chapter 6 : departure

    A few days had passed since the Awakening Ceremony, and the anticipation hanging in the air was palpable. One of the massive gates of the wall encircling Blue Orchid Garrison had been transformed into a bustling departure station. Rows of armored buses stood ready, their metallic surfaces gleaming under the morning sun. Each vehicle was heavily reinforced, with runic patterns glowing faintly along its sides¡ªa testament to the technology blending human ingenuity with the power of spirit energy.


    Surrounding the convoy was a contingent of seasoned beast tamers mounted on their formidable beasts. These guardians were a striking sight, their mounts ranging from sleek, feline-like creatures to hulking lizards and towering birds with wings that shimmered in the light. Their role was clear: to protect the caravan from the dangers of the wild as they traveled to their destination.


    Families gathered in clusters, offering words of encouragement or holding back tears. This marked a pivotal moment for the newly awakened tamers, the first step on their journey toward becoming full-fledged beast tamers.


    Amber and her children stood among the crowd, a small but close-knit group. Courage and his younger siblings¡ªBesmouth, Opal, Ruby, and Sapphire¡ªwere dressed in sturdy travel outfits, their expressions a mix of excitement and nervousness. Amber stood slightly apart, her hands clasped tightly as she tried to steady herself. Beside her, Dorsen rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder.


    Amber¡¯s gaze lingered on her children as she exhaled slowly. ¡°This is it,¡± she said, her voice a blend of pride and sorrow. ¡°The day I¡¯ve been preparing all of you for. I¡¯ve done my best to make you ready, but now¡­ now it¡¯s your turn to take the next step.¡±


    Her voice faltered slightly as she added, ¡°It feels like just yesterday I was chasing you all around the house, trying to keep up with your antics. And now¡­ now all of you are leaving to start your own lives.¡± A bittersweet smile played on her lips, though her eyes shone with unshed tears.


    Ruby stepped forward first, his usual cheeky grin replaced by a rare seriousness. ¡°We¡¯ll be okay, Mom. You¡¯ve taught us everything we need to know.¡± His voice wavered, betraying his attempt at confidence.


    Opal and Sapphire, standing side by side, reached out to hold Amber¡¯s hands. ¡°We¡¯ll make you proud, Mama,¡± Sapphire said, her voice earnest and full of emotion.


    Amber knelt down to meet their gaze, her composure finally cracking as she pulled them into a tight embrace. ¡°You already do,¡± she whispered, her voice trembling.


    Courage stood slightly apart, watching the exchange with a bittersweet expression. He had always been closer to Amber than anyone else, and the thought of leaving her weighed heavily on him. Yet, he knew this was a journey he had to take.


    Besmouth, the eldest after Courage, placed a comforting hand on Amber''s shoulder. ¡°We¡¯ll write as often as we can,¡± he said, his usually calm demeanor betraying a hint of emotion.


    Amber rose to her feet, pulling all of them into a tight embrace. Even Courage joined, feeling the warmth of his family surrounding him. For a moment, the noise of the station faded, leaving only the sound of Amber¡¯s steady breathing and the rhythmic beating of their hearts.


    ¡°You all promise to stay in touch, no matter what happens?¡± Amber asked softly.


    ¡°We promise,¡± they replied in unison, their voices filled with conviction.


    Dorsen, standing just behind Amber, smiled warmly. ¡°Take care of each other out there. No matter how strong or capable you all are, remember that family comes first.¡±


    The siblings nodded, each one fighting back tears as the moment of departure loomed closer. Finally, a loud horn blared, signaling that it was time to board. The tamers on their mounts began circling the convoy, ensuring everything was in place.


    Amber stepped back, wiping her eyes as she straightened. ¡°Go on, now. Don¡¯t keep everyone waiting.¡±


    One by one, the siblings climbed aboard one of the armored buses, their gazes lingering on Amber and Dorsen as the engine roared to life. Courage, sitting near the edge of the vehicle, leaned out slightly to wave. Amber waved back, her smile bright despite the tears streaming down her cheeks.


    As the bus rolled forward, Courage caught sight of the mounted tamers surrounding the convoy. Their beasts moved with a fluid grace, their sharp eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of danger. The sight was both reassuring and a stark reminder of the wild and untamed world that awaited them.


    Courage felt a lump in his throat as the garrison walls began to fade in the distance. He tightened his grip on the armrest, silently vowing to honor his mother¡¯s sacrifices and make her proud.


    The caravan moved steadily along the path, leaving the safety of Blue Orchid Garrison behind. For Courage and his siblings, this was the start of a new chapter in their lives, one filled with challenges, dangers, and the promise of greatness.


    In this world, traveling between human settlements¡ªwhether garrisons or the grand core cities¡ªwas no simple task. Any territory not actively occupied and controlled by humanity was the domain of wild spirit beasts. These creatures, with their supernatural strength and unique abilities, posed constant threats to travelers. But spirit beasts weren¡¯t the only dangers. Strange supernatural phenomena¡ªsuch as spatial rifts, elemental storms, and zones of inexplicable decay¡ªlurked beyond the safety of the garrison walls, remnants of the ancient event that had reshaped the world.


    Because of these perils, caravans had become humanity¡¯s primary means of travel and trade. These massive convoys were heavily fortified and always accompanied by beast tamers, their duty to protect the journeying passengers and goods. This particular caravan was headed for Star River Core City, one of the most prominent cities in the region. Its purpose was to safely transport the newly awakened tamers to the core city, where their abilities would be evaluated, and they would be distributed to various academies based on their aptitude and potential. The academies, located within Star River Core City and other surrounding garrisons, would provide the training necessary to prepare them for the challenges of beast taming.


    Additionally, every young tamer would be granted their first spirit beast at the core city, marking the official start of their journey as beast tamers. The caravan¡¯s role was not to perform these tasks but to ensure the safe arrival of its passengers amidst the dangers of the wild.


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Inside one of the armored buses, Courage sat near the back, slumped against the window. His cheek rested on his palm as he stared out at the wilderness beyond the reinforced glass. Dense forests stretched endlessly, punctuated by jagged cliffs and rolling hills. Every now and then, the distant roar of a beast or the flicker of a shadow hinted at the dangers lurking just beyond the convoy¡¯s reach.


    The ride, while long and dull, had been uneventful so far. Courage sighed, stretching and letting out a small yawn. Several hours on the road now, and not even a hint of excitement, he thought. He shifted in his seat, his gaze wandering to the front of the bus where his siblings were seated.


    There, Besmouth, Opal, Ruby, and Sapphire were chatting animatedly with one another and a few of their peers. Laughter and the occasional burst of excitement carried over the low hum of the bus. Courage couldn¡¯t help but admire how easily they fit in. Their charisma and natural charm seemed to draw others to them effortlessly.


    If only I had even half their social skills, Courage thought bitterly. Maybe then I wouldn¡¯t be stuck back here dying of boredom all by myself. He let out a frustrated groan and leaned forward, resting his head against the seat in front of him.


    As he sat there, he couldn¡¯t help but overhear the conversation of a group of boys sitting just ahead of him.


    ¡°Man, I¡¯m so excited,¡± one of them said with barely contained enthusiasm. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to get my first beast. What do you guys hope to tame first?¡±


    ¡°A dragon,¡± another answered immediately.


    His friends burst out laughing. ¡°Yeah, right,¡± one of them jeered. ¡°Even if dragons were easy to find, you really think one would take you as a master?¡±


    The boy scowled but said nothing, letting another in the group speak up. This one sounded a bit more serious. ¡°You should stop dreaming so unrealistically,¡± he advised. ¡°Remember, it¡¯s better to choose something that suits your totem. That way, you¡¯ll have a better chance of success.¡±


    The conversation continued, but Courage tuned it out, his mind wandering. The boy¡¯s comment about matching beasts to totems stuck with him. It was a fundamental rule in beast taming: the shape of one¡¯s totem wasn¡¯t random. It directly represented the type of creatures a tamer had the most affinity with.


    For example, someone with a wolf-shaped totem would naturally excel at taming canine-type creatures. These tamers would find it easier to bond with, train, and command such beasts. Their totems seemed to align with a deep-seated connection or fascination they held for those creatures. Often, a person¡¯s affinity could be guessed before their awakening, based on the animals they were drawn to as children.


    Courage¡¯s own totem, a glowing rhinoceros beetle, had puzzled him at first. Yet, the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. For as long as he could remember, he had been fascinated by beetles. As a child, he would spend hours observing them, marveling at their strength and intricate designs.


    His siblings were no different. Each of them had shown a clear interest in specific types of creatures, and their totems reflected that. Ruby, with his boundless energy, had always been drawn to rodents. His childhood was filled with pet hamsters and mice, which he cared for meticulously. Sapphire, graceful and sweet, had a deep love for birds, especially songbirds. Her room had always been alive with the chirping of canaries and the vibrant colors of birds of paradise.


    Opal, quiet and thoughtful, had an affinity for aquatic creatures. Her room housed a large tank filled with decorative and exotic fish, and she would often spend hours watching them swim. Finally, there was Besmouth, the eldest after Courage. He had always been fascinated by birds of prey, and his free time was spent practicing falconry, hunting with eagles and hawks.


    Courage smiled faintly at the memories but quickly felt a pang of envy. While his siblings had always seemed so sure of themselves and their interests, he had often felt like the odd one out. He shook his head, trying to dispel the negativity creeping in.


    Leaning back in his seat, Courage stared out the window again. It doesn¡¯t matter what they¡¯re doing, he told himself. I¡¯ll figure things out in my own way.


    The bus rumbled on, the convoy¡¯s guardians keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings. For now, the journey remained quiet and uneventful, but Courage couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that it wouldn¡¯t stay that way for long.


    The conversation among the boys ahead of Courage shifted, piquing his interest once again.


    ¡°What academy do you guys hope to get into?¡± one boy asked, his voice tinged with excitement but underpinned by nervousness.


    Another boy shrugged, leaning back in his seat. ¡°Any decent one will do. Honestly, I¡¯m just worried about not being accepted at all.¡±


    ¡°Same,¡± a third chimed in, his tone more anxious. ¡°I¡¯ve heard of people who didn¡¯t get into any academy. They¡¯re left to figure out how to be beast tamers on their own, and that¡¯s never a good start for anyone.¡±


    The others murmured in agreement, their fears palpable. The idea of being rejected from an academy sent shivers down Courage¡¯s spine as well. He leaned back, staring out of the window as doubt began creeping into his mind. With his aptitude being so low, his chances of being accepted into a good academy¡ªor any academy at all¡ªfelt like a distant dream. What if I don¡¯t make it? he thought, his heart sinking at the prospect.


    Before his thoughts could spiral further, one of the boys spoke up, his tone confident. ¡°You guys might not need to worry about that.¡±


    That comment immediately drew the attention of his friends, and Courage couldn¡¯t help but perk up as well, his curiosity piqued.


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± one of the boys asked, leaning in closer.


    The first boy smirked and gestured for them to come closer, lowering his voice into a conspiratorial whisper. Courage, still seated behind them, leaned forward slightly, straining to catch every word.


    ¡°Well,¡± the boy began, ¡°I¡¯ve got a relative who hears a lot of rumors and news from all sorts of places. It¡¯s part of his job, so he¡¯s pretty reliable. Anyway, he told me something interesting: in the past couple of years, beast activity has been on the rise. Almost everywhere.¡±


    ¡°Okay... and?¡± one of his friends interrupted, his tone impatient. ¡°How¡¯s that supposed to help us?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you get it?¡± the boy shot back, a smug look on his face. ¡°More beast activity means more strain on the beast tamers. There¡¯s already not enough of them to handle everything, especially out in the wild. Even the core cities can¡¯t ignore it anymore. It¡¯s gotten so bad that¡ª¡±


    ¡°Bad how?¡± another boy cut in, his curiosity overtaking his annoyance.


    The boy leaned even closer, his voice dropping to barely above a whisper. Courage tilted his head, trying not to miss a single word.


    ¡°My relative says there¡¯s a rumor that the Imperial Court itself issued an order. They want all the core cities to ramp up their efforts to nurture new beast tamers. And the core cities, in turn, have ordered all the garrisons under their authority to increase recruitment.¡±


    The boys exchanged glances, a mix of disbelief and hope flashing across their faces. ¡°Recruitment?¡± one asked. ¡°You mean, they¡¯re just letting anyone in now?¡±


    ¡°Not exactly,¡± the boy clarified. ¡°But they¡¯ve been told to stop holding back. Save no expense, promise rewards, whatever it takes to bring in more recruits. They need beast tamers¡ªbadly. And that means we have a better shot at getting into a decent academy than ever before.¡±


    The group fell silent, mulling over what they¡¯d just heard. Courage, too, sat back in his seat, his mind racing. If the rumors were true, it meant he might have a chance after all. But even with the increased demand for tamers, he knew his low aptitude could still hold him back. He clenched his fists, resolve building in his chest.


    The bus rumbled on, the conversation ahead of him dying down as the boys fell into their own thoughts. Courage turned his gaze back to the window, watching the endless wilderness pass by, his mind now preoccupied with a cautious hope. Whatever it takes, I¡¯ll make it.


    The caravan continued its slow, deliberate march through the stillness of the night. The armored buses hummed quietly, their engines muffled by the thick, reinforced frames. Outside, the faint sounds of beasts and the occasional rustling of foliage in the wilderness were overshadowed by the steady hoofbeats and footfalls of the beast tamers guarding the convoy, their silhouettes barely visible in the moonlight.


    Inside the buses, nearly all the passengers were asleep, lulled by the monotony of the journey and the promise of reaching their destination by morning. Courage, too, was among them, his head leaning back against the seat as he drifted into slumber. His breathing was even, his body relaxed, and his mind wandered into fragmented, nonsensical dreams.


    But amidst the haze of his dreams, a faint voice began to pierce through.


    "Kid," it said softly, almost as though carried by the wind.


    Courage stirred faintly but remained asleep.


    "Hey, kid," the voice called again, this time a little louder.


    He frowned in his sleep but dismissed it, thinking it was just another figment of his dreaming mind.


    The voice didn¡¯t relent. "Hey, kid. Kid. Kid, wake up!"


    Finally, it shouted, sharp and commanding, "Get the hell up!"


    Courage¡¯s eyes flew open as he gasped quietly, startled awake. His heart pounded in his chest as he blinked several times, trying to adjust to the darkness of the bus. He quickly looked around, confused and disoriented. Everyone else was still asleep, their heads lolled against seats or windows, undisturbed by his sudden awakening.


    Why was I woken up? he wondered, a nervous chill running through him. He didn¡¯t remember anyone touching him or shaking him awake, and he was certain no one had spoken loud enough for him to hear. His thoughts spun as he strained to make sense of what had just happened.


    "Good, you''re finally up," the voice said again, clear and calm this time.


    Courage froze in place, his eyes wide as he quickly glanced around. Where was that voice coming from? He couldn¡¯t see anyone nearby who could have spoken, and everyone else was either sleeping or too far away to have addressed him.


    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± he whispered under his breath, his voice trembling slightly.


    The voice came again, its tone steady but firm. ¡°Stop moving around so much. You¡¯ll wake someone up. Just stay still and pretend you¡¯re asleep, and we can talk.¡±


    Courage swallowed hard, his heart racing. He sank back into his seat, his muscles stiff and his breathing shallow. He did as the voice said, closing his eyes halfway and relaxing his posture to avoid drawing attention.


    As he focused on the voice, something about it felt eerily familiar. Recognition hit him like a lightning bolt, and his body tensed involuntarily.


    ¡°Dad?¡± he whispered shakily, the word barely audible yet heavy with disbelief.

 Chapter 7 : an old and new family acquittance

    ¡°Shh,¡± said the voice, firm but calm. ¡°Be quiet, and I¡¯ll explain everything. Now, first, stretch your palm out and stay calm. Whatever you do, don¡¯t panic.¡±


    Courage hesitated, his mind racing with questions. What¡¯s going on? Who is this? What¡¯s happening to me? But, desperate for answers and feeling a strange compulsion to trust the voice, he took a steadying breath and complied. Slowly, he stretched his palm outward, the cool air brushing against his fingers.


    As soon as he did, a peculiar tingling sensation spread across his scalp. It started faintly, like a soft tickle, but quickly grew into something unmistakably odd¡ªlike tiny legs crawling across his head. Courage¡¯s body tensed, his instincts screaming at him to brush it off. Before he could react, however, whatever it was suddenly leapt from his head.


    He felt the thing land squarely in his open palm, its weight so light it was almost imperceptible. Courage squinted into the darkness, trying to see what it was, but the bus was too dim, the shadows too thick.


    Then, without warning, the thing in his palm began to glow. A soft, teal-colored light emanated from it, faint yet bright enough to illuminate his hand.


    Courage¡¯s breath hitched as the creature revealed itself. It was a bizarre little bug, no larger than a fingernail. Its segmented body shimmered faintly in the teal glow, and its legs twitched slightly as it moved. Most striking, however, was its resemblance to a flea¡ªor at least something close to one. Its small, compact frame and strong hind legs were unmistakable.


    For a long moment, Courage could do nothing but stare, his eyes wide in disbelief. What¡­ what is this thing?


    And then, to his utter astonishment, the flea-like creature spoke, its tiny mandibles moving in perfect synchronization with the voice he¡¯d been hearing all along.


    ¡°Well, long time no see, kid,¡± it said, its tone casual, as if this were a perfectly normal occurrence.


    Courage blinked rapidly, his mouth falling open in shock. He stared at the glowing bug in his palm, his thoughts a jumble of confusion and disbelief. He wanted to speak, to say something, but the words wouldn¡¯t come.


    The voice chuckled lightly, seemingly amused by his reaction.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Courage managed to stammer, ¡°Y-You¡¯re the one talking? A flea?!¡±


    The creature gave what sounded like a sigh. ¡°A flea? Really? Is that the best you can do? I mean, come on, give me some credit here.¡±


    Courage¡¯s jaw worked up and down, but no sound came out. His wide-open mouth and stunned expression seemed to amuse the bug even more.


    ¡°Oh, come on,¡± the creature said with mock exasperation. ¡°Close your mouth before you start catching flies¡ªor worse.¡±


    Hearing the flea''s mocking response, Courage was at the peak of his curiosity. Without wasting any more time, he started whispering to the flea, hitting it with a barrage of questions like, "What do you mean by ''long time no see''? Did we meet before? What exactly are you? How can you speak? And most importantly, why do you sound so familiar?"


    Hearing Courage''s many questions, the flea gave a long sigh. However, it seemed understanding of Courage''s circumstances and urged him to slow down, promising to explain everything one step at a time.


    First, the flea explained what it meant by "long time no see" by reminding Courage of the voice of his father, the one he heard in his head three years ago during his father¡¯s final moments. It revealed that it had, in fact, been the flea delivering those final words.


    This revelation sent Courage into silent shock. The memory of that tragic day resurfaced vividly, pulling him into a heavy mood. Recalling that specific moment, he realized it had been real all along¡ªnot a figment of his young mind¡¯s imagination. He¡¯d always harbored doubts about that strange, unexplained moment, but now it made sense.


    Before he could delve deeper into his shock, the flea continued explaining, reminding Courage of the family inheritance his father had promised him.


    ¡°Your father did promise you an inheritance, right? Well, rejoice! Now is the time you receive it¡ªwell, the first portion of it,¡± the flea said.


    Even though this was meant to clarify things, Courage found himself growing more curious and confused with every word.


    The flea continued, ¡°As you know, Courage, you descend from a long line of proud beast tamers¡ªthough, to be fair, I mostly mean poor bastards who lived lives of strife and then met tragic ends. But hey, a line of beast tamers nonetheless.¡±


    Hearing the flea describe his family¡¯s plight so sarcastically, Courage didn¡¯t know whether to laugh or to cry.


    And after that, the flea started a long explanation, saying, ¡°As I am sure you already know, your family has been fighting their curse for who knows how many generations. With each generation that passes, they¡¯ve worked to pass on their experience and wisdom, as well as some other things, to the next in line, all in the hope of giving them a better chance than the one before.


    ¡°At one point during that process, I was created by one of your ancestors for the purpose of better storing and passing on that knowledge. From that moment on, I became a trusted companion for your family for many, many generations¡ªteaching and guiding them, but also learning and growing alongside them until it was time for me to move on to the next.¡±


    Although Courage understood so far, he couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°Okay, but that still doesn¡¯t explain what you are.¡±


    The flea replied, annoyed, ¡°I¡¯ll get there, I¡¯ll get there. As I said before, I was created by one of your ancestors. And if you couldn¡¯t figure it out yet, I am a spirit beast¡ªkinda.¡±


    Courage, skeptical of the half-hearted response, said, ¡°A spirit beast, you say? I¡¯ve never heard of any beast like you, especially one that can talk.¡±


    The flea replied, ¡°I was bred using your family¡¯s special technique, so it¡¯s natural you wouldn¡¯t find anything like me.¡±


    Courage pressed again, ¡°Special technique? And what technique is this that can teach a flea to talk?¡±


    The flea, starting to grow impatient, interrupted, ¡°Listen, I know a talking bug might be a hard fact to accept, but this is your reality now, so roll with it. And now, if you would stop interrupting me, I still have a lot of things to explain!¡±If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°Okay, okay,¡± replied Courage.


    ¡°Ahem, ahem,¡± the flea cleared its throat dramatically before continuing. ¡°Now, as I was saying, I was created to assist your family, and that¡¯s why I¡¯m with you. Since my previous owner¡ªyour father¡ªhad reached the end of his rope back on that day, so he used the last of his power to imbue me with his remaining spirit energy. This was to help sustain me without him, as well as to transfer a portion of his consciousness into me, allowing me to add his knowledge and experience to your inheritance, along with some important instructions.


    ¡°And I know you¡¯re probably wondering: if I¡¯ve been with you for so long, why didn¡¯t I reveal myself until now? The answer to that is simple. I was instructed by your father to remain hidden by your side until you awakened and confirmed that you were planning to walk the path of a beast tamer. Another reason is that I simply couldn¡¯t communicate with you, even if I wanted to¡ªnot until you developed a sense for spirit energy.¡±


    ¡°And that marks the end of my explanation. Any questions?¡± the flea asked.


    ¡°Well, you mentioned something about a technique as well as the existence of another portion of the inheritance. What are they?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that. Sorry, Courage, but I can¡¯t tell you about those just yet.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Without any ability to protect yourself, that knowledge may be more of a liability than an advantage. So, we need to keep you in the dark about it until the time is right.¡±


    ¡°And when is that?¡±


    ¡°Well, after you get a beast and get into an academy, should the time be right.¡±


    ¡°Okay, then why do you sound like and speak like my dad?¡±


    ¡°Well, you see, in the process of taking a piece of someone¡¯s consciousness to inherit their knowledge, I also unintentionally inherit some of their traits and personality.¡±


    ¡°Okay, finally, you said you have some instructions. Can you tell me about those, or not?¡±


    ¡°Those I can. You see, one of my instructions is to help you acquire the rest of your inheritance. Your father left you something unique¡ªsomething that no one else in your family ever had¡ªwhich makes it very important. I wish I could tell you more about it, but remember what I previously said. Also, even if I told you, getting that inheritance is still a very far-off goal for you currently.¡±


    ¡°Then what else are you here to do?¡±


    ¡°To help you, of course, starting with the first task at hand: getting a spirit beast. So, listen, Courage. I have two things to instruct you. First, make sure that whatever you choose is an insect.¡±


    ¡°An insect? I mean, I know I should pick a creature I have an affinity with, but shouldn¡¯t I choose something better if I have the option to?¡±


    ¡°No. It is crucial that you choose an insect if you want the help of your family inheritance, for it contains a technique that can only be used on insects. I wish I could say more, but I can¡¯t. So please, just remember that.¡±


    ¡°Okay, then what is the second instruction?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s to make sure that whatever you pick is a vigor-type creature, if possible.¡±


    ¡°A vigor type? Isn¡¯t that one of the worst types? Why would I pick that?¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s complicated. As you¡¯ve heard from those kids previously, this year you have a better chance of being accepted into an academy than ever before. But keep in mind that just being accepted doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re in the clear just yet.


    ¡°You see, nurturing beast tamers is a very time- and cost-consuming process. Even though this year it¡¯s mandated to raise new tamers in large numbers, no core city or garrison can afford to waste effort and resources on every wannabe beast tamer. So, in such cases, all academies ensure that the first year of the training program is an evaluation period. This determines who¡¯s worth investing in and who¡¯s not.so If you don¡¯t score the bare minimum required in your first-year evaluation, you¡¯ll be axed from the program.


    ¡°And that¡¯s something you can¡¯t afford, Courage, because the initial investment from these academies is crucial for someone like you, who has no useful background and a very bad aptitude.¡±


    "Ok, but what does picking a vigor type creature have to do with anything?" asked Courage.


    The flea replied, "In the first-year evaluation, the grading system is comprised of many elements, but one main thing you¡¯re going to be tested on constantly is combat strength. So, in whatever academy you go to, you better expect to fight_a lot. If you manage to win consistently, that will raise your evaluation score.


    "Picking a vigor-type beast is crucial. Although vigor type doesn¡¯t have much prospect as you grow as a Beast Tamer, it has many advantages in the early stages. Beasts in this world come in all sorts of types, like fire, water, dark, and light and such. But There are also unique types like space, psychic, and vigor.


    "Vigor is tied to physical strength and using spirit energy to enhance the body. Vigor-type beasts usually have far more physical strength than other beasts of the same level."


    "And that is the vigor type''s greatest shortcoming," the flea continued. "Since it''s all related to physical strength, it doesn¡¯t scale well as you progress. Because As you get stronger and start taking on more powerful challenges, vigor types start falling behind because simple physical strength can¡¯t keep up with or compete against other supernatural elements."


    " "Also," the flea continued, "as you keep growing, your beasts¡¯ physical strength will naturally grow with them, making vigor types kind of redundant. But as I said before, vigor types have many advantages early on. One of the biggest is their effectiveness in the early stages. Starting out, no early-stage beast of any other type has access to any powerful or unique skills, which means you can still beat any of them with just raw strength, giving you a clear combat advantage.


    "Another advantage is development. Vigor-type skills are the simplest, which allows you to learn more and better skills faster compared to other types in the early stages. And since vigor is so unpopular, resources relevant to it are bound to be much cheaper than anything else, making it cost-efficient and cost-effective for someone like you."


    Courage gave an understanding nod, though his expression remained hesitant. "What you¡¯re saying makes sense, but still... vigor type."


    The flea sighed, a sound surprisingly heavy for its small frame. "Sigh... Courage, I get it. Having your first beast be of an unpopular type might not sound appealing. After all, who wouldn¡¯t want a beast that can command fire and wind, shake the earth, or move rivers? But you have to understand¡ªsucceeding in the first-year evaluation is our top priority right now. Fumbling these first steps as a Beast Tamer could set you years behind everyone else.


    "Trust me, I¡¯ve been a companion to Beast Tamers in your family for generations, and I speak from experience. Vigor type is your best option right now. But don¡¯t worry¡ªonce we¡¯re in the clear, we¡¯ll work on nurturing a beast with better long-term prospects. "


    "Okay, I''ll work on following your instructions," Courage finally relented.


    Hearing this, the flea replied with a sharp tone, "Good. Make sure you do, because I won¡¯t be there to help you."


