The sun hovered just above the academy's training grounds, casting long golden beams across the field. A fresh breeze rustled the banners bearing the crest of the Academy of Harmontis—two wings flanking a beast's eye—fluttering as if in anticipation. Today marked the beginning of the first team challenge, and the air was electric with tension and excitement.
Aren stood with his teammates in the waiting area near Arena Six, one of several domed combat zones built with reinforced stone and enchanted glass. Liora Frostwind leaned against a post, her arms crossed, pale blue eyes fixed on the entrance. Dorian Thorne paced like a lion on edge, occasionally glancing at his beast, the Shockwave Lion, which flicked its tail in silent rhythm. Aric Sunflare stretched, murmuring something to his Fire Salamander, while Lyra Stormcloud simply sat with her back against the wall, eyes closed, her Shadow Falcon perched above.
Sharu sat beside Aren, looking thoroughly unimpressed by the commotion. His silver fur shimmered faintly, and though his expression remained cool and aloof, he let out a small yawn.
"Are you really that bored?" Aren whispered.
Sharu didn't answer. He simply rolled his eyes and rested his chin on his paws, eliciting a soft chuckle from Aren.
A voice echoed through the magical loudspeakers above.
"Team One, report to Arena Six."
"That's us," said Liora, pushing off the post. "Let's not embarrass ourselves."
Dorian cracked his knuckles. "Let's crush whoever we're up against."
Together, the five of them stepped into the arena. The stands were sparsely filled with students, instructors, and a few high-ranking staff members. Among them sat Professor Thane, head of beast integration studies, and Judge Orlin, who now stood at the edge of the arena, his long gray coat fluttering behind him.
Facing them were their opponents—Team Nine, comprised of older students. They looked confident, perhaps too confident.
Judge Orlin raised his hand.
"The challenge is a territory control match. Two zones. Three flags. First team to hold two zones for five full minutes wins. Timer starts when one team captures a flag."
"Strategies?" Aren asked, turning to his team.
"I'll go with Lyra to scout and control the left zone," said Liora. "Her falcon can help from the skies. Aric, you're best mid with your salamander. Dorian, your raw power suits the right zone."
"What about you?" Dorian asked Aren.
"I'll stay flexible. I'll help where pressure builds."
Dorian smirked. "Let's see what you're made of, Valen."
The starting bell chimed.
Immediately, the battlefield split into motion. Lyra dashed with Liora toward the left zone, Shadow Falcon disappearing into the canopy above the simulated forest terrain. Aric ran toward the central zone, his salamander at his heels, its fiery tail cutting through the air. Dorian surged right, Shockwave Lion roaring as electricity crackled around it.
Aren moved toward the central ridge, scanning the battlefield. He felt Sharu's presence at his side, quiet but aware.
The first contact came fast.
In the right zone, Dorian clashed with a tank-like beast—an Earthhide Bear. Its thick hide deflected the Shockwave Lion's first blow, but Dorian grinned, unleashing a burst of sonic energy that caused the bear to stagger.
Meanwhile, Aric found himself toe-to-toe with a wind-type user and a Cloud Lynx. Swift and elusive, the lynx danced around the Fire Salamander's flames. Aric held ground, flames arcing in precise sweeps, pushing the lynx back but not landing a decisive blow.
"Need help?" Aren called, approaching the center.
"Handle your own lane!" Aric shouted, flames bursting upward as the lynx pounced again.
Aren turned. The left zone was his concern now.
Through the trees, flashes of silver and blue lit the air as Liora's Ice Wolf unleashed freezing howls while Lyra's Shadow Falcon struck from above. Their opponents—a poison-fanged Swamp Viper and a Stone Hound—fought with coordinated aggression.
Liora barked a command, and the Ice Wolf summoned a freezing mist that slowed the hound. The viper lunged—only to be snatched midair by the Shadow Falcon and dropped with brutal force.
"Zone One is under Team One's control," announced the voice overhead. The timer began ticking.
Aren shifted toward the right. Dorian was still engaged, now against two opponents. The Earthhide Bear was backed by a nimble Fang Monkey, which darted in and out with quick slashes.
"Sharu," Aren said, "let's go."
The silver-furred beast blinked, then launched forward without a word. Aren followed, ducking a swipe from the Fang Monkey as Sharu intercepted it with a tail strike that left the creature disoriented.
Dorian seized the opening. "Thanks," he grunted, and the Shockwave Lion slammed its paw down with a thunderous boom, knocking the monkey out of the fight.
"Two on one now," Aren said.
"Perfect."
Together, they cornered the Earthhide Bear. Dorian's lion blasted waves of concussive energy while Aren and Sharu moved in tight, darting around the bear's defense. A final synchronized strike from Sharu's tail and Dorian's sonic burst sent the creature sprawling.
"Zone Three is now under Team One's control. Timer engaged."
Minutes passed.
Aren's team held fast. Aric, with support from Lyra's falcon now repositioned to mid, managed to push back the Cloud Lynx and claim the central flag.
"All zones now under Team One's control."
Cheers erupted from some of the students watching.
Their opponents tried a last-ditch push, but the defense held. Liora froze the swamp terrain, limiting mobility. Dorian acted as an unmovable wall. Aric's flames flared to keep the lynx at bay. And Aren, alongside Sharu, danced between zones, countering threats with uncanny precision and growing synergy.
Then the final bell rang.
Judge Orlin stepped forward.
"Team One is victorious. Excellent teamwork. Each member adapted well to battlefield shifts. Special note—unregistered beast classification: still unknown." He glanced at Sharu, whose fur shimmered faintly under the lights.
Sharu sniffed.
As the teams left the arena, Aren could feel eyes on him—not just from students, but instructors as well. Whispers followed.
"Who is that kid?"
"His beast… I've never seen anything like it."
"Looks small, but moved like lightning."
Back in the waiting hall, the team gathered around.
"We actually pulled it off," Aric said, wiping sweat from his brow.
"We didn't just pull it off," said Dorian. "We dominated."
"Still," Lyra murmured, "this was only the beginning."
Liora nodded. "We'll face tougher teams. Smarter ones. And some… more dangerous."
Aren looked around at his team and smiled. They weren't perfect—but they were learning. They were growing.
And the fire in his chest—the bond with Sharu—burned a little brighter.
End of Chapter 15