The arena grew colder, the walls of the council hall now fading into a thick mist that enveloped the space. Raine stood motionless at the center, his mind racing as his gaze fixed on his legendary beast. The atmosphere had shifted, thick with the weight of an impending decision. The final trial was upon him, but it wasn't the kind of challenge that could be fought with strength, magic, or tactics.
This was a test of Raine's soul.
He could feel the presence of the elder council members in the shadows, their eyes heavy with expectation, but it was the voice in his mind that made the air feel even heavier. It was a voice he knew well, the bond between him and his beast allowing it to communicate with him like never before.
What will you choose, Raine?
The voice was not threatening, nor was it demanding. It was gentle yet unwavering, a reflection of the creature's ancient wisdom. But it was also a question that dug deep into Raine's heart.
Raine's thoughts wandered for a moment—his past, the life he had left behind, the countless struggles he had faced. He had always been driven by a need to survive, to thrive, and to build a future free from the debts and pressures of his previous life. And now, he stood on the precipice of something far greater than mere survival. This trial wasn't just about proving his mastery over Beast Taming magic; it was about the kind of person he would become.
The power he had gained through his connection with his beast was immense, but that power was not just his alone. He had learned over time that the beast was not a tool, not a mere weapon or asset to be wielded at his whim. The creature, in all its strength and majesty, was a companion—a partner who had been bound to him not by mere magic, but by something deeper.
Raine closed his eyes for a moment, breathing deeply. He felt the heartbeat of his beast echo in his chest, steady and unwavering. His bond with it had grown stronger over the years, but it was now being tested in ways he hadn't anticipated. The true question lay before him: would he embrace the temptation of power and let it consume him, or would he choose a different path?
In that moment, something within him shifted. He thought of the people he had met along his journey—his family, his friends, the students of the Beast Taming Tower, and the kingdom that depended on the strength of its leaders. He could not let the weight of this power pull him away from them. He could not let it tear apart the things that truly mattered.
The creature's presence pulsed in his mind, waiting for his answer, its power still untamed, but restrained by the bond they shared. It was a strength unlike any other, one that could change the course of history—but it was also a responsibility, one that required more than just brute force to bear.
I choose... Raine's thoughts solidified, and he opened his eyes, locking his gaze onto the beast before him. I choose to protect what is important, to use this power not for myself, but for others.
The moment the words left his mind, the atmosphere shifted once more. The thick mist that surrounded the arena began to dissipate, and the council members stood from their seats, their expressions unreadable. Raine could feel the weight of their scrutiny, but now, it didn't matter. He had made his choice.
The legendary beast, once wild and untamed, now stepped forward, its massive form shimmering with ethereal light. The bond between them pulsed brighter than ever before, a glow that illuminated the entire arena. And for the first time, Raine felt the true depth of that connection—the bond was not just a means of control; it was a partnership, built on trust, understanding, and shared purpose.
The elder from earlier stepped forward, her silver hair flowing like a river of light. She regarded Raine with a solemn gaze, her eyes reflecting the wisdom of countless years. "Raine Evernight Valthorn," she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of a thousand decisions, "you have passed the trial. But your journey does not end here. It has only just begun."
Raine nodded, his heart still racing. The council members exchanged murmurs among themselves, some nodding in approval, while others remained silent, deep in thought. The tension in the air gradually eased, but Raine could feel the eyes of the kingdom upon him. Today, he had earned their respect, but that respect was not a guarantee of peace. It was a challenge—a challenge to prove that he could live up to the immense responsibility that came with the power he had unlocked.
The elder raised her hand, and the arena quieted once more. "We, the council of the Royal Academy, recognize Raine Evernight Valthorn as one of the most promising Beast Tamers in history. However, your path will not be without its trials. The power you now hold has the potential to shape the future of our kingdom—both for good and for ill."
Raine's heart clenched as he listened to the elder's words. The weight of the future hung heavy on him, but he was not afraid. He had chosen this path, and he would walk it, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
"You will now be granted the title of Beast Tamer of the Academy," the elder continued, "but with that title comes an oath. An oath to uphold the balance between the mystical creatures and humanity. An oath to ensure that this power is used not for domination, but for harmony."
Raine bowed his head in acknowledgment. "I swear to uphold that oath."
The council members nodded in unison, their faces solemn. Then, with a wave of her hand, the elder dismissed the trial. Raine had passed, and now, his true journey was just beginning.
As he turned to leave the arena, the legendary beast by his side, Raine felt a sense of clarity he had never experienced before. His path would not be easy—there would be obstacles, both internal and external—but he was no longer the boy who had been driven by desperation. He was a Beast Tamer, bound by his oath to protect the kingdom and all that it stood for.
And no matter where that journey would lead him, Raine Evernight Valthorn was ready.
To be continued…