    Courage frowned, puzzled. "What do you mean?"


    The flea sighed, as though preparing for a lengthy explanation. "Courage, we¡¯re heading into a core city¡ªa place protected by powerful and mystical methods left behind by its founder. so Don¡¯t think that a spirit beast like myself can just waltz in there without being detected. Also Core cities are gathering places for the most skilled tamers in their region. If someone were to find out a rookie is hiding a high-level spirit beast, what do you think would happen? It could draw unnecessary¡ªand possibly dangerous¡ªattention from all sorts of people for all sorts of reasons. And since you¡¯re too weak to defend yourself, this is a risk we absolutely have to avoid."


    "Then what are you going to do? Wait outside the city or something?"


    "There¡¯s no need for that," the flea answered. "I have a method that will allow me to stay by your side and remain undetected. But there¡¯s a problem. This method requires me to enter a dormant state. While dormant, I won¡¯t be able to think, communicate with you, or help you in any way."


    Courage nodded thoughtfully. "Okay, assuming I get what we need, how do I wake you up later on?"


    "It¡¯s simple. While I¡¯m in the dormant state, just give me a bit of fresh blood, and I¡¯ll awaken automatically."


    "Got it," Courage said.


    "And remember," the flea added, "once you¡¯ve got what we need, make sure to awaken me only after you¡¯re enrolled in an academy and have left the core city. It¡¯s only when we¡¯re far away from so many skilled tamers that it will be safe for us to interact without being detected."


    "I¡¯ll make sure of that," Courage promised, then hesitated. "But before you go... one last question."


    "What is it?" the flea asked.


    "My siblings. Shouldn¡¯t I tell them about all this... about you?"


    The flea¡¯s tone softened. "Courage, I understand that you care about your siblings, but right now, your focus should be on yourself. You¡¯re stepping into a dangerous world, and the fewer people who know about me, the safer you¡¯ll be. Sharing this secret, even with those you trust, could put you¡ªand them¡ªat risk. So, for now, keep this between us."


    "Besides," the flea added, "I¡¯m sure your siblings won¡¯t have any problem succeeding in the first stages with their overwhelming aptitude and talents. They¡¯re naturals, Courage. If I were you, I¡¯d worry about myself instead. Focus on your own path and ensure you don¡¯t fall behind."


    "Okay, I understand," said Courage.


    "Great! Then without further ado..."


    "Wait."


    The flea sighed. "What is it now?"


    "I don¡¯t have your name yet," Courage said.


    "Name? Bah, I¡¯ve been called by many names over the years. None of them really stuck, so feel free to call me whatever you want."


    "Oh," Courage replied. He paused, deep in thought. The flea¡¯s voice reminded him so much of his father¡¯s¡ªstrong yet gruff, with a strange sense of familiarity. Feeling a pang of longing for his father, he hesitated before saying, "Then... can I call you Dan?"


    The flea stammered, caught off guard. "Erm... that¡¯s..."


    But when he saw the faint longing in Courage¡¯s eyes, he softened. "You know what... yeah, why not? You can call me Dan."


    Hearing this, a small smile broke across Courage¡¯s face, and a light returned to his eyes. "Well, pleasure to finally meet you, Dan. I¡¯ll be looking forward to working with you," he said, his voice full of hope.


    Dan chuckled. "Heh, likewise, kid. Likewise."


    Finally, after finishing their conversation and giving a few last pieces of advice, Dan wished Courage good luck. With a soft humming sound and a faint glow, Dan¡¯s small flea-like body transformed into a jade-like stone, resting gently on the ground.


    Courage picked it up, marveling at the transformation. "Just like Dan described," he murmured, recalling the explanation of the dormant state.


    Remembering the rest of Dan¡¯s instructions, Courage pressed the stone against his palm. It sank into his flesh effortlessly and disappeared as though it had never been there. The method to safely keep the stone within his body worked perfectly, just as Dan had said.


    For a few moments, Courage stared at his palm in amazement, feeling the faint presence of the stone inside him. A sense of reassurance filled him. Now, he wasn¡¯t alone¡ªhe had a companion and a plan to guide him forward.


    Leaning his head back, Courage exhaled slowly. "Tomorrow," he thought, "is the day the first course of my journey will be decided." With that, he closed his eyes, letting the hope and determination settle in his heart as he prepared to face whatever challenges awaited him.

 Chapter 8 : arrival

    The first light of dawn spilled over the horizon as the caravan came to a gradual halt. Courage stirred awake, his head resting against the window of the bus, which had been his makeshift pillow for the past few days. Outside, the towering gates of Star River City came into view, flanked by shimmering walls that sparkled faintly under the sunlight. The city was a hub of grandeur and activity, its reputation as the cradle of beast tamers unmatched.


    With a groan, the bus¡¯s doors slid open, and the instructors began ushering the children out in calm, orderly lines. Courage, still drowsy from the journey, shuffled along with the crowd, his younger siblings close behind him. Besmouth stretched with a dramatic yawn, while Ruby rubbed his eyes, still half-asleep. The murmur of excitement among the children grew louder as their feet hit solid ground, the realization of where they were slowly sinking in.


    Traveling for days and sleeping in cramped seats had taken its toll. Many of the children yawned openly, their faces a mixture of fatigue and anticipation. Yet, despite their exhaustion, their spirits were high. Today was the big day¡ªthe culmination of their efforts, their Awakening Ceremonies, and the beginning of their journeys as beast tamers.


    The instructors, dressed in crisp uniforms, ensured the children were lined up neatly in front of the buses. Courage stood with his siblings¡ªOpal on his left, Sapphire and Ruby behind him, and Besmouth chatting with someone in the next line. The instructors allowed them a moment to gather their thoughts and shake off their sleepiness.


    One of the instructors, a stern-looking woman with sharp eyes, clapped her hands to draw their attention. ¡°Listen up, everyone!¡± she called out, her voice cutting through the chatter. ¡°You¡¯ve all made it to Star River City safely, and I commend you for your patience during the journey. However, this is only the beginning. Later this afternoon, you will receive your assigned beasts alongside the chosen ones from other caravans. Until then, we¡¯ll lead you to your temporary residences, where you can rest, eat, and prepare for the event. Follow instructions and behave yourselves while inside the city. Understood?¡±


    A resounding ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am!¡± echoed from the lines of children.


    ¡°Good. Follow us.¡±


    The instructors led the group through the bus station toward a nearby building. The children trudged behind, their weariness temporarily forgotten as they took in the sights of the bustling city. Star River City was alive with activity¡ªmerchants shouting their wares, tamers accompanied by magnificent beasts striding through the streets, and distant glimpses of towering structures that seemed to pierce the sky.


    Upon reaching the temporary residences, the children were assigned rooms and given clear instructions on what was expected of them. The rooms were modest but comfortable, equipped with soft beds, clean bathrooms, and fresh linens.


    Courage and his siblings shared a room. The moment they entered, Besmouth collapsed onto one of the beds, sighing with relief. ¡°Finally, a proper bed!¡±


    Opal sat on the edge of another bed, stretching her arms. ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep for an hour. Wake me when it¡¯s time for breakfast.¡±


    Courage, too, couldn¡¯t resist the allure of the bed. He lay down, sinking into the mattress, and closed his eyes. The room was silent except for the sound of his siblings shifting into comfortable positions.


    After a few hours of rest, the children were awakened for breakfast. The dining hall was a lively place, filled with the aroma of freshly cooked food. Courage piled his plate with bread, eggs, and fruit, savoring every bite. The meal was a welcome change from the rations they had eaten during the journey.


    Post-breakfast, they were given time to freshen up. Courage relished the hot shower, letting the water wash away the fatigue of the past days. By the time he emerged, he felt rejuvenated and ready for the challenges ahead.


    Later on the instructors gathered them for a briefing on conduct within Star River City. ¡°This city is a sacred place for tamers,¡± the stern instructor reminded them. ¡°You are to respect its rules and traditions. Do not wander off without permission, do not tamper with anything that does not belong to you, and above all, remember that you represent your garrisons here.¡±


    The children nodded solemnly, the weight of the moment settling over them. Courage exchanged glances with his siblings, determination shining in their eyes. They knew this was more than just a trip to the city¡ªit was the start of their journey into the unknown.


    After a half-hour of marching, the children found themselves standing before an enormous dome-like structure that dwarfed anything Courage had ever seen. It was the size of a stadium, with intricate carvings etched along its surface, radiating an aura of significance and grandeur. The instructors herded the children inside, and they were immediately met with a sprawling corridor that seemed to stretch endlessly.


    The interior was a flurry of activity. The vast space was alive with the buzz of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people. Most were freshly awakened youths from garrisons across the region, alongside locals of Star River City. Interspersed among them were staff members, instructors, security personnel, and other enigmatic figures whose roles Courage could only guess.


    The children from the Blue Orchid Garrison were directed to an area where they were arranged in an organized square formation. Around them, other garrisons were being stationed in their respective spots, each patch spaced apart from the others. Courage observed how the arrangement wasn¡¯t random¡ªit was based on each garrison¡¯s evaluation results.


    As realization dawned on him, Courage felt a wave of unease. The Blue Orchid Garrison patch, a small and often overlooked group, was positioned alarmingly close to the front. Only a few groups were ahead of them, including the local awakened of Star River City itself. Whispers and murmurs rippled through the crowd as eyes began to focus on them.


    ¡°It¡¯s rare for a small garrison to be ranked so high,¡± someone nearby muttered, their words echoing Courage¡¯s thoughts.


    The weight of those stares bore down on Courage and his peers. He glanced at his siblings. Ruby looked nervously at the crowd, while Opal crossed her arms, her face neutral but her posture tense. Besmouth, usually quick with a quip, shifted uncomfortably on his feet. Even Courage found himself sweating slightly under the heavy atmosphere.


    Fortunately, the tension didn¡¯t last long. The murmurs quieted as a colossal holographic image flickered into existence at the far end of the corridor. A woman appeared, her image towering above the crowd. She was stunningly beautiful, her sharp features framed by perfectly styled hair. Her outfit was equally striking¡ªa blend of modern fashion and ceremonial elegance, adorned with patterns resembling flowing rivers and starlit skies.


    Her voice was clear and commanding, easily carrying over the restless crowd. ¡°Welcome, awakened of the southern plains Region. You stand here today not just as individuals, but as the seeds of tomorrow¡ªcultivators of potential who will shape the future of your garrisons, your city, and your region. Together, we rise to nurture the new and honor the legacy of the old.¡±


    The representative paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. ¡°I extend my congratulations to all of you for making it here. This is no small feat. Your journey begins today, and we wish you the best of luck as you step forward into the unknown. May your growth be steady, your bonds strong, and your ambitions unwavering.¡±


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    The crowd erupted into polite applause, the children clapping along. Courage couldn¡¯t help but admire the woman¡¯s poise, though his thoughts wandered to what came next.


    ¡°Now,¡± the woman resumed, her holographic gaze scanning the gathered patches, ¡°we will announce the order in which each garrison will proceed this afternoon to receive their beasts. This order is determined by the evaluation results of each garrison, a testament to their performance, potential, and dedication. Naturally, the Star River City Awakened will go first.¡±


    Courage expected that. Star River City, with its unmatched wealth, influence, and history, was always ranked first. His thoughts mirrored those of many others: It¡¯s only natural. How could anyone rival such a superpower?


    The woman continued, listing the next garrisons. ¡°Following Star River City are the White Fortress Garrison and Fire Star Mountain Garrison.¡±


    Courage nodded silently. These were well-known garrisons with long-standing reputations. Their places near the top were no surprise.


    ¡°And next,¡± the woman said, her voice cutting through the room like a blade, ¡°we have the Blue Orchid Garrison.¡±


    For a moment, silence fell over the corridor. Then, as if a dam had broken, the building erupted into chaos. Gasps of disbelief, hurried whispers, and shocked exclamations filled the air.


    ¡°The Blue Orchid Garrison? How is that possible?¡±


    ¡°A small garrison overtaking so many larger ones? That¡¯s unheard of!¡±


    Courage felt his stomach tighten as the eyes of hundreds, if not thousands, locked onto their patch. The attention was suffocating. Even the awakened from Star River City, who usually paid little mind to smaller garrisons, were now glancing their way with curiosity and, in some cases, disdain.


    The representative¡¯s hologram remained composed, unbothered by the commotion. ¡°For those wondering how this came to be, let me explain. Garrisons are evaluated based on two criteria: the number of awakened and their quality. Despite its size, the Blue Orchid Garrison has achieved a ranking higher than many larger, more developed garrisons. This is a testament to their exceptional efforts and promising talent.¡±


    Her words only fueled the buzz. Courage could hear bits and pieces of conversations around him.


    ¡°They must have some extraordinary awakened¡­¡±


    ¡°Maybe a hidden genius among them.¡±


    ¡°Even so, to surpass garrisons with established taming families? Ridiculous!¡±


    Courage clenched his fists, feeling the weight of their scrutiny. It wasn¡¯t just admiration¡ªthere was skepticism, envy, and outright hostility mixed in. Yet, amidst the chaos, a part of him couldn¡¯t help but feel a flicker of pride.


    We earned this, he thought, his determination hardening. Let them talk. We¡¯ll prove ourselves soon enough.


    The representative concluded her speech with well-wishes before the hologram vanished. The children from Blue Orchid stood tall, despite the heavy air.


    As the representative''s hologram faded, the children of Star River City were called forward as the first patch to receive their beasts. Courage and his peers watched as the patch formed an orderly line and stepped into a separate hall. The large doors closed behind them, and none of the children reemerged.


    The same process was repeated for the patches from White Fortress Garrison and Fire Star Mountain Garrison. Each group disappeared behind the doors, heightening the anticipation and unease among the Blue Orchid patch. Whispers flitted through their ranks, speculation filling the air.


    Finally, it was their turn. Courage could feel the tension in the air as the instructors signaled them forward. He exchanged a glance with his siblings¡ªRuby looked like he was about to faint, Opal had her hands clenched tightly, and Besmouth muttered something under his breath, though it sounded more like self-encouragement than a complaint.


    They filed into the designated hall, the heavy doors shutting behind them with an audible clang. Courage immediately felt a shift in the atmosphere. The space was vast and sterile, its white walls glowing faintly under the illumination of soft overhead lights. The hall was lined with large, squarish chambers, each enclosed by transparent walls that revealed nothing inside.


    An instructor stepped forward, their voice calm yet firm. ¡°Each of you will enter an individual chamber. Follow the instructions provided and select your beast. Take your time and choose wisely.¡±


    One by one, the children were directed to their chambers. Courage found himself stepping into a room that seemed to hum with energy. The walls and floor were pristine white, creating a strange, almost dreamlike space. The door sealed shut behind him, leaving him alone in silence.


    Courage spun around, taking in the peculiar environment. He had never been in a place like this before. Suddenly, a soft, automated voice echoed from nowhere.


    ¡°Greetings, awakened of Blue Orchid Garrison.¡±


    Courage flinched slightly, the unexpected sound startling him. After a moment, he cleared his throat and replied hesitantly, ¡°Uh¡­ hello?¡±


    ¡°Are you ready to begin the selection process?¡± the voice asked.


    Courage paused before replying, ¡°Yes¡­ but can you explain how this works first?¡±


    ¡°Certainly,¡± the voice responded smoothly. ¡°You will be presented with a list of creatures currently available for selection. You may scroll through the options and make your choice. If you have specific requirements, you may request creatures with particular characteristics. However, your options are limited to those available for this selection.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Courage said, nodding to himself. ¡°Let¡¯s begin.¡±


    With that, a glowing screen materialized in front of him, displaying rows of creature icons. Each icon represented a different species, accompanied by basic information such as their type, size, and notable traits.


    At first, the sheer variety was overwhelming. Courage scrolled hesitantly, dragging his finger across the interface to navigate through the list. There were creatures of all shapes and sizes, from small, nimble predators to towering beasts of raw power.


    As he explored further, Courage began to notice something curious. Some of the icons were faded out, their text grayed and accompanied by the word Unavailable. It didn¡¯t take long to realize what this meant¡ªthose creatures had already been claimed.


    ¡°Figures,¡± he muttered to himself, frustration bubbling up. He couldn¡¯t help but imagine the earlier patches snagging all the rare and powerful beasts for themselves.


    But before his annoyance could grow, another category caught his eye. Certain creatures were highlighted with the label Package Creatures. Intrigued, Courage tapped on one of the icons, and the automated voice provided an explanation.


    ¡°Package creatures are selections accompanied by pre-studied, tested, and verified nurturing plans. These plans are designed to ensure optimal growth for new tamers, offering guaranteed results and simplified care instructions. Package creatures are recommended for new beast tamers to provide an efficient and effective start to their journey.¡±


    Courage raised an eyebrow. The idea of having a creature with an established nurturing plan was undeniably tempting. He wasn¡¯t exactly an expert in beast taming, and the guarantee of results sounded reassuring.


    ¡°Efficient and effective, huh?¡± he muttered, weighing the pros and cons.


    The voice continued, ¡°Package creatures are chosen based on potential, practicality, and availability. They do not require rare or inaccessible resources, ensuring sustainability for the tamer.¡±


    It made sense. The city wouldn¡¯t recommend weak creatures or those that demanded impossible resources. Courage scrolled through the package options, noting how each came with detailed notes about their growth potential, temperament, and care requirements.


    Still, part of him felt conflicted. While the convenience was appealing, it also felt like taking the easy way out. Yet, with so many top-tier options already claimed, he wondered if this might be the smartest choice available to him.


    But  recalling Dan¡¯s instructions. Who had already stressed the importance of focusing on what aligned with Courage¡¯s strengths, rather than chasing after what seemed flashy or popular. Resolving not to be tempted by the array of exotic and powerful options, Courage addressed the automated helper.


    ¡°Create a list of all insect species available,¡± he instructed firmly.


    The helper responded promptly, and the screen shifted to a new list. Rows of insect species now filled the display, each accompanied by its unique traits and abilities. Courage noticed that, unlike the general selection, the insect pool showed no signs of shortages. He smirked at the realization.


    ¡°Figures,¡± he muttered. ¡°Not many people would go for bugs¡ªregular ones, let alone beasts.¡±


    He scrolled through the list for a moment before issuing another command. ¡°Now, filter it down to vigor-type insects.¡±


    Immediately, the list shrank from hundreds of options to just a dozen or so. The narrowing of choices brought a sense of focus, and Courage resolved to make the best possible choice from what remained.


    As Courage carefully scrolled through the vigor-type insect list, he murmured his thoughts aloud, analyzing each option.


    ¡°Lead Head Cricket: Ability¡ªsuper leg strength. Seems¡­ limited.¡±


    ¡°Hunter Spider: Ability¡ªstrong grappling. Sounds good, but let¡¯s see the others first.¡±


    ¡°Armored Millipede: Ability¡ªenhanced carapace armor. Not quite what I¡¯m looking for.¡±


    For two hours, Courage painstakingly examined every entry, considering each creature¡¯s strengths, weaknesses, and how well it would complement his own abilities and Totem. Finally, he settled on one: the full Strength Beetle.


    The decision wasn¡¯t made lightly. Courage¡¯s choice was guided by three primary reasons:


    1. Familiarity and Affinity:


    The full Strength Beetle was a type of beetle¡ªa creature Courage felt an inherent connection to due to his Totem. This familiarity gave him confidence in his ability to control and work with it effectively.


    2. Ability¡ªMaximum Effort:


    The beetle¡¯s unique ability allowed it to utilize 100% of its physical strength whenever needed, with the added capability to channel that strength in precise ways. On the surface, the ability seemed straightforward, but for a creature reliant on raw physical power, it was invaluable. Courage also saw this ability as a solid foundation that could be further developed with the right training and resources.


    3. Rarity:


    Although the insect pool was largely untouched, Courage couldn¡¯t ignore the scarcity of the full Strength Beetle. Unlike other species with abundant numbers, there were only a couple dozen of this beetle available. This suggested it might be a rare species, a fact that intrigued and tempted him even more.


    And after a final moment of contemplation, Courage declared his choice to the automated helper.


    ¡°Helper, I¡¯ve made my decision. I choose the full Strength Beetle.¡±


    The helper acknowledged his choice. ¡°Would you like to select the specimen yourself, or shall the system assign one for you?¡±


    Without hesitation, Courage replied, ¡°I¡¯ll pick it myself.¡± He didn¡¯t want such an important decision to be left to chance.


    The screen shifted once again, presenting a short list of all available specimens of the full Strength Beetle. Courage immediately began eliminating options, starting with all the females. He understood that in most beetle species, males were generally more suited for combat. Males often bore distinctive features like horns or mandibles and exhibited a more aggressive nature, making them better-suited for battle


    After carefully examining the remaining male specimens, Courage analyzed their physical traits and any additional notes provided by the helper. He scrutinized every detail, determined to choose a beetle with the best potential for growth . At this moment his many years experience in raising beetles came in handy


    When he finally made his selection, Courage called the helper to confirm .


    The helper¡¯s voice chimed in. ¡°Selection confirmed. Your chosen specimen will now be prepared and delivered. Please proceed to the designated waiting area.¡±

 Chapter 9

    The chamber was dimly lit, the walls adorned with faintly glowing runes that seemed alive, pulsating gently with energy. Courage held his breath as the the automated helper handed him two items: a small, sleek titanium-colored card and a crystal orb. The card was no bigger than his palm, its surface etched with intricate markings resembling a futuristic QR code. It shimmered faintly in the chamber¡¯s light.


    ¡°This is your official identification,¡± the attendant explained in a calm, practiced tone. ¡°It contains all relevant information about you, including your rank, aptitude, and your chosen beast. It¡¯s vital for the recruitment process and other official functions, so don¡¯t lose it.¡±


    Courage nodded, marveling at the craftsmanship of the card before turning his attention to the orb. The crystal sphere was cool to the touch, its surface smooth and flawless. Peering into it, he thought he could make out the faint silhouette of a creature curled up inside, its form barely distinguishable.


    ¡°This,¡± the helper continued, ¡°is a temporary Beast Storage Orb. Your chosen creature resides within until you are instructed on how to properly open and tame it. Do not attempt to open it yourself. That will be your mentor¡¯s responsibility. Any questions?¡±


    Courage shook his head. ¡°No, thank you.¡±


    ¡°Good. Proceed to the waiting area. You¡¯ll join your group there once everyone has finished their selection.¡±


    Courage tucked the card and orb carefully into his pouch and left the chamber. He was guided down a narrow hallway that opened into a modest waiting area. Benches lined the walls, already occupied by others who had completed the selection process. The air buzzed with excitement and chatter.


    ¡°So, what did you choose?¡± one voice asked eagerly.


    ¡°A Rock Jaw Turtle,¡± another replied.


    ¡°Why would you pick that?¡± someone scoffed.


    ¡°It synergizes well with my totem¡¯s abilities.¡±


    Other voices chimed in, debating their choices. Some spoke of the ¡°package beasts¡± offered for choosing ,while others proudly shared how they had carefully chosen creatures that complemented their strengths.


    Courage scanned the room and quickly spotted two of his siblings. Besmouth and Sapphire who were seated together, chatting animatedly. He approached them, unable to suppress a smile when Besmouth exclaimed, ¡°I got a Scaled Eagle! It¡¯s the beast I¡¯ve always dreamed of having. I can¡¯t believe it!¡±


    Besmouth¡¯s usual stoic demeanor was gone, replaced by the unrestrained joy of someone holding their most cherished prize. Courage chuckled at the sight, his brother¡¯s excitement contagious.


    ¡°What about you, Sapphire?¡± he asked.


    Sapphire smiled brightly. ¡°I chose the Winter Tail Swallow. Though not as grand as a Scaled Eagle, I still think its abilities will pair perfectly with my totem¡¯s skills.¡±


    ¡°Smart choice,¡± Courage said, patting her head. ¡°You¡¯re always so thoughtful and wise.¡±


    Sapphire blushed at the praise, beaming with pride.


    Before they could prod him about his choice, Courage hesitated. He didn¡¯t want to reveal too much¡ªespecially not the details about his beetle. ¡°I went with a beetle species,¡± he said simply.


    Besmouth raised an eyebrow. ¡°A beetle? Makes sense, I guess, given your totem. Which one exactly?¡±


    Courage dodged the question, quickly noticing their other siblings, Ruby and Opal, entering the room. ¡°Hey, there¡¯s Ruby and Opal!¡± he said, steering the conversation away. ¡°Let¡¯s hear what they picked.¡±


    After meeting up with them Ruby was the first to speak. ¡°I almost picked a Blaze Jaguar. It¡¯s strong and fiery¡ªtotally my style. But then I remembered what Dad always used to say.¡± Ruby¡¯s voice softened as he quoted, ¡°¡®Sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone can help you grow in ways you never imagined.¡¯ So, I chose the Jade Encrusted Ferret instead. It¡¯s a rock-type, and while it¡¯s not what I¡¯d usually pick, I think its abilities will pair well with mine.¡±


    The siblings exchanged looks of surprise, then admiration. ¡°That¡¯s... surprisingly mature of you, Ruby,¡± Besmouth said.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Sapphire added. ¡°Good job!¡±


    Ruby grinned at the praise, his usual boisterousness returning.


    Finally, all eyes turned to Opal, who stood with her usual poise and grace. ¡°I chose a Kilpy,¡± she said matter-of-factely. ¡°It¡¯s known for its strength, elegance, and...¡± She smiled faintly. ¡°...it¡¯s absolutely beautiful.¡±


    The others groaned in unison.


    ¡°Classic Opal,¡± Courage muttered, shaking his head.


    ¡°She would never compromise on beauty,¡± Besmouth added with a sigh.


    ¡°Typical perfectionist,¡± Sapphire said, though her tone was affectionate.


    As the group continued to chat, Courage felt a weight lift off his shoulders. For now, he had managed to keep his secret. But deep down, he knew the time would come when he¡¯d have to face the truth¡ªand his siblings¡¯ reactions.


    The room buzzed with restless energy as the last few participants filed in, their faces glowing with excitement or nerves. The instructors, sharp-eyed and authoritative, stepped forward and called for silence.


    ¡°Alright, listen up!¡± one of them barked. ¡°The last of you are here, which means it¡¯s time for the next and final step of today¡¯s process. Everyone, stand up and line up in front of the door.¡±


    The children obeyed quickly, shuffling into a neat line before the large metal doors opposite the ones they had entered through earlier. Courage joined the others, gripping his identification card tightly in his hand. Besmouth and Sapphire stood to his right, while Ruby and Opal were just behind him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and determination.


    ¡°Now,¡± the instructor continued, pacing in front of the group, ¡°beyond these doors is the recruitment hall. This is where your future begins. Every academy worth its name has representatives waiting inside, and it¡¯s up to you to make an impression.¡±


    The children exchanged glances, some smiling confidently, others swallowing nervously.


    ¡°Here¡¯s how it works,¡± the instructor went on. ¡°You will present your identification cards at the entrance. These cards contain all the information recruiters need to assess you: your aptitude, your totem, your chosen beast, and more. Once inside, you¡¯ll need to find an academy that aligns with your goals and convince their recruiters to take you in.¡±


    A ripple of excitement passed through the group.


