I woke up to the soft light of dawn creeping through the window. My heart raced as anticipation settled in my chest. Today was the day of the academy entrance exam. No amount of preparation would ease my nerves, but I knew I had to stay focused.
I stretched, rolling my shoulders to ease the tension. "Alright, Kira," I whispered, "You've got this."
Shadow, my loyal companion, was already awake, perched by the window. His sleek, dark feathers shimmered faintly in the morning light, and he gave a soft chirp as I approached. I smiled at the familiar presence. No matter what the trials brought today, I wasn't facing them alone.
After a quick breakfast, I gathered my things and headed out. The academy gates loomed ahead, grander and more imposing than they had been the day before. The entrance buzzed with nervous applicants, all sharing the same anxious energy I felt.
Nobles flaunted their wealth through fine clothes and well-bred pets, while others like me, dressed in simpler attire, kept a low profile. I took a deep breath, pushing down my insecurities. Today, it didn't matter where we came from—only how we performed.
---
The academy staff ushered us into an open courtyard where a tall, imposing instructor awaited us. His piercing gaze swept over the crowd as if he could assess our worth in a single glance.
"Welcome to the academy entrance trials," his voice boomed, silencing the nervous whispers. "These trials will test more than just your strength. We seek knowledge, control, and above all, the purity of your spiritual energy."
He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in. "There are three stages to the trial: a Knowledge Test, a Spiritual Pressure Trial, and a Combat Test. Each of you will be evaluated on your understanding of beasts and herbs, your spiritual foundation, and your battle skills."
I swallowed hard. This was it.
---
The first test was straightforward: a written exam on the basics of beasts, plants, and their uses. We were seated with scrolls laid out before us. The questions ranged from identifying various creatures to describing the effects of different herbs.
I took a deep breath and unfurled the scroll. My system activated instantly, feeding me information as I needed it. The answers felt as natural as breathing.
[Appraisal: Flame Viper, Rank: Silver (Low)]
[Traits: Fire Affinity, Venomous Bite]
[Skills: Fire Breath, Venomous Strike]
[Description: A deadly predator with fiery scales. Known for its quick strikes and burning venom.]
This was one of the beasts I had encountered on the test. I wrote the answer swiftly, my mind clear. Each question came effortlessly, whether it was about beasts or herbs.
[Appraisal: Starleaf Herb, Rank: Rare (Moderate)]
[Appearance: Star-shaped leaves with a silver sheen, known to grow in areas rich in spiritual energy.]
[Effects: Boosts spiritual energy recovery, commonly used in cultivation potions.]
I smiled slightly, finishing the test with ease. As I turned in my scroll, I noticed the instructor's keen eyes on me, though he said nothing.
---
Next came the trial I was most anxious about: the Spiritual Pressure Test.
We were led to a large platform, dominated by a glowing crystal that pulsed with energy. I had heard about these crystals—they measured the purity and stability of a tamer's spiritual energy. The more stable and pure your energy, the easier it would be to progress through the spiritual ranks.
One by one, we were called forward to place our hands on the crystal. As each person stepped up, the crystal's pressure intensified. Some applicants struggled visibly under the weight, their spiritual energy faltering. Others fared better but were clearly straining.
Finally, my name was called. I stepped forward and placed my hand on the cool surface of the crystal. Instantly, a wave of pressure surged through me, but I held steady, calling on the technique my system had provided. It wasn't just about raw power; it was about stability and purity.
The pressure increased, but I remained calm. My spiritual energy flowed smoothly, strong and unshakable. The crystal glowed brighter as if acknowledging my control. I could feel the eyes of the instructors on me, but I didn't falter. My system's cultivation technique had prepared me well.
After what felt like an eternity, the pressure subsided, and I let out a quiet breath. I had passed.
---
The next trial loomed over us—the Combat Test. My heart raced as I entered the arena, the cheers of spectators echoing around me. I wasn't sure if they were rooting for me or just hungry for entertainment. Shadow, perched confidently on my shoulder, fluffed his feathers, sensing the tension in the air. I smiled at him, giving a gentle scratch under his beak.
My opponent stepped into the ring, a boy about my age, with a smirk that spoke of arrogance. His pet was a Low-Silver ranked beast, just like Shadow—an Ironfang Wolf, with sharp, menacing teeth and fur that glinted like steel in the sunlight. The wolf growled lowly, its eyes fixed on Shadow, already assessing its prey.
I quickly activated my system.
---
[Appraisal: Ironfang Wolf, Rank: Silver (Low)]
[Traits: Steel-like Fangs, Enhanced Strength]
[Skills: Iron Bite, Steel Charge, Earth Tremor]
[Description: A powerful predator, known for its crushing bite and sturdy defense. Its fangs can pierce through metal, making it a formidable opponent.]
---
It was going to be a tough fight. The wolf's strength was no joke, and its defenses would make it difficult for Shadow to deal damage. But we weren't without our advantages.
