Chapter 2 – The First Bond
Nine years later…
The winds of Emberreach carried the scent of burning incense, the air thick with anticipation. It was the day of the Beast Synchronization Ceremony, the moment when children officially merged with their Beastborne and took their first step toward power.
Inside the grand Tenma estate, Kairo Tenma sat cross-legged, his breathing slow and steady. His eyes, golden with flickers of red, reflected the flames of the torches around him. Before him, perched on a stone pedestal, was his Beastborne—Pyra, the Crimson Phoenix.
Pyra was no longer a fragile hatchling. Its feathers glowed like molten fire, and its piercing gaze held an intelligence far beyond that of any normal beast. Unlike other children's beasts, who still acted playfully, Pyra was eerily calm, as if it understood the weight of this moment.
A deep voice pulled Kairo from his focus.
"Are you ready?"
Kairo looked up to see Rei Tenma, his father, standing before him. The Leader of Solara was a man of unshakable will, his very presence commanding respect.
Kairo nodded. "Yes, Father."
Rei studied him for a moment before placing a firm hand on his son's shoulder. "Then let us begin."
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The Beast Synchronization Ceremony
The grand hall of the Tenma Temple was filled with young warriors and their beasts. The ceremony was a sacred tradition. At the age of nine, every child underwent their first synchronization, allowing their Beastborne to merge with their soul.
The process was both dangerous and painful—if the bond was weak, the synchronization could fail, leaving the warrior permanently weakened or even dying.
As Kairo stepped onto the ritual circle, all eyes were on him.
Whispers spread through the crowd.
"The Phoenix boy is finally synchronizing…"
"Will he even survive? No one has ever merged with a Phoenix before."
"He'll probably burn alive."
Kairo ignored them. He closed his eyes, focusing on Pyra's presence.
The elder priest raised his staff. "Let the synchronization begin!"
---
The Fusion of Flames
A surge of energy exploded through the hall. Pyra's wings flared wide as golden fire enveloped Kairo, wrapping around him like a living entity.
Kairo gritted his teeth as a flood of power rushed through his veins. It was unlike anything he had ever felt—a burning force that threatened to consume him. His heartbeat pounded in his ears, his body trembling under the strain.
The temple walls shook. The other children backed away in fear. Even the elder priests took a step back.
Then, suddenly—
The flames vanished.
Kairo gasped, falling to his knees. Sweat dripped from his face, his body trembling. He clenched his fists, feeling the warmth of his beast's power inside him. The connection was complete.
Pyra landed beside him, lowering its head. Their souls were now one.
Rei stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "How do you feel?"
Kairo took a deep breath. Then, he opened his palm.
A small golden flame flickered to life.
Rei's eyes narrowed. He can already summon flames? Most warriors take weeks to manifest their beast's power…
He placed a hand on Kairo's shoulder. "You've taken your first step, my son. But this is only the beginning."
---
A Rival Appears – Raizen Varos
As Kairo turned to leave the temple, a voice called out.
"Not bad, Phoenix boy. But let's see if you can fight."
Kairo turned to see Raizen Varos, standing with his arms crossed.
Raizen had changed in nine years. His once-soft features had sharpened, his violet eyes now held an unshakable confidence. And standing beside him was his Stormfang Dragon, a sleek, dark-scaled beast with piercing blue eyes.
Unlike most other children, Raizen had already been training in secret. His synchronization had happened months ago, and he was already leagues ahead of his peers.
Kairo met his gaze. "You want to fight me now?"
Raizen smirked. "Of course. What better way to test your new power?"
Rei and the elders watched silently. This battle would determine much.
Kairo stepped forward, his body still adjusting to his power. "Fine. Let's see what you've got."
Raizen's grin widened. "Try to keep up."
---
First Clash – Phoenix vs. Dragon
The temple courtyard became their battleground. A circle formed around them as students and warriors gathered to watch.
Kairo clenched his fists, his flames flickering. Pyra perched on his shoulder, its eyes glowing.
Raizen exhaled, his aura crackling with energy. His dragon growled, its presence towering over them.
"Begin!"
Raizen moved first, dashing forward with blinding speed. Kairo barely reacted in time, dodging as a burst of wind energy slashed past him.
Raizen's Stormfang Dragon opened its mouth, firing a blast of pressurized air.
Kairo raised his hand. Golden flames erupted, colliding with the attack. The sheer force of their clash sent a shockwave through the courtyard.
For the first time in his life, Kairo felt alive.
But Raizen wasn't done. He blurred forward, throwing a punch aimed directly at Kairo's chest.
Kairo barely blocked, but the impact sent him skidding back.
"He's fast—"
Before he could react, Raizen spun, delivering a kick that connected with Kairo's ribs. Pain shot through him, and he crashed onto the ground.
The crowd murmured.
"Kairo is struggling…"
"Raizen's synchronization is already so advanced…"
Kairo coughed, forcing himself up. He refused to lose here.
Taking a deep breath, he focused. The flames around his body intensified. Pyra let out a cry, and for a moment—
Kairo vanished.
Raizen's eyes widened as Kairo reappeared behind him, his fist ignited in golden fire.
With a roar, Kairo punched forward, his attack landing squarely on Raizen's chest. The impact sent the boy flying back.
Raizen barely landed on his feet, his expression shifting to something rare—surprise.
For a moment, silence filled the courtyard. Then—
Raizen grinned. "Not bad."
Kairo smirked. "You're not bad yourself."
The battle wasn't over. But today, Kairo had proven he wasn't weak.
---
The Shadow Watching
From the shadows, a figure in a dark cloak observed the fight. Their eyes gleamed with an unnatural hunger.
"The Phoenix boy… he is growing faster than expected."
The figure turned away, disappearing into the night.
The Abyssal Order had begun to move.
---
To be continued-
Next Chapter – The First Mission