    ¡°For some of you,¡± the instructor added, his tone hardening, ¡°this will be easy. You might be approached immediately by recruitment offers from academies that deem you worthy. But for most of you, it¡¯ll take effort. You¡¯ll need to be prepared to explain your choices and prove your potential. Remember, no academy is obligated to take anyone. If you fail to impress, you may leave here today without a placement.¡±


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Courage¡¯s grip on his card tightened. He glanced at his siblings. Besmouth seemed calm, Sapphire was focused, and Ruby and Opal looked quietly confident. Courage, however, felt a gnawing uncertainty in his gut.


    The instructor paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the group. ¡°This is your chance to take the first real step toward becoming Beast Tamers. Make it count.¡±


    With that, the doors creaked open, revealing a massive hall beyond. The air seemed to hum with anticipation as the children were ushered forward in small groups. Courage¡¯s heart pounded as his turn approached. Beyond those doors lay a world of possibilities, challenges, and the first true test of his resolve.


    The recruitment hall was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The massive chamber was designed to impress and intimidate, with towering ceilings adorned with intricate carvings depicting legendary beast tamers and their spirit beasts in battle. Grand chandeliers hung high above, illuminating the space with a warm golden glow. The air buzzed with energy, filled with the sounds of voices, footsteps, and the occasional roar or chirp from spirit beasts.


    Rows of recruitment booths lined the walls, each representing a different academy, guild, or training institute. These booths were lavishly decorated, some with banners proudly displaying their emblems, while others showcased holographic projections of their facilities and achievements. Each booth was crowded with hopeful applicants, young and old, jostling to present their abilities to the recruiters. Around them, recruiters in finely tailored uniforms moved briskly, their eyes scanning the crowd for potential talent.


    The crowd itself was a chaotic blend of awakened individuals from different garrisons, each donning the distinct insignias of their respective garrison. Conversations in various dialects filled the air, and the occasional clash of egos was a spectacle for those who lingered too long. Some individuals, clearly marked by their impressive totems or extraordinary beast companions, drew flocks of recruiters competing to secure their allegiance. Others moved from booth to booth, determined to find their place among the elite.


    As Courage¡¯s group from the Blue Orchid Garrison hesitantly stepped inside, the atmosphere seemed to shift. Heads turned, conversations faltered, and a noticeable ripple of attention swept through the hall. The earlier commotion surrounding their awakening ceremony had evidently reached the ears of the recruiters, and the group''s entrance was met with a flurry of activity.


    A dozen recruiters immediately broke off from their stations, making a beeline for the Blue Orchid group. Their faces were a mixture of curiosity and eagerness, and their movements carried the desperation of hunters spotting rare prey. For a small garrison like Blue Orchid to produce a high-ranking batch of awakened individuals was both rare and intriguing. From the recruiters'' perspective, this was an opportunity too good to miss¡ªa chance to uncover hidden gems, nurture potential prodigies, and bolster their academies'' standings with promising new talent.


    The attention was both a blessing and a burden. Courage could feel the weight of the recruiters'' gazes, their appraising eyes scanning each member of their group as if searching for signs of greatness. He couldn¡¯t help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety, his fingers fidgeting slightly at his sides. The others in his group appeared equally nervous, some glancing at each other for reassurance, while others tried to steel themselves for the onslaught of offers and questions they knew was coming.


    "This is good," Courage thought, trying to steady his breathing. "More attention means more chances." Yet, a small voice in the back of his mind whispered doubts, reminding him of his own limitations and the ever-present shadow of the Petacos family curse.


    The recruiters approached like a wave, their voices overlapping as they introduced themselves, their institutions, and the promises they could offer.


    "Blue Orchid Garrison, yes? Rare to see such a strong turnout from a smaller garrison!"


    "You all must be exceptional! Which academy are you aiming for?"


    "Our program specializes in nurturing prodigies¡ªour last graduate broke into the expert Rank within five years!"


    Courage''s group was quickly surrounded, each recruiter trying to outshine the others with their pitches. It was overwhelming but undeniably thrilling. The group glanced at each other, unsure of how to proceed. Courage clenched his fists and reminded himself to stay calm. This was their moment to shine, and they couldn''t afford to falter.


    After a while, Courage''s patch dissolved into the crowd, each member going their separate ways. Some continued talking to recruiters, showing their identification cards, while others began visiting the booths, seeking academies that suited their aspirations or might accept them. Many were determined to try their luck with prestigious institutions, while others settled for any place that would take them.


    Courage and his siblings, too, prepared to search for opportunities among the bustling booths. However, before they could walk far or speak to anyone, a familiar voice called out from the distance. Turning their heads, they saw the envoy from their awakening ceremony approaching them with quick steps.


    The envoy¡¯s expression was alight with joy as he finally reached them. He addressed Courage¡¯s siblings with enthusiasm and respect, his voice warm and encouraging.


    "Hello there, rare gems of the Blue Orchid Garrison! I am delighted to meet you again," he said.


    The siblings returned the greeting with polite nods, their demeanor respectful. The envoy, clearly pleased, nodded back in approval before continuing.


    "Well, as I promised during your awakening ceremony, I haven¡¯t forgotten about you. Ever since we last met, I¡¯ve spared no effort in informing the higher-ups about your incredible potential. I even went as far as recommending you to the Imperial Academy."


    Hearing this, the siblings exchanged glances, astonishment flashing across their faces.


    The envoy stepped aside, gesturing dramatically to someone approaching from behind him. "And now," he added with excitement, "I¡¯ve brought someone who can open the Academy¡¯s doors for you."


    A woman emerged from the crowd, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. She was strikingly beautiful, with sharp, well-defined features and stylishly combed hair. Her attire was a perfect blend of modern fashion and ceremonial elegance, exuding authority and refinement. Her graceful yet commanding presence caused a stir in the crowd, who whispered amongst themselves with tones of awe and anticipation.


    "Is that¡­ the representative of Star River City?"


    "She¡¯s never appeared at events like these before!"


    "I heard she only shows up when true prodigies emerge."


    "Whoever she¡¯s here for must be exceptional!"


    As she approached, her confident steps and composed demeanor made it impossible to look away. Finally, she stopped before Courage and his siblings. Her gaze swept over them briefly before she spoke in a detached, authoritative tone.


    "Identifications."


    Still processing the surreal situation, the siblings were snapped out of their daze by the envoy''s urgent voice. "Quickly now, hand her your identification cards!" he urged, practically vibrating with nervous excitement.


    Without hesitation, the siblings complied, handing over their cards. The woman took each one with practiced precision, raising her left hand to press a button on the side of her glasses. A faint glow emitted from the lenses, revealing them to be no ordinary glasses but an advanced device. She brought each card close to her eyes, scanning them one by one.


    When she finished with the last card, a faint, almost imperceptible smile broke across her face. It was a small gesture, but it was enough to make the envoy tremble with excitement, sweat beading on his forehead.


    "Well, my lady," he stammered, his voice filled with anticipation. "What do you think? They¡¯re as remarkable as I described, aren¡¯t they?"


    The woman¡¯s response was simple yet carried an undeniable weight: "Indeed."


    That single word sent a chill down the envoy¡¯s spine, his eyes gleaming with joy and triumph. He could barely contain himself as he looked at the siblings with newfound pride.


    The woman returned her attention to the four, her faint smile still in place. Taking a single step closer, she seemed to tower over them, her presence so overwhelming that none of them could lift their heads to meet her gaze. Her aura was one of absolute authority, as though the very space around her bent to her will.


    "You will hear from the Imperial Academy soon," she said, her voice calm yet resolute. "Do not disappoint us."


    The siblings nodded quickly, their hearts pounding as they struggled to process the momentous opportunity presented to them


    The announcement echoed through the grand recruitment hall, and for a moment, there was silence. Then, like a tidal wave, the room erupted into an uproar.


    ¡°The Imperial Academy?! Someone actually got accepted into the Imperial Academy this year!¡± shouted one onlooker, their voice cracking with disbelief.


    ¡°Not just one! Four people! That¡¯s unheard of!¡± another chimed in, their words drowning in the murmurs of awe and excitement.


    ¡°And they¡¯re all from the Blue Orchid Garrison! Quick, gather intel on those four! See if we can establish a connection!¡±


    The crowd surged toward the section marked by the distinct Blue Orchid patch, their attention laser-focused on four young individuals standing in the spotlight. Whispers turned to fervent discussions, and discussions to outright demands for answers.


    Several bold souls approached the Imperial Academy representative directly, bowing humbly as they asked, ¡°Why were they chosen? What makes these four so special?¡±


    The representative, a tall and imposing figure clad in the Academy¡¯s emblematic white-and-gold uniform, regarded the crowd with an air of indifference. She answered coolly, her voice carrying above the commotion.


    ¡°It¡¯s simple. These four displayed qualities worthy of the Imperial Academy¡¯s attention. It is not every day we come across peak-grade aptitude individuals.¡±


    Her declaration was like throwing fuel on an already roaring fire. Gasps rippled through the hall, followed by an explosion of shocked voices.


    ¡°Peak grades?! There are peak-grade awakenings this year?!¡±


    ¡°Impossible! A small garrison like the Blue Orchid producing not just one, but four peak-grade individuals in one generation? This has never happened before¡ªnot even in high-level garrisons or the history of core cities combined!¡±


    ¡°This is a historic moment! Four peak-grade tamers accepted into the Imperial Academy... The Academy so prestigious it doesn¡¯t even bother setting up recruitment booths like the rest!¡±


    ¡°This could be the rise of the Blue Orchid Garrison! Their reputation is about to skyrocket!¡±


    In the chaos, opportunistic recruiters and scouts began spreading through the crowd like predators on the hunt. ¡°Find anyone else from the Blue Orchid Garrison!¡± one barked. ¡°Even if we can¡¯t get those four, the next best thing might be worth it!¡±


    As the crowd¡¯s chaos began to subside, the Imperial Academy representative finally turned her attention back to the four siblings. She studied them intently, her piercing gaze scanning each one before settling on a figure she had overlooked until now¡ªCourage.


    He stood slightly apart but had been present from the beginning, a quiet shadow in his siblings'' light. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at him, her expression shifting subtly into one of curiosity.


    "Who is this?" she asked, her voice cutting through the lingering murmurs around them.


    The envoy hesitated, clearly caught off guard. ¡°Ah, um... This is the older brother of the four. I apologize for not mentioning him in my earlier report.¡±


    Intrigued, the representative stepped forward, her presence commanding the space around her. She extended a hand toward Courage. ¡°Your identification,¡± she demanded with cool authority.


    Courage, feeling the weight of her gaze and unable to summon the courage to oppose her, silently handed over his identification card. The representative took it, scanned it carefully with the same device she had used for his siblings, and slowly raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°Hmm... how peculiar,¡± she murmured.


    ¡°W-what?¡± Courage stammered, his unease evident.


    The representative turned her sharp gaze toward him. ¡°For you and your siblings to have such a massive gap in potential is... strange. While it¡¯s common for offspring from the same parents to exhibit some variation in aptitude, this disparity is unprecedented. It¡¯s almost unnatural.¡±


    The envoy quickly stepped in, eager to provide an explanation. ¡°Well, you see, they¡¯re actually half-siblings. They share the same mother but have different fathers. That could explain the difference in potential.¡±


    The representative¡¯s cold gaze shifted back to Courage. ¡°Ah, then it must be something in his father¡¯s blood.¡±


    Her blunt words hit Courage like a silent slap to the face. The statement, devoid of malice but steeped in detached judgment, cut deeper than he expected. It was as as though she had casually exposed a wound he didn¡¯t even realize was open.


    Courage swallowed the bitterness rising in his throat, forcing his clenched fists to remain at his sides. Mustering every ounce of composure he could, he gave a polite, steady response. ¡°W-well, I guess it is.¡±


    The representative¡¯s intrigue faded as quickly as it had appeared. Without another word, she tossed his card back to him, her disinterest evident in the casual gesture. She turned her attention to the envoy, her tone sharp and commanding.


    ¡°Ensure everything is prepared for these siblings to be transported to the Academy by tomorrow,¡± she ordered curtly.


    The envoy bowed deeply. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. I will see to it immediately.¡±


    Satisfied, the representative turned on her heel and strode away, cutting a path through the crowd with effortless authority. Her departure left the hall buzzing with renewed whispers, but Courage barely registered them. He stood there, his card clutched tightly in his hand, the sting of her words lingering like an unwelcome echo.

 Chapter 10 : new paths in life

    Although Courage''s siblings had been quietly celebrating their acceptance into the Imperial Academy moments ago, they couldn¡¯t help but notice the flicker of pain in their brother''s eyes. Opal, always attuned to his emotions, stepped closer and asked softly, ¡°Brother, are you... okay?¡±


    Courage, unwilling to darken his siblings¡¯ monumental moment, forced a smile and responded in a cheerful tone, ¡°Yeah, yeah, totally. It was nothing! But enough about me¡ªlook at you guys! You¡¯re going to the Imperial Academy, the cream of the crop! I¡¯m so happy for you. Mom and Dorsen are going to be over the moon when they hear this!¡±


    Opal¡¯s heart eased a little at his words, but before she could respond, the envoy''s voice cut in. ¡°Alright, children, it¡¯s time we got going.¡±


    Besmouth¡¯s face fell. ¡°What? Already?¡±


    The envoy nodded. ¡°Even though you¡¯ve been accepted, there are still necessary measures and arrangements that need to be handled before you can be officially enrolled. If we want everything ready by tomorrow, we must start immediately.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Sapphire chimed in, turning nervously to Courage. ¡°Can¡¯t we stay just a little longer? At least until our brother gets into an academy too.¡±


    The envoy hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. ¡°Well¡­ that might be a bit difficult¡­¡±


    Before the conversation could escalate, Courage raised his hands to stop them. ¡°Guys, it¡¯s okay. This is the Imperial Academy we¡¯re talking about! You shouldn¡¯t waste any time when it comes to this.¡±


    His siblings looked at him with sad eyes, Ruby murmuring, ¡°But¡ª¡±


    ¡°No buts,¡± Courage interrupted with a grin. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll get into an academy soon enough. Who wouldn¡¯t want a chad like me in their school? I¡¯m actually kind of worried recruiters will start shedding blood fighting over me.¡±


    His joke had the desired effect, drawing giggles from all his siblings and dispelling some of their sadness. Then Courage turned to the envoy. ¡°Could we at least have a moment to say goodbye?¡±


    The envoy nodded respectfully. ¡°Of course.¡±


    Courage turned back to his siblings, a bittersweet smile on his face. ¡°Well, I guess this is where our paths diverge,¡± he said.


    ¡°This is all happening so fast¡­ I-I can¡¯t¡­¡± Sapphire choked, tears welling in her eyes.


    Courage gently patted her head, and Ruby¡¯s too, as the boy sniffled, trying to stay strong. ¡°Well, my little buddies, life is like that sometimes. One moment, you¡¯re dreaming of distant goals, and the next, you¡¯re already taking steps toward them. I know it¡¯s hard to part this suddenly, but it¡¯s something we all have to face if we want to move forward.


    "That¡¯s why, before we separate, I want to leave you all with some final words.¡±


    He turned to Sapphire first. ¡°Sapphire, my cheeky little sister, I¡¯m sure with your brains and intelligence you¡¯ll do amazing things. But please¡ªcontrol that mischievous streak of yours.¡±


    ¡°Hehe, never,¡± Sapphire replied with a bittersweet smile, tears trickling down her cheeks.


    ¡°Ruby, my little man, always stay by your twin sister¡¯s side. Be careful, don¡¯t rush into things, and make sure to tell me all about the cool stuff you¡¯ve done when we meet again.¡±


    Ruby sniffled loudly and nodded. ¡°You bet!¡±


    ¡°Opal, my lovely Opal. I know you¡¯ll chase your passion for beautiful things to even greater heights. But remember, don¡¯t let your passion consume you. Sometimes, it¡¯s okay to enjoy the simple things¡ªthey have their own kind of beauty too.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep that advice close to heart,¡± Opal replied, her eyes filled with affection and understanding.


    Finally, Courage turned to Besmouth. ¡°And Besmouth, my future champion of a brother. I know you¡¯re destined to lead, and so I trust you to guide our siblings in my stead. But remember, you don¡¯t have to forge the path ahead alone. You¡¯ve got your siblings to lean on for support.¡±


    ¡°I-I will, big bro. I promise,¡± Besmouth replied, his voice filled with resolve.


    Courage stepped back, looking at them all with pride. ¡°And with that, let me close by saying this: I love you all. I¡¯m so proud of what you already are and what I know you¡¯ll become. Now go¡ªfollow your dreams, take care of each other, and always remember that I¡¯ll be waiting for the day we meet again.¡±


    Tears shimmered in his siblings¡¯ eyes as they clung to his words. With heavy hearts, they turned to follow the envoy, each taking one last look at their brother before disappearing into the crowd. Courage stood there, waving until they were out of sight, the ache in his chest hidden behind a resolute smile.


    After his siblings completely disappeared from sight, Courage finally stopped waving. He stood there for a minute, letting out a long sigh, filled with sadness. The thought of parting with his siblings so suddenly weighed heavily on him, but he knew it was a decision he had to make. Despite the high recruitment mandate this year, he was painfully aware that his chances of being accepted into an academy were slim. His abysmal aptitude¡ªwidely considered the worst possible¡ªwas too big a flaw for most recruiters to overlook.


    Not wanting to burden his siblings with the worry of watching him fail, Courage had made the difficult choice to send them off with the envoy immediately. He didn''t want his struggles to overshadow their promising futures, especially before their journeys even began.


    Determined not to dwell on the matter any longer, Courage turned to face the bustling crowd of recruiters swarming the members of the Blue Orchid batch. The earlier announcement had caused a commotion, and he couldn¡¯t help but remark inwardly that with so much attention, most of his batchmates were sure to find placements somewhere. After all, even the mere association with peak-grade aptitude individuals carried immense appeal for many recruiters.


    Bracing himself, Courage took a deep breath, muttering under his breath, ¡°Well, this is gonna suck,¡± before plunging into the crowd to try his luck.


    As Courage had feared, the process turned out to be as grueling as he had imagined. While he was approached by several recruiters for initial interviews¡ªand even sought out some himself¡ªevery single one ended in rejection.


    Some recruiters tried to let him down gently:


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    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry, but you¡¯re not quite what we¡¯re looking for.¡±


    ¡°Sorry, kid. Inferior aptitude? You might have better luck somewhere else.¡±


    Others were far more blunt and dismissive:


    ¡°You really think you can enter our academy with those traits? Laughable.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re from Blue Orchid Garrison? Interested in joining us¡ªwait, inferior aptitude? Never mind.¡±


    ¡°I have a standard to uphold for our recruits. I¡¯m afraid you just don¡¯t meet it. Good luck elsewhere.¡±


    Each rejection chipped away at Courage¡¯s resolve, but he refused to give up. He knew the odds were stacked against him¡ªbut giving in to despair wasn¡¯t an option.


    After a few more hours, Courage found himself nearing his breaking point. He had visited almost every possible option, even doubling back to some recruiters he''d already spoken to, but all his attempts ended in failure. Feeling mentally and emotionally drained, he spotted a bench nearby and slumped down onto it.


    Lowering his head, he wrapped his arms behind his neck, his posture a clear sign of frustration and exhaustion. His leg bounced restlessly as he sat there alone, his mind racing. He had tried every lower- and mid-tier academy he could find, only to be rejected each time. The more prestigious or renowned academies weren¡¯t even worth considering¡ªhe had no chance there.


    Courage began to contemplate the harsh reality of what he would do without an academy. The thought filled him with dread, but before he could sink any deeper into despair, a figure approached.


    "Excuse me," a voice said politely. "May I see your identification card?"


    Courage, assuming it was another recruiter curious about his record, felt a pang of irritation. He had grown accustomed to being scorned, so without even lifting his head, he half-heartedly handed over his card.


    The man took the card and scanned it silently for a moment before breaking the quiet with a surprising question: "Say, could you answer a couple of questions for me?"


    Startled, Courage lifted his head to finally get a look at the man. No recruiter had bothered to interview him past hearing about his aptitude before. The man standing before him appeared to be in his thirties, with slightly tanned skin, short hair, and a cap perched on his head. His neutral expression and tough demeanor were emphasized by the deep scar running from his left eyebrow down to his chin. His thick, gravelly voice and no-nonsense aura added to the impression of a seasoned veteran.


    Courage instinctively straightened his posture, suddenly more attentive. "Um, sure, I can answer your questions," he replied cautiously.


    The man gave a slight nod, his cool demeanor unshaken. "Great," he said. "First question: why did you choose this type of beast? Vigor types are widely considered some of the worst, you know."


    Courage hesitated for a moment, his thoughts scrambling. He needed to answer carefully. After a few moments of consideration, he drew from the reasons.Dan had given him, tweaking and omitting certain details to keep his secret.


    As he explained his reasoning, the recruiter raised his eyebrows, visibly impressed. He hadn¡¯t expected a junior to think so strategically or to possess the courage to take an unconventional path¡ªespecially one that risked mockery from his peers.


    "Hm," the man said, his voice low and contemplative. "Interesting answer. You¡¯ve got some guts, I¡¯ll give you that."


    The hint of approval in the man¡¯s tone ignited a small spark of hope within Courage. For the first time that day, he felt like someone might actually see potential in him.


    The man looked at Courage with renewed interest, his scarred face still unreadable but his gaze sharp and piercing. After a moment, he asked, ¡°Okay, answer me this: why do you want to become a Beast Tamer?¡±


    Courage froze for a second, startled by the question. He wasn¡¯t expecting something so direct. Scrambling to come up with an answer, he realized that this time, he couldn¡¯t rely on the pre-prepared explanations dan had given him. Those answers felt hollow now. Instead, he searched inward, digging through his own thoughts and feelings for something genuine.


    Several minutes passed as Courage wrestled with the question. Finally, he looked up at the man and began to speak. ¡°To be honest, it¡¯s not about wanting to help my garrison, or my city, or even my region,¡± he admitted. ¡°I know that¡¯s what I¡¯m supposed to say, and I know it sounds shameful in a society that values honor and sacrifice for the greater good. But the truth is¡­ I¡¯d be lying if I said that¡¯s what drives me.¡±


    The man¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but he gave a slight nod, as if urging Courage to continue.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have the clich¨¦ ideals of honor or duty,¡± Courage continued, his voice steady despite the weight of his confession. ¡°And I¡¯m not going to pretend I do just to impress someone. But I do know one thing¡ªI have this¡­ this feeling, deep down inside me. It¡¯s like an unquenchable thirst, a drive I can¡¯t ignore, no matter how much I try. I don¡¯t know how to explain it, but it¡¯s there, pushing me forward. And the only way I¡¯ve found to satisfy it is by continuously improving myself.¡±


    He paused, his gaze locking with the recruiter¡¯s. ¡°And I believe the best way to do that is by becoming a Beast Tamer. So, why do I want to become one? Honestly, it¡¯s for self-satisfaction. For the need to prove to myself that I can keep going, keep growing, and maybe, one day, achieve something greater than I ever thought possible.¡±


    The man studied Courage in silence for a moment, his face unreadable. Then, a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. ¡°Huh,¡± he said, his tone low but not unkind. ¡°Honest answer. Can¡¯t say I hear that one too often.¡±


    Courage tensed, unsure if the man was mocking him or genuinely impressed. But then the recruiter¡¯s demeanor shifted slightly, his tough exterior softening just enough to show a glimmer of approval.


    ¡°You¡¯re an odd one, kid,¡± the man said. ¡°But maybe that¡¯s not such a bad thing"


    The man¡¯s piercing gaze lingered on Courage for a moment longer, as if evaluating his entire being. Then, breaking the silence, he said with a gruff but deliberate tone, ¡°You¡¯ve got guts, kid. Not the smartest answer to give to a recruiter, but honest. And I respect that.¡±


    Courage blinked, unsure how to respond. Was this another rejection cloaked in faint praise? He steeled himself, ready for the inevitable letdown. But then, the man leaned closer, his scarred face uncomfortably close to Courage¡¯s own.


    ¡°Tell me, kid. If you had the chance to prove all those doubters wrong, to train at an academy that values more than just numbers on a piece of paper... would you take it?¡±


    Courage froze, his mind racing to process the words. Was he hearing this right? His heart began to pound as hope and disbelief warred within him. ¡°Are you¡­ Are you saying¡­?¡±


    The man straightened up, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. ¡°I¡¯m asking if you¡¯d like to join my academy.¡±


    Courage¡¯s jaw dropped, his mind blanking for a moment. ¡°Wait¡ªyou¡¯re serious?¡± he stammered, the disbelief clear in his voice.


    The recruiter chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that carried a hint of amusement. ¡°I don¡¯t look like the joking type, do I? You¡¯ve got potential, kid. Not in the traditional sense, sure, but I¡¯ve seen worse odds turned into miracles. Besides, I like your spirit. It¡¯s raw, but it¡¯s real. And that¡¯s something we can work with.¡±


    Courage could hardly believe what he was hearing. After a day filled with rejection and humiliation, someone was not only giving him a chance but also acknowledging his worth. His heart swelled with a mix of gratitude and excitement. ¡°Yes! Yes, absolutely! I¡¯d be honored to join your academy!¡± he exclaimed, standing so quickly he nearly knocked over the bench.


    The man smirked again, crossing his arms as he watched Courage¡¯s enthusiasm with a hint of amusement. ¡°Good. But before you go celebrating, let¡¯s make one thing clear¡ªthis isn¡¯t going to be easy. My academy¡¯s not like the others. We don¡¯t coddle recruits, and we don¡¯t hand out participation trophies. You¡¯ll work harder than you¡¯ve ever worked in your life, and if you don¡¯t pull your weight, you¡¯ll be out faster than you can blink. Think you can handle that?¡±


    Courage¡¯s excitement didn¡¯t waver. If anything, the man¡¯s words only fueled his determination. He straightened his posture, meeting the man¡¯s gaze with unwavering resolve. ¡°I can handle it. I won¡¯t let you down.¡±


    The man nodded, seemingly satisfied with Courage¡¯s answer. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that. Name¡¯s Riker, by the way"


    Courage nodded vigorously, his face lighting up with a grin. ¡°Thank you, mister Riker. I won¡¯t let you down.¡±


    Riker gave him a final nod before turning and walking away, blending into the bustling crowd. Courage watched him go, a mixture of awe and relief washing over him. He¡¯d done it. Against all odds, he¡¯d been accepted.


    The sun hung low on the horizon, painting the skies in hues of orange and violet. The recruitment hall, once teeming with excitement and nervous energy, was now quiet. The successful recruits, Courage among them, lingered as they awaited further instructions. Whispers of relief and anticipation filled the air as the day neared its end.


    A sharp chime rang from a siren, signaling a notification. Courage hearing the brief message:


    "Recruits, return with your instructors to your temporary residences. Rest well and prepare your belongings. Tomorrow morning, the academy caravans will transport you to your assigned destinations."


    Without delay, the recruits filed out of the hall, following their instructors back to the temporary housing provided for them. Courage entered his room, a simple but adequate space with a cot, a desk, and a single window overlooking the quiet courtyard. He sighed, sinking onto the cot before pulling out his modest pack. His belongings were few, and it took him little time to prepare.