The instructor gave the signal, and the match began.
"Shadow, take to the skies!" I commanded.
Without hesitation, Shadow darted into the air, his swift movements leaving only a blur as he rose above the battlefield. The boy scoffed, unimpressed.
"Ironfang, charge!" he shouted.
The wolf launched itself forward with incredible speed, its paws pounding against the ground. Its target? Me.
"Shadow, distract him!" I ordered.
In an instant, Shadow swooped down, diving toward the Ironfang Wolf, sharp talons aimed for its back. The wolf twisted at the last second, avoiding a direct hit, but Shadow's talons grazed its side, leaving shallow scratches on its metallic fur. The wolf growled, eyes locked onto Shadow now instead of me.
The battle became a game of cat and mouse—Shadow dodging and weaving through the air, the wolf leaping and snapping at him with those iron fangs. Each time the wolf got close, Shadow would slip just out of reach, striking back with his own attacks. It was clear that the wolf's strength was in its overwhelming power, but it lacked Shadow's speed and agility.
However, the boy wasn't stupid. He began to call out complex maneuvers, directing his wolf to cut off Shadow's escape routes.
"Steel Charge!" he commanded.
The Ironfang Wolf's body glowed with a faint metallic sheen as it charged forward, a blur of force that even Shadow had trouble avoiding. The wolf collided with Shadow mid-air, sending him spiraling for a moment. My heart jumped into my throat as Shadow barely regained his balance, circling higher to recover.
"Stay focused, Shadow!" I called, my voice steady despite the pounding in my chest. He chirped in acknowledgment, shaking off the impact. The match was intensifying, both sides landing hits now, but neither of us backing down.
"Let's go for his legs!" I shouted.
Shadow darted down again, this time aiming for the wolf's legs. It wasn't as heavily armored there. The wolf tried to counter with a snap of its fangs, but Shadow was too fast, striking its legs with precise blows that caused the wolf to stagger slightly.
But the boy wasn't done yet. "Earth Tremor!"
The Ironfang Wolf slammed its paws into the ground, sending shockwaves through the arena. The earth beneath us trembled, and Shadow faltered in midair. I cursed under my breath—this wasn't good.
"Shadow, now! Dark Claw!"
With a swift motion, Shadow's talons gleamed with dark energy as he dove down, avoiding the shaking ground and slashing at the Ironfang Wolf's side. The hit landed clean, and the wolf yelped in pain, its defenses finally cracking.
Before the wolf could recover, Shadow followed up with another strike, this time targeting its neck. The Ironfang Wolf tried to counter, but it was too late. Shadow's speed and precision had worn it down, and the final blow sent the wolf crashing to the ground, defeated.
The arena fell silent for a moment, then erupted in applause. I let out a shaky breath, relief washing over me.
"The match is over!" the instructor announced. "Kira wins!"
I smiled, kneeling down as Shadow fluttered to my side, tired but victorious. I stroked his feathers softly, whispering a quiet thanks. He chirped back, and I could tell he was proud of himself.
---
After the battles concluded, we were gathered once again. The instructor stood before us, his expression stern but not unkind.
"Congratulations to those who passed the trials," he said. "You will be given a token, which you are to present to the admission office. Once processed, you will officially become students of the academy."
I took the small, engraved token he handed me, feeling the weight of it in my hand. It was real now—I had passed. The trials were over, but a new chapter of my life was just beginning.
"For those who did not pass," the instructor continued, "you are dismissed. Better luck next year."
I glanced at a few of the applicants leaving, their heads hung low. I couldn't imagine the disappointment they must have felt, but I pushed the thought away. Today was about moving forward.
---
After the announcement, I made my way to the admission office as instructed. The building was just as grand inside as it was outside, with high ceilings and walls lined with tapestries depicting scenes of famous tamers and battles.
The process was straightforward. I handed over the token, signed my name, and in return, I was given an ID, a small handbook outlining the academy's benefits and rules, and my dorm room assignment.
"You'll be sharing a room," the clerk said, handing me a small map of the dormitory area. "Room 204."
I nodded and made my way toward the dorms, my mind already buzzing with curiosity about my new roommate.
---
The dormitory building was quieter than I expected. When I arrived at my room, it was empty—no sign of my roommate yet. The room itself was simple, with two beds, two desks, two cabinets, and a small bathroom with a shower, toilet, and sink.
I sighed in relief. It wasn't luxurious, but compared to the tiny hut I had lived in before, it was heaven. I unpacked my things quickly, which didn't take long considering I didn't have much. After a long day of trials and tension, I collapsed onto the bed, exhaustion finally catching up to me.
Shadow perched on the edge of my bed, watching as I settled in. I smiled at him, grateful for his companionship through everything.
"Tomorrow's the real start," I whispered, closing my eyes. "But for now... I need sleep."
The last thing I heard was the soft rustling of Shadow's wings before I drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.