Grand Arcanum Academy –
one day later -
The morning air buzzed with excitement as students made their way toward the academy's expansive Beast Taming Grounds. The atmosphere was livelier than usual, as today marked the first official class where students would train alongside their newly hatched companions.
For many, their familiars were not just pets but partners, destined to grow into powerful allies on the battlefield.
Alistair walked silently through the cobbled pathways leading to the training field, his cold black eyes impassive as he observed the excited chatter around him.
Beside him, Noctis, his newly hatched monarch ant, walked on six sturdy legs, its small, chitin-covered body glistening faintly in the sunlight. The creature was larger than a normal ant but still unimpressive compared to the beasts the other students had bonded with.
Unlike the others who carried their beasts on their shoulders or in their arms, Noctis walked at Alistair's side, moving in perfect sync with him.
If Noctis had any awareness of the disdainful glances thrown his way, it didn't show.
Alistair, however, noticed everything.
As more students gathered, their attention inevitably turned toward their peers' beasts.
One student holding a small pup with crimson fur spoke "My beast is from blood wolf species, just from that we know. When he grow up he will look hel'la cool"
A boy with brown hair spoke " yeah, but did you saw high ranking students beasts"
Another boy with black hair replayed
" You know what, Leon's beast is a Griffon."
"Really" other asked in shock.
Same boy spoke again " And Dain's have a Infernal small Drake ."
"Even Serena that saintess canditate also have Celestial Dove . Almost everyone got a strong beast."
The conversations carried an undertone of comparison and hierarchy.
Then—
One group of students suddenly hushed, eyes darting toward Alistair and Noctis.
A girl spoke pointing at noctic"…Wait, is that his beast?"
Other students also turned to look.
One student said eyeing noctic"…It's just an ant."
Another voice came "Did he run out of luck?"
Some chuckled under their breath, while others exchanged confused looks.
Same black haired boy said in lowered tone "The top students got legendary-class familiars… and Vaelthorne ended up with a bug?"
The murmuring grew louder as more people turned to stare. Some looked amused, others skeptical.
And then, as expected—
The ones who always had something to say made their move.
Leon Valerius, standing near the training grounds with his Thunderfang Griffon perched proudly on his shoulder, smirked as he turned toward Alistair.
His golden eyes glinted with amusement.
"I have to say, Vaelthorne, I expected more from you," Leon drawled. His griffon cub flapped its tiny wings, releasing a few crackles of static as if agreeing with its master.
Rael Thunderfang, standing next to Leon with his Stormfang Wolf cub sitting at his feet, let out a bark of laughter. "An ant? Really? That's your mighty familiar?"
Even the Nightshade twins, Lunara and Veylen, couldn't help but join in.
Lunara, her crimson eyes gleaming mischievously, giggled. "How… adorable. Are you sure you didn't grab an insect by mistake?"
Veylen smirked. "Are you sure, you not gonna start a incest farm."
Some nearby students chuckled at the remark, though most were simply curious to see how Alistair would respond.
After all, even if his beast was weak, everyone knew that Alistair himself was anything but.
Alistair stopped walking, his cold gaze sweeping across the gathered students.
His expression remained unreadable, completely unaffected by the mocking remarks thrown his way.
Then, with his usual calmness, he finally spoke:
"Even with this ant, I could kill all of you and your beasts."
Silence.
The casual way he said it—without arrogance, without hesitation—sent a chill through the crowd.
Leon's smirk vanished, replaced with a flicker of irritation. Rael's playful expression faltered, and even the Nightshade twins narrowed their eyes slightly.
Alistair's black eyes remained unmoving as he continued.
"Your beasts won't increase your strength" he said."only thing gonna increase is number of corpse on floor."
His gaze lingered on Leon for a second longer than necessary.
"You should know that by now."
Leon clenched his jaw. He knew exactly what Alistair meant. Alastair's last duel with professor has already proved his skills and strength. And no first year was match for him.
No one dared to speak after that.
Alistair didn't wait for a response. He simply resumed walking, Noctis following beside him in silence.
Before anyone could say more, the atmosphere shifted as a new presence entered the field.
A tall man with a rugged, battle-hardened appearance strode toward the gathered students. His piercing amber eyes, sharp wolf-like features, and clawed hands marked him as Aldric Faelan—the Beastmaster Instructor.
He was one of the most feared and respected instructors in the academy, known for his harsh, no-nonsense approach.
At his side walked a massive dire wolf, its dark fur rippling with muscle as it followed him silently.
The students immediately straightened, knowing better than to slack off under Aldric's gaze.
The Beastmaster's amber eyes swept over the gathered familiars, evaluating each one.
He gave an approving nod toward Leon's Griffon, an intrigued glance at Cassandra's Duskrender Panther, and even the smallest hint of satisfaction at Evelyn's Radiant Wyvern.
But when his gaze landed on Noctis, he barely concealed a flicker of disappointment.
His lips pressed into a thin line.
"You chose that?" he asked, looking directly at Alistair.
It wasn't outright disdain, but the implication was clear.
Alistair met his gaze without emotion.
"Yes."
Aldric sighed, shaking his head. "Hmph. If that's the case, I hope you don't regret it."
Some students grinned at the indirect insult.
Alistair simply shrugged. "I never do."
Aldric let out a low grunt before addressing the class.
"Enough talking. Your beasts are here. Now it's time to prove whether you're worthy of them."
His sharp gaze swept across the students.
"Today's lesson will be simple. We will test the instincts and potential of your familiars. Strength isn't everything—a good beast is one that grows alongside you. If you can't train them properly, even the strongest familiar will be useless."
His eyes narrowed.
"And if your beast is weak?" He let his words hang. "Then it is up to you to ensure it survives."
The words hung heavily in the air.
Many students felt the pressure of his statement.
But Alistair?
He simply smirked.
That won't be a problem.
Because Noctis wasn't just an ant.
He was something far greater.
And soon enough—they would all see it.
---
(To Be Continued…)