    "Another long journey," he muttered, staring at the ceiling. His thoughts wandered to the ceremony, the awakening, and the challenges that awaited him. He pushed them aside and tried to rest.


    The next morning, the caravans awaited them, lined up at the same place they arrived at the city from. The recruits were herded onto their respective vehicles, each marked for a specific destination. Courage climbed aboard his caravan, finding a seat near the window. The rumble of the engine soon signaled the beginning of their journey.


    The days passed uneventfully. The caravan wove through winding paths, stopping only for brief rests and meals. During the journey, Ricker, one of the instructors, took it upon himself to educate the recruits about their destination.


    ¡°Listen up,¡± Ricker announced, his voice carrying over the hum of the engine. ¡°Grand Cliff Garrison is no ordinary place. It¡¯s a critical military base and a vital trading hub. Here¡¯s why:


    Strategic Location: It sits at a crossroads for major trade routes, meaning almost every caravan heading anywhere important passes through.


    Beast Territory: The garrison borders active beast territory, making it a key station for tamers, hunters, and resource gatherers.


    Natural Defense: it is Built into the side of a massive cliff, thus it''s naturally protected from most sides, making it nearly impenetrable.


    Rich Resources: The cliff is rich in spirit springs, producing an abundance of spirit stones that fuel the garrison¡¯s economy.


    Trade-Dependent: Despite its strengths, Grand Cliff lacks production capabilities and relies heavily on trade to sustain itself."


    Ricker¡¯s explanations painted a vivid picture of the garrison,After days of travel, the caravan finally arrived. Grand Cliff Garrison loomed ahead, a sprawling fortress carved into the side of an immense cliff. The towering walls seemed to merge with the rocky facade, and the faint glow of spirit springs shimmered in the distance.


    As the caravan rolled into the garrison, Courage peered out the window, taking in the bustling scene. Traders haggled over goods, tamers led their beasts through the streets, and soldiers patrolled with practiced vigilance. The air was thick with the mingling scents of spices, leather, and the metallic tang of spirit energy.


    ¡°This,¡± Ricker said as the caravan came to a stop, ¡°is your new home. Welcome to Grand Cliff Garrison.¡±


    Courage stepped out, feeling the weight of the place settle over him. The journey had ended, but a new chapter was about to begin.

 Chapter 11 : unpacking

    The bus came to a halt near a wide plaza, the screech of its brakes pulling Courage from his thoughts. They were already inside Grand Cliff Garrison, the towering gates now a distant memory. The group began disembarking under the watchful eye of their instructor, Riker, who stood with his arms crossed, his sharp eyes scanning the students.


    ¡°Move it,¡± Riker barked. ¡°Stay close, and don¡¯t wander off. This isn¡¯t a playground.¡±


    Courage stepped off the bus, his boots hitting the smooth, stone-paved road. The sheer scale of the garrison hit him like a wave. Blue Orchid Garrison, with its quiet streets and modest walls, felt like a tiny speck in comparison to the bustling grandeur of Grand Cliff. Everywhere he looked, life teemed with energy and purpose.


    The wide streets were lined with sturdy, stone-built buildings, their walls adorned with banners displaying the garrison¡¯s crest. The air was alive with the noise of activity¡ªthe rhythmic clang of smiths hammering metal, the hum of conversations, and the occasional roar, screech, or growl of beasts.


    Soldiers marched in disciplined formations, their armor gleaming in the sunlight. Some patrolled the streets, their hands resting on their weapons, while others stood atop the towering garrison walls, their sharp eyes scanning the horizon. Courage couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the scale of the walls themselves, reinforced with layers of steel and stone, dotted with ballistae and mounted cannons.


    The beast tamers were another sight entirely. Men and women strode confidently through the crowds, their beasts moving with them in perfect synchronization. Courage¡¯s eyes widened as a hulking lizard with iridescent scales lumbered past, its spiked tail swaying dangerously close to onlookers. Nearby, a sleek pack of wolf-like creatures with silvery fur and piercing yellow eyes moved with practiced discipline under the command of their tamer. Further ahead, a young man led a magnificent bird-like beast, its molten-gold feathers catching the light, its sharp talons clicking against the stone road.


    ¡°Eyes forward, Courage,¡± Riker snapped, glancing back.


    Courage quickly averted his gaze, falling back in line with the group. Even so, he couldn¡¯t stop himself from stealing glances at the towering garrison walls, where tethered winged beasts perched on lookout towers, their keen cries echoing across the plaza.


    As they continued walking, they passed a massive fortified gate leading out into the wilderness. Its iron doors stood wide open to accommodate the steady flow of tamers and their beasts. Some returned from the wild, their clothes and armor battered, their beasts bearing fresh scars. Others headed out, their equipment pristine, their eyes alight with anticipation.


    Caravans rolled through organized checkpoints, their wagons laden with crates, barrels, and exotic goods. The merchants atop them shouted out their wares, their voices competing with the noise of the crowd. Courage spotted guards inspecting the contents of each wagon, their stern faces ensuring nothing illicit passed through. Traders haggled with soldiers and tamers alike, their animated exchanges adding to the vibrant chaos of the street.


    Courage felt a mixture of awe and intimidation. The towering walls, the bustling crowds, the endless activity¡ªit was unlike anything he¡¯d ever experienced in Blue Orchid. Everything here seemed larger, louder, and more alive. He had dreamed of this moment, but now that he was here, the enormity of it left him breathless.


    As Riker led the group further through the bustling streets, he began to speak, his gruff voice carrying over the din of the crowd.


    ¡°Keep your heads up and your ears open,¡± he said, glancing back at the students. ¡°What you¡¯re seeing here¡ªthis surface level of Grand Cliff Garrison¡ªis just the tip of the iceberg. Don¡¯t let it fool you into thinking this is all there is.¡±


    Courage scanned his surroundings again. The wide streets, towering walls, and constant activity already seemed impossibly vast to him. Yet, Ricker¡¯s words hinted at something even larger.


    ¡°This area serves as the backbone of the garrison¡¯s operations,¡± Riker continued. ¡°The soldiers you see patrolling ensure the walls stay secure. Tamers heading to the wildlands prepare for dangerous hunts, while others return with captured beasts or rare resources. Traders and merchants come here to strike deals, stock supplies, or ferry goods between garrisons. Every role you see here keeps Grand Cliff running like a well-oiled machine.¡±


    He gestured toward the fortified gate in the distance, where tamers and their beasts came and went. ¡°This is where the risk-takers gather, whether they¡¯re hunting for fortune, seeking glory, or just trying to make a living. It¡¯s a dangerous life, but it¡¯s also what keeps our defenses strong and our coffers full.¡±


    Riker stopped, turning to face the group. His expression grew more serious, his gaze locking onto each student in turn.


    ¡°Grand Cliff isn¡¯t just what you see above ground. In fact, the majority of this garrison¡¯s population lives underground¡ªin the subterranean sections.¡±


    Several students exchanged surprised looks. Courage furrowed his brow, trying to imagine what lay beneath their feet.


    Riker pointed downward. ¡°The underground makes up most of the garrison¡¯s actual size. It¡¯s where people live, work, and build their lives. Safer from external threats, protected by the layers of stone and steel above. This garrison learned long ago that if we want to survive the dangers of this world, we can¡¯t put all our faith in walls and weapons alone. Below ground, we¡¯re shielded from the wild beasts, the weather, and any would-be invaders. It¡¯s where families settle, where industry thrives, and where the real heart of Grand Cliff lies.¡±


    One of the students, a boy with glasses, raised his hand hesitantly. ¡°So¡­ the surface is just for work?¡±


    Riker gave a short nod. ¡°For the most part, yes. Soldiers patrol. Tamers train, hunt, and trade. Merchants and travelers pass through. It¡¯s a hub of activity, but it¡¯s not where people stay for long. Down below, you¡¯ll find homes, schools, markets, and even the barracks for off-duty soldiers. You¡¯ll see it soon enough when you¡¯re settled.¡±


    ¡°Keep moving,¡± Riker ordered, breaking the group¡¯s chatter. ¡°You¡¯ll have time to explore later. For now, stay in line and don¡¯t get lost.¡±


    The group marched onward, the bustling surface level slowly fading behind them as they approached an area resembling the entrance to a metro station. A wide set of stone stairs descended into the earth, framed by sturdy metal railings and guarded by two soldiers who stood at attention on either side. People moved up and down the steps, some carrying goods in crates or bags, while others chatted casually, their voices echoing faintly in the enclosed space.


    Ricker gestured for the group to follow as he descended the stairs. The air grew cooler with each step, the sounds of the surface gradually replaced by the hum of machinery and the distant murmur of life below. The stairwell was well-lit, with faintly glowing crystals embedded in the walls, providing a steady, artificial light.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    As they reached the bottom, the subterranean level of Grand Cliff Garrison unfolded before them. Courage¡¯s eyes widened as he took in the sight.


    The massive cavern was a marvel of engineering and adaptability. Buildings of varying sizes and shapes were carved directly into the cliff¡¯s stone walls, their smooth surfaces polished to a sheen. Many were adorned with vibrant neon signs, advertising shops, inns, and restaurants. The neon lights bathed the cavern in a kaleidoscope of colors, creating a lively and almost surreal atmosphere.


    Above, ventilation holes and carefully constructed shafts allowed beams of natural sunlight to pierce through, casting a soft, golden glow onto certain parts of the cavern floor. Massive ventilation systems hummed quietly in the background, ensuring a steady flow of fresh air circulated through the subterranean city.


    The streets, though narrower than those above, were teeming with activity. Vendors lined the sides, calling out to passersby to examine their wares¡ªeverything from fresh produce and exotic spices to weaponry and taming gear. Groups of children darted through the crowds, their laughter echoing against the stone walls. A few beasts, smaller and less threatening than those above, trotted alongside their owners, drawing curious glances from the newcomers.


    Massive stone pillars supported the cavern ceiling, their surfaces covered in intricate carvings that told stories of past battles, hunts, and moments of unity among the garrison¡¯s people. Lanterns and light fixtures hung from the pillars, adding to the maze of illumination that gave the underground a vibrant, almost festive air.


    Courage couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the sight. Despite being underground, the place felt alive, a stark contrast to the simpler life he¡¯d known in his small garrison. Every corner seemed to tell a story, and every person they passed moved with a purpose, their lives intertwined with the grand, sprawling structure they called home.


    The group followed as Ricker led them deeper into the labyrinthine streets, the wonders of the subterranean city unfolding with every step.


    The group continued onward, their footsteps echoing softly as they marched through the labyrinth of streets beneath Grand Cliff Garrison. The sights and sounds of the underground city, still vibrant and bustling, seemed to stretch on endlessly. Every corner revealed something new¡ªmarkets brimming with exotic goods, towering statues commemorating past heroes, and groups of tamers huddled together, discussing their latest hunts.


    For Courage, it all felt surreal, as if he¡¯d stepped into a completely different world. The hustle and bustle, the neon lights, the hum of the ventilation systems above¡ªall of it was far beyond anything he had ever seen in his small garrison.


    As they marched, he noticed that the streets grew wider, the buildings taller, and the crowds more concentrated, all converging around a grand structure in the distance. His eyes caught the first glimpse of the academy¡ªa sprawling complex that rose proudly against the stone cliffs walls.


    Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of walking, they reached their destination. The Grand Cliff Garrison Beast Taming Academy¡ªor simply "the Academy," as it was known to those who attended¡ªstood before them in all its glory.


    The Academy was an impressive sight, its large stone fa?ade adorned with intricate carvings of mythical beasts and tamers in battle. Massive archways and towering pillars framed the entrance, while rows of expansive windows offered glimpses of the bustling halls inside. The roof was crowned with sweeping spires, each one jutting high into the air, showcasing the strength and prestige of the institution. Neon signs, a common feature throughout the subterranean level, flickered around the entrance, promoting the academy''s various training programs and achievements.


    Standing in front of the grand gates of the academy, an official from the institution approached the group. He was dressed in a crisp uniform, his posture straight and professional as he exchanged a few words with Riker. The conversation was brief, but the official¡¯s expression was courteous and welcoming, as if expecting the arrival of new students.


    After the exchange, Ricker turned toward the group, his voice carrying the same firm yet reassuring tone as before.


    ¡°Everything for you has been prepared inside the academy,¡± he began. ¡°For today, you¡¯ll have the chance to settle in. Take this first day as a break. You¡¯ll be assigned your rooms, unpack your luggage, and get familiar with the layout of the academy. Rest up, because tonight, you¡¯ll be receiving your official welcoming speech at the meeting hall.¡±


    He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in before continuing.


    ¡°Tomorrow, lessons will officially begin.¡±


    With that, Riker gave a nod, signaling that the group could proceed into the academy. The official stepped aside, allowing them to enter, and the gates slowly creaked open. The group walked through, their eyes wide with anticipation as they entered the grounds of their new home and place of learning.


    After an hour or two, Courage had already found his room and finished unpacking. The room was small but functional, with a bed, a desk, and a wardrobe. He spent a few moments arranging his belongings before stepping out to explore the academy.


    He wandered through the vast corridors, taking in the sights of his new home. The academy was far larger than he¡¯d imagined, with towering stone walls, sprawling training fields, and various facilities that bustled with activity. Students and instructors moved about with purpose, and the air buzzed with energy and anticipation.


    Courage paid close attention, mentally mapping the layout as he walked. He located the library, the training grounds, the cafeteria, and the assembly hall where the evening speech would take place. Each place seemed to hum with its own unique atmosphere¡ªsome vibrant, others more subdued.


    By the time he finished the tour, he was famished. He headed to the cafeteria for a quick lunch. The place was lively, filled with students chatting excitedly about their totems and the upcoming term. Courage found a quiet corner, quickly ate his meal, and retreated to his room, claiming he wanted to rest before the speech.


    At his room, he made sure to close the door before sitting on the edge of his bed and thinking to himself, "Alone at last."


    "Time to wake him up."


    And so, Courage bit his thumb with his teeth, causing a small cut to bleed. He then took the bleeding thumb and wiped it on the back of his other hand, drawing a small line of blood on it.


    It took a couple of seconds before anything happened, but then a teal-colored light faintly started to glow on his skin. From the glowing skin, a pebble emerged, and after a few more seconds, the small pebble transformed into a small flea-like creature.


    Dan, the small flea-like creature, finally spoke after taking a moment to absorb his surroundings. He turned to Courage, his voice carrying a mix of relief and curiosity.


    "Heh, hey kid. You succeeded, huh? Hope everything went well while I was... uh, absent."


    Courage gave a small shrug. "Oh, well, as good as they could¡¯ve been, I guess."


    "Bah, anyhow," Dan grumbled, brushing off the subtle tension in the air. "I see we¡¯re inside what seems to be... a living area? I assume that means you succeeded in finding an academy to start from."


    "Yep," Courage replied simply, a faint smile tugging at his lips.


    "Well, that¡¯s good to hear! Enrolling in an academy was the part I was most worried about, but now that you¡¯ve managed it, I can finally stop stressing over that. Now then..." Dan paused, his tiny legs twitching as if bracing himself. "Let¡¯s see what we¡¯re working with here. Give me a recap of everything that happened while I was out."


    And so, Courage began recounting the events that had unfolded in the Core City. He told Dan about the creature he had chosen, his tense encounter with Ricker, and finally everything he¡¯d managed to gather about their current location.


    Dan took a moment to process all the information Courage had shared, then replied with a thoughtful tone.


    "Well, first off, I¡¯ve got to say¡ªyou got really lucky with that Riker guy."


    "Yeah, I know," Courage admitted, the memory still fresh in his mind.


    "Secondly¡ªdamn, all your siblings got accepted into the Imperial Academy? I mean, I knew they were naturals, but that far surpasses even my expectations."


    "Heh, tell me about it," Courage replied with a half-hearted chuckle.


    "And finally," Dan said, his tone shifting slightly, "your choice of beast."


    "What about it?" Courage asked, his voice tinged with nervousness.


    "Don¡¯t worry, kid," Dan reassured him, a hint of approval in his voice. "I think you chose great. Based on everything I instructed you also considering the other options you mentioned, honestly, I think I would¡¯ve chosen the same."


    "Oh, great," Courage said with a sigh of relief. Then, curiosity creeping in, he asked, "Okay, now that we¡¯re all caught up, what do we do next?"


    "Well, right now, there¡¯s not much we can do," Dan replied as in the matter of fact. "I suggest you just rest and wait for the lessons to start tomorrow. You¡¯ll need all the energy you can get. Oh there also this speech you said happens tonight ,just pass time until tomorrow"


    And so, Courage lay on his bed, resting as he chatted with Dan to pass the time. Their conversation drifted between lighthearted banter and bits of advice from Dan, helping to ease the tension that lingered from the day¡¯s events.


    Time seemed to fly, and before he knew it, the sky outside had darkened, signaling the arrival of night. Realizing it was time, Courage got up and dressed properly, ensuring he looked presentable.


    With a steady breath, he left his quarters and made his way to the meeting hall, where the evening¡¯s speech was set to take place.


    Courage arrived at the meeting hall, with Dan hidden within his hair. He found an open spot in one of the back rows and stood among his peers. The room was filled with students, some chatting excitedly, others in nervous silence. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation.


    As the room quieted, the minutes passed in silence. The hall was vast, with long lines of students stretching from one end to the other, all gathered for the evening¡¯s speech.


    Then, on the stage, a man in his fifties ascended the steps. His posture was straight, and his presence commanded attention. His graying hair was neatly combed back, and his sharp eyes scanned the room.


    The man spoke, his voice clear and authoritative.


    "Students," he began, the word carrying a deep reverence. "Welcome to your first step toward becoming true Beast Tamers."


    The man continued, launching into a clich¨¦ speech, filled with well-worn phrases and predictable themes. He spoke of the academy''s long history, recounting its noble past and the great achievements of those who had studied there. He explained the important rules all students were expected to follow and touched on old traditions that had been upheld for generations.


    His words were nothing new or surprising, a list of familiar guidelines and expectations meant to reassure the new students.


    Finally, as the speech drew to a close, the man¡¯s tone grew slightly more personal. "With that," he said, "I wish you all good luck on your new path in life. The journey ahead will challenge you, but it will also shape you into the Beast Tamers you are destined to become."


    The crowd shifted as he finished, and with a final, sweeping gesture, he dismissed the students. "Return to your rooms and prepare yourselves. Tomorrow, the lessons begin."

 Chapter 12 : class begins

    The next day, Courage found himself in a large classroom he had never entered before. His mind wandered as he tried to take in his unfamiliar surroundings, feeling a slight unease at being surrounded by strangers.


    The classroom was spacious, filled with rows of individual benches, each spaced a few inches apart. The sunlight streaming through the tall windows bathed the room in a soft, golden light. Courage sat in one of the middle rows, his hands resting idly on the desk in front of him. Around him were unfamiliar faces¡ªclassmates he didn¡¯t know and hadn¡¯t interacted with before. They seemed just as lost in thought as he was, their quiet chatter and occasional fidgeting filling the otherwise silent room.


    At the front of the room stood a woman who immediately drew attention. She was of average height, her vibrant energy apparent in the way she carried herself. Her vibrant red hair fell in a cascade of voluminous locks, framing her pretty face in a way that made her seem approachable and kind. Her features were soft, and her gentle smile exuded warmth. She leaned slightly forward, her posture animated and lively, as if every movement was an extension of her enthusiastic nature.


    When she began to speak, her voice was melodic and full of energy, captivating the attention of even the most distracted students. It was clear she was excited to begin.


    ¡°Greetings, students! I am Miss Rose Everdine,¡± the woman at the front of the room began with a warm, energetic voice. ¡°I will be your class theoretical teacher starting from today, and let me just say, I am so excited to start working with you all! I hope we¡¯ll all get along.¡±


    Shortly after she finished speaking, the entire class returned the greeting with enthusiastic voices. Even Courage, despite his usual reservations, couldn¡¯t help but join in. There was something about Miss Everdine¡ªsomething intangible but undeniable¡ªthat made her feel approachable and easy to like.


    Clearly pleased with the response, Miss Everdine gave an approving nod before gesturing to the man standing beside her. ¡°Now, how about another warm greeting for my fellow educator, who I¡¯m sure some of you have already met before¡ªMister Riker, your practical teacher.¡±


    The class responded as instructed, their voices ringing out in unison: ¡°Good morning, Mister Riker!¡±


    But there was no reply.


    Mister Riker stood leaning against the blackboard, his arms crossed. His sharp gaze scanned the room, piercing and unyielding, as if dissecting each student in turn. Not a single pair of eyes dared to meet his.


    Sensing the growing awkwardness, Miss Everdine hurried to defuse the tension. ¡°O-okay, now that introductions are out of the way, why don¡¯t we get right to it? Lesson one¡ª¡±


    Before she could finish, Riker interrupted, his voice deep and commanding. ¡°A few words before we begin.¡±


    The class collectively froze, their gazes shifting nervously back to him.


    ¡°As some of you might not know,¡± Riker began, his tone sharp and unforgiving, ¡°it was mandated by the Core City to increase the recruitment of new Beast Tamers this year. This decision led to higher acceptance rates across all academies. That¡¯s how most of you even managed to get recruited in the first place.¡±


    The room was silent.


    ¡°But,¡± Riker continued, his voice dropping into a growl, ¡°don¡¯t think for a second that just because you got accepted into an academy, you¡¯re set for life. The truth is, we don¡¯t have the resources or the patience to waste on every wannabe Beast Tamer. Starting this year, the academy has implemented a new policy: the first year will be an evaluation period. By the end of the year, if your evaluation scores fall below the minimum requirement, you¡¯ll be dropped from the academy.¡±


    The words hit the students like a physical blow. The once-enthusiastic atmosphere evaporated, replaced by heavy silence and uneasy whispers. Courage could feel the weight of the news settling over the room.


    ¡°See? I told you,¡± came a whisper from Dan, who was hiding in Courage¡¯s hair.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, I get it,¡± Courage whispered back. ¡°But more importantly, why are you here with me right now? Aren¡¯t you worried someone will find you?¡±


    ¡°Relax. I did some recon. There¡¯s no one in this academy who can detect me as long as I¡¯m careful. So don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    Courage sighed but nodded. ¡°Alright, if you¡¯re sure.¡±


    Meanwhile, Riker¡¯s lips curled into a sinister smile. ¡°And now that I¡¯ve said that,¡± he added, his voice dripping with mock enthusiasm, ¡°I too am looking forward to working with you all. Or rather, with whoever is left of you.¡±


    The oppressive silence deepened, the weight of his words crushing what little hope the students had clung to.


    Miss Everdine, her eye twitching and her forced smile faltering, stepped forward. Turning to Riker, she spoke through gritted teeth, her tone deceptively sweet but laced with barely contained anger. ¡°Hah hah¡­ Mister Riker, a word, if you please?¡±


    Riker raised a questioning brow. ¡°Hm?¡±


    Before he could say more, Miss Everdine grabbed his arm and dragged him out of the classroom. The door slammed shut behind them, and if one listened closely, muffled voices could be heard through the door.


    ¡°Now why did you have to ruin the students¡¯ excitement like that, huh?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about, woman?¡± Riker¡¯s voice, dismissive and unbothered, responded.


    ¡°What I am talking about?¡± Rose hissed, her voice sharp with frustration. ¡°The students could¡¯ve progressed faster and better whilst in high spirits. But no, someone had to ruin the mood.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we supposed to tell them that anyway?¡± Riker shot back, his tone calm but dismissive. ¡°What difference does it make telling them now or later?¡±


    ¡°Putting pressure on them right at the get-go could affect their performance!¡± she countered, throwing her hands up.


    ¡°Oh, please.¡± Riker crossed his arms, his expression unyielding. ¡°We haven¡¯t even started, and you¡¯re already cradling them. So what if it puts pressure on them? It might actually push them to work harder. Besides, if they can¡¯t handle this much, then they shouldn¡¯t even be Beast Tamers.¡±


    Rose¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Wow,¡± she replied mockingly. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect my senior in teaching to have such a crude way of thinking.¡±


    Riker¡¯s jaw clenched, her words clearly striking a nerve. ¡°Hey, I¡¯ve been teaching for years before you even showed up, so don¡¯t go thinking that just because you¡¯ve got some fancy diploma, you can tell me how to teach, cupcake.¡±


    ¡°What did you just call me?¡± Rose¡¯s voice dropped to a dangerous low, her expression darkening.


    ¡°Cup¡ª guaah!¡±


    Riker¡¯s retort was cut off as Rose elbowed him sharply in the ribs, causing him to double over slightly, clutching his side.


    ¡°Call me that again, and see what happens,¡± she warned, her tone sugary sweet but menacing.


    From inside the classroom, the muffled argument had been reduced to occasional thuds and grunts. The students exchanged puzzled glances, unsure whether to be amused or concerned. Meanwhile, Courage quietly whispered to Dan, ¡°Well¡­ this is going to be an interesting year.¡±Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Finally, back in the classroom, Rose stood before the students once more, her expression calm and smiling as if nothing had happened. Meanwhile, Riker lingered at a side corner, clutching his ribs and looking visibly disgruntled, his face a curious shade of blue. The sight left the students unsure of what to think, but Rose paid no mind to the awkward tension.


    She cleared her throat and began speaking again, her tone warm and steady. ¡°As I was saying, today is our first lesson, during which we¡¯ll cover some important facts and foundational knowledge. Let¡¯s start with aptitude¡ªwhat it means and how we measure it.¡±


    The students perked up slightly, eager to learn.


    ¡°Well,¡± Rose continued, ¡°aptitude is divided into five grades: inferior, low, mid, high, and peak. These grades represent the level of potential someone is born with. The way we measure aptitude is by assessing the amount of spirit energy stored in a person¡¯s Totem after they awaken.¡±


    A hand shot up from the back of the classroom. ¡°Wait,¡± a student asked, ¡°Totems store spirit energy?¡±


    ¡°Yes, they do,¡± Rose replied with an encouraging nod. ¡°You must understand that the Totem is the most important thing for a Tamer because it has many crucial roles and uses.¡±


    Another student leaned forward. ¡°What kind of roles? How does it work?¡±


    Rose smiled, pleased by their curiosity. ¡°A Totem,¡± she began, ¡°is essentially a crystallization of a Beast Tamer¡¯s soul power. It has four key aspects that define its importance:


    1. Shape: The shape of a Totem determines the type of creatures that are most compatible with a Tamer. For example, someone with a wolf-shaped Totem would naturally find it easier to tame canine-related beasts.


    2. Power: A Totem grants a unique skill to its user. This skill can be passive, like enhanced physical abilities, or active, such as a special combat technique. The application of this power depends heavily on how creatively the Tamer uses it.


    3. Taming: The Totem projects the Tamer¡¯s will, allowing them to establish a bond with spirit beasts. This bond can be formed through persuasion, force, or challenges. The stronger the Totem, the easier it is to tame powerful beasts.


    4. Storage of Spirit Energy: The Totem acts as a reservoir for spirit energy. Tamers use this energy to nurture their beasts and power their Totem¡¯s abilities. The amount of energy a Totem can store grows as the Tamer develops


    ¡°And these are just the basics,¡± Rose added. ¡°The more you grow as Tamers, the more you¡¯ll come to appreciate how integral your Totem is to everything you do. It¡¯s not just a tool; it¡¯s an extension of who you are.¡±


    The students nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the information. Courage, in particular, found himself reflecting on his own Totem, the semi-transparent rhinoceros beetle he had awakened.


