The sparring field was silent—too silent for a place usually filled with the sounds of clashing energies and roaring beasts. Aren stood alongside his teammates, heart steady but breath just slightly uneven. The early training sessions had come to an end, and now, as the sun dipped behind the academy spires, the judges stood at the edge of the platform to announce the top ten teams. Students clustered into small groups, nervous murmurs fluttering across the clearing like restless birds.
Sharu rested by Aren's feet, silver fur catching the amber light, eyes lazily watching the crowd. Despite his calm demeanor, Aren sensed that he was alert—more alert than usual. The bond they shared had deepened in the last few days, though Sharu still hadn't spoken. His disdain had softened, replaced with the occasional smug smirk or tail flick that carried just enough sass to amuse Aren.
Judge Kaelen stepped forward, his robe trimmed with deep maroon and his gaze sharp. "You've all endured your first phase of training. But this is only the beginning. Your efforts have been monitored, your bonds assessed, and your growth measured."
Students tensed. Even Dorian, ever brash, gritted his teeth and stood still.
"Based on performance, teamwork, synchronization with your beasts, and individual initiative, the top ten teams are as follows…"
A glimmer of magic swirled in Kaelen's hand, projecting glowing runes into the air.
10th Place – Team Emberlight
Leader: Kael Rin – Shadow Serpent
Members: Nadra Elwyn – Whisper Lynx, Fenric Jorn – Dune Beetle
Aren recognized Kael from their training sessions—a cold, analytical student with sharp eyes and a beast that slithered like living shadow.
9th Place – Team Vortexfang
Leader: Velia Rune – Crystalline Fox
Members: Dario Norr – Cyclone Hawk, Meryl Thass – Crystal Beetle
Velia's fox shimmered in the sunlight nearby, and she nodded with composed pride. Her team had been disciplined, efficient. No surprise there.
8th Place – Team Ironroar
Leader: Donas Brim – Mossy Turtle
Members: Hallen Vire – Ironhorn Boar, Syla Dorn – Bark Lizard
Donas let out a grunt of approval, folding his arms with slow satisfaction. His mossy turtle plodded beside him, emanating calm weight and stubborn resilience.
The rankings continued, each announcement bringing new flickers of pride, relief, or disappointment across the field.
3rd Place – Team Galeflare
Leader: Liora Frostwind – Ice Wolf
Members: Lyra Stormcloud – Shadow Falcon, Aric Sunflare – Fire Salamander
Liora raised an elegant brow at the announcement. Aric beamed, clearly thrilled, and even Lyra's usually unreadable face curled into a quiet smile.
That meant...
Kaelen's voice cut across the anticipation.
2nd Place – Team Stormshard
Leader: Aren Valen – ???
Members: Dorian Thorne – Shockwave Lion, Talia Graye – Thorn Viper
Wait—Talia?
Aren blinked. He hadn't trained with her before, but he recognized the name. A transfer student, quiet and almost ghost-like, who had recently bonded with a rare Thorn Viper. She had been placed with him and Dorian for tactical balance.
Dorian let out a bark of laughter. "Second?! Hah! Thought we'd be third. Not bad, mystery beast."
Sharu flicked his tail with utter disinterest.
1st Place – Team Skyclash
Leader: Lance Vermilion – Gryphon
Members: Serris Windhall – Sky Drake, Fiona Ren – Wind Wolf
A murmur ran through the crowd. Lance and his team had performed flawlessly, even overpowering several wild simulations designed to push student teams to the brink. His gryphon sat regally behind him, golden feathers glinting like fire.
Kaelen stepped back. "These rankings are not fixed. The tournament approaches, and your performance there will determine your true standing. In one week's time, the Trial of Echoes begins. Prepare well."
Whispers surged again. The Trial of Echoes? Aren leaned closer to Aric.
"What's that?" he asked.
"It's one of the major ranking trials," Aric whispered back. "Supposed to test how deep your bond is with your beast. No one's quite sure what happens in it, but it's been part of the academy for generations."
Before Aren could respond, a subtle ripple passed through the air—like a tremor only Sharu and a few beasts seemed to detect. Sharu's ears perked up, fur bristling just slightly. Lyra's Shadow Falcon turned its head sharply toward the eastern mountain ridge.
Aren frowned. "Sharu?"
The silver beast gave him a sideways glance. His eyes narrowed, then he turned his back to the disturbance like it wasn't worth his time. Still, Aren didn't shake the feeling that something unseen had just stirred.
Later that evening, in the dormitory common room, Aren sat beside Aric, Liora, Dorian, Lyra, and the newly introduced Talia. She was quiet, as expected, but her Thorn Viper coiled protectively around her arm like a living vine. Her gray eyes were sharp.
"I don't talk much," she said simply. "But I can hold my own. I won't slow the team down."
Dorian scoffed. "Didn't say you would. Just don't get in my way when I charge."
Liora shook her head. "Subtlety isn't his strong suit."
Lyra, as usual, said nothing, just gently stroked her falcon's feathers while watching Aren from the corner of her eye.
Talia turned to Aren. "Your beast… I've never felt anything like it. It's like trying to look at a fog that fights back."
Aren blinked. "Uh… thanks? I think."
Sharu, perched lazily on the windowsill, yawned in response.
"Don't mind him," Aren muttered. "He thinks he's royalty."
At that moment, the bells rang from the academy's main tower. A familiar voice echoed magically across the campus.
"This is Instructor Vale. All students, report to the Grand Hall at dawn tomorrow. You will be briefed on the Trial of Echoes and what is required of your teams. Dismissed."
A heavy silence followed. Liora stood. "We should rest. Tomorrow begins the true test."
Aren looked around at his new team—some familiar, some not—but all skilled. Something told him the Trial of Echoes would be more than a simple assessment.
And somewhere deep inside, he felt Sharu stir.
Not in irritation or boredom.
But in anticipation.