The sun cast a warm glow over Redcrest Academy as Ragnar walked through its bustling halls, blending seamlessly with the crowds of students. Redcrest was one of the top schools in the city, known not only for its academic rigor but also for its unique focus on beast taming. Students came from all over to study here, each bringing with them dreams of forming bonds with powerful beasts and achieving mastery over them.
Ragnar, though outwardly quiet and reserved, was no ordinary student. Inside, he was a seasoned beast tamer, once the undefeated 13th Champion before his life had been abruptly cut short. Reincarnated in a younger body, he found himself here, in a world that knew nothing of his past accomplishments. He was just another boy at Redcrest, keeping his skills and knowledge carefully hidden beneath an unassuming exterior.
As he moved through the hallways, Ragnar's sharp eyes scanned his surroundings, observing patterns in his classmates' behavior and forming strategies, just as he would with beasts in the arena. He noted who led the social circles, who kept to themselves, and who might present trouble if they took an interest in him. Though he kept his head down and pretended to be an average kid, Ragnar felt the itch to return to taming beasts, to feel the rush of a real fight again. But he knew he had to be careful; if he revealed too much too soon, he might attract unwanted attention.
A week into the school year, Ragnar began to hear whispers in the hallways and classrooms. Students gathered in small clusters, voices hushed and tinged with awe as they spoke of the mysterious new girl, Lunar.
"Did you see her today?" a girl in his class whispered to her friend. "She's so beautiful, like she stepped out of some fairytale."
"And her beast, did you hear? It's like nothing anyone's ever seen," her friend replied, wide-eyed.
Curious, Ragnar leaned back in his seat, pretending to be absorbed in his work while listening closely. From what he gathered, Lunar was not only stunningly beautiful but also wealthy, her family one of the elite in the beast-taming world. Unlike other students who came from modest backgrounds or had only recently begun training with beasts, Lunar arrived with an air of mystery and power that set her apart.
But what truly piqued Ragnar's interest was her beast, a creature that seemed almost mythical in the way people described it. Named Aurora, her companion was said to possess a rare beauty—ethereal, almost otherworldly, with a shimmering coat that seemed to reflect the light around it as if it held a piece of the moon itself.
Despite his fascination, Ragnar stayed distant, focusing on his studies and keeping a low profile. He knew better than to chase after rumors, and he didn't need distractions from his goal of reclaiming his place in the beast-taming world. However, a part of him couldn't shake the curiosity growing inside him. What kind of power did Aurora possess? What sort of bond had Lunar formed with a creature that sounded so exceptional?
A few days later, Ragnar found himself sitting alone under a large tree in the school garden, enjoying the quiet away from the bustling crowds. He had just taken out his lunch when he noticed a ripple of silence spreading across the students nearby. Curious, he looked up and saw her.
Lunar walked with quiet confidence, her steps light as if she were floating. Her long, dark hair fell like a curtain over her shoulders, and her pale skin seemed to almost glow under the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. But what truly captivated Ragnar was the creature by her side.
Aurora was unlike any beast he had ever seen. She had a sleek, graceful body, her coat shimmering in a silvery hue that seemed to catch every glimmer of light, creating a subtle, mesmerizing glow around her. Her eyes, a deep, radiant blue, seemed to hold a quiet intelligence, scanning the surroundings as if assessing everyone who dared look at her. She moved with an elegance and strength that hinted at a great power within, yet she was calm, almost serene, as if she were above the usual chaos of the school grounds.
Ragnar felt a surge of admiration and intrigue. In all his years as a tamer, he had encountered powerful beasts, but Aurora's presence was different. She exuded an energy that was both captivating and intimidating, a mixture of beauty and power that seemed otherworldly. Ragnar couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to tame a beast like her, to experience the depth of the bond she shared with Lunar.
As Lunar and Aurora walked past him, Ragnar instinctively lowered his gaze, not wanting to draw attention. But he couldn't resist a final glance, his eyes lingering on the pair. There was something about Lunar's connection with Aurora that he could sense—it was deep, forged in trust and respect. He could tell by the way Aurora walked beside her, without the need for a leash or command. They moved as one, bound by an understanding that went beyond words.
The sight stirred something inside him, a reminder of the bond he had once shared with his own beast before his death. He felt a pang of longing, mixed with a growing determination. One day, he would return to the world of beast taming. He would rise again, not just to reclaim his title, but to build bonds as strong and pure as the one Lunar shared with Aurora.
As the day came to an end, Ragnar made his way home, his mind racing with thoughts of Lunar and Aurora. They had reignited a fire within him, a drive that he hadn't felt since his death. This life might have taken away his body and his title, but it hadn't taken away his spirit.
He clenched his fists, feeling a surge of determination. He would find a way to train again, to regain his strength and prove himself worthy of the title he had lost. But this time, he would be smarter, more cautious. He would rise through the ranks in secret, only revealing his true strength when he was ready.
And perhaps, when that day came, he would finally face Lunar in the arena. It was a challenge that excited him, a chance to test himself against one of the strongest tamers he had ever encountered. But for now, he would watch, learn, and bide his time.
As he reached the gates of his modest home, Ragnar cast one last look at the setting sun, a silent promise burning in his heart. His journey had begun anew, and nothing—not even death—would stand in his way this time.