No matter how unwilling she was to admit it, she had to accept the harsh reality: some things simply couldn't be changed through hard work alone.
"But how can you be so sure there won't be any change if you haven't even tried?"
The old man's tone remained calm, as if he had fully anticipated Ash's reaction.
"Let me ask you this: have you ever really looked into the Beast Master Department Practical Exam?"
Ash hesitated before honestly shaking her head.
She hadn't delved into the details of this exam, which was considered a second chance at college entrance exams in Montis.
All she knew was that it consisted of a written exam and a Spirit Beast battle test.
"Then do you know why Montis created this practical exam after the college entrance exams?" the old man pressed.
Again, Ash shook her head.
She wanted to say it was a way to select specialized talent for the college, but the old man's expression suggested there was more to it.
She decided to listen to his explanation.
"The reason is simple—just like the college entrance exams, it's to select the best and brightest talent."
The old man paused, taking a sip of tea to moisten his throat.
Ash didn't interrupt and waited patiently for him to continue.
"Although the practical exam has lost some of its original purpose over the years with the rise of university leagues, its founding intent hasn't changed. It was created to give young people like you—those who are living at the bottom of society but harboring big dreams—a chance to turn their lives around."
The old man set down his teacup and looked at Ash.
"You're aware that the first-place winner of the Beast Master Department Practical Exam in any of the four regions gets their university to cover all costs for raising their Spirit Beast during their years at school, right?"
Ash nodded her head.
Montis divides its administrative area by region.
It was divided into four major regions—Aquaris Region, Ignisa Region, Cryora Region, and Verdantia Region.
This 4 region is also a domain for ancient and powerful Spirit Beasts.
For example, Ash's current home, Solvale Town, was located in the Verdantia Region.
Legend had it that this region used to be the domain of a Dragon-like Spirit Beast.
However, historical accounts suggested that this Dragon-like Spirit Beast was far from a benevolent Spirit Beast.
According to the records Ash had read, the Dragon-like Spirit Beast was ultimately defeated and executed by Flarepheon.
Flarepheon is one of the three Legendary Spirit Beasts that was guarding Montis.
Because of this, the Verdantia Region has since been reclassified under Flarepheon's domain.
This reminded Ash of another peculiar fact.
Montis's trio Legendary Spirit Beast is very similar to the Four Auspicious Beasts that were appearing on chinese constellation.
However, instead of four it only has 3.
The Flarepheon looks similar to Vermilion Bird, Fangoryx looks similar to White Tiger and Terraphiros looks similar to Black Tortoise.
It was strange that there is no Spirit Beast represents Azure Dragons here.