Chapter 4: Unveiling Potential
The next morning, Liu Xian stood at the academy's central plaza, staring at a glowing crystal screen that displayed the updated Tamer Rankings.
He scanned the list until his name caught his eye.
Liu Xian – Rank 132 of 150
It wasn't a meteoric rise, but it was progress. Completing the Moonshade Berries mission and his victory against Zhao Ming had inched him upward.
"Not bad," Liu Xian muttered, glancing at the Shadow Fox by his side. The small beast chirped in agreement, its tail swishing with enthusiasm.
But the rankings also reminded Liu Xian of the gap he still needed to close. The academy's top tamers were far beyond his current level, their names accompanied by beasts of incredible power.
At the top of the list was a familiar name:
Lin Yue – Rank 1 of 150
"She's on a completely different level," Liu Xian thought. "If I want to stand a chance in this academy, I'll need to get stronger. Much stronger."
As Liu Xian walked toward the training grounds, he overheard a group of students talking excitedly about an upcoming event.
"Are you going to sign up for the Beast Evolution Trials?" one student asked.
"Of course! It's the perfect chance to show off our progress," another replied.
Liu Xian's ears perked up. He approached the group cautiously. "Excuse me, what's the Beast Evolution Trials?"
The students turned to him, surprised. One of them, a boy with glasses, adjusted his frames before answering.
"It's a biannual event held by the academy," he explained. "Tamers and their beasts compete in a series of challenges designed to test their skills, teamwork, and growth. The top performers can earn rare resources, like high-grade Beast Cores and Spirit Fruits."
"That sounds perfect," Liu Xian thought.
"But be warned," the boy continued. "The trials are brutal. Only the best tamers have a chance of succeeding. If your beast isn't ready, you'll just embarrass yourself—or worse."
Liu Xian ignored the boy's warning. Instead, his mind raced with possibilities. Participating in the trials could be the opportunity he needed to prove himself and rise in the rankings.
Determined, Liu Xian headed to the academy's library. The sprawling building was a treasure trove of knowledge, containing ancient texts on taming techniques, beast abilities, and more.
Inside, he found Lin Yue sitting at a table, her nose buried in a thick tome. She looked up as he approached.
"Liu Xian," she said, raising an eyebrow. "What brings you here?"
"I need advice," Liu Xian admitted. "I'm planning to enter the Beast Evolution Trials."
Lin Yue studied him for a moment before nodding. "Bold choice. But if you're serious, you'll need to prepare carefully. The trials aren't just about strength—they're about strategy and adaptability."
She gestured to a nearby shelf. "Start with those books. They cover basic trial strategies and the most common challenges. And make sure your Shadow Fox is in peak condition. Its current abilities won't be enough to carry you through."
"Thanks," Liu Xian said, grabbing a stack of books.
Over the next few days, Liu Xian devoted himself to rigorous training.
He worked with the Shadow Fox to refine its abilities, focusing on speed and precision. They practiced dodging attacks, striking weak points, and using its Shadow Dash to outmaneuver opponents.
One afternoon, Liu Xian brought the Shadow Fox to the agility course. The fox raced through the obstacles, its movements growing sharper with each attempt.
"Good, but faster!" Liu Xian urged.
The Shadow Fox responded, pushing itself harder. By the end of the session, it was panting heavily, but its progress was undeniable.
Next, Liu Xian turned his attention to combat training. He borrowed a set of wooden dummies from the training grounds and set them up in a clearing near the dormitories.
"Shadow Dash, followed by Dark Claw!" he instructed.
The fox blurred forward, its claws glowing with dark energy as it shredded the dummy's target zones.
"Excellent," Liu Xian said, smiling. "We're getting there."
One evening, as Liu Xian returned to the dormitories, he spotted a figure standing in the moonlit courtyard. It was Zhao Ming.
"What do you want?" Liu Xian asked warily, stepping closer.
Zhao Ming smirked, his Rock Boar looming behind him. "Don't think I've forgotten about our last fight. You got lucky, but the trials will be a different story. I'll crush you."
Liu Xian met Zhao Ming's glare with a calm expression. "We'll see. But don't underestimate me—or my Shadow Fox."
Zhao Ming laughed. "We'll see, alright. Just don't cry when you lose."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Liu Xian more determined than ever.
The night before the trials, Liu Xian sat cross-legged in his dormitory, the Shadow Fox curled up beside him.
He placed the Low-Grade Beast Core he'd earned from the Moonshade Berries mission in front of the fox. "This is for you," he said. "It'll help you grow stronger."
The fox sniffed the core before biting into it. As it absorbed the core's energy, its body glowed faintly. Liu Xian watched in awe as the system chimed in:
[Beast Core absorbed. Shadow Fox has reached Stage 1, Level 3. New ability unlocked: Shadow Bind.]
"Shadow Bind?" Liu Xian muttered. He quickly checked the system's description.
[Shadow Bind: Conjures shadow tendrils to immobilize a target temporarily.]
"That's perfect!" Liu Xian said, his excitement growing.
The Shadow Fox chirped happily, its amber eyes shining with newfound strength.
The day of the Beast Evolution Trials arrived, and the academy was abuzz with anticipation. Students gathered in the main arena, where the trials would take place.
Liu Xian stood among the crowd, his Shadow Fox by his side. Despite the nerves bubbling in his chest, he felt ready.
An instructor stepped forward to address the participants.
"Welcome to the Beast Evolution Trials," he announced. "This is your chance to prove your worth and earn resources to strengthen your bond with your beasts. Only the strongest and most resourceful tamers will succeed. Good luck."
The first challenge was about to begin.
Liu Xian took a deep breath, his determination unwavering. "Let's do this," he said to the Shadow Fox.
The fox chirped in response, its tail swishing eagerly.
To be continue