    ¡°Any other questions so far?¡± Rose asked, looking around the room with her characteristic bright energy.


    And with no more questions being asked, Rose returned to her original subject.


    ¡°And as I was saying, the way we measure aptitude is by scaling the amount of spirit energy a Totem contains to grade an aptitude. On a scale of 100, aptitudes are typically graded as follows:


    1% to 10%: Inferior


    15% to 30%: Low


    35% to 50%: Mid


    55% to 70%: High


    90% to 100%: Peak


    ¡°Most people fall within the low to mid range, with high and peak being exceedingly rare. It¡¯s important to remember, though, that while aptitude determines your starting point, it doesn¡¯t define how far you can go. Effort, strategy, and resourcefulness often matter just as much as raw talent.¡±


    The students listened attentively, some glancing at one another as they silently wondered where they might fall on this scale.


    Rose smiled warmly, her voice full of reassurance. ¡°So, don¡¯t let these numbers define you. They¡¯re just a measure of potential, not a limit. Now, let¡¯s move on to...¡±


    She transitioned smoothly into the next part of her lesson, keeping the class engaged.


    Several days had passed, during which Courage and his classmates were taught most of the foundational knowledge they needed. They spent time learning how to sense their own spirit energy under Riker''s guidance, practicing focus and awareness to connect with the energy within their bodies. They also worked on controlling their Totems, understanding their unique properties, and even checking their aptitude.


    When it was finally Courage¡¯s turn to measure his aptitude, the result was exactly 5%¡ªa level considered firmly in the inferior range. A realization he couldn''t help but bitterly smile at but hey what can he do about it.


    Cutting to the beginning of another lesson, Rose stood before the class and announced, ¡°Okay, class, you¡¯ve all been doing very well these past few days, so today, I think it¡¯s time for you to finally tame your first beast.¡±


    This news sent a small uproar through the class as excitement bubbled up among the students.


    ¡°Finally,¡± Courage thought to himself, anticipation stirring within him.


    ¡°All right, class, follow me to the training hall and have your Beast Orbs ready,¡± Riker instructed in his usual sharp tone.


    After a quick transition, Courage found himself standing in a large arena-like hall. The orb containing his beast was placed on the ground in front of him, just as Riker had instructed.


    ¡°Now that you are all set,¡± Riker began, pacing in front of the group, ¡°when you¡¯re ready, invoke your Totem and project your will through it into your chosen beasts. Remember, the moment you start interacting with the beast, it¡¯s up to you to persuade it to form a bond. Only when a bond has been successfully established can the beast be released from its container. So don¡¯t worry about them breaking free while they resist you.¡±


    After giving final confirmation, the students began.


    Courage knelt before his Beast Orb, the faint glow of the container reflecting in his eyes. He placed his hands on the orb and closed his eyes, summoning his Totem.


    The familiar sensation of cold energy coursed through his body as the semi-transparent, glowing white rhinoceros beetle manifested beside him. The totem stood firm, ready to project his will.


    Without hesitation, he projected his intent through the Totem and into the orb.


    The glow of the orb intensified, and within moments, a surge of resistance met his mind. The creature inside pushed back, a wild, untamed presence that felt like an unyielding wall.


    Courage gritted his teeth, focusing harder. Through his Totem, he projected a sense of calm and resolve. I¡¯m not here to harm you, he thought, trying to convey his intentions. I want to work with you¡ªto grow stronger together.


    The resistance wavered slightly, then returned, fierce and unrelenting. A sudden, overwhelming vision flashed through his mind¡ªa dense, shadowy forest with thick, twisted roots and tangled vines. The jungle felt alive, suffocating him with its depth and complexity. The beetle was testing him, its presence demanding and wild, as if daring him to stand firm.


    Courage flinched at the sudden onslaught of images and sensations. The overwhelming pressure of the jungle scene caused his focus to shatter, and in that moment, the connection between him and the beetle snapped. A sharp, stinging headache surged through his temples, forcing him to wince.


    Riker, watching from the sidelines, immediately noticed the shift. He strode over, his eyes sharp with concern.


    ¡°Take it easy,¡± Riker advised, his voice low but firm. ¡°Taming a beast is a battle of spirit and since. Humans are born with much stronger spirits than beasts, you naturally have the advantage. But it¡¯s not a race. You don¡¯t have to tame the beast in one try.¡±


    Courage took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. The pain from the headache was still there, but he focused on Riker¡¯s words.


    ¡°You¡¯re trying to force it too quickly. The key is patience,¡± Riker continued. ¡°Tame it over time, multiple attempts if needed. Wear its spirit down by gradually asserting your will.¡±


    He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words sink in.


    ¡°Also, don¡¯t lose focus during the process. A battle of spirits requires mental endurance. Losing your concentration can cause a backlash, like what you just experienced. So take it slow, and stay calm.¡±


    Courage nodded, rubbing his temples and trying to shake off the lingering headache. He took another deep breath and refocused. The beetle was still contained within the orb, but its presence was palpable, waiting.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll try again,¡± Courage muttered under his breath. He steadied his posture, took a moment to calm his mind, and once more reached out with his will, projecting calm and respect towards the beetle. This time, he would be patient.


    And so, Courage followed Riker¡¯s advice. He tried again and again, each time with varying amounts of progress. Sometimes, the beetle would respond to his calm intentions, allowing a brief connection to form, but other times, it would resist fiercely, pushing back with its untamed spirit. The struggle was a constant ebb and flow¡ªmoments of progress followed by intense bursts of opposition.


    Whenever the resistance became too much, Courage would retreat, taking a breather to clear his mind and reset his focus. He¡¯d close his eyes, taking slow, measured breaths, letting the tension ease from his shoulders. Then, with renewed determination, he would try again, his will firm but patient.


    There were moments when he felt a sharp, painful backlash¡ªhis head would throb, and the pressure would weigh down on him, as though the very air around him were thick with the creature¡¯s resistance. But each time the headache hit, Courage didn¡¯t falter. He gritted his teeth, shook off the pain, and reminded himself that taming was not an immediate victory. It was about persistence.


    He could feel the beetle''s spirit¡ªwild, powerful, but hesitant. It was not a simple creature to bend to his will, and Courage knew he couldn¡¯t force it. Slowly but surely, he learned to match its rhythm, his own spirit becoming more attuned to the creature¡¯s volatile energy.


    He wasn¡¯t sure how long he had been at it, but time no longer mattered. All that mattered was the bond he was trying to forge, Each attempt, each setback, brought him one step closer to understanding the beetle, and with that understanding, the strength to tame it.


    And through it all, Courage never let the fear of failure take hold. He had come this far, and he wasn¡¯t about to stop now.


    Several hours had passed, and almost everyone had succeeded in taming their beast except Courage, who, looking back at him, seemed to be deep in the process. Sweat dripped down his forehead, his teeth gritted, and it was clear he was having a tough battle right now.


    Courage stood alone in the heart of the dense jungle, his mind submerged in the chaotic environment the beetle projected. The air was thick with the weight of the forest, each rustling leaf and snapping branch pressing down on him, suffocating him with its overwhelming presence. The shadows from the towering trees loomed like suffocating walls, and the sounds of creatures moving in the underbrush reverberated through his bones, filling his mind with a constant buzz .


    The jungle¡¯s pulse, its spirit, was everywhere, pushing at him, testing him, trying to break his resolve. Every inch of the space around him felt like it was alive, trying to consume him, dragging him deeper into its grip. The beast¡¯s projection was no longer subtle¡ªit had turned into a full, unrelenting storm of will power, hurling everything it had at him in one final desperate push.


    But this time, something was different. Courage could feel it. Despite the pressure, despite the overwhelming force, his mind remained calm, focused. He wasn''t being consumed by the jungle anymore; he was standing firm, grounded, his spirit just as determined as the beast''s.


    The beast¡¯s projection roared louder, the force of the jungle tightening around him, trying to suffocate his thoughts, cloud his senses. But Courage stood his ground, teeth clenched, every muscle in his body straining to maintain the fragile connection between them. It was a battle¡ªa battle of wills, and he would not back down.


    As the forest pressed against him, trying to consume his every thought and push him into submission, a voice pierced through the noise, cutting through the chaos of the jungle.


    "Just a bit more. You can do it."


    Courage felt the presence of the voice¡ªstrong, calm, and determined it was Dan''s. It gave him strength when he thought he had none left. The words fueled his resolve, his focus sharpening. He could feel the beast¡¯s spirit pushing back, but it was reaching its limit. It was tiring. It was trying to resist, but Courage was not giving up. He was determined to win, determined to prove to the beast that he was worthy of being its master.


    With renewed energy, Courage pressed forward, forcing his will through the connection, sending a surge of spirit energy into the beetle. The jungle around him trembled as his spirit clashed with the beast¡¯s, the pressure from the environment lightening for a brief moment. The beast, sensing its own exhaustion, seemed to pause, its projection faltering.


    This was it. The final moment. Courage tightened his grip on the connection, pushing the beast to its breaking point, showing it his own unyielding will.


    And in that moment, the jungle fell silent. The battle was over


    Snapping back into reality, Courage gasped for air, his chest rising and falling rapidly as sweat drenched his face and soaked through his clothes. His body ached from the exertion, every muscle screaming in protest, but in that moment, he couldn¡¯t focus on the pain. He could only focus on the orb before him.


    Slowly, the orb that had contained his beast began to crack open. The energy swirling within it shimmered, and the magical force that had bound it inside began to dissipate. The seal broke with a soft, almost reverent pop, and the beast, no longer confined, emerged into the world.

 Chapter 13 : tamers skills, beasts might

    Courage''s breath hitched as the beetle fully emerged from the now-empty orb, its form solidifying before his eyes. It was a magnificent creature, a rhinoceros beetle unlike any he had ever seen. Its physique was imposing, built for power, with thick, sturdy limbs that seemed capable of supporting immense weight or delivering crushing blows .


    The beetle''s horn stood proud and sharp, a natural weapon that exuded an air of dominance. Its shiny exoskeleton gleamed in the light, a polished brownish-bronze hue that shimmered with an almost metallic quality. The small amber-colored eyes were bright and alert, giving the impression of intelligence and strength wrapped into one.


    Courage took a moment to steady himself, his chest rising and falling with deep breaths as he regained his footing. His legs felt like they might give out at any moment, but he pushed through the exhaustion. With hesitant steps, he began to approach the beetle, each movement deliberate and cautious.


    The beetle, standing firm in its place, seemed to study him. Its small amber eyes glimmered with a mix of wariness and curiosity. Courage paused a few steps away, his hand trembling slightly as he slowly stretched it out toward the creature.


    For a brief moment, the beetle flinched, its powerful horn twitching ever so slightly. Courage froze, unsure if the beast would accept his gesture. But as the seconds passed, the beetle seemed to relax. Its body lowered just a fraction, a subtle indication of its surrender.


    With a quiet exhale, Courage closed the remaining distance. His fingers finally made contact with the beetle¡¯s hard, smooth shell. It was cool to the touch, and as his hand rested on it, the tension in the air dissipated.


    The beetle let out a low, resonant hum, as though acknowledging its acceptance of Courage as its master. Courage¡¯s lips curled into a small, relieved smile as a newfound bond between them solidified.


    In Courage¡¯s mind, the familiar voice of Dan echoed, filled with pride. ¡°Well done, kid. Now you¡¯re officially a Beast Tamer.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Courage whispered quietly in reply, still lost in the moment. He ran his hand along the beetle¡¯s sturdy shell, feeling the bond they had formed.


    But before he could sink deeper into his thoughts, a firm hand grabbed his shoulder from behind. Startled, he turned to see Riker standing there. Though his expression remained as solid and unreadable as ever, there was a subtle nod of approval and a small thumbs-up from the stern instructor¡ªa gesture that spoke volumes.


    Courage, surprised yet deeply gratified, smiled and gave a small nod in return, accepting the silent congratulations. It was a moment of recognition that made his achievement feel even more significant.


    Later on standing in one of the corners of the training hall, Miss Everdine stood before her students, her usual joyful demeanor lighting up the room. With enthusiasm, she addressed them warmly.


    ¡° we''ll done everyone , congratulations to all of you on officially becoming Beast Tamers!¡± she said, clapping her hands together. ¡°You¡¯ve taken your first steps on an incredible journey, and I couldn¡¯t be prouder. Remember, this is just the beginning, and there¡¯s so much more to learn and experience. Keep pushing yourselves and supporting each other!¡±


    The class responded with a mix of smiles and murmured thanks, their spirits lifted by her encouragement.


    ¡°Now that everyone has tamed their beasts,¡± she continued with a bright smile, ¡°we can move on to more advanced lessons. So, today, we¡¯re going to learn two of the most basic but also most important skills every tamer must master: Spirit Sense and Spirit Command.¡±


    The students perked up, their curiosity piqued. These skills were often talked about in the context of taming and working with beasts, but now they were finally going to learn them firsthand.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start with Spirit Sense,¡± she announced.


    ¡°Now, remember how we taught you to sense and control the spirit energy within your own bodies? Today, you¡¯re going to take that a step further. You¡¯re going to learn how to sense things outside your bodies using that same spirit energy.¡±


    ¡°How Spirit Sense works,¡± she continued, ¡°is somewhat like echolocation but far more detailed. What you¡¯re going to do is send a faint wave of your spirit energy out into the world¡ªlike a sound wave.¡± She gestured outward with her hands to mimic a wave spreading out.


    ¡°When that wave comes into contact with something of a spiritual nature, it will rebound back to you, carrying with it an imprint of the object it encountered. When you receive that wave, you will also receive that imprint, allowing you to mentally recognize what that thing is. This means you¡¯re not just ¡®seeing¡¯ objects¡ªyou¡¯re understanding their essence, presence, and sometimes even their intentions.¡±


    The students murmured amongst themselves, some in awe at the potential of such a skill, others wondering how difficult it might be to master.


    ¡°It¡¯s a delicate process at first,¡± she added. ¡°But once you get the hang of it, Spirit Sense will become second nature. Now, let¡¯s move on to the practice.¡±


    And so, each student, with their beasts by their side, followed Miss Everdine and Riker''s instructions. They were tasked with using Spirit Sense on their beasts and were instructed to report if they felt like they have gotten the hang of it. Courage, who was also following the exercise, stared at his beast uncertainly, unsure of how to begin.


    Noticing his hesitation, Dan¡¯s voice echoed in his mind, steady and reassuring.


    "Don¡¯t stress it too much. I¡¯m here to help you. Just follow my lead. First, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and empty your mind."


    "Okay," Courage replied, trying to push aside his doubts.


    "Alright. Now, focus on your own spirit energy. Imagine it as a still pond, completely motionless. Then, picture yourself creating a ripple in that pond. Let that ripple spread further and further in the direction of your beast. Once it reaches your beast, you''ll sense a kind of counter-ripple coming back to where it all started. When that happens, open your mind to it and concentrate on understanding what you¡¯re feeling."


    Courage did his best to follow Dan¡¯s guidance, trying to visualize and feel what was described. However, no matter how hard he tried, everything remained unclear, like trying to see through fog.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Dan reassured him. ¡°No one gets it on their first try. Just keep at it. Once you manage it for the first time, it¡¯ll get easier from there.¡±


    And so, Courage tried again and again. With each attempt, the fog clouding his senses began to lift, revealing a clearer picture. He focused deeply, following Dan¡¯s instructions to the letter. Then, on one attempt, something changed.


    For a brief moment, it felt as if his vision had fully cleared. What he ¡®saw¡¯ through Spirit Sense left him in awe. In front of him, his beetle appeared like a glowing silhouette of itself, its essence shimmering faintly. Within that silhouette, strange clusters of lines and markings emerged, weaving together in an intricate, almost otherworldly design.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The lines and markings were difficult to describe¡ªchaotic yet deliberate, abstract yet oddly purposeful. They seemed to form a rough shape or pattern, and though Courage couldn¡¯t entirely decipher it, he felt an inexplicable pull toward understanding it. It was as though these marks held a code or description of something essential about the creature.


    Just as he began to grasp the pattern¡¯s meaning, his focus faltered. The connection broke, and his Spirit Sense dissipated.


    As Courage tried to process what he had just experienced, Dan¡¯s voice interrupted his thoughts.


    ¡°You saw it, didn¡¯t you? The Beast Marks.¡±


    ¡°Beast Marks?¡± Courage muttered, still dazed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll explain later,¡± Dan replied firmly. ¡°For now, focus on repeating what you just did. The key is to become consistent with Spirit Sense.¡±


    Although Courage¡¯s curiosity burned for answers, he understood the importance of mastering this foundational skill. Taking a steadying breath, he refocused and began trying again.


    For over a dozen more attempts, Courage practiced relentlessly. Each time, his connection grew steadier, and the process became more natural. Slowly but surely, he was becoming proficient at using Spirit Sense.


    And When it seemed that Courage had finally mastered the ability to use Spirit Sense consistently, he eagerly announced his progress to his teachers, wanting to know what to do next. His sudden leap from being the last to tame his creature to the first to grasp this crucial skill caught both Riker and Miss Everdine by surprise.


    Despite their surprise, they were also pleased with his rapid improvement. Riker, ever the quiet observer, didn''t voice any reaction but shot Courage a curious glance. Miss Everdine, however, was much more vocal in her praise.


    ¡°Well done, Courage,¡± she said, a proud smile on her face, clearly impressed.


    Her praise didn¡¯t go unnoticed. The attention of the other students immediately shifted to Courage. Whispers spread like wildfire among his classmates.


    ¡°What? How did he get the hang of the skill so quickly?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, wasn¡¯t he the last to finish taming his creature? What gives?¡±


    ¡°I heard that guy has an inferior aptitude. How could he outpace us now?¡±


    ¡°Well, I heard taming a creature depends on aptitude, but using Tamer skills depends on a the person''s skill . So maybe he just has a talent for it.¡±


    ¡°Pfft, no big deal. I¡¯ll master this skill too and get even more praise from Miss Everdine,¡± one student muttered dismissively.


    ¡°Yeah, dream on,¡± another responded. ¡°I¡¯m the one she¡¯s going to praise the most.¡±


    Courage, doing his best to ignore the murmurs of his classmates, made his way toward Riker, eager to receive his next instruction.


    Riker glanced at him briefly before speaking, his tone calm but firm.


    "Alright, since you''ve got the hang of Spirit Sense, I suppose it''s time for you to move on to Spirit Command," he said.


    Courage nodded, his focus sharpening.


    "Now listen closely. Spirit Command can be either easier or harder than Spirit Sense, depending on how you approach it. As you know, your Totem is used to project your will onto a creature to tame it. What you''ll be doing here is something similar¡ªyou¡¯ll project your will to communicate a specific command to the creature. Sounds simple, doesn¡¯t it?"


    Courage frowned slightly but nodded again.


    "Well, here¡¯s where it gets tricky," Riker continued. "When you¡¯re taming a creature, you¡¯re using the full might of your Totem to impose the simplest command possible: submission. That¡¯s a brute-force approach and one of the easiest commands to issue.


    But Spirit Command? It¡¯s a whole different story. Any command beyond submission becomes exponentially more complicated. Even something as simple as ¡®move forward¡¯ requires you to project your will in a form that the creature can understand and accept as an actionable command. That means refining your intent, focusing it, and making sure it¡¯s crystal clear to the creature.¡±


    Courage listened intently, his mind already trying to process the challenge ahead.


    "It¡¯s not just about brute strength or overwhelming the creature like with taming," Riker added. "It¡¯s about precision, clarity, and control. You¡¯re shaping your will into a language the creature can follow."


    The explanation made Courage¡¯s head spin slightly, but he was willing to start trying regardless.


    Courage turned back to his beetle, which remained close by his side. Following Riker¡¯s instructions, he invoked his Totem, feeling the surge of spirit energy as he projected his will toward the creature. His command was simple: ¡°Move forward.¡±


    The beetle suddenly perked up, its body trembling as if startled from sleep. Without warning, it dashed forward with all its might, causing Courage to jump out of its path in surprise. The beetle continued charging until it collided with a nearby wall, leaving a faint crack where it struck.


    Miss Everdine, worried, hurried over to Courage, who was now sitting on the ground, wide-eyed.


    ¡°Courage, are you okay?¡± she asked, her tone full of concern.


    ¡°Y-yeah,¡± Courage replied, shaking off the shock. ¡°I just didn¡¯t expect it to react like that.¡±


    Riker approached them with his usual calm demeanor, folding his arms as he assessed the situation.


    ¡°You must have used too much power when projecting the will of your command,¡± he explained. ¡°That likely created a sense of urgency in your beast¡¯s mind. Additionally, the lack of specificity in your command made it act on instinct rather than intent.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ I see,¡± Courage said, rubbing the back of his head, embarrassed by the outburst.


    ¡°Try again,¡± Riker instructed. ¡°This time, start with something simpler. Order it to lift specific limbs, like a leg or antenna. Once you¡¯ve mastered that level of precision, you can move on to more complicated commands.¡±


    Courage nodded, determined to get it right this time. His hands trembled slightly as he prepared to try again.


    This time, however, things didn¡¯t go as smoothly as before. Though Courage followed Riker¡¯s instructions and began practicing, his progress was slower compared to when he was mastering Spirit Sense.


    Courage¡¯s beetle, while clearly able to understand his commands, often misinterpreted or executed them incorrectly. When asked to lift one leg, it would lift the wrong one, or sometimes an entirely different part of its body. These mistakes happened repeatedly, slowing his progress.


    Meanwhile, many of his classmates caught up to him. Some of them were struggling just as much as he was, but others advanced quickly, managing to execute small sequences of commands with their beasts.


    As more time passed, Courage¡¯s efforts finally started to pay off. The beetle began responding more accurately, lifting the correct limb on command and performing simpler tasks with precision. Eventually, it consistently followed his instructions exactly as intended.


    With this milestone reached, Courage was ready to start working on more complex orders.


    But by the time Courage have reached that milestone, Riker and Miss Everdine announced that the lesson for the day had come to an end.


    ¡°Alright, students,¡± Miss Everdine said, addressing the group. ¡°I believe you¡¯ve all learned the basics of these two skills. For now, focus on practicing and refining Spirit Sense and Spirit Command. That should be enough to work on before moving further.¡±


    ¡°Starting tomorrow,¡± Riker added, ¡°you¡¯ll report to the training hall to continue honing these skills. you have until the end of the week to prepare. At that time, you¡¯ll be tested on Spirit Sense and Spirit Command. Don¡¯t stress about your beasts¡ªthe academy will take care of them while you¡¯re away.¡±


    With that, the class was dismissed.


    As the students began to gather their things and leave, one of them approached the teachers with a question. ¡°What are those things we see in our beasts when using Spirit Sense?¡± they asked.


    Riker glanced at the student and gave a brief reply. ¡°That¡¯s a lesson for another day. For now, focus on mastering the basics and preparing for the test.¡±


    Satisfied with the response, the student rejoined the others as the group began to disperse.


    Back in his room, Courage lay on his bed, resting, when he muttered, "So... what were those things I saw in my beast earlier?"


    "You want the short answer or the long one?" Dan''s voice echoed in his mind.


    "Let''s hear the short answer first," Courage replied.


    "To put it simply, those were your beast''s ability," Dan said.


    "What? You can see your creature''s abilities? Were those what those lines and marks were?"


    "Exactly," Dan said. "Now, moving on to the long answer¡ªlet me first ask you, what do you think separates spirit beasts from regular creatures?"


    "Umm... spirit beasts can use spirit energy and have special powers, while regular creatures don''t?"


    "Correct. And where do you think spirit beasts'' powers and abilities come from?"


    "Uh¡­ don¡¯t they just harness spirit energy in unique ways to produce those abilities, like tamers do with their skills?"


    "Wrong," Dan said flatly.


    "Ehh? How, then?"


    "You see, Courage, while the ability to harness spirit energy can grant unique powers, spirit energy alone has very limited applications¡ªtoo few to account for all the variety of abilities and powers out there, especially in spirit beasts. So Instead of solely relying on spirit energy, beasts depend on Beast Marks.


    "Beast Marks are what give a spirit beast its powers and define its properties, such as its type, effects, and raw power. These marks are the foundation of their abilities. For instance, when we refer to a creature as a ''water type,'' what we actually mean is that the creature possesses water-type Beast Marks."


    Courage sat up, intrigued. "So, Beast Marks determine everything about a spirit beast¡¯s abilities and nature?"


    "Exactly," Dan continued. "Without Beast Marks, there would be no spirit beasts¡ªjust regular animals. They¡¯re what make spirit beasts extraordinary."


    "And how exactly is an ability determined?" Courage asked, leaning forward with interest.


    "It''s based on the type of Beast Marks and the pattern they form within the creature," Dan explained. "For example, your beast''s ability, Maximum Effort, is the result of its Beast Marks weaving together into a specific pattern. This pattern generates the effect of that ability. The ability''s nature is further influenced by the type of Beast Marks your creature possesses."


    "So the type and pattern work together?" Courage asked.


    "Exactly," Dan said. "The type provides the foundation¡ªlike water, fire, or earth¡ªwhile the pattern determines how that type manifests. It''s a delicate combination that defines not only the ability but also its strength, versatility, and potential applications."


    "Okay, and how do spirit beasts use their Beast Marks to activate their power?"


    "It''s simple. They just let their energy course through the marks to activate them and produce all sorts of effects. Think of it like this: spirit energy is the electricity, and Beast Marks are the appliances."


    "I see, so I assume the way one would nurture their beast to get stronger centers around developing their Beast Marks, no?"


    "Ding, ding, ding! That''s right. To grow a beast, in other words, means growing their Beast Marks."


    "And how do we do that?"


    "Wow, hold your horses there, buddy. I know you''re eager to learn, but it''s still a bit early for you to think about that. Right now, you have a test by the end of the week, so it¡¯s better not to distract yourself with unnecessary thoughts."


    "Hmph, fine, whatever."


    "Sigh If it means you any good, you still lack a crucial element to even attempt such a thing. So even if I told you now, it wouldn''t really help you."


    "Alright, alright. You and your cryptic explanations. Guess I¡¯ll just focus on training Spirit Sense and Spirit Command, then."


    "Please do, especially Spirit Sense, because that one will come in real handy much later on."


    And so, with nothing else to talk about, Courage went to sleep. The next couple of days were going to be busy ones.

 Chapter 14 : new acquittances good and bad

    For the next few days, Courage, like a lot of his classmates, went to the training hall after picking up his beast from the stables to train. Every time he trained, he used the many types of equipment provided in the training hall. For example, to train Spirit Sense, the academy provided a variety of spiritual materials for students to study and help them experience different kinds of properties. Spirit Sense is like any other sense; the way you hone it is by experiencing all sorts of things to improve your ability to distinguish them and build your knowledge about them, much like sounds ,smells or tastes.


    As for Spirit Command, there were all sorts of training dummies, running tracks, and obstacle courses designed to help students train this essential skill.


    Using all the tools available to him, as well as Dan''s advice and guidance, Courage managed to make a good amount of progress. He quickly mastered the basic motor skills for his beast and even began training it in combat movements. For his beetle, these included charging and ramming, striking and jabbing with its horn, and punching with its limbs.


