The classroom was a long, imposing hall lined with wooden desks, each one filled with students eager to learn about the beasts they'd soon be tasked with taming. The moment Caleb entered, all eyes turned toward him—curious, skeptical, even envious.
The teacher, a tall man with a sharp jawline and a gruff demeanor, was already standing at the front, hands clasped behind his back. His eyes scanned the room with military precision, finally settling on Caleb.
"Ah, the new star," the teacher said with a dry chuckle. "Caleb Ardent. I've heard all about you. I'm Mr. Zeal, and today we'll be covering the fundamentals of beast rankings."
He waved his hand, and a large holographic display appeared behind him. It showed the rankings of various beasts, from the lowest to the highest.
"Beasts, like any skill, have ranks. The lowest are E-ranked beasts—rarely used in combat, mostly kept as companions. Then, we have D, C, and B ranks, which are more common and can serve in certain situations. A-ranked beasts are powerful and highly sought after, while S-ranked beasts are legendary. But the truly dangerous ones—the ones that only the most skilled tamers can control—are the SS and SSS-ranked beasts."
Caleb's eyes widened as Mr. Zeal continued.
"I'm sure you've noticed by now," he said, smirking, "but an E-ranked beast won't get you very far. You'll need to build your skill, cultivate your beast, and rank up if you're to survive in this world."
The class continued as Mr. Zeal outlined the basics of taming and the complexities of managing a beast's power. Caleb listened intently, absorbing everything he could. He had no time to waste. His wolf was an S-rank beast, and if he wanted to stand a chance, he needed to be prepared.
After the lesson, the students filed out of the classroom, but Caleb stayed behind to collect his thoughts. Just as he was about to leave, a loud voice boomed from the hallway.
"Listen up!"
Mr. Cristiano , the head of the academy, appeared in the doorway, his presence commanding immediate attention.
"There's an upcoming event," he announced, his eyes sharp. "A national ranking competition between all the Awakeners schools. The winning team will receive a skill scroll, an SSS-ranked essence germ, and a second pet slot. They will also become the official representatives of their school. You all need to be prepared."
Caleb's heart raced. A chance to prove himself, a chance to strengthen his bond with his wolf—and perhaps unlock more potential.
He wasn't about to let this opportunity slip by. The competition was about to begin, and Caleb Ardent was ready for the challenge.