After the trials were concluded, the central square buzzed with excitement. The air was alive with murmurs of anticipation and elation from those who had been selected. Aidan stood amidst the crowd, his heart still pounding from the combat trial. Though he hadn't lasted as long as some of the others, landing a counterattack on a Red Rank soldier had earned him a small but significant sense of accomplishment.
Lady Seraphine stepped forward, her commanding presence immediately silencing the crowd. Her silver-streaked black hair shimmered under the artificial lights of the plaza as she raised a hand, her voice carrying effortlessly over the gathered recruits.
"Congratulations to all who have been selected," she began, her tone resonating with both authority and inspiration. "Today marks the beginning of a journey that will test your resolve, your strength, and your character. From this moment forward, you are no longer mere individuals. You are tamers in training, bound by a shared purpose: to grow stronger and protect humanity's future."
Aidan listened intently, his gaze fixed on Lady Seraphine. Around him, the other recruits stood in rapt attention, their faces a mix of awe, determination, and nervous excitement.
"As of now," she continued, "you should have received a confirmation message on your smart bands."
The square buzzed with the chime of notifications. Aidan glanced down at the sleek device on his wrist. The display lit up with a message:
[Congratulations! You have been accepted into the Beast Taming Academy.]
The message was accompanied by the academy's insignia a roaring beast encircled by a ring of stars. Aidan's chest swelled with pride and excitement, though he kept his expression calm.
At the same time, his system chimed in with its own notification:
[Congratulations to the host for being selected into a Beast Taming Academy.]
[Click here to view your rewards.]
He dismissed the message for now, conscious of the crowd around him. He would explore the rewards later when he had some privacy.
Lady Seraphine's voice broke through his thoughts. "The academy is located on Velistra Prime, a Tier 3 planet. There, you will receive the training and resources necessary to unlock your true potential. Follow me to the portal station, where we will depart shortly."
The recruits were herded toward the portal station, a sprawling facility on the edge of the city. Aidan stayed close to Varn, who had been unusually quiet since the trials ended.
---
While on the way to the station Varn said suddenly, breaking the silence.
"You did well today,"
Aidan looked up, surprised. "Thanks. But I know I still have a long way to go."
Varn looked at him with acknowledgment in his eyes and said. "That's the right attitude. Just don't let it weigh you down. You've got potential, kid. Now let's see if you can make the most of it."
Hope trotted beside Aidan, his violet eyes darting around as if taking in every detail of the bustling station. The little beast seemed almost as excited as Aidan himself, occasionally letting out soft chirps of curiosity.
The portal station was packed with recruits and their families bidding emotional farewells. Aidan couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness as he watched parents embrace their children, offering words of encouragement and advice. He had no one to see him off, but he pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the path ahead.
Lady Seraphine led the group to a designated portal archway, its glowing runes pulsating with a steady rhythm. The recruits lined up, their chatter subdued by the weight of the moment.
Varn placed a firm hand on Aidan's shoulder. "All the best, kid. Always remember, no matter how talented someone is, hard work and a bit of luck can take you far."
Aidan nodded, gratitude swelling in his chest. Varn had not only saved him from that forsaken planet but also guided him through the trials and into the academy.
"Thank you, Varn. I won't forget this."
As Aidan stepped into the portal, he felt the now-familiar sensation of being pulled and compressed. The world blurred around him, and for a brief moment, he floated in a void. Then, with a flash of light, he emerged on the other side.
---
Velistra Prime was a stark contrast to the Tier 4 world he had known. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers. The sky was a vibrant shade of blue, with twin suns casting a warm, golden glow over the landscape.
The recruits landed directly inside the academy's portal hub, a grand chamber with intricate designs etched into the walls and floors. Dozens of other portals lined the room, likely connecting to various parts of the galaxy.
When they stepped outside, Aidan's breath caught in his throat. The academy was a marvel of architecture and nature. Nestled within a sprawling valley, it was a massive complex of sleek, modern buildings interspersed with lush greenery. Training arenas, beast stables, and towering dormitories dotted the campus, while a shimmering lake reflected the grandeur of the surroundings.
"Welcome to the Beast Taming Academy," Lady Seraphine announced, her voice tinged with pride. "This will be your home for the next four years. Here, you will learn not only to tame and bond with beasts but also to harness your own strength and potential. Remember, the journey ahead will not be easy. But for those who persevere, the rewards are limitless."
The recruits were given a moment to take in the sight before being directed toward the main building to receive their dorm assignments and schedules.
Aidan was assigned to a modest dorm room shared with two other recruits. The room was simple but functional, with bunk beds, a shared desk, and a small window overlooking the training fields.
One of his roommates was a tall, wiry boy with sandy blond hair and a cocky grin. "Name's Kaed," he said, offering a hand. "Guess we're stuck together, huh?"
Aidan shook his hand. "Aidan. Nice to meet you."
The other roommate was a quiet, bespectacled boy who introduced himself as Bob. He seemed more interested in unpacking his belongings than engaging in conversation, but Aidan didn't mind.
Hope, meanwhile, had claimed a corner of the room, curling up on a soft mat that Aidan had brought along. The little beast let out a contented chirp, clearly pleased with his new surroundings.
The orientation ceremony is tomorrow morning, since students from other planets were arriving today as well, so Aidan decided to taken some rest since today have been a hectic day for him.
As night fell, Aidan sat by the window, staring out at the distant training fields. The academy lights twinkled like stars, casting a serene glow over the campus. He remembered he had received rewards from the system for joining the academy, so he opened his system's notification and finally checked his rewards:
[Rewards Unlocked: Basic Beast Knowledge Archive, 200 Credits]