    Courage also started teaching it to balance on its two hind legs, giving it the ability to use an additional set of limbs for attacking. At one point, he attempted to train it in flying, but he quickly realized that beetles weren''t the most graceful fliers. Accepting this limitation, he decided to focus on refining its ground-based methods instead.


    During one of his training sessions, Courage was focused on sharpening his Spirit Sense as usual, having just finished a set of exercises with his beast. Over the past few days, this routine had become a habit for him. However, this time, something unexpected happened¡ªa classmate approached him and started a conversation.


    The person was a rather short young man, even shorter than Courage, with a slightly round body shape and a full belly, though not quite fat.


    "Excuse me," the young man asked politely.


    "Mmm?" Courage responded, slightly surprised. He hadn¡¯t expected anyone to initiate a conversation with him. Since the semester began, he¡¯d barely interacted with anyone, being entirely focused on his studies and training.


    "Oh, hello there," Courage added.


    "Uh, Courage, right?"


    "Yep, Courage. Courage Petacos. Can I help you?"


    Courage wasn¡¯t particularly shocked that this guy knew his name. Being the only student with inferior aptitude in the class, he had gained a strange kind of notoriety. And The incident during the Spirit Sense lesson, where Miss Everdine had praised him openly, only added to his unwanted popularity. He often caught whispers about him in class but largely chose to ignore them.


    Now, returning to the conversation¡­


    "Hello there, my name is Wally Rain," the young man said with a polite tone.


    "Pleasure," Courage replied, giving him a slight nod.


    "Likewise. See, I¡¯ve been noticing you come to train every day, and I also noticed that you¡¯re making a good amount of progress. I¡¯ve been practicing just as much but with very little improvement. So, uh... I was wondering if you could, uh, give me some advice or pointers that might help?"


    "Oh, uh..." Courage hesitated.


    Though he knew he was ahead in his training, Courage had planned to use the extra time he gained to focus on refining his beast¡¯s combat skills further. Wally''s request felt inconvenient, as Courage believed every moment he had was crucial to getting ahead. Helping someone else pick up the pace seemed like a waste of that valuable time.


    But Before Courage could voice his rejection, another voice interrupted from behind them.


    "Ehh, what¡¯s this I see? The class¡¯s shittiest tamer and the class¡¯s shittiest aptitude hanging out together!"


    Wally turned around, muttering under his breath, "Jack..." His expression darkened.


    "What¡¯s up, loser?" Jack sneered, strutting toward them with a posse of boys trailing behind him.


    The atmosphere in the training hall shifted instantly. Conversations quieted, and students avoided looking in Jack''s direction. As you might have guessed, Jack was the class¡¯s official jerk¡ªthe type every school story seems to have. He thrived on picking on those he deemed weaker, harassing others to get his way, and being an all-around menace.


    Standing in front of Wally now, Jack spoke with his usual arrogant and bossy tone. "So, have you considered my proposal?"


    "I... I did, but¡ª"


    "Oh, this again," Jack interrupted, rolling his eyes. "How many times do I have to tell you? Just trade your beast with one of my guys, and I¡¯ll let you join my gang."


    "I hear you, but the beast you¡¯re asking me to trade doesn¡¯t work well with my totem ability," Wally explained nervously. "Its synergy is bad, and controlling it would be harder for me. I¡¯d be at a total loss if I traded."


    "And so what?" Jack retorted.


    "Eh?" Wally flinched, his voice faltering.


    Jack smirked mockingly. "So what if it doesn¡¯t as if that would make a difference for you? Wally, we¡¯ve all seen your performance these last few days, and let¡¯s just say it¡¯s been lackluster, to put it mildly."


    "Pfft, he can¡¯t even get his beast to turn a full circle correctly," one of Jack¡¯s companions said with a snicker, prompting the rest to burst into mocking laughter.


    Jack joined in with a derisive chuckle before continuing. "Let¡¯s face it, Wally. Your aptitude might be average, but your skills? Trash. The only redeeming quality about you is the beast you somehow managed to get your hands on."


    With a look of disdain, Jack leaned in closer. "Having a beast like that is a waste for someone like you. So just trade it with one of my guys, and I¡¯ll let you latch onto my group. Who knows? Maybe you¡¯ll actually succeed in life."


    Wally, overwhelmed by the barrage of insults, lowered his head in shame.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    "I can¡¯t do it," he muttered, his voice barely audible.


    "Haaah?" Jack scoffed, his irritation boiling over.


    "I can¡¯t do it," Wally repeated, trembling. "I know I¡¯m lacking in skill, but this beast is the only advantage I have. If I give it up, I¡¯ll be giving up my only chance at succeeding this year. And if I fail, I won¡¯t be able to continue learning at the academy or have any hope of becoming a professional tamer. Please, try to understand. I just... I can¡¯t."


    Jack listened, scratching the back of his head as if pondering Wally¡¯s words. Then, with a heavy sigh, he leaned forward. Wally''s brief glimmer of hope was extinguished as Jack¡¯s fist drove into his stomach.


    The impact sent Wally collapsing to the ground, gasping and clutching his stomach in pain.


    "Professional tamer? Don¡¯t make me laugh," Jack sneered, standing over Wally with a cruel grin. "You¡¯re so useless at controlling your beast that you¡¯re asking the inferior aptitude guy for help. Do you even realize how pathetic that is? Someone like you has no hope of becoming a professional tamer. You should be grateful that someone like me, with a high-grade aptitude, is even wasting my time on you. Now stop your whining and just do what I say."


    Wally, tears of pain and humiliation streaking his face, shook his head weakly. Despite the fear gripping him, he refused.


    "Still saying no?" Jack¡¯s tone turned icy as he raised his fist again. "Fine. If you won¡¯t listen to reason, let¡¯s see how you argue with my fist."


    As Jack¡¯s fist came down, it suddenly stopped mid-air.


    A hand had caught it.


    Courage stood beside them, his expression cold and unyielding. His grip on Jack¡¯s fist was firm, his eyes locked on the bully with a sharp intensity.


    "That¡¯s enough," Courage said, his voice steady but carrying an unmistakable edge.


    His grip on Jack¡¯s fist tightened, and Jack grimaced, yanking his hand free.


    "What the hell do you think you¡¯re doing, Petacos?" Jack growled, his voice loud enough to draw the attention of everyone in the training hall.


    Courage didn¡¯t answer immediately. Instead, he stepped in front of Wally, shielding him from Jack¡¯s towering form. His eyes met Jack¡¯s with a quiet intensity that made the bully pause for a moment.


    Jack¡¯s gang, sensing the shift in the room, began to close in, surrounding Courage and Wally. One of them chuckled darkly. "Looks like the runt found himself a bodyguard."


    Another sneered, "The lowest aptitude in class trying to play hero. This is gonna be fun."


    Jack smirked, his confidence returning as his gang tightened the circle. "What¡¯s the matter, Petacos? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re actually standing up for this loser. Actually You two make a great pair¡ª¡®The Weak and the Worthless.¡¯ Maybe we should call you that from now on."


    Courage didn¡¯t flinch. His gaze remained steady, his silence speaking louder than words.


    One of Jack¡¯s lackeys leaned closer, sneering. "Hey, Courage, you sure you wanna do this? You don¡¯t stand a chance, man. Better step aside before things get ugly."


    Jack grinned, feeding off his crew¡¯s energy. "Listen to them, Petacos. You don¡¯t have the talent, the strength, or even the guts to take me on. So why don¡¯t you do what you¡¯re good at¡ªstay quiet and stay out of my way."


    Courage finally spoke, his voice calm but laced with steel. "Back off."


    The simplicity of his words only made Jack laugh harder. "Back off? That¡¯s it? That¡¯s all you¡¯ve got to say? What are you gonna do if I don¡¯t? Cry about it? Maybe write in a little journal about how unfair life is?"


    The gang laughed, their jeers echoing in the training hall.


    "You think this is gonna end well for you?" Jack continued, stepping closer until he was face-to-face with Courage. "You¡¯re nothing, Petacos. A no-aptitude nobody with delusions of being a real tamer. You should be down on your knees, thanking me for even acknowledging your existence."


    Courage didn¡¯t move. His expression remained unreadable, but his fists clenched tightly at his sides. The knuckles were white, and his breathing was controlled, but the tension in his frame was impossible to miss.


    Another of Jack¡¯s cronies leaned toward Wally, who was still clutching his stomach. "Look at your hero here, Wally. Think he¡¯s gonna save you? All he¡¯s doing is digging you both deeper."


    Jack raised his fist again, a mocking grin plastered on his face. "You know what? Let¡¯s see how tough you really are, Petacos. Or are you just gonna stand there like the pathetic loser you are?"


    As the fist descended, Courage¡¯s hand shot up, catching it mid-swing. The room went silent. The force of the impact made Jack stumble, his face twisting in a mix of anger and shock.


    As Jack raised his fist, preparing to swing at Courage again, the air in the training hall grew tense. Everyone watched in hushed anticipation, unsure of what would happen next. Courage stood his ground, his silence a stark contrast to Jack¡¯s jeering arrogance.


    But just before Jack could throw the punch, a calm, authoritative voice cut through the tension.


    "That¡¯s enough, Jack."


    The voice belonged to Kengi Darvaine, one of the three high-grade aptitude students in their class. He approached with an unhurried stride, his movements exuding a quiet confidence that immediately commanded attention. Kengi was tall and lean, with sharp features that gave him an air of refinement. His dark, shoulder-length hair was tied neatly back, and his uniform was pristine, almost as if he were above the rigors of training. A faint, almost imperceptible smile played on his lips, but his piercing eyes carried the weight of someone accustomed to authority.


    Jack froze mid-motion, his fist still raised, before slowly lowering it and turning to face Kengi. "Kengi, this isn¡¯t your business," he said, his tone tinged with frustration but also a hint of caution.


    Kengi stopped a few paces away, his hands clasped behind his back. "It became my business the moment you decided to disrupt the training hall with your antics. You¡¯re embarrassing yourself, Jack."


    The gang members shifted uneasily, their earlier bravado dampened by Kengi¡¯s presence. One of them muttered, "Man, why does he have to show up now?"


    Jack scowled, his bravado faltering. "I¡¯m just teaching these two a lesson. They need to know their place, especially him." He pointed at Courage, who remained silent, watching the exchange with an impassive expression.


    Kengi¡¯s faint smile disappeared, replaced by a calm but pointed gaze. "And what place would that be, Jack? Beneath you? Last I checked, we¡¯re all here to train and improve, not to indulge in childish power plays."


    Jack¡¯s face twisted in anger, but he didn¡¯t dare interrupt.


    "You claim to have high aptitude," Kengi continued, his voice steady but carrying an undeniable authority. "Then act like it. Picking on others, especially those who are focused on their growth, only highlights your insecurity. Or is it that you¡¯re afraid someone like Courage might surpass you someday?"


    The remark hit its mark. Jack¡¯s jaw clenched, and his fists tightened, but he said nothing. His gang shifted uncomfortably, exchanging nervous glances.


    Kengi turned his attention briefly to Courage, giving him a slight nod, as if acknowledging his resolve. Then he returned his gaze to Jack. "This ends now. Leave them be and focus on your own training. You have a long way to go if you ever hope to reach your potential."


    Jack glared at Kengi, his pride bruised, but he knew better than to push further. "Fine," he spat, turning on his heel. "Let¡¯s go."


    His gang trailed after him, their earlier mockery replaced by uneasy silence.


    As they left, the tension in the hall began to dissipate. Kengi looked back at Courage and Wally, his expression softening slightly. "You handled yourself well, Petacos. Silence can speak louder than words when it¡¯s paired with resolve."


    Courage nodded, offering no reply. Wally, still shaken, managed a weak, "Thank you."


    Kengi inclined his head slightly before turning and walking away, his noble air and composed demeanor leaving an impression on everyone in the room.


    The training hall slowly returned to its usual rhythm, but the confrontation left a mark. Jack¡¯s defeat, not by strength but by Kengi¡¯s sheer presence, was something no one would forget anytime soon.


    As The crowd had dispersed, leaving the training hall quiet. Courage bent down without a word, sliding an arm under Wally¡¯s to help him to his feet. Wally winced, clutching his stomach, but didn¡¯t resist as Courage guided him to a nearby bench.


    Once seated, Wally leaned back, trying to catch his breath. Courage stood beside him, watching silently. After a moment, he broke the stillness.


    ¡°You okay?¡± he asked, his voice quiet but clear.


    Wally nodded faintly, his face pale. "I¡­ I¡¯ll be fine," he muttered, though his voice sounded far from convincing. He looked down, his hands trembling as he spoke again, this time with a trembling voice filled with regret. "I¡¯m sorry... I shouldn¡¯t have approached you in the first place."


    Courage tilted his head slightly but stayed silent, letting Wally continue.


    "If I hadn¡¯t asked for your help... none of this would¡¯ve happened," Wally muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "Jack wouldn¡¯t have noticed you, and you wouldn¡¯t be dragged into this mess because of me hig hig." His hands clenched into fists, and his shoulders slumped. He choked up, his voice breaking as tears began to well in his eyes.


    Courage¡¯s gaze softened. He paused for a moment, then spoke, his tone as steady as ever. "You still want that advice?"


    Wally blinked, stunned. He looked up, his eyes red and filled with disbelief. "What?"


    Courage¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, his calm demeanor reassuring. "You asked for my help. Do you still want it?"


    Wally hesitated, then a small, hesitant smile broke through his tears. "Y-Yeah," he stammered, nodding quickly. "I do."


    Wally looked down at his lap again, his voice faltering as he spoke. "But... I mean, with Jack after you now... I just can¡¯t help but worry. He¡¯s not going to leave you alone, you know."


    Courage gave a small shrug, his gaze steady. "Let him come."


    Wally''s eyes widened, but he quickly looked away, feeling even more helpless. "You¡¯re just... so brave, Courage. I¡¯m not like you. If I wasn¡¯t so pathetic, maybe I could¡¯ve stood up for myself, maybe I could¡¯ve... done something more..." His voice trailed off as he tried to wipe away the tears threatening to fall again.


    Courage¡¯s tone softened, though his voice remained firm. "No point trying to be like someone else cause in the end of the day you''ll only ever be yourself so just focus on trying to become a better you instead ."


    Wally shook his head. "But how can I? Every time I try, I just fall short. I can¡¯t even control my own beast properly."


    "Well Everyone gotta starts somewhere," Courage said quietly, a hint of encouragement in his voice.


    Wally looked up, his face still damp with tears. "But... I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever be like you..."


    Courage gave a small, understanding nod. "Once again You don¡¯t have to be. Just keep trying, and you¡¯ll find your own way."


    Wally¡¯s breath hitched, and his gaze flickered up to Courage¡¯s steady eyes. Something in his expression shifted, a small spark of hope beginning to light up inside him.


    "Thanks," Wally whispered, his voice trembling with a mix of gratitude and renewed resolve. "I¡¯ll... try my best."


    Courage nodded again, his expression unchanged but the quiet strength in his presence more comforting than words could convey.


    And so, Courage spent the remaining days of the week training alongside Wally and mostly helping with the same advice and guidance Dan give him. The two worked together, silently but with growing determination. Neither of them fully realized it, but this was the beginning of a brand-new friendship. As they trained, the weight of their individual struggles seemed a little lighter when shared. Courage, focused on his own growth, didn''t expect much from helping Wally, but the bond they were forming, however small it seemed, was becoming more evident each day.

 Chapter 15 : new experience s and realazitions

    A few more days had passed since the incident at the training hall. Today was the day of the class test, and the air in the room was filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Courage sat at his usual desk in the middle of the classroom, quietly preparing himself. He glanced around to see his classmates exchanging whispers and adjusting their supplies, but his gaze soon fixed on the front of the room.


    Miss Everdine stood there, her usual warm smile radiating encouragement, while Riker, the stern and pragmatic instructor, was beside her.


    "Alright, class," Miss Everdine began, her voice calm but firm. "Today is the day of the test. I hope you''ve all done your best to prepare."


    Riker stepped forward, his tone sharp and efficient. "Here''s how this will go. First, each of you will take a written exam here in the classroom, monitored by Miss Everdine. After that, you''ll head to the training hall for your physical exam, which I will oversee. Understood?"


    "Understood," the class echoed, though their voices betrayed varying levels of confidence.


    "Good. Then let''s begin," Miss Everdine said as she began distributing the test papers. Along with each paper, she placed a small, sealed box on every desk.


    As Courage¡¯s turn came, he stared at the box curiously, but Miss Everdine¡¯s soft voice interrupted his thoughts. "These contain supplementary materials for the questions. The test basically revolves around them . Good luck, everyone," she said before stepping back to her desk


    And so the test began. Its mechanics were simple: inside the boxes were small samples of various materials, and the students'' task was to use Spirit Sense to identify them. They were required to write down their answers, with higher scores awarded for more detailed and accurate identifications. It was clear that this test was designed to evaluate the students'' development of Spirit Sense.


    Courage, having prepared extensively, wasn''t nervous. He focused intently, carefully identifying each material to the best of his ability. By the time he completely filled his paper, there was still time left, so he took the opportunity to revise all his answers meticulously.


    Eventually, the clock ticked down, and it was time to submit the answers. As Miss Everdine collected the papers, the room buzzed with murmurs¡ªsome students expressing worry, others radiating confidence.


    The scene then shifted to the training hall, where the second part of the examination took place: testing Spirit Command. Riker stood at the front, calling each student one by one to step onto a specially prepared stage. Each student was tasked with commanding their beast to perform specific actions and tricks. These ranged from executing particular maneuvers within a set timeframe to showcasing unique abilities.


    The tasks varied depending on the student and their beast. This made sense, as different creatures had distinct anatomies, movements, and capabilities. For instance, some students were tested on their beast''s ability to fly or swim rather than on terrestrial movement. Birds, fish, and other specialized creatures were given challenges that suited their nature.


    The physical tests took several hours to complete. By the end, Riker addressed the students, informing them that the results of the day''s tests would be revealed tomorrow, along with some additional announcements. He advised them to rest and prepare for the evening lesson, emphasizing its importance.


    Several hours later, after having lunch and some rest, the students returned to their classroom. Once everyone had settled into their seats, Miss Everdine stood at the front and began, ¡°Alright, students. In today¡¯s lesson, we are going to address some longstanding questions¡ªmainly the ones you¡¯ve had about what you see in your beasts when you use Spirit Sense on them.


    ¡°To start, those things are called Beast Marks, and...¡±


    Miss Everdine proceeded to explain the concept of Beast Marks in detail. Her explanation sparked a wave of intrigue among the students, who listened intently with great interest. For many of them, this was their first proper understanding of the subject.


    Courage, however, was less impressed. Dan had already lectured him extensively on Beast Marks, so most of the information wasn¡¯t new. Still, he kept his attention sharp, just in case Miss Everdine introduced any insights that Dan might have overlooked


    Miss Everdine concluded her explanation, taking a few moments to address questions from curious students. The classroom buzzed with excitement and murmurs as the students absorbed the new information. Then, after a brief pause, she added, ¡°Alright, now that you all understand the importance of Beast Marks to your beasts, I¡¯m sure you¡¯re wondering how to develop this crucial aspect.


    ¡°The answer to that lies in something tamers call the Domain.¡±


    At the mention of the word, the room fell silent. Even Courage, who had been somewhat detached during the lecture, perked up. Miss Everdine¡¯s tone had shifted, signaling the significance of what she was about to discuss.


    She began, ¡°A Domain is a personal, internal space that exists within every tamer¡¯s spirit. Think of it as a pocket dimension where you can store your beasts. However, it is much more than a simple storage space. A Domain is a place where you can nurture your beasts, simulate environments that enhance their natural growth, and even experiment with creating conditions to stimulate the development of their Beast Marks.¡±


    She moved to the chalkboard and began drawing a diagram of a human figure, with a glowing sphere centered in the torso.


    ¡°This sphere represents your Domain. When you first awaken as a Beast Tamer, your Domain is small and undeveloped. Its initial capacity is limited, allowing you to house only a few creatures. Over time, as you train, gather resources, and grow stronger, your Domain Will expand. And With the right materials, you can even shape your Domain to mimic the natural habitats of your beasts, encouraging their Beast Marks to grow and evolve.¡±


    She paused, scanning the room to ensure everyone was following along. ¡°The environment you create in your Domain is critical. For example, a beast with fire-based Beast Marks will benefit from volcanic or arid conditions, while water-based creatures need aquatic or humid settings. By carefully designing your Domain, you can maximize the potential of your beasts and their abilities.¡±


    The students listened intently, some furiously taking notes. Courage found himself intrigued by the new information Miss Everdine provided.


    ¡°Lastly,¡± she added, ¡°a tamer¡¯s Domain is also a reflection of their own spirit. It grows with you, shaped by your aptitude and the effort you put into developing it. The stronger and more versatile your Domain, the more powerful and adaptable you¡ªand your beasts¡ªwill become.¡±


    Several hands shot up with questions, but Miss Everdine raised her hand to signal for quiet. ¡°I know you¡¯re curious, but for now, let¡¯s move on. I¡¯ll show you a demonstration later. Just remember: your Domain is the foundation of your journey as a Beast Tamer. Its development will determine not only your success but also the future of your beasts.¡±


    She paused, allowing her words to sink in. Courage couldn¡¯t help but feel a mixture of anticipation and unease. Dan hadn''t mentioned Domains before, but Miss Everdine¡¯s explanation alone had given him a very clearer picture of their importance


    After that Miss Everdine continued explaining a few more points to the students before finally saying, "That should cover everything you need to know about Domains. Now, how about a demonstration? But first, why don¡¯t you pick your beasts from the stables and meet up with Riker in the training hall?"Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    After a quick transition to the training hall, every person in the class stood some distance away from each other, their beasts positioned beside them. The students whispered among themselves, their excitement and nerves palpable. The murmurs were broken by Riker¡¯s commanding voice:


    ¡°Alright, remember what you were taught in class. The first step is forming a Domain with the help of your beast. So, follow the instructions carefully. Step one: receiving feedback. Begin!¡±


    Each student approached their beast, placing their palms gently on its body. Courage followed suit, pressing his hand against the cool, chitinous surface of his rhinoceros beetle. Slowly, he began transferring his spirit energy into the creature.


    Inside their bodies, the spirit energy coursed through the pathways of their beasts¡¯ Beast Marks. For a deeper observer, the process was clear¡ªthe spirit energy followed the intricate lines of the marks, causing them to glow faintly as they began to expand and grow.


    Courage could feel his energy being absorbed steadily, but something else was happening. After a few moments, the Beast Marks began releasing a faint, steam-like energy that radiated back into him. It wasn¡¯t quite spirit energy but something rawer, more primal¡ªan energy that carried a deep, unexplainable vitality.


    This feedback energy, known as primal essence, was the key to forming a Domain. Courage closed his eyes, focusing on the sensation as the primal essence surged back into his body. He didn¡¯t have to think too much; the process felt natural, almost instinctive.


    As the essence entered his torso, it gathered in the center, condensing into a sphere of intense heat. For a moment, it felt as though a furnace had ignited within him. But before the heat could overwhelm him, his totem¡ªthe ethereal, glowing rhinoceros beetle¡ªshifted inside his body. It moved toward the sphere, its translucent form merging with the energy.


    The moment the totem submerged itself into the sphere, the energy began to transform. The heat dissipated, replaced by a harmonious blend of warmth and coolness. It was as if two opposing forces had found balance within him. Courage could feel the sphere stabilizing, solidifying into a core that radiated power.


    He opened his eyes briefly, seeing faint traces of energy swirling around him. His rhinoceros beetle stood motionless but alert, as if guarding him during the process.


    ¡°Good!¡± Riker¡¯s voice boomed across the hall. ¡°Keep absorbing the feedback energy and let it guide you. Don¡¯t fight the process¡ªtrust your instincts!¡±


    Courage felt the sphere in his torso pulling more primal essence into it, solidifying its presence within him. He could sense something forming, a space not in the physical world but within his spirit. It was vast, empty, and waiting to be shaped.


    The murmurs of the other students faded into the background as Courage focused inward, his thoughts consumed by the process. Slowly but surely, he felt a connection to this new part of himself¡ªa Domain uniquely tied to his spirit and his beast.


    Several minutes later, the process was complete. If one were to look inside each student¡¯s body, an ethereal-looking orb had manifested in their torso. Though the orb appeared to be the size of a football, it didn¡¯t occupy any actual physical space; its presence was entirely spiritual.


    Riker, noticing that everyone had finished, raised his voice to grab their attention. ¡°Alright, now that you¡¯ve all completed step one, let¡¯s move on to step two: inspecting your Domain. Remember what we discussed earlier. Clear your heads and focus on your totem.¡±


    Courage, like many of his peers, followed the instructions. He sat cross-legged on the ground, closed his eyes, and began to concentrate. Slowly, he felt himself attuning to a sensation¡ªfaint at first but growing stronger as he persisted.


    After several moments, a strange feeling crawled down his spine, like a sudden shiver . Then, the atmosphere around him shifted dramatically. Instinctively, Courage tried to open his eyes, and what he saw left him speechless.


    The training hall, his classmates, and even Riker had all vanished. In their place was an endless expanse of blank white space, stretching infinitely in every direction. It was as though the entire world had stopped existing, leaving only this strange, surreal void.


    His initial shock caused him to flinch, but as he glanced down at himself, a new wave of surprise overtook him. He no longer had his regular human body. Instead, he had the body of a beetle¡ªpure white, semi translucent, and eerily ethereal. Courage nearly jumped in alarm, his mind racing to make sense of what had happened.


    Fighting to stay calm, he took deep breaths and began organizing his thoughts. The blank space around him, the shift in perception, and his transformed body... It all started to add up. This wasn¡¯t some random dream or hallucination. This place was the inner space of his Domain, and he was experiencing it through the perspective of his totem.


    The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. The teachers had described inspecting a Domain as a deeply immersive experience, one that often involved seeing the world through the eyes of one¡¯s totem. And as he reflected on the process earlier, it explained something else that had puzzled him: his totem hadn¡¯t disappeared after forming his Domain¡ªit had simply entered this inner space.


    Now fully aware of what was happening, Courage steadied himself and began to observe his surroundings more closely. Though the white void seemed empty at first glance, he could feel a subtle, latent spirit energy all around him.


    He continued to observe the space around him, feeling the subtle energy permeating the space. but aside from its strange, infinite emptiness, there seemed to be nothing else of immediate interest. Recalling his earlier instructions, he decided to move on to the next step: exiting the Domain.


    He focused his thoughts, willing his consciousness to return to the outside world. At first, it was difficult, as though his mind was tethered to the Domain, but after a few seconds of concentrated effort, he felt the connection loosen. Suddenly, his vision blurred, and the world around him shifted.


    When Courage opened his eyes, he was back in the training hall. The familiar sights and sounds flooded his senses, but the abrupt transition left him feeling slightly disoriented. A wave of vertigo swept over him, and he swayed for a moment before steadying himself.


    Shaking off the lingering dizziness, Courage decided to practice entering and exiting his Domain again. Closing his eyes, he focused on the connection to his totem and the ethereal orb in his torso. This time, the process was a little smoother, and within moments, he found himself back in the white void.


