[Congratulations to the host for getting selected into a Beast Taming Academy.]
[Rewards Unlocked: Basic Beast Knowledge Archive, 200 Credits]
Aidan frowned slightly. "Basic Beast Knowledge Archive?" he muttered under his breath. "Isn't that redundant? The system already provides me with detailed information."
But curiosity got the better of him, and he accessed the reward. A wave of information surged into his mind, neatly categorized: beast classifications, strengths, weaknesses, and common taming techniques. It wasn't as comprehensive as his system's analyses, but it was broader in scope, offering insights into beast behaviors and habitats that his system hadn't yet provided.
"Not bad," Aidan admitted, leaning back on his bed. "Free stuff is still free stuff."
Hope chirped in agreement from his corner, the little beast's violet eyes gleaming with curiosity. Aidan chuckled, tossing a small treat to his companion.
---
The next morning, the academy buzzed with energy. Students streamed toward the grand auditorium, their voices a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. Aidan followed the flow, taking in the sheer scale of the academy. The towering buildings, sprawling training fields, and high-tech facilities were unlike anything he'd ever seen.
The auditorium itself was massive, with tiered seating that could accommodate thousands. Aidan found a seat near the middle, Hope perched quietly on his shoulder. Around him, students murmured in awe, their gazes fixed on the stage where a holographic emblem of the academy a roaring beast encircled by stars floated in midair.
The lights dimmed, and a hush fell over the crowd. A figure stepped onto the stage, the sound of his boots echoing in the silence. The headmaster was a tall, imposing man with a sharp gaze that seemed to pierce through the rows of students. His uniform was adorned with medals and insignias, a testament to his experience and authority.
"Welcome students," the headmaster began, his voice very low but somehow everyone was able to hear it clearly like he is just next to them. Near him one student said in awe "That's Magnus Veylor, a Blue Stage tamer". Hearing that, Aidan was also filled with awe that the headmaster of his academy was very strong.
His voice was very commanding. "You stand here today because you have shown potential. Potential to become tamers, protectors of humanity, and explorers of the unknown. But potential alone is not enough."
His gaze swept over the crowd, lingering for a moment on few people and Aidan was one of them. "In this academy, you will be tested. Your strength, your intelligence, your character, all will be pushed to their limits. Some of you will rise to the challenge. Others will falter. But remember this: every failure is a lesson, and every lesson is a step toward greatness."
The headmaster's words resonated with Aidan, stirring a mix of determination and apprehension. He glanced around, noting the varied expressions of his peers - some were eager, others uncertain, but all shared a spark of ambition.
The headmaster continued, outlining the academy's mission and the importance of tamers in safeguarding humanity's future. "Your journey begins here, but where it leads is up to you. The path to mastery is not walked alone. Your beasts, your comrades, and your instructors will all play a role in shaping your destiny."
As the speech concluded, a soft chime echoed through the auditorium. Aidan glanced at his wristband as a notification appeared:
[Class Assignments Updated. Check your schedule for details.]
Aidan tapped the screen, his heart pounding slightly. The display showed his placement:
Class: Elite Division, Group 1 Subjects: Combat Tactics, Beast Bonding, Elemental Studies, Advanced Strategy
He blinked in surprise. The Elite Division? That meant he was in the top class, alongside students who had performed exceptionally well during the trials. Aidan's mind raced as he recalled the combat trial. While he'd landed a counterattack, he hadn't expected it to place him among the best.
"Elite Division, huh?" a voice drawled beside him. Aidan turned to see a boy about his age, his dark hair styled neatly and a confident smirk on his face. "Looks like we're classmates."
The boy extended a hand. "Name's Darius. You must have perfomed well for you to get selected there.."
"Aidan," he replied, shaking Darius's hand. "Thanks. Though I'm guessing you did better?"
Darius's smirk widened. "Two minutes, three counterattacks. Took a hit that nearly broke my ribs, but hey, worth it."
Aidan couldn't help but be impressed. Two minutes was an incredible feat. "Guess I'll be learning a lot from you."
"Maybe," Darius said with a shrug. "But don't sell yourself short. Anyone in Group 1 has earned their spot. Just don't slow me down, yeah?"
Before Aidan could respond, the auditorium doors opened, and instructors began guiding students to their respective classrooms. Aidan followed the Group 1 banner, his thoughts a whirlwind of excitement and uncertainty.
The Elite Division's classroom was a state-of-the-art facility, with holographic displays, advanced training equipment, and a spacious layout. Aidan chose a seat near the back of the classroom, hoping to observe without drawing too much attention. The room buzzed with subdued conversations as students settled in, their confident demeanor a stark contrast to Aidan's quiet contemplation. He adjusted his wristband and glanced around, noting the sleek, high-tech layout of the room and his classmates.
They exuded confidence, their movements precise and purposeful. It was clear that many of them came from privileged backgrounds, All the students were provided a school uniform if not Aidan believed he might be the most modest over here.
Hope chirped softly, sensing Aidan's unease. He reached up to scratch the little beast's head, drawing comfort from his companion.
Moments later, Darius entered the room, his casual swagger immediately drawing attention. Spotting Aidan, he smirked and made his way over. Without hesitation, he dropped into the seat beside him.
"Guess we're stuck together," Darius said with a grin, leaning back in his chair. "Not bad, huh? Top of the class."
Aidan managed a small smile. "Yeah, not bad."
Before he could say more, a soft chime from his system interrupted his thoughts.
[System Scan: Target Identified]
[Name: Darius Valtan]
[Cultivation: Black Stage - High]
[Affiliation: Valtan Family]
[Beast: Infernal Drakonis, Level 8]
[Additional Information: Revered in ancient lore as a guardian of volcanoes, symbolizing destruction and renewal.]
Aidan's eyebrows shot up in suprise. Black Stage at high cultivation? And a Level 8 beast? That explained Darius's confidence and his impressive performance during the trial. Aidan glanced at the boy beside him, who seemed completely at ease, as if he hadn't just been revealed as one of the most powerful students in the class.
The first instructor entered the room, a stern-looking woman with short-cropped hair and piercing green eyes. She introduced herself as Instructor Maren, a veteran tamer with years of field experience.
The students made a gasp hearing her name, afterall she was infamous person from the Velcro family. She is one of the prodigies who has reached Green stage at a mere age of 27.
Silence filled the room as she started speaking. "Welcome to the Elite Division," she said, her tone brisk. "You've been placed here because you've shown promise. But promise means nothing without effort. In this class, we don't tolerate laziness or excuses. If you fall behind, you're out. Understood?"
A chorus of "Yes, ma'am" echoed through the room.
[System Scan: Target Identified]
[Name: Maren Velcro]
[Cultivation: Green Stage - Initial]
[Affiliation: Velcro Main Family]
[Role: Instructor at Beast Taming Academy]
[Additional Information: ???]