Grand Arcanum Academy –
The next day, the academy was buzzing with excitement.
It had only been a day since the students had chosen their beast eggs, but already, conversations were filled with nothing but speculations and discussions about their future companions.
As Alistair walked toward the training grounds, he overheard multiple students eagerly talking.
"I swear my egg glowed last night! Do you think that means it's close to hatching?"
"I heard that noble families get access to rare bloodline beasts. I bet Leon's egg is something insane!"
"Did you see what Alistair picked? It looked so… plain."
Alistair ignored them, walking with his usual calm pace. His black and red egg rested securely in a mana-imbued carrying case, designed to protect it from outside disturbances.
He knew better than to rely on appearances.
****
The moment they arrived at the massive outdoor combat arena, the atmosphere shifted.
Instructor Ignatius Pyros stood in the center, his arms crossed, golden reptilian eyes sweeping over the students. His presence alone made the weaker ones stiffen in place.
"Enough chattering," Ignatius barked. "I don't care about your damn eggs today. This is combat class. If you're not prepared to fight, then get the hell out."
Silence. No one moved.
Ignatius smirked. "Good. Since some of you have been getting complacent, I've decided on a demonstration match. Two of our strongest first-years will be showing the rest of you what real combat looks like."
He turned. "Leon Valerius. Rael Thunderfang. Step forward."
A wave of excitement rippled through the students.
Leon, clad in his black and gold combat uniform, grinned confidently as he stepped onto the arena floor. His greatsword rested casually on his shoulder, golden sparks crackling faintly along the blade.
Rael, dressed in beastkin battle leathers, rolled his shoulders, his golden fur bristling slightly. His amber eyes gleamed with anticipation, claws flexing as he cracked his neck.
"Been waiting for this," Rael grinned.
Leon smirked. "Try to keep up, beast boy."
The moment Ignatius signaled the start—
BOOM!
Leon exploded forward in a burst of lightning, closing the distance in a blink. His greatsword swung in a devastating arc, golden sparks trailing behind it.
Rael barely dodged, twisting with inhuman agility. His claws clashed against Leon's blade, sending a shockwave through the arena.
The crowd gasped at the sheer speed and force.
Leon pressed the attack, his blade becoming a streak of electrified steel. Each swing carried enough power to shatter stone, but Rael met him head-on, blocking and countering with feral precision.
Slash! Claw! Dodge! Strike!
They moved like blurs, a dance of raw power and instinct.
Leon's lightning-infused swings forced Rael on the defensive, but Rael's unpredictable beastkin reflexes prevented him from getting overwhelmed.
Their battle intensified, neither gaining a decisive edge.
Leon gritted his teeth. "You're fast—but I wonder how well you handle this!"
With a roar, he slammed his sword into the ground.
Lightning surged outward in a blinding explosion.
Rael reacted instantly, jumping high into the air to avoid the blast—
But Leon was waiting.
The moment Rael left the ground, Leon's eyes flashed.
"Too slow."
A bolt of golden lightning erupted from his sword, shooting straight at Rael—
But Rael twisted mid-air, redirecting the electricity along his fur.
The students gasped.
Rael landed, completely unharmed, his body crackling with residual static.
Leon's eyes widened. "What—?"
Rael grinned, fangs bared. "Tch. You're not the only one who can use lightning, prince."
With a savage burst of speed, Rael lunged.
Leon barely had time to react before Rael's claws slashed across his blade, forcing him back.
Their battle raged on, each fighter pushing their limits.
After nearly ten minutes of back-and-forth combat, Ignatius suddenly raised his hand.
"Enough."
Both Leon and Rael skidded to a halt, panting heavily, sweat dripping from their brows.
The arena was scarred with burns, claw marks, and cracked stone.
The students stared in awe.
Ignatius nodded approvingly. "A damn good fight."
He smirked. "But you're both holding back."
Leon scoffed, resting his sword on his shoulder. "You think I'd waste my best moves in a spar?"
Rael chuckled, rolling his shoulders. "Heh. If we went all out, we'd wreck the arena."