    Repeating the process, he willed himself out of the Domain once more, his consciousness snapping back to reality. With each attempt, the transitions became easier. After a few more tries, Courage began to get the hang of it, seamlessly slipping between the two states without hesitation.


    Feeling that he was done with that step , he glanced around and noticed some of his classmates were still struggling, their faces scrunched in concentration as they attempted to navigate their own Domains. Others, like him, seemed to be making progress, their expressions of confusion giving way to determination.


    Once everyone had completed the previous step, Riker addressed the group again. ¡°Alright, final step: storing and nurturing your beasts. You all know what to do,¡± he said confidently.


    Listening to the instructions, Courage approached his beast. Taking a deep breath, he focused on projecting his will toward it. He visualized clear ideas: "shelter," "enter," and the sensation of "opening" his Domain. A few awkward seconds passed, and nothing happened. Courage furrowed his brows but wasn¡¯t discouraged.


    He tried again, this time concentrating harder on the feeling of connection between him, his totem, and his Domain. Slowly, something began to happen. A strange light emanated from his body, its glow spreading to envelop both him and his beast.


    As the light intensified, Courage watched in awe as his beast''s body started to transform. It became semi-transparent, its form shifting into an ethereal state. Then, as the light subsided, the beast seemingly vanished.


    But Courage knew better. He immediately closed his eyes and focused, inspecting his Domain. Within moments, he saw it¡ªhis beast, floating calmly in the void-like space of his Domain. Unlike before, when the Domain felt empty and distant, he now experienced entirely new sensations.


    The first was his connection to the beast itself. Inside his Domain, he could sense everything about it: its condition, the structure of its beast marks, its breathing rhythm, and even faint echoes of its thoughts. It was as if their connection had deepened to a level he had never thought possible.


    The second realization was about the Domain itself. Although it appeared infinite to the eye, Courage now sensed its finite boundaries. His beast¡¯s presence within it took up a portion of that space, far larger than it appeared visually. He understood instinctively that the Domain¡¯s capacity was limited, and the more powerful the beast, the more ''space'' it would occupy.


    Courage took a moment to let the experience sink in, marveling at the transformation and the depth of the connection he now shared with his beast.


    Riker, noticing that some students had successfully completed that step, instructed them to now try nurturing their beasts within their domains.


    Following the instructions, Courage focused inward, activating his domain. Inside this personal space, he willed his stored spirit energy toward his beast. The moment he did so, the stray energy within the domain began converging and pouring into his beast¡¯s body.


    Unlike his earlier attempts in the outside world, Courage immediately noticed a significant improvement in control. Within his domain, the flow of spirit energy was far more refined, responding to his intent with remarkable precision. This allowed him to nurture his beast with greater ease and efficiency.


    Observing his beetle beast, Courage saw it floating weightlessly within the domain, serene and motionless. Yet, contrary to its calm state, he could sense the immense pleasure it was experiencing. The energy coursing through its form seemed to invigorate it, filling it with vitality.


    Inspecting deeper, Courage noticed something astonishing: it''s beast¡¯s marks were growing at a considerably faster rate than before. The marks radiated faint pulses of primal essence, which were immediately absorbed into the surrounding space. This feedback loop had a profound effect, as Courage began to feel his domain subtly expand and strengthen in response to the primal essence being generated.


    The sensation was unlike anything he had felt before¡ªa rejuvenating and immersive experience, as though every fiber of his being was resonating with the growth of his beast and domain.


    He continued this process for nearly an hour, completely absorbed in the pleasant sensation. However, the feeling abruptly ceased, pulling him back to awareness. Inspecting his domain, he realized that his spirit energy reserves had been depleted. Without energy to sustain the process, the growth of both his beast and his domain came to a halt.


    Finding nothing he could do to replenish his spirit energy at the moment, Courage remained seated, waiting patiently for his classmates to finish so they could move on to the next step. As he observed the others, something struck him: the order in which everyone completed the exercise wasn¡¯t random at all.


    It dawned on him that the order was closely tied to their aptitude. The reasoning became clear the more he thought about it¡ªaptitude determined one¡¯s spirit energy capacity. A higher aptitude meant a greater reserve of spirit energy, allowing for prolonged nurturing of their beasts.


    Given his own situation, it made sense why he had been the first to run out of spirit energy. As the student with the lowest aptitude in his class, his reserves were the smallest, limiting how long he could sustain the process. He noted the pattern among the others: those who finished after him were similarly those with lower aptitudes, while the ones still continuing had progressively higher aptitudes.


    As he reflected further, another crucial realization struck him. Higher aptitude didn¡¯t just mean greater spirit energy capacity¡ªit also meant faster growth. Those with more spirit energy could nurture their beasts and expand their domains more effectively, giving them a significant advantage over time.


    The disadvantages of his low aptitude were already becoming evident, and the gap between himself and his peers was likely to widen unless he found a way to bridge it. For the first time, Courage felt the weight of his limitations bearing down on him.

 Chapter 16 : the start of a new regime

    It was several hours later, and the day lesson had come to an end. Riker stood before the class, addressing the students one final time.


    ¡°Starting from now,¡± Riker announced, his tone resolute, ¡°each of you will be responsible for caring for your own beast. This will help develop your beast-handling skills and prepare you for the real responsibilities of being a tamer.¡±


    The students listened attentively as he continued, ¡°This responsibility includes cultivating your beast¡¯s marks, feeding them, and handling their needs. From this point forward, these tasks are your responsibility alone.¡±


    The idea of managing every aspect of his beast¡¯s growth was daunting, but courage knew it was an essential part of becoming a skilled tamer.


    ¡°As for the expenses,¡± Riker added, ¡°starting tomorrow, the academy will provide each of you with an allowance. Use it wisely to support your beast¡¯s needs. How well you manage this will directly reflect your discipline and commitment as tamers.¡±


    With those final words, the lesson concluded. Courage, along with the rest of the class, began to file out of the training area


    Heading back to his room, Courage slumped back into his bed. Today had been a long day for him, and he felt like napping until dinner time.


    "So, how was today''s experiences for you, kid?" Dan''s voice echoed in Courage''s head.


    "It''s alright¡­ just¡­" Courage sighed. "Still thinking about my aptitude."


    "So you noticed, huh?" Dan said, his tone carrying a hint of understanding.


    "Yep. My journey as a beast tamer is still at its beginning, but I am already sensing the rough road ahead," Courage replied, a tinge of resignation in his voice.


    "Well, I am sorry, kid, but it''s good that you''re getting aware of it early," Dan said, his voice soft.


    "Yeah well When life sets a hard road for you, what can one do but keep on pushing till things get easier," Courage said, closing his eyes.


    "Yeah¡­ get easier," Dan muttered halfway through, his voice quieter now.


    "Yhaan¡­ Welp, I am spent. Guess I am taking a nap. Wake me up when it''s time for dinner," Courage murmured before drifting off to sleep.


    The next morning, the students filed into the classroom, greeted by the warm smile of Miss Everdine. Beside her, Riker stood with his usual stoic expression, but even he seemed slightly more relaxed today.


    ¡°Good morning, everyone,¡± Miss Everdine began, her voice kind and inviting. ¡°I hope you all had a good night¡¯s rest. We have some exciting updates for you today.¡±


    The room settled, the students drawn in by her genuine tone.


    ¡°First,¡± she said, her smile widening, ¡°congratulations are in order. As of yesterday, each of you has officially completed the novice training program. Meaning that You are now Level One Beast Tamers.¡±


    The class erupted into cheers and claps. Miss Everdine chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with pride. ¡°You¡¯ve all worked hard to get here, and I want you to take a moment to recognize that. Every single one of you has grown so much, and I couldn¡¯t be prouder.¡±


    Courage felt a small swell of warmth at her words, her encouragement reaching even the most anxious of students.


    ¡°this milestone,¡± Miss Everdine continued, her voice steady. "marks a significant transition. You¡¯re now going to enter the mid-to-late training program. This phase will bring new responsibilities and opportunities. For starters, as Mr. Riker informed you yesterday, the care and cultivation of your beasts are now entirely your responsibility. This includes their feeding, handling, and growth. Consider this your first true test as tamers."


    The class nodded, some with excitement and others with a hint of apprehension.


    "Now, for the second announcement," she said, her tone shifting to something more serious. "In two weeks time, the Academy League will officially commence. This is a series of organized, mandatory combat matches involving students from various classes. These matches will serve as a critical measure of your progress as tamers."


    The room erupted into hushed whispers¡ªsome students eager, others visibly nervous. Courage straightened in his seat, the weight of her words sinking in.


    "Let me be clear," Miss Everdine pressed on, her gaze sharp. "Your performance in these matches¡ªwhether you win, lose, or how you handle yourself¡ªwill directly impact your yearly evaluation score. Excelling in the league can also earn you academy credits, which can be exchanged for all sorts of benefits "


    The students grew silent again, the stakes becoming clear.


    "Furthermore, you¡¯ll now have access to optional courses," she added. "These courses are designed to enhance specific skills and knowledge. Excelling in them will also boost your evaluation score. Remember, this phase is about independence and initiative. How you manage your time, your beasts, and your training will determine your success."


    Miss Everdine took a moment to let her words sink in before concluding. "That¡¯s all for the announcements. Now, let¡¯s move on to your test results."


    The atmosphere in the room shifted again as Riker stepped forward with the results, but Courage''s thoughts lingered on the Academy League. Excitement flickered beneath his quietness


    Once all the test results were returned, the classroom buzzed with murmured discussions. Some students were reflecting on their grades, while others excitedly shared their scores.


    ¡°Woohoo! I managed to score well on both Spirit Sense and Spirit Command!¡± one student exclaimed.


    ¡°Damn, I fell short on the Spirit Sense test,¡± another groaned.


    ¡°Yeah, me too. Even though Spirit Sense seems simpler than Spirit Command, it¡¯s actually harder,¡± someone added.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think a lot of people scored well on it,¡± another chimed in.


    ¡°Really? Who do you think the top scorer in our class is?¡±Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    ¡°Well, I personally think¡­¡±


    While the chatter filled the room, Courage sat at his desk, staring at his test results. To his surprise, he had done better than expected, scoring well on both tests. A wave of satisfaction and pride lifted his mood, and for the first time in a while, he felt genuinely optimistic about his future.


    As the murmurs began to die down, Miss Everdine addressed the class again. ¡°I hope you all take time to reflect on these tests and work on compensating for any shortcomings you may have. Falling behind this early could be detrimental, so make sure to correct your weaknesses.¡±


    Her words had a sobering effect on the class, and most students nodded in agreement. But before the weight of her lecture could fully settle, she continued, ¡°With that being said, it¡¯s time for you to receive your first monthly allowance.¡±


    The room instantly shifted back to excitement, the announcement pulling everyone''s attention like a magnet.


    "Now, as the academy has declared, each student will be given a monthly allowance of 200 spirit stones to use for any expenses they deem necessary," Miss Everdine announced, her voice carrying a tone of authority. "You will receive this amount only once a month, so make sure to spend it wisely and responsibly. Understood?"


    The class responded in unison, "Understood, Miss Everdine."


    Satisfied with their acknowledgment, Miss Everdine continued, "Good. One last thing¡ªthe academy has also instructed to grant additional spirit stones to those who perform well. So the top three scorers of both tests will receive an additional 100 spirit stones each. So, work hard if you also want to earn such rewards in the future! And now to announce the top three scorers for both tests. Let¡¯s begin with Spirit Command,¡± she declared, her voice steady and commanding.


    The students leaned forward in their seats, the room brimming with anticipation.


    ¡°For Spirit Command, the top three scorers are as follows: in third place, Jack Eastwood.¡±


    A few polite claps filled the room, though a ripple of unease lingered. Jack leaned back in his seat, smirking with that familiar air of arrogance. Despite his foul demeanor and the reputation that made most steer clear of him, no one could deny his talent. Spirit Command came to him effortlessly, as if he had been born for it. Of course, no one would dare to voice complaints¡ªeven the bravest among them knew better than to provoke Jack.


    ¡°In second place, Kenji Darvaine.¡±


    Kenji nodded calmly as the attention shifted to him. His stoic demeanor and focus often made him seem unapproachable, but no one doubted his abilities. His aptitude had always set him apart, and his performance today simply reinforced what many already expected.


    ¡°And in first place, Sarah Morningstar.¡±


    The applause grew louder, though Sarah herself barely reacted. Sitting near the front, she nodded once, her expression unreadable, almost detached. Her beauty and grace often drew attention, but her quiet, distant nature kept most at arm¡¯s length. She seemed to exist in her own world, uninterested in the praise of others or the usual classroom dynamics.


    Courage glanced at the three of them, the only high-grade aptitudes in the class. It wasn¡¯t surprising that they dominated the rankings¡ªthis outcome felt inevitable. Talent, as much as effort, shaped their futures, and in their case, the former was as natural as breathing. For the rest of the class, it served as a stark reminder of where they stood in comparison.


    Miss Everdine¡¯s voice cut through the room once again.¡°Now, for the results of the Spirit Sense test. In third place¡­ Kenji Darvaine.¡±


    Polite applause followed, though it was tinged with an undercurrent of surprise. Kenji¡¯s calm expression remained intact, though his lips twitched in a faint smile as he inclined his head slightly.


    ¡°In second place¡­ Sarah Morningstar.¡±


    This announcement caused a ripple of shock. Murmurs broke out as Sarah, typically the unshakable favorite, merely nodded without any visible reaction, her gaze distant as if the result hardly mattered.


    ¡°And in first place¡­ Courage Petacos.¡±


    A stunned silence swept through the room, followed by a sudden explosion of whispers.


    ¡°Wait, Courage? Did she just say Courage?¡±


    ¡°How is that possible? He¡¯s never even stood out before.¡±


    ¡°Looks like a dark stallion has suddenly joined the race!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think he had it in him¡­¡±


    Courage sat frozen in his seat, the words still sinking in. He wasn¡¯t sure if the warmth spreading through his chest was pride or disbelief. Slowly, he looked down at his hands, as though they might hold the secret to his unexpected success.


    Miss Everdine finished writing the results on the board and turned to face the class. Her eyes briefly settled on Courage, and for a moment, a kind and proud expression crossed her face. It was subtle, but unmistakable, a silent acknowledgment of his achievement.


    The attention of the entire class seemed to shift toward Courage. Some students whispered excitedly; others stared at him as if seeing him for the first time. Even the previous top three couldn¡¯t help but react.


    Jack Eastwood shot him a glare filled with disdain, his lips curling into a sneer. The bad blood between them was no secret, and this new development clearly stung. Being kicked out of the top three was bad enough, but being bested by Courage of all people seemed to hit a nerve.


    Kenji, on the other hand, regarded him with a look of curiosity and intrigue. His head tilted slightly, as though studying Courage like a new puzzle waiting to be solved.


    And Sarah, detached as always, seemed unaffected by the revelation. Yet, despite her usual aloof demeanor, she stole a couple of glances at Courage, her expression unreadable. It was subtle enough that most wouldn¡¯t notice, but for those paying attention, it was clear she, too, was silently measuring him.


    Courage felt the weight of the stares, a mix of emotions bubbling within him. For the first time, it felt like he had truly stepped into the spotlight, and he wasn¡¯t entirely sure how he felt about it.


    After the announcements, Miss Everdine gestured toward the front of the classroom, where a small chest filled with glowing spirit stones had been placed. ¡°Now, it¡¯s time for you to receive your monthly allowances,¡± she declared. ¡°Each of you will collect 200 spirit stones. As for the top scorers, your additional rewards have been prepared as well. Please line up in an orderly manner.¡±


    The students quickly formed a line, the excitement palpable in the room. One by one, they stepped forward, receiving their spirit stones and murmuring about how they planned to spend or save them.


    When it was Courage¡¯s turn, he hesitated for a moment before stepping up to the desk where Miss Everdine stood. She handed him a small pouch filled with 200 spirit stones and then added another pouch, this one containing an additional 100.


    ¡°Your total is 300 spirit stones,¡± she said, her voice calm but warm. For a brief moment, her eyes met his, and that same subtle yet proud expression crossed her face again. ¡°Well done, Courage.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Miss Everdine,¡± Courage managed, feeling a mix of pride and awkwardness as he stepped back toward his seat.


    As he walked past the line, he could feel the stares again. Some of his classmates whispered among themselves, the news of his achievement still fresh.


    ¡°300 spirit stones¡­ that¡¯s not bad for a first-timer.¡±


    ¡°He really came out of nowhere, didn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°Guess the quiet ones can surprise you.¡±


    Even Jack, standing further back in the line, scoffed loudly. ¡°Beginner¡¯s luck,¡± he muttered under his breath, though the bitterness in his voice was hard to miss.


    Courage ignored the comments as best he could, sitting down and placing the pouches on his desk. He opened them slightly, letting the faint glow of the spirit stones spill out. It felt surreal to have them in his possession, especially the bonus stones. For the first time in a while, he felt like he was truly capable of achieving something, and it was a feeling he intended to hold onto.


    The distribution continued, and soon all the students were back in their seats, counting their spirit stones and discussing plans for the day ahead. Courage glanced down at his pouch one last time, the weight of it both literal and symbolic¡ªa small victory, but one that felt monumental in its own way.


    "Before you all leave, a final word of advice," miss everdine began. "Remember, the academy has provided you with these spirit stones as a means to support your growth, not for frivolous spending. Choose your purchases wisely. Equip yourselves with items that will aid in your training, strengthen your foundations, and prepare you for the challenges ahead."


    The students nodded, though the excitement buzzing in the air was palpable.


    "And one last reminder," Miss Everdine added, her tone firm. "Though the academy gates are now open, you are still representatives of this institution. Behave accordingly. Do not bring shame upon yourselves or the academy."


    With that, she dismissed them. ¡°You¡¯re free to leave. Make good use of your time outside.¡±


    The moment the words left her lips, the room erupted into motion. Students scrambled from their seats, chatting animatedly as they rushed toward the door.


    ¡°For real? We can finally go outside?¡±


    ¡°Two months locked up in here¡­ I thought I¡¯d go crazy!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for this day. There¡¯s this shop I heard about¡­¡±


    Even Courage felt a spark of excitement bubbling inside him. As an outdoorsman by nature, he had spent most of his life exploring the world around him. The past two months of confinement in the academy, while necessary, had been stifling. Now, he couldn¡¯t wait to stretch his legs and explore the new environment he found himself in.


    He hurried back to his room, his heart pounding with anticipation. Without wasting time, he grabbed a small leather satchel and packed a few essentials: a water flask, a map of the garrison he¡¯d been studying, and his new spirit stones. Slinging the bag over his shoulder, he took a deep breath.


    ¡°Time to see what this place has to offer,¡± he muttered to himself, a grin forming on his face.


    Rushing out of the dormitory, he joined the stream of students heading toward the academy gates. The towering iron gates creaked open, revealing the bustling streets of grand cliff Garrison. Lined with shops, market stalls, and countless unfamiliar sights, the garrison felt alive in a way the academy never could.


    As the academy gates opened, the students spilled out into the world beyond, and Courage excitedly stepped into the bustling streets of Grand Cliff garrison the underground city that had been his home for the past two months. The city''s cavernous ceiling stretched high above, supported by massive stone pillars that rose from the ground like ancient sentinels. Though the city was buried beneath the earth, it was far from dark and dreary. Bright lanterns illuminated the pathways, casting a warm glow that reflected off the walls of the cavern, making the entire area feel like an expansive, living space.


    The sounds of footsteps echoed off the walls, blending with the chatter of merchants hawking their goods, the scent of fresh food drifting through the air, and the bustle of people moving through the busy streets. There were shopkeepers with colorful stalls, street vendors with crates of goods, and even performers showing off their skills to draw crowds.


    Courage paused for a moment, taking in the vastness of Grand Cliff and its sprawling underground districts, its various layers built into the sides of the cavern.


    He was eager to see everything Grand Cliff had to offer. The idea of discovering new places, interacting with the city''s inhabitants, and¡ªof course¡ªfinding new resources for his training with his newly acquired spirit stones filled him with anticipation.


    "I¡¯m finally out," Courage murmured to himself, tightening the strap on his leather satchel and then began walking, letting the flow of the crowd carry him along the cobblestone streets. He passed through a market area where the goods ranged from food and textiles to trinkets and bizarre items.


    "What to buy first?" he thought, already looking for a shop that sold things that could enhance his training. The streets of Grand Cliff were just the beginning. With the city¡¯s vastness stretching out in every direction, Courage couldn¡¯t wait to get started.

 Chapter 17 : hitting the town

    While making his way through the bustling streets of the merchant district, Courage marveled at the vibrant sights and sounds. The air was thick with the scent of fresh produce, spices, and the occasional exotic beast being paraded through the crowd. He couldn''t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer variety of goods on display. The possibilities seemed endless, and the excitement of exploring bubbled inside him.


    ¡°Now, what to buy first?¡± he muttered to himself, surveying the street vendors with their colorful stalls.


    And that question a voice rang out from within his mind,


    "Well, most certainly, first your beast''s basic needs, of course."


    Courage paused, a little startled, then nodded. "Makes sense," he muttered, looking for a vendor that might sell food suitable for his beetle beast.


    He wandered through the market, his eyes scanning the various stalls until he found one selling a variety of beast foods¡ªdried herbs, various insects, and odd pellets in several shapes and sizes. "This should be good," he thought, grabbing a handful of different feeds, trying to pick a variety that would suit his beetle''s diet.


    Dan¡¯s voice echoed again in his head. "Make sure to buy in good quantities to last you a while. You¡¯ll also want some variety¡ªbeetles can be picky. And don¡¯t forget raw materials for developing your domain¡ªperhaps some moss and special minerals for starters. Oh, and a few things to enhance the comfort of your beast too..."


    Courage nodded, diligently listening to Dan''s voice guiding him through his purchases. He made sure to stock up on everything, from basic food to more specialized materials, and even a few luxuries that Dan suggested would be useful down the line.


    Several hours later, and Courage was sitting on the side of a fountain in the middle of a bustling square, exhausted from the spree. He hadn¡¯t expected the shopping trip to be so tiring, but there was satisfaction in knowing he had the essentials¡ªat least for now.


    He dug into the food he¡¯d bought from a nearby vendor, savoring the savory meat skewers and fresh bread. As he ate, his mind wandered back to the domain and the beetle nestled within his chest. It was strange, carrying a beast inside him but he decided not to delve in it to much .


    a few quiet moments passed, the sound of water from the fountain and the hum of the busy market blending together as Courage sat, eating and doing some calculations in his mind


    After finishing his calculations, Courage estimated the total expenses. ¡°The total should be around 20 spirit stones,¡± he remarked casually.


    ¡°23 to be exact,¡± Dan corrected.


    Courage raised an eyebrow. ¡°Still, that¡¯s not too bad, right?¡±


    Dan nodded. ¡°The average expenses for a tamer of your level are usually around 35 spirit stones a month for basic needs. So, on average, you¡¯ve managed to save a bit on expenses.¡±


    ¡°Well, not by much, though,¡± Courage replied, shrugging.


    ¡°No, trust me,¡± Dan said, his tone turning serious. ¡°For someone like you, every spirit stone is precious. Always try to save where you can.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll understand once we start cultivating your beast,¡± Dan replied.


    ¡°All right, if you say so,¡± Courage said, conceding.


    With his errands complete, Courage decided to spend the rest of the day exploring. While wandering the streets, he accidentally ran into Wally, the boy he had befriended in the past few days.


    ¡°Courage!¡± Wally exclaimed, his face lighting up with excitement. He hurried over, nearly tripping in his enthusiasm.


    ¡°Wally,¡± Courage said, smiling. ¡°Didn¡¯t expect to see you here.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so glad I ran into you!¡± Wally said, practically bouncing on his heels. ¡°I¡¯ve been wanting to thank you.¡±


    ¡°Thank me? For what?¡± Courage asked, puzzled.


    ¡°For helping me with my training the last few days,¡± Wally said, his voice brimming with gratitude. ¡°Thanks to your advice, I managed to score a passing grade in both tests today! That¡¯s way more than I expected, especially with how slow I was improving before.¡±


    Courage blinked in surprise. ¡°Really? That¡¯s great, Wally! But it¡¯s not like I did much. You¡¯re the one who put in the effort.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t sell yourself short,¡± Wally insisted. ¡°Without your help, I wouldn¡¯t have even known what to focus on. You taught me how to adjust my will, how to manage my energy flow¡­ It made all the difference!¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Courage said with a sheepish grin, ¡°I¡¯m glad it worked out for you.¡±


    ¡°It did, and I owe it all to you,¡± Wally said earnestly. ¡°Thank you, Courage. I¡¯ll never forget this.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± Courage replied. ¡°So, what are you up to now?¡±


    ¡°Not much,¡± Wally said. ¡°I was just wandering around after shopping¡± He hesitated before adding, ¡°Want to hang out for a bit?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Courage said with a smile. ¡°Why not?¡±


    The two spent the next few hours exploring the city together, chatting about everything from training to their future goals as tamers. Wally¡¯s infectious enthusiasm and Courage¡¯s calm demeanor made for a relaxed and enjoyable time. They tried snacks from street vendors, watched performers in the square, and even stumbled upon a small shop selling beast-taming trinkets.


    As the sun began to set and the streets grew quieter, the two made their way back toward the academy. The cool evening breeze carried a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie.


    ¡°Today was fun,¡± Wally said as they reached the academy gates. ¡°Thanks for hanging out with me.¡±


    ¡°Same here,¡± Courage replied with a grin. ¡°It¡¯s nice to take a break every now and then.¡±


    With a wave, they parted ways, each heading to their dorms. As Courage lay in bed that night, he reflected on the day. It had been productive, and spending time with Wally reminded him that even small hang outs could feel so satisfying .


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    The next morning, Courage sat cross-legged in his room, his mind focused and his breathing steady. His Totem hovered within his domain , resonating with his spirit energy.


    Dan¡¯s voice broke the silence. ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, let¡¯s do this,¡± Courage replied, cracking his knuckles. ¡°First step¡ªdeveloping my domain.¡±


    Closing his eyes, he projected his consciousness into his domain. It appeared as it always did: a vast, white void. His beetle floated leisurely at the center . In one corner of the space, a hill of materials sat neatly piled¡ªthe products of yesterday¡¯s purchases.


    It must be noted that domains don¡¯t just store beasts. Any material with even a trace of spiritual energy can be kept there. That''s how courage managed to carry and transport all of his yesterday purchases by himself.


    Courage soon began ¡°Okay, let¡¯s start with the ground,¡± he murmured.


    With a surge of willpower, he directed the hill of materials to move. Hundreds of kilograms of soil began to spread evenly across the void. The slightly spiritually rich soil wasn¡¯t anything special, but it served well as a foundation for his domain. Slowly, the sterile emptiness gave way to a solid, earthy floor stretching to the edges of his domain.


    ¡°Good. Now for the atmosphere,¡± Dan instructed.


    Courage focused on a set of oversized flower buds, each the size of a pumpkin. Wielding his will, he infused spirit energy into the buds. One by one, they began to deflate, releasing streams of air and moisture. It wasn¡¯t long before the dry void transformed¡ªCourage could feel a faint breeze and the presence of humidity, as though the space had come alive.


    ¡°Alright, gravity¡¯s next,¡± Courage said, concentrating once more.


    He projected his will into the domain, and the change was instantaneous. His beetle, which had been floating aimlessly, began to descend gently until it touched the ground. The creature moved cautiously, its antennae twitching as it adjusted to the new environment. Courage projected a calming wave of reassurance through his Totem, soothing the beetle¡¯s wariness.


    ¡°Good work so far,¡± Dan said, his tone approving.


    Courage grinned. ¡°We¡¯re just getting started.¡±


    Turning his focus upward, he manipulated the top of the domain, altering its color to simulate a blue sky. Wisps of white appeared, mimicking clouds, and the transformation brought a sense of openness to the once-confining void.


    Satisfied, Courage shifted his attention back to the ground. He dug a shallow hole, concentrating the moisture in the air to fill it with water, creating a small pond. Around the pond, he began placing stones, grass seeds, moss, and saplings. Each item he planted visibly grew the moment it touched the soil, responding to his will. Within moments, the barren ground was alive with patches of greenery, a testament to the vitality of his domain.


    As Courage surveyed his work, a satisfied smile crossed his face. ¡°Alright, basic environment done.¡±


    He sat back, watching his beetle explore its new habitat. The creature seemed more active now, scuttling around with curiosity. Courage couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°This feels like building a custom tank for my beetles back home. I missed doing this.¡±


    Dan¡¯s voice cut in with a note of encouragement. ¡°You¡¯re off to a solid start. A well-developed domain is essential for your beast¡¯s growth.¡±


    Courage nodded, his mind already brimming with ideas for future upgrades.


    But returning to the task at hand, Courage refocused and willed a new batch of materials into position. This batch contained a particular item he had been saving: a small sapling known as the Vigor Sap Oak.


    Unlike a regular oak tree, this sapling had a thick, sturdy trunk and copper-colored leaves that shimmered faintly in the artificial light of his domain. It wasn¡¯t just for decoration¡ªthis tree was a vital cultivation resource. Its sap was uniquely suited for vigor-type beasts, and consuming it could significantly enhance Thier cultivation efficiency and effectiveness .


    Courage examined the sapling carefully before choosing an ideal spot to plant it near the small pond. The tree¡¯s importance wasn¡¯t lost on him; at ten spirit stones, it had cost nearly half of his total expenses from the previous day.


    After planting the tree, Courage used his will to guide spirit energy into the sapling, encouraging it to take root. The process was slow and far more taxing than he¡¯d anticipated. Beads of sweat formed on his brow as he watched the roots extend into the soil and the trunk grow ever so slightly taller.


    ¡°Helping this thing grow sure is harder than planting regular stuff,¡± Courage muttered, taking a deep breath.


    Dan¡¯s voice resonated in his mind. ¡°Of course it is. Unique cultivation materials are far more demanding than ordinary plants. They require precise conditions and a deep understanding of their needs to thrive.¡±


    Courage frowned. ¡°So you¡¯re saying I probably won¡¯t be able to grow this thing properly?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I¡¯m saying,¡± Dan replied. ¡°You don¡¯t need it to grow into a towering tree right now. As long as you can keep it alive and maintain it, the Vigor Sap Oak will still produce sap that your beast can use for cultivation. That¡¯s all that matters for now.¡±


    Courage exhaled and nodded, reassured by Dan¡¯s words. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll focus on maintaining it then. No point stressing over perfection.¡±


    As the sapling settled into its new environment, Courage watched his beetle approach it, its antennae twitching with curiosity. The creature seemed drawn to the tree¡¯s presence, and Courage couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.


    ¡°This tree better be worth the effort,¡± he said with a smirk.


    ¡°It will be,¡± Dan assured him. ¡°You¡¯re investing in your beast¡¯s future. Every bit of effort you put in now will pay off down the road.¡±


    Courage took one last look at the sapling before moving on to the next task. His domain was slowly taking shape, each addition bringing it closer to being a space where his beetle could thrive and grow. Despite the challenges, Courage found himself enjoying the process.


    After a few more adjustments and setups, Courage finally completed the initial development of his domain.


    ¡°Alright,¡± he said, wiping imaginary sweat from his brow. ¡°That¡¯s done. Should I start a cultivation session now?¡±


    Dan¡¯s voice chimed in. ¡°Sure, but you¡¯re running a bit low on spirit energy. It¡¯s better to top off first.¡±


    Taking the advice to heart, Courage withdrew his consciousness from his domain and returned to the outside world. He reached for the pouch at his side, filled with spirit stones he owned . Pulling out a fist-sized spirit stone, he held it firmly in his hands.


    Closing his eyes, he focused on the faint hum emanating from the stone. Spirit stones weren¡¯t just shiny objects¡ªthey were condensed repositories of spirit energy, created naturally by Spirit Springs. By channeling his will, Courage began drawing the energy out of the stone, replenishing his own reserves.


    As the energy flowed into him, he felt a refreshing feeling spread through his body. Spirit stones were invaluable to tamers at all levels for this very reason. They provided a reliable and portable source of energy, whether for training, combat, or emergencies.


    Dan¡¯s voice broke through his thoughts. ¡°You¡¯re getting the hang of it. Just don¡¯t take them for granted. Spirit stones are useful, but they¡¯re not infinite. Their production is steady, but demand is even higher.¡±


    Courage nodded as he continued absorbing energy. ¡°Makes sense. They¡¯re so versatile, it¡¯s no wonder they¡¯re considered valuable.¡±


    Dan continued, his tone shifting into a more instructional one. ¡°Exactly. The steady production from Spirit Springs ensures there¡¯s a supply, but tamers consume them constantly. Between their usefulness and rarity, it¡¯s no surprise that spirit stones became the universal currency.¡±


    Courage opened his eyes, holding the a small handful of dust in his hand. He set it aside, knowing the spirit stone he used had been depleted of its energy. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m topped off. Let¡¯s do this.¡±


    Back in his domain, Courage''s totem with his consciousness in it stood before the Vigor Sap Oak, ready to begin his beast''s cultivation session. He carefully injected a small amount of spirit energy into the sapling, urging it to start producing sap. The tree responded slowly at first, its copper-colored leaves glowing faintly as the flow of spirit energy stimulated its internal processes.


    Turning his attention to his beast, Courage issued a clear mental command. The beetle, sensing its tamer''s will, moved toward the tree. Using its sturdy horn and immense strength, it began peeling away the oak''s tough bark. After creating a split large enough for the sap to seep through, the beetle brought its mouthparts close to the opening and started sucking the rich, golden sap.


    Courage smiled as he watched his beetle consume the sap with obvious satisfaction. ¡°Good, looks like this was worth the investment,¡± he muttered.


    While his beast fed, Courage began channeling his spirit energy directly into its body. He could feel the Beast Marks within the beetle starting to multiply and grow. The usual sluggish pace of the marks'' development had noticeably accelerated, thanks to the sap''s unique properties. Each new mark that appeared seemed sharper and more defined, signifying an increase in his beast''s strength and potential.


    ¡°This is amazing,¡± Courage thought,The combination of the sap and his own energy was clearly paying off.


    The cultivation session continued for several hours. Courage worked tirelessly, alternating between directing energy into his beetle and replenishing his own reserves using spirit stones. The strain was evident; his low aptitude meant his energy reserves were limited and regenerated slowly. Every time he ran out, he had to pause and absorb more energy from the stones.


    By the time the session ended, Courage had depleted several spirit stones. He looked at the  small pile of stone dust beside him and sighed, recalling Dan¡¯s earlier warning.


    ¡°So this is what he meant,¡± Courage muttered. ¡°If I want to keep up with everyone else, I¡¯ll be burning through these like crazy.¡±


    Despite the exhaustion and the realization of his uphill battle, courage Wiping sweat from his brow, smiled. ¡°Alright, little guy. We¡¯re making progress. Slowly but surely, we¡¯ll get there.¡±


    The beetle chirped softly, its antennae twitching as if in agreement.


    After the cultivation session was over, Courage slumped back on his bed, sighing deeply. ¡°Who knew beast cultivation could be this tiring?¡±


    Dan''s voice resonated within his mind. ¡°Constantly depleting spirit energy, as well as projecting your will for prolonged periods, can indeed cause fatigue.¡±


    ¡°No kidding,¡± Courage groaned, rubbing his temples. ¡°Anyway, how strong do you think my beast has gotten after all this?¡±


    ¡°See for yourself.¡±


    Though clearly exhausted, Courage pushed through his weariness. Using his totem, he projected his consciousness into his domain, where his spirit beast rested. As he concentrated, he inspected its Beast Marks.


    ¡°So, what exactly am I supposed to look for here?¡± he asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s simple¡ªjust count the marks,¡± the voice replied.


    Strengthening his spirit sense, Courage felt new information entering his mind. The Beast Marks on his creature began to reveal themselves, glowing faintly. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s see... There are about 150 marks in total now. That¡¯s a big improvement from before¡ªthere were only around 80. Not bad progress, right?¡±


    ¡°Not bad, but not exceptional either,¡± the voice commented.


    Courage sighed. ¡°Say, Dan, I¡¯ve been wondering¡ªsince tamers are ranked by levels, how do we rank beasts?¡±


    ¡°The most common system aligns beast rankings with tamer levels,¡± Dan explained.


    ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°First, you need to know the ranking system for tamers. Tamers are divided into nine levels:


    Levels 1 to 3 are considered rookies.


    Levels 4 to 7 signify experts.


    Levels 8 and 9 are the master ranks.


    Similarly, beasts are ranked based on their compatibility with tamer levels. A tamer can only tame and cultivate beasts at their level or lower.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Courage murmured. ¡°So, what¡¯s the actual difference between the levels?¡±


    ¡°Beyond the obvious strength and capability improvements, there are key distinctions. For beasts, the most straightforward way to measure their rank is by the number of Beast Marks they possess.


    A level 1 beast typically has hundreds of marks.


    A level 2 beast would have thousands.


    A level 3 beast might have tens of thousands.


    And the base amount increases exponentially as you go higher. Beast Marks provide a clear and measurable


    indication of their raw power, though their abilities and compatibility with their tamer also play crucial roles.¡±


    Courage nodded thoughtfully. ¡°So, the higher the marks, the stronger the beast... It makes sense i guess .

 Chapter 18 : the league begins

    Two weeks had passed since the events of the last time,during of which Courage had dedicated most of his time to cultivating his beast. The hard work had been fruitful, yet the looming tension of competition hung in the air.


    Today marked the start of the much-anticipated Academy League. The announcement was met with a mix of excitement and nerves among the students. The league system was straightforward but demanding: random pairings would determine the matches, with each student required to participate in two mandatory matches per week.


    Victories and losses would directly influence a student''s ranking, ensuring that future pairings would be with opponents of a similar rank. This dynamic system aimed to create a fair playing field while fostering growth.


    Beyond the mandatory matches, students were also allowed to issue direct challenges to others, provided they had the approval of the instructors. These challenges added an element of strategy and rivalry, as ambitious students sought to climb the ranks or settle personal disputes.


    During the two-week period leading up to the Academy League, Courage focused intently on preparing himself. He managed to increase his beetle''s Beast Marks to around 350¡ªa respectable pace of progress, as remarked by Dan .


    However, this development came at a steep cost. Cultivating at this pace required a significant investment of spirit stones, and Courage had burned through a substantial portion of his savings, leaving him with only 195 stones. While he had started with an above-average amount compared to his peers, the rapid consumption rate posed a growing concern.


    Barely two weeks had passed, and he had already spent nearly a third of his reserves. At this rate, his cultivation progress was unsustainable in the long term, forcing Courage to confront the harsh reality that he needed alternative methods to maintain his pace or risk falling behind.


    The strain on his resources added an extra layer of pressure as the Academy League began. Courage would need to balance cultivation, league matches, and resource management¡ªa juggling act that could determine whether he thrived or struggled in the days to come.


    But for now, Courage set aside his concerns about resources and focused on the task at hand¡ªhis first match in the Academy League. The match was about to begin, and he was already standing within the academy arena.


    The arena was modest in size, designed for small-scale duels rather than grand spectacles. It consisted of a square ring several meters across, slightly sunken below the observation stands. The stands were sparsely populated, with only a few students and instructors scattered around, offering an atmosphere of quiet anticipation rather than overwhelming noise or excitement.


    Courage walked up to the edge of one of the stands, his boots echoing faintly on the metal surface. He looked down at the ring, its walled boundaries marking the limits of the fight. The tension in the air was palpable, but Courage took a steadying breath as Dan''s voice echoed in his mind.


    "You ready?" Dan¡¯s tone was calm, a mix of encouragement and reassurance.


    "As ready as I can be," Courage replied quietly, his voice tinged with nervousness. "We did train really hard these past days, didn¡¯t we?"


    "We sure did. But it¡¯s okay to feel nervous¡ªas long as you don¡¯t let it hinder you. Take this first match as an opportunity, nothing tempers and strengthens the mind and will like the heat of battle."


    Courage sighed, shaking off the lingering tension. "Sure."


    "Good. Now go get ¡¯em, tiger."


    With those final words of encouragement, Dan¡¯s voice faded from his mind. Courage had reached the top of the stand, now facing his opponent¡ªa boy from another class. There wasn¡¯t much to note about him; he looked ordinary, his posture steady but unremarkable.


    Courage¡¯s fingers tightened briefly into a fist before he relaxed, stepping forward. His first match was about to begin.


    The arena grew silent as both Courage and his opponent prepared to summon their beasts. Courage took a steady breath, reaching inward to his domain. A glowing white light radiated from his torso, condensing into the form of his full strength beetle. The creature stood firm on its six sturdy legs, its chitin glinting faintly under the arena lights.


    Opposite him, his opponent summoned his own beast¡ªa lithe and sleek creature known as the Ember-Eyed Gecko. It was a striking contrast to the beetle, with scales shimmering in hues of crimson and orange, and small, flickering flames burning in its fiery yellow eyes. The air around it shimmered with heat.


    The instructor at the edge of the ring raised his hand. "Begin!"


    The Ember-Eyed Gecko moved first, darting forward with surprising speed. Its claws left faint scorch marks on the ground as it closed the distance, a flash of orange fire gathering in its mouth.


    Courage reacted quickly. "Hold your ground!" he commanded his beetle. The full-strength beetle braced itself, lowering its horn in preparation.


    The gecko spat a fireball mid-charge, aiming straight for the beetle. With a sharp buzz, the beetle unfurled its wings and leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. The fireball exploded against the ground, leaving a blackened scorch mark where the beetle had stood moments before.


    "Good!" Courage shouted. "Now counter!"


    The beetle spun mid-air and landed, its horn glowing faintly with spirit energy. It charged forward with surprising speed, its weight causing the ground to tremble slightly. The gecko hissed, leaping sideways to avoid the beetle¡¯s horn.


    But Courage had anticipated this. "Sweep!"


    The beetle shifted its charge, swinging its massive horn sideways like a club. The gecko, caught mid-leap, was struck by the edge of the horn and sent tumbling across the ring. It scrambled to its feet, growling, but its movements were a bit slower now.


    "Don¡¯t let it recover!" Courage commanded.


    The beetle pressed forward, raising its horn for another strike. However, the gecko hissed sharply, its ember-like eyes flaring with intensity. It slammed its tail against the ground, creating a burst of flames that forced the beetle to retreat momentarily.


    "Smart move," Courage muttered under his breath. The Ember-Eyed Gecko was wounded, but it wasn¡¯t out of tricks yet.


    The gecko shifted tactics, circling the beetle cautiously, its body low to the ground. Small embers flickered from its mouth as it prepared another attack. The beetle stood firm, its horn glowing brighter as it readied itself for the next clash.


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    Both beasts stared each other down, the air between them crackling with tension. It was a battle of endurance and strategy now, and Courage could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he prepared his next move.


    Then Dan''s voice resounded " keep it cool you''re doing alright, you''ve been using your spirit sense on your opponent right"


    "Yeah"


    "Ok so what did you learn"


    In the matches it''s not only the beasts that determine victory but also Thier tamers ability to command them as well as Thier ability to analyse Thier opponents and come up with a proper combat strategy accordingly


    " Ok from what I detected this thing is a fire type obviously, and judging by what I see from it''s marks and the way it fights it seems that it''s ability most likely allows it to convert movement into fire power that it can then store and use in it''s attacks "


    "Good analysis, knowing this what do you think you should do"


    " Restrict it''s movement and thus cut off it''s source of fire power "


    "Correct "


    Courage replied, "Well, that''s easier said than done. The gecko''s should now be very cautious after our previous attack, and restricting it will be tough, especially with its speed. I don¡¯t want to end up chasing it around, either¡ªthat¡¯ll only charge its flames more, and it¡¯ll exhaust my beetle."


    Courage¡¯s hesitation was evident, and it was costing him. ¡°Be decisive, Courage,¡± Dan said firmly, his tone cutting through the tension. ¡°This fight can''t drag on forever. The longer you take, the more ground you give that gecko to exploit. End this now. Listen carefully¡ªforce it into a corner where it can¡¯t use its speed to its advantage, and when the moment comes, strike without hesitation.¡±


    Courage nodded, taking in the advice. His grip on the edge of the arena tightened as he turned back to the fight.


    The ember-eyed gecko and the full-strength beetle stood motionless for a brief moment, locked in an intense standoff. Their gazes burned with determination, but the calm didn¡¯t last. In an instant, they clashed again, their movements a blur. The gecko darted around with incredible speed, circling the beetle to charge its flames, launching small fireballs from a safe distance. It attacked and retreated, staying just out of reach, frustrating the beetle¡¯s attempts to close the gap.


    But the beetle held its ground, dodging most of the attacks and deflecting some with sheer strength, swinging its limbs and horn powerfully to dissipate the fiery projectiles. The back-and-forth continued, the battlefield echoing with the sounds of combat. Several breaths of time passed, but Courage stayed focused, his eyes scanning the arena. He was waiting for the right moment.


    Then, he saw it. The ember-eyed gecko¡¯s pattern of movement left it too close to one of the arena''s corners. Courage seized the opportunity. "Now!" he commanded, his voice sharp and precise.


    At his signal, the full-strength beetle activated its ability: Maximum Effort. Its body surged with raw energy, drawing 100% of its strength but knowing the ability couldn¡¯t last long, Courage quickly followed with another command. ¡°Convert to speed¡ªcharge!¡±


    With incredible force, the beetle funneled its power into its limbs and launched itself at the gecko with lightning speed. Startled, the gecko tried to retaliate, firing a rapid barrage of small fireballs in an attempt to stop the charge. But it was no use. The beetle plowed through the attacks, seemingly ignoring the damage as it barreled forward. The gecko, caught off guard by its opponent''s reckless determination, failed to dodge in time.


    The beetle¡¯s horn struck the gecko head-on, sending it tumbling across the arena. The impact left the ember-eyed gecko struggling to regain its footing. Its tamer shouted frantically, trying to rally it, but the beetle was relentless. Adjusting its course, it charged again, closing the gap before the gecko could recover.


    Trapped in the corner of the arena, the gecko was unable to escape. Courage¡¯s plan had worked. He had used the flow of the battle to position his opponent where it had no room to maneuver. ¡°Finish it now!¡± he commanded, his voice unwavering.


    The full-strength beetle rose onto its hind legs, its front limbs poised to strike. With a furious barrage of punches and strikes, it unleashed its relentless assault. Ora ora ora ora ora! The sound of its attacks echoed as it pounded the gecko with unrelenting force.


    The ember-eyed gecko fought back desperately, but its efforts were futile. It had depleted most of its firepower trying to repel the beetle¡¯s earlier charge. Now cornered and unable to run to recharge it''s fire, it was completely helpless.


    The wild assault drew gasps and murmurs from the audience.


    ¡°Oh, that poor gecko...¡± one viewer whispered, wincing at the relentless barrage.


    ¡°Why does he have to beat it like that?¡± another muttered, shaking their head.


    ¡°Damn, does the gecko owe that beetle money or something? Relax a bit!¡± a spectator joked nervously.


    ¡°This is just brutal,¡± someone else said, unable to look away.


    Oblivious to the chatter, Courage stayed focused, his resolve unwavering. He wasn¡¯t attacking out of malice¡ªhe was determined to finish the fight and secure the victory. He directed his beetle to continue its relentless assault, unwilling to give the gecko any chance to recover. The crowd¡¯s reactions didn¡¯t reach him; his mind was locked on the match.


    The referee¡¯s voice finally broke through the tension, snapping Courage out of his tunnel vision. ¡°Stop! Stop! Your opponent is unable to continue!¡±


    Courage blinked, snapping back out of his thoughts. He glanced at the gecko, now lying on the ground, trembling in pain and barely able to move. Its ember-like eyes, once fierce and determined, now seemed to ask what it had done to deserve such a brutal defeat.


    Dan¡¯s voice cut through the moment laced with a hint of reproach. ¡°Maybe you took it a bit too far.¡±


    Courage didn¡¯t respond immediately, his gaze lingering on the fallen gecko. ¡°¡­,¡±unsure how to justify himself.


    With that, the referee raised his hand and announced, ¡°The winner of today¡¯s match is Courage and his Full-Strength Beetle!¡±


    And with that courage first match was over with a victory , once outside the arena Dan said " well done kid , your first battle as a tamer and you won it but remember this is only the beginning don''t let one win get into your head no matter happens you should always...."


    But before Dan can finish his speech courage shouted to himself " I am the freaking beeeeest" clearly overjoyed and celebrating his victory


    Dan"....."


    Maybe a little too much .


    Obviously hyped up by his victory the usually calm courage was excited for his next match , he had experienced the sweet nectar of victory and he clearly wanted more but luckily Dan was there to discipline him and not let his excitement overtake him, and a few days later courage was having his second match


    His opponent this time had a rock type beast called the rock jaw turtle, The Rock Jaw Turtle was an imposing creature, standing low to the ground with a body that seemed carved from stone. Its massive, jagged shell was layered with thick, uneven slabs of rock, offering a natural fortress that made it almost impervious to physical attacks. The creature¡¯s head was broad and flat, its powerful jaws resembling a pair of stone crushers, capable of snapping through metal with ease. Its legs were short but sturdy, each step causing faint tremors on the ground, emphasizing its immense weight. Despite its bulk, the turtle exuded a sense of calm menace, as if it knew its raw strength alone was enough to deter most challengers.


    Its tamer, a confident boy named Dax, stood on the opposite side of the arena. Dax¡¯s posture radiated assurance, and his smirk only grew as he noticed Courage sizing up the Rock Jaw Turtle.


    ¡°Impressive, huh?¡± Dax called out, his voice carrying a tone of cocky pride. ¡°This beast¡¯s shell can tank anything you throw at it, and its jaws? Let¡¯s just say your beast might end up as lunch.¡±


    Courage narrowed his eyes, his mind racing. The Rock Jaw Turtle was clearly a tank, built for defense and raw power. If Courage¡¯s beetle got caught by those jaws or failed to penetrate that shell, the match could turn into an endurance contest that he might not win.


    He needed to find a strategy that could bypass the turtle¡¯s defenses .


    Dan¡¯s voice echoed in his mind, calm and analytical. ¡°This one¡¯s a tough nut to crack, but every beast has a weakness. The Rock Jaw Turtle is slow and relies heavily on its shell for defense. your beast can definitely outmaneuver it and if you can find a way to destabilize it, you might have a chance.¡±


    Courage nodded, his eyes scanning the turtle. ¡°Its legs are short, and it¡¯s not built for speed. If I can keep my beetle mobile and avoid its jaws, I might be able to wear it down.¡±


    ¡°Good thinking,¡± Dan replied. ¡°But don¡¯t underestimate its strength. One wrong move, and your beetle could be crushed. Focus on precision and timing.¡±


    The referee raised his hand, signaling the start of the match. ¡°Begin!¡±


    The Rock Jaw Turtle lumbered forward, its heavy steps causing the ground to shake slightly. Its tamer, Dax, stood confidently, arms crossed, as if he had already won. ¡°Let¡¯s see what your beetle can do against this!¡± he taunted.


    Courage ignored the taunt, focusing on his beetle. ¡°Stay mobile! Don¡¯t let it catch you!¡±


    The beetle buzzed its wings, darting around the arena with agility. The turtle¡¯s head swiveled slowly, tracking the beetle¡¯s movements, but it was clear that the turtle¡¯s speed was no match for the beetle¡¯s. Courage¡¯s strategy was working¡ªfor now.


    ¡°Keep it up!¡± Dan encouraged. ¡°Look for an opening!¡±


    The beetle continued to dart around the turtle, occasionally landing quick strikes with its horn or limbs. However, the turtle¡¯s shell absorbed most of the impact, leaving it unharmed. Dax smirked, clearly unimpressed. ¡°Is that all you¡¯ve got? My turtle¡¯s barely feeling it!¡±


    Courage gritted his teeth, his mind racing. He needed to find a way to deal real damage. ¡°Dan, any ideas?¡±


    ¡°The turtle¡¯s underbelly might be less armored,¡± Dan suggested. ¡°If you can flip it over, you might have a shot.¡±


    Courage nodded, a plan forming in his mind. ¡°aim for its legs! Try to destabilize it!¡±


    The beetle obeyed, swooping low and targeting the turtle¡¯s legs with precise strikes. The turtle growled, its movements becoming slightly unsteady as the beetle¡¯s attacks landed. Dax¡¯s smirk faltered, and he shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t let it get to you! Crush that bug!¡±


    The turtle lunged forward, its jaws snapping shut with a loud *clack*, but the beetle dodged just in time. Courage¡¯s heart raced as he saw an opportunity. ¡°Now! Maximum Effort!¡±


    The beetle¡¯s body surged with energy as it activated its ability. With a powerful burst of speed, it charged at the turtle, aiming for its legs. The impact caused the turtle to stagger, its balance faltering. Courage seized the moment. ¡°Flip it over!¡±


    The beetle hooked its horn under the turtle¡¯s shell and, with a mighty heave, flipped the massive creature onto its back. The crowd gasped as the turtle flailed, its legs kicking helplessly in the air.


    ¡°Finish it!¡± Courage commanded.


    The beetle unleashed a flurry of strikes on the turtle¡¯s exposed underbelly, its attacks landing with great force. The turtle roared in pain, its defenses finally breached. Dax¡¯s confidence shattered, and he shouted, ¡°No! Get up! Fight back!¡±


    But it was too late. The turtle¡¯s movements slowed, and it eventually went still, unable to continue. The referee stepped forward, raising his hand. ¡°The winner is Courage and his Full-Strength Beetle!¡±


    The crowd erupted in cheers, though some still murmured about the intensity of Courage¡¯s victories. Courage, however, was too focused on the win to notice. He breathed a sigh of relief, his heart still pounding from the adrenaline.


    Dan¡¯s voice broke through his thoughts. ¡°Good job, kid. You¡¯re learning fast. But remember, each match will only get tougher from here. Don¡¯t get complacent.¡±


    Courage nodded, his excitement tempered by Dan¡¯s words. ¡°I know. I¡¯ll won''t forget.¡±


    As he left the arena, Courage couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of pride. He had won his second match, proving that his hard work and strategy were really paying off. But he also knew that the road ahead would be challenging. The Academy League was just beginning, and Courage was determined to rise to the top, no matter the obstacles.


    With Dan¡¯s guidance and his own determination, Courage was ready to face whatever came next. The heat of battle had ignited a fire within him, and he was eager to see how far he could go.