The next two days passed in a haze of routine for Aidan. Each morning began with rigorous physical training, followed by sword drills. The academy was bustling as usual, but for Aidan, the absence of Professor Marlon left a noticeable void. Marlon had departed for a neighboring planet to submit their joint thesis to the intergalactic research committee, a process that would take at least a month. In his place, a temporary instructor named Professor Leena had been assigned to their class.
Leena was a stark contrast to Marlon.
Where Marlon was gruff and straightforward, Leena was warm and engaging, often pausing lectures to encourage questions and discussions. Her teaching style quickly won over most of the class, but Aidan found himself distracted. His focus remained on Hope's progress and the impending breakthrough he felt was near. Despite this, he made an effort to pay attention, knowing that even small insights could prove valuable in the future.
On the third day, during an advanced theory lecture on elemental beast cores, Aidan felt a sudden shift in his bond with Hope. It was subtle at first, a faint ripple in the connection they shared. But as the day progressed, the sensation grew stronger, an almost electric charge that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. By evening, it was undeniable: Hope was on the verge of a breakthrough.
Aidan hurried back to his quarters after the lecture, his heart pounding with anticipation. Hope immediately came out of his should space. He was already there, pacing restlessly. The young wolf's fur, which usually shimmered with a faint silver hue, now seemed to crackle with latent energy. Aidan knelt beside his partner, placing a steadying hand on Hope's head. "It's time, isn't it?" he murmured. Hope let out a low growl, a sound that carried both excitement and determination.
Over the past few weeks, Aidan had meticulously prepared for this moment. He had spent countless hours gathering thunder orbs, a rare resource that enhanced the abilities of beasts with electric affinities. He had also carefully studied the process of feeding a beast core during a breakthrough, knowing that timing was crucial. Now, with Hope reaching the peak of the Feral Stage, every piece of preparation would be put to the test.
Aidan retrieved the thunder beast core from its secure place on his desk. The core's surface pulsed faintly, emitting a soft hum that resonated in the air. He held it out to Hope, who eyed it intently, his muscles tense with anticipation. "This is it, buddy," Aidan said. "Let's make it count."
Hope didn't hesitate. He took the core in his jaws and began to consume it, his sharp teeth crunching through the crystalline structure with ease. As the core's energy began to flow into him, his body was enveloped in a radiant glow. Aidan stepped back, shielding his eyes from the intensity of the light.
The transformation was immediate and dramatic. Hope's fur darkened to a stormy gray, streaked with vibrant blue lightning patterns that seemed to dance across his body. His size increased rapidly; what had once been a wolf cub now stood as a sleek, powerful adolescent wolf. The room seemed to hum with energy, the air charged with static as Hope completed his evolution.
When the light finally dimmed, Hope let out a triumphant howl, the sound resonating deep within Aidan's soul. But the process wasn't over yet. As Hope's form stabilized, he turned to Aidan, his glowing eyes meeting his tamer's with an intensity that sent a shiver down Aidan's spine. Without warning, Hope leapt forward, phasing directly into Aidan's chest and merging with his soul core.
Aidan gasped as a surge of power coursed through him. He immediately sat down and crossed his legs. His vision blurred for a moment, and he felt a sharp, almost painful pressure in his chest. He looked inward, focusing on his soul core. The once black sphere was cracking, fractures spreading across its surface like a spiderweb. With each crack, the core's color deepened, shifting from black to light grey and finally to a rich, dark red.
The moment his soul core fully transformed, a flood of notifications appeared in his mind's eye, projected by the system:
System Notification:
[Congratulations! Your bonded beast, Hope, has successfully evolved into the Awakened Stage.
- Soul Core Advancement: You have entered the Red Stage.
- Stat Boost: Strength +15, Agility +10, Endurance +12.
- New Skill Unlocked: Thunder Dash (Allows the user to move at lightning-fast speeds for short bursts).
- Bond Skill Enhanced: Shared Perception (Range increased and now includes partial emotional synchronization).
---
Aidan stood up wanted to test the power but staggered a little, his body trembling as he adjusted to the influx of power. His muscles felt stronger, his movements more fluid. Even his senses seemed sharper, the world around him more vivid and alive. Hope's presence within his soul was a steady, comforting pulse, a constant reminder of their bond.
When Aidan finally regained his composure, he couldn't help but smile. He clenched his fists, feeling the raw strength coursing through him. "We did it," he whispered, his voice filled with awe. "I am finally in the Red Stage."
Hope reappeared beside him, his form solidifying in a flash of light. The newly evolved wolf looked up at Aidan, his eyes filled with pride and trust. Aidan knelt down, wrapping his arms around Hope's neck. "Thank you," he said softly. "I couldn't have done this without you."
The rest of the night was a blur of excitement and celebration. Aidan tested his new abilities in the training room, marveling at the speed and precision of Thunder Dash. Hope's enhanced agility and strength were equally impressive, the young wolf moving with a grace and power that left Aidan in awe. Together, they were stronger than ever, their bond deeper and more unbreakable.
As the first rays of dawn broke through the horizon, Aidan sat on the edge of his bed, gazing out at the academy grounds. The journey to this point had been long and arduous, filled with challenges and sacrifices. But as he looked at Hope, now dozing peacefully at his feet, he knew it had all been worth it.
This was just the beginning. With the Red Stage unlocked and Hope's evolution complete, Aidan felt ready to face whatever trials lay ahead. Together, they would continue to grow, pushing the limits of their strength and forging a path toward a future filled with endless possibilities.
He couldn't help but now eager to show off his strength during the monthly exam after 3 days.