Ignatius grinned. "Good. Keep that hunger. You'll need it."
He turned to the rest of the class. "Now that you've seen a real fight—get in the damn arena. Start sparring."
The training session erupted into action, as students paired up and began their own battles.
Alistair, standing on the sidelines, remained quiet.
Watching.
This world's so-called 'protagonists' were strong.
But not strong enough.
With that thought, he turned away.
He had more important things to focus on.
****
The combat lesson had ended, but the energy from the duel still lingered in the air.
Leon Valerius and Rael Thunderfang sat on a stone bench near the training grounds, both still catching their breath after their intense spar.
Despite their rivalry, neither could deny the other's strength.
For the first time since arriving at the academy, they saw each other as more than just another noble-born warrior or beastkin prince.
Rael leaned back, rolling his shoulder. "Damn, that was fun."
Leon smirked, wiping some sweat from his forehead. "Fun? You looked like you were ready to tear me apart."
Rael chuckled, his golden eyes gleaming. "That's just how I fight. Beastkin don't do 'friendly duels.' Every fight is real."
Leon tilted his head, considering that. "Makes sense. But you still held back."
Rael grinned, showing a hint of sharp fangs. "So did you."
Leon let out a small laugh. "True."
For a moment, there was silence—then Rael extended his hand.
Leon raised an eyebrow.
"You're strong," Rael admitted. "Stronger than I expected. So, let's start fresh."
Leon glanced at the offered handshake before smirking and gripping Rael's hand firmly.
"Leon Valerius," he said. "Heir to House Valerius."
Rael's grin widened. "Rael Thunderfang, Prince of the Thunderfang Tribe."
Their grip tightened slightly—a silent acknowledgment of mutual respect.
"So," Leon said, leaning forward, "I don't know much about beastkin nobility. How does it work?"
Rael scoffed. "We don't do the whole 'bloodline and throne' thing like you humans. Leadership is earned through strength and wisdom. My father is the strongest warrior of our tribe. If someone wants his position, they have to challenge him for it."
Leon frowned. "So anyone can become a leader as long as they're strong enough?"
"Pretty much." Rael smirked. "That's why beastkin don't really have 'kings' like humans do. We respect power, but we also respect the pack. If a leader's too weak or too stupid, they get replaced."
Leon let out a low whistle. "Harsh system."
Rael shrugged. "Harsh, but fair. If you're strong enough to lead, you do. If you're not, you step aside or get torn down."
Leon hummed, resting his chin on his hand. "Sounds like Ares would love your people."
Rael laughed. "Fenrir and Ares probably get along just fine in the divine realm."
The thought of their gods watching from above, amused by their battles, made them both smirk.
Leon glanced at Rael. "You're strong, but what's your goal? You don't seem like the type who just wants to sit in a classroom all day."
Rael's expression darkened slightly.
"My goal?" He looked at his claws. "I came here to get stronger. Not just for myself, but for my people."
Leon remained silent, letting him continue.
"Beastkin aren't exactly treated as equals in this empire," Rael muttered. "We might be strong, but we're still seen as wild, as outsiders. If I want my people to be taken seriously, I need to be strong enough that no one can ignore us."
Leon raised an eyebrow. "So you want to prove yourself to the Empire?"
Rael shook his head. "No. I want to prove that beastkin belong in this world just as much as any noble or human warrior."
Leon studied him for a moment before nodding. "I can respect that."
Rael smirked. "What about you, golden boy? What's your grand ambition?"
Leon exhaled, leaning back. "To be the strongest. To be a legend. To make sure no one forgets the name Leon Valerius."
Rael chuckled. "So, basically, you want to be remembered?"
Leon smirked. "Something like that."
Rael stretched. "Well, I'll admit, I like you a little more now. But don't think this means I'll go easy on you next time we fight."
Leon scoffed. "I'd be insulted if you did."
For the first time since the academy started, they weren't just rivals.
They were comrades.
And maybe, just maybe—
A friendship was beginning to form.
---
(To Be Continued...)