The morning sun bathed the academy grounds in golden light as Lu Fan and his classmates gathered in the courtyard. Today marked a significant milestone—they were about to enter the Training Realm for the first time. This was a place where students could hunt real beasts under the watchful eyes of their instructors, honing their skills and testing their spirit beasts in true combat scenarios.
Lu Fan glanced down at Buck, his young Nellore ram standing alert and ready. They had trained hard over the past few days, and Lu Fan felt a mix of anticipation and excitement for what lay ahead.
Instructor Chen, a tall and stern woman with a commanding presence, stood before the group. "Today, you will enter the Training Realm to hunt Level 1 beasts. Remember, this is not just an exercise but a real test of your abilities. You will be bringing back the carcasses of the beasts you defeat, and their meat can be sold for money, so do your best. I will be watching over you, but you must rely on your own strength."
With a nod, Lu Fan joined the line of students as they moved toward the portal that would take them to the Training Realm. The portal shimmered with a soft blue light, and one by one, the students stepped through. When it was Lu Fan's turn, he took a deep breath, feeling the adrenaline surge through him, and stepped into the portal with Buck at his side.
The world on the other side was a dense forest, alive with the sounds of nature. The air was fresh, carrying the scent of earth and leaves, and the distant calls of beasts echoed through the trees. It was both intimidating and exhilarating.
Instructor Chen's voice carried through the clearing. "Spread out in pairs, but stay within sight of each other. You'll encounter Level 1 beasts here. They're not too dangerous, but don't be careless. Remember, you'll be bringing back the carcasses to sell, so make sure you're efficient."
Lu Fan nodded, moving cautiously into the forest with Buck. The tall trees cast long shadows, and the forest floor was a mix of fallen leaves and underbrush. Despite the peaceful surroundings, Lu Fan knew danger could be lurking behind any corner.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, they soon came across their first challenge—a pack of low-level Forest Rats. The creatures were small but quick, their beady eyes gleaming with aggression. They were a common nuisance in the realm, but their meat was valuable, especially when sold in bulk.
"Alright, Buck," Lu Fan whispered, his voice calm but firm. "Let's show them what we've got."
Buck snorted, lowering his head in preparation. Lu Fan activated his Identify ability, and the system panel appeared, revealing the rats' information.
[Beast: Forest Rat]
Type: Agility
Level: 1
Skills: Quick Bite, Evasion
The rats were fast, but they were also fragile. If Buck could land a solid hit, they would go down easily.
"Crushing Horns, now!" Lu Fan commanded.
Buck charged forward, his horns gleaming in the dappled sunlight. The first rat tried to dart out of the way, but Buck adjusted his angle, striking it with a powerful headbutt. The rat squealed, its body crumpling to the ground, lifeless.
"Good work, Buck!" Lu Fan praised, quickly moving to the next target.
The other rats, sensing danger, attempted to scatter, but Lu Fan was ready. "Shielding Charge!"
Buck lowered his body and barreled through the group of rats. His dense frame and powerful charge sent two more flying, their small bodies landing with dull thuds as they expired.
Instructor Chen watched from a distance, her sharp eyes observing Lu Fan's performance. She was impressed by the coordination between Lu Fan and Buck, though she remained silent, letting the students learn from their experiences.
The last rat made a desperate attempt to escape, darting into the underbrush. But Lu Fan wasn't about to let it go. With a quick decision, he readied Buck for another attack. "Crushing Horns, once more!"
Buck charged forward with renewed vigor. His horns connected with the last rat, sending it crashing to the ground. Lu Fan quickly moved to collect the carcasses, noting their value.
Satisfied with their haul, Lu Fan and Buck continued their hunt. Each battle further honed their skills, and Lu Fan felt a growing sense of confidence. The other students were also busy, some struggling more than others, but under Instructor Chen's supervision, no one was in real danger. The purpose of this exercise was clear: to teach them how to handle real combat situations and to survive on their own.
By the time the group reconvened in the clearing, each student had a small pile of defeated beasts. There was a sense of accomplishment in the air as they prepared to return to the academy.
"You've all done well today," Instructor Chen said, her tone approving. "Remember, the Training Realm is just the beginning. There will be tougher challenges ahead, but if you continue to grow and adapt, you will overcome them. Now, let's head back and get those carcasses sold."
Lu Fan felt a sense of pride as they returned through the portal. The day had been exhausting, but it had also been rewarding. They had faced real beasts, and the experience had shown him the potential he and Buck had.
Back at the academy, the students gathered at the market area, where merchants eagerly bought the beast carcasses. Lu Fan watched as the coins were exchanged, the weight of the money in his hand a tangible reminder of their hard work.
"We did well, Buck," Lu Fan said as he patted the ram's side. Buck bleated softly in agreement, his eyes bright with satisfaction.
As they made their way back to the dormitory, Lu Fan couldn't help but think about the future. The Beast Combat Tournament was looming, and he wanted to ensure they were ready. Today was just the beginning, and with each battle, they were growing closer to their goal.