The grand gate of Valmere Academy stood tall ahead, imposing like a fortress. Students in neatly arranged uniforms entered in groups, eager for the start of the new school year. Ethan walked among them, gripping the strap of his backpack firmly. Despite his calm appearance, his mind was brimming with expectations. He was not an ordinary student. Since birth, he had carried the memories of a past life. This knowledge made him see the world differently, but at the same time, it isolated him from his peers.
As he passed through the gates, Ethan observed the vast campus. Valmere Academy was one of the most prestigious institutions for beast tamers. Its curriculum covered everything from combat to research, attracting young talents from all corners of the continent. As someone interested in both theory and practice, this was the perfect environment for him.
Walking through the main corridor, he found his classroom and took a seat by the window. The chatter among students grew as more classmates arrived. Some spoke excitedly about the beasts they had acquired, while others speculated on the challenges they would face that year.
Shortly after, the professor entered the room—a tall man with graying hair and a piercing gaze. His presence silenced the class immediately.
— Good morning, class. I am Professor Alden. Before we begin our regular lessons, let's review the common knowledge of this world. For some, this may be basic, but revision is never a waste.
He walked to the board and wrote two large words: Beasts and Tamers.
— Our world is governed by the relationship between beasts and tamers. Each beast belongs to one of the twelve elemental types: Fire, Water, Earth, