The chamber was still glowing faintly in the aftermath of the ritual, the energy in the air slowly dissipating like the final notes of a fading song. Azhaan stepped off the platform, his chest heaving as he tried to steady his breath. Shade stood before him, its sleek body radiating a faint aura of shadowy light.
Something was different about Shade. Its form seemed sharper, more defined, as though the evolution had refined its very essence. The red glow of its eyes was no longer faint but piercing, their light cutting through the dim chamber like twin embers.
"Shade…" Azhaan said softly, his voice trembling with a mix of awe and disbelief.
The Shadow Stalker turned to meet his gaze, its posture regal and composed. For the first time, Azhaan felt something new through the bond—a quiet, powerful confidence that hadn't been there before.
Miren approached slowly, her sharp eyes scanning Shade's form with a critical gaze. Her crystalline serpent coiled back around her shoulders, its scales shimmering faintly as it observed the newly evolved beast.
"This is impressive," Miren said, her tone thoughtful. "The evolution process has enhanced Shade's abilities significantly. I've seen many evolutions, but this… there's something unique about your bond."
Azhaan nodded, still trying to process what had just happened. "It feels… stronger. Like we're more connected than before."
Miren's gaze softened slightly. "That's the true purpose of evolution. It's not just about power—it's about deepening the connection between tamer and beast. You and Shade have achieved something rare here."
Azhaan glanced at Shade, his heart swelling with pride. "So, what's different now? What can Shade do?"
Miren smiled faintly. "Why don't you ask your System?"
Azhaan felt the familiar hum of his System activating, the glowing interface appearing before his eyes. He focused on Shade, and the details of its new form filled the screen.
Name: Shade
Species: Evolved Shadow Stalker
Spiritual Power Grade: Yellow (456/1000 SP)
Type: Shadow/Agility
Attributes: Stealth, Speed, Shadow Manipulation
Skills:
A-Tier: Shadow Phase: Shade can dissolve into pure shadow, becoming intangible and undetectable for a limited time. Perfect for scouting or ambushes.
A-Tier: Umbra Fangs: Its fangs are infused with shadow energy, allowing it to deal devastating damage to enemies and pierce magical barriers.
B-Tier: Wraith Step: Shade can move short distances instantaneously by stepping through shadows, making it nearly impossible to track.
B-Tier: Dusk Shroud: Emits a field of shadow that obscures vision and muffles sound, creating an advantage in combat or evasion.
Azhaan's eyes widened as he read through the list of skills. "These… these are incredible. It's like Shade's become a whole new beast."
Shade growled softly, its red eyes glinting with satisfaction as it flexed its claws experimentally. The bond between them pulsed with shared excitement, the connection feeling stronger and more dynamic than ever.
Miren nodded, her expression serious. "These abilities will set you apart, but remember—power without control is dangerous. You'll need to train with Shade to master these skills and learn how to use them effectively in combat."
Azhaan grinned, the weight of exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "We'll figure it out. Right, Shade?"
Shade let out a low, confident growl, its tail flicking behind it.
Later that evening, Azhaan sat in his dormitory, the room bathed in the soft glow of the Spire's runes. Shade lay near the window, its body stretched out as it gazed at the distant horizon.
Azhaan leaned back in his chair, staring at the glowing interface still hovering before him. The details of Shade's new form flickered faintly, a constant reminder of how far they had come.
"Yellow grade," Azhaan muttered to himself, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "And it's only the beginning."
The bond between him and Shade pulsed faintly, a quiet sense of agreement flowing through the connection.
For the first time since arriving in Aetheris, Azhaan felt like he was truly moving forward. The challenges ahead were still daunting, but with Shade by his side, he felt ready to face them.
The next morning, Azhaan made his way to the Spire's central courtyard. The area was bustling with activity, the energy of the academy alive and vibrant as tamers and their beasts prepared for the day's tasks.
Kaela was waiting near one of the fountains, her silver hair catching the morning light. Lirian perched on her shoulder, its crystalline wings shimmering faintly as it regarded Azhaan with sharp, curious eyes.
"You look like someone who just won the lottery," Kaela said, smirking as Azhaan approached.
Azhaan chuckled. "Shade evolved last night. It feels… incredible."
Kaela's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "That's fast. Most tamers take weeks or even months to gather the right materials, let alone successfully evolve their beasts."
Azhaan shrugged, his grin widening. "What can I say? We're quick learners."
Kaela chuckled, but her expression turned serious. "That's good, because you're going to need that confidence. The academy just posted its first intercollegiate tournament schedule, and guess what?"
Azhaan's excitement faltered slightly. "What?"
Kaela's smirk returned. "You're in it. First-year tamers with evolved beasts are automatically entered as a showcase for their progress. You've got two weeks to prepare."
Azhaan blinked, his mind racing. "Two weeks? That's not a lot of time."
"Exactly," Kaela said, her tone light but edged with seriousness. "And trust me, the competition is brutal. You'll be going up against tamers from other academies—some of them with years of experience. But hey, no pressure."
Azhaan let out a slow breath, glancing at Shade. The Shadow Stalker met his gaze, its red eyes glowing faintly with determination.
"No pressure," Azhaan repeated, a faint grin tugging at his lips. "We've got this."