Chapter 2: The Academy's Proving Grounds
Liu Xian stood outside his small dormitory, staring at the sprawling campus of the Greenleaf Beast Taming Academy. The academy was a fortress of learning and strength, where students from across the continent came to hone their skills and bond with their beasts.
The memories of the former Liu Xian surfaced, reminding him of his less-than-stellar reputation. In the academy, rankings mattered above all. Without a beast or talent, Liu Xian had been nothing more than a background character—until now.
The Shadow Fox perched on his shoulder, its small body radiating warmth. Despite its size, its sharp amber eyes surveyed the world with an intelligence far beyond its youth.
"Alright, little guy," Liu Xian muttered. "Time to show this academy I'm no longer the loser they think I am."
As Liu Xian made his way toward the training grounds, he couldn't ignore the stares and whispers from other students.
"Isn't that Liu Xian? The guy who's always dead last in everything?"
"Wait… does he have a beast now?!"
"That's a Shadow Fox! But how did someone like him get one?"
Liu Xian ignored the murmurs, keeping his head high. He had no intention of explaining himself—he'd let his actions do the talking.
The academy's training grounds were buzzing with activity. First-year students practiced under the watchful eyes of their instructors, while upperclassmen demonstrated advanced techniques.
Liu Xian approached the Beginner Training Zone, where other first-years were working with their beasts.
The training zone was a large, open space divided into sections for agility, strength, and battle practice. Wooden dummies and obstacle courses dotted the area, and instructors patrolled, offering advice and criticism.
An instructor noticed Liu Xian's arrival and approached. He was a middle-aged man with a stern face and sharp eyes.
"Liu Xian, isn't it?" the instructor said, crossing his arms. "Didn't expect to see you here. And with a beast, no less."
Liu Xian straightened his back. "Yes, sir. I'm here to train."
The instructor raised an eyebrow, his gaze flicking to the Shadow Fox. "A Shadow Fox, huh? Impressive for a first beast. But having a rare beast doesn't mean much if you can't train it properly. Let's see what you can do."
He gestured to an agility course nearby. It consisted of hurdles, balance beams, and moving platforms designed to test a beast's speed and coordination.
"Start with the basics," the instructor said. "Show me how well you and your beast work together."
Liu Xian nodded and turned to the Shadow Fox. "You ready, little guy?"
The fox chirped in response, its tail swishing eagerly.
The Shadow Fox darted onto the course, its small body moving with surprising speed. It leaped over hurdles, weaved through narrow gaps, and balanced on the beams with ease.
Liu Xian watched closely, shouting encouragement and directions. "Keep your speed up! Focus on your footing!"
The other students paused their own training to watch.
"Whoa, that's Liu Xian's beast? It's so fast!"
"I thought he was useless, but this is… unexpected."
By the time the Shadow Fox finished the course, it was panting but visibly proud of its performance. Liu Xian knelt down and patted its head.
"Good job, buddy. You're amazing."
The instructor stroked his chin, clearly impressed. "Not bad. Your fox has excellent instincts. But it'll need more than speed to survive in battle. Head to the combat zone and test its fighting abilities."
As Liu Xian led his Shadow Fox to the combat zone, a familiar voice called out.
"Well, look who decided to show up."
Liu Xian turned to see Zhao Ming, his long-time tormentor, standing nearby with a smug expression. Beside him was his beast, a hulking Rock Boar with a body of hardened stone and glowing red eyes.
"What do you want, Zhao Ming?" Liu Xian asked, his tone calm but icy.
"I just couldn't believe the rumors," Zhao Ming said, smirking. "The academy's biggest failure finally has a beast? Let's see if it's as weak as its master."
Liu Xian clenched his fists but forced himself to stay calm. "I'm not here to waste my time with you."
"Oh, but you will," Zhao Ming said, stepping closer. "I challenge you to a duel. Right here, right now. Or are you too scared?"
A duel? The thought sent a jolt of fear through Liu Xian. He had just bonded with the Shadow Fox—how could they stand a chance against Zhao Ming's experienced Rock Boar?
But backing down wasn't an option. If he refused, his reputation would sink even lower.
"Fine," Liu Xian said, his voice steady. "I accept."
The combat zone was quickly cleared as students gathered to watch. Liu Xian and Zhao Ming faced each other, their beasts standing ready.
The instructor stepped forward to oversee the match. "Standard duel rules. First beast to be incapacitated or forced to retreat loses. Begin!"
"Rock Boar, charge!" Zhao Ming shouted.
The Rock Boar let out a deafening roar and barreled toward the Shadow Fox, its hooves pounding the ground like thunder.
"Shadow Fox, dodge!" Liu Xian commanded.
The Shadow Fox leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding the boar's charge. It was fast, but the Rock Boar was relentless, turning sharply to continue its assault.
"Use Shadow Dash!" Liu Xian called.
The fox blurred out of sight, reappearing behind the Rock Boar. It swiped at the boar's legs with its sharp claws, but the attack barely scratched the creature's tough hide.
"Pathetic!" Zhao Ming sneered. "Rock Boar, Stomp!"
The boar reared up and slammed its hooves down, creating a shockwave that sent the Shadow Fox tumbling.
"Get up, buddy!" Liu Xian shouted.
The Shadow Fox struggled to its feet, its amber eyes burning with determination.
"Don't rely on brute strength," Liu Xian muttered, his mind racing. "Use your speed and aim for its weak spots."
The Shadow Fox chirped in understanding.
"Shadow Dash, again! Target its joints!"
The fox vanished and reappeared in a flash, striking the Rock Boar's knees with pinpoint precision. This time, the boar let out a grunt of pain, its movements slowing.
"Don't let up! Keep hitting its weak points!"
The Shadow Fox darted around the Rock Boar, landing blow after blow. Slowly but surely, the larger beast began to falter.
"Rock Boar, retreat!" Zhao Ming shouted, his confidence shattered.
The instructor raised a hand. "The winner is Liu Xian and his Shadow Fox!"
The crowd erupted in murmurs.
"He beat Zhao Ming?!"
"Is this really Liu Xian?"
Liu Xian knelt beside the Shadow Fox, gently stroking its fur. "You did great, buddy. I'm proud of you."
The fox purred softly, nuzzling his hand.
Zhao Ming glared at Liu Xian, his face red with humiliation. "This isn't over," he growled before storming off.
As the crowd dispersed, Liu Xian stood tall, a small smile on his face. For the first time, he felt like he belonged in the academy.
But this was only the beginning.
To be continue