Aidan sat at his desk, his attention flitting between the sleek holographic interface of his wristband and the low hum of anticipation that buzzed through the classroom. Hope, perched on his shoulder, chirped softly, its violet eyes reflecting his own nervous energy. Around him, the other students whispered in hushed tones, their conversations bouncing off the polished walls of the Elite Division classroom. The atmosphere was charged - this wasn't just another lesson; it was their first with Instructor Maren Velcro.
When the door slid open with a quiet hiss, silence descended like a curtain. Maren strode into the room, her emerald eyes sharp and unyielding. Her fitted uniform emphasized her no-nonsense demeanor, and her commanding presence made the students sit up straighter.
She tapped a device on her wrist, and the room dimmed. A holographic display materialized at the front, a vivid spectrum of colors—black, red, blue, green, and beyond each representing a different rank in beast taming.
"Today's lesson," Maren began, her voice cutting through the stillness, "is about ranks and advancement. Specifically, how to break through from the Black Rank to the Red Rank."
Aidan leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. He'd heard whispers about the challenges of advancing ranks, but this was his first opportunity to learn the specifics.
"When an individual first bonds with a monster, their soul core turns black. This stage is called the Black Rank," Maren continued, her gaze sweeping across the room. "Many call it the foundation stage, but in my opinion, true cultivation begins at the Red Rank."
She gestured to the hologram, which zoomed in on the transition between Black and Red.
"The key to advancing is simple: your beast must reach the Awakened Stage. When it does, your soul core will evolve, turning red. But achieving this is far from straightforward. The requirements depend on your beast and its evolutionary path. For most beasts, advancing from the Feral Stage to the Awakened Stage requires reaching Level 10 and using a Beast Growth Elixir. However, unique beasts have specific conditions that can make this process far more challenging."
Maren paused, letting her words sink in. Aidan's mind churned. He had already researched Hope's evolutionary path and knew what it would take, but Maren's explanation added a new layer of understanding.
"Advancing is not just about meeting requirements," Maren continued. "It's about understanding your bond with your beast, pushing your limits, and adapting to challenges. Those who fail to advance are destined to remain mediocre."
Her gaze landed on every student, her emerald eyes boring into them as if she could see the doubts and determination swirling within. "Each of you will face unique challenges. Some of you come from families with resources and guidance to make this transition easier." Her tone sharpened. "Others will have to fight for every inch of progress. But remember this: the Red Rank is not for the weak or the unworthy."
Aidan felt the weight of her words like a gauntlet thrown at his feet. His fists clenched under the desk, and he stole a glance at Darius, whose smug smirk was as infuriating as ever. The boy's confidence was a reminder of the gap Aidan needed to close.
Maren continued, detailing the techniques necessary for synchronization and cultivation. She emphasized meditation, rigorous training, and the importance of understanding a beast's unique traits. The hologram shifted to show examples of tamers and their beasts in perfect harmony, their combined energy creating a powerful aura.
"To help you prepare," Maren said, "I've arranged a series of practical exercises. You'll work with your beasts to improve synchronization and undergo sparring sessions to test your combat skills."
Excited murmurs rippled through the class, but Maren wasn't finished. Her voice cut through the noise like a blade.
"But before that, I have an announcement."
The room fell silent again.
"At the end of this month, we will hold the Class Ranking Examination. This will determine your standing within the Elite Division. Your rank will influence your access to resources, mentors, and opportunities. This will continue for four months"
Aidan's stomach tightened. The pressure was already mounting.
"Following that," Maren continued, "you will face the First-Year Examination in the fifth month. This exam will test your combat skills, strategy, and beast management. Your performance will determine whether you remain in the Elite Division and the last 100 people in the ranking will be removed from the academy. Although the teaching is for everyone but we cannot waster our resources on those who are unworthy."
The weight of her words settled over the class like a heavy blanket. Aidan's mind raced. The exams weren't just a test of skill they were a battle for survival in the academy's hierarchy. And the idea that students from the Regular Division could challenge for Elite spots added another layer of tension.
He knew he will definitely achieve a good rank, so getting expelled was out of the questio but he wants to come out on top to get better resources and to become more strong.
Maren's gaze swept the room, her eyes lingering on each student as if daring them to falter. "For some of you, this will be the most challenging period of your lives. But growth only comes through struggle. Embrace it."
---
After the lesson, Aidan lingered in the classroom, his thoughts a whirlwind of plans and doubts. Darius clapped him on the shoulder as he passed.
"Don't overthink it, Aidan," he said with a grin. "Just focus on not getting knocked out in the first round."
Aidan forced a tight smile. "Thanks for the advice."
As the room emptied, Aidan turned to Hope, who had been unusually quiet. The little beast tilted its head, its violet eyes shimmering with determination.
"You're right, Hope," Aidan said, scratching the beast's head. "We've got this. One step at a time."
---
The following weeks were grueling. The academy's training regimen kicked into high gear from the very first day, and Aidan threw himself into every challenge. He spent hours in the training center, honing his sword techniques and practicing with Hope for battles. The little beast's strength grew with each session, its violet aura flickering brighter as its level increased.
Sparring sessions were a trial by fire. Aidan faced classmates with more experience and stronger beasts, each fight testing his limits. He took his fair share of hits, but he came out on top most of the time only loosing to few people who were lot stronger than him like Darius. With each match, he learned to anticipate his opponents' moves, to trust Hope's instincts, and to adapt under pressure.
Late one evening, after a particularly grueling session, Aidan sat in the training hall, his body aching but his resolve unbroken. Hope curled up beside him, its soft chirps a soothing counterpoint to the echoes of distant battles.
The path to the Red Rank loomed ahead, daunting but not insurmountable. And Aidan was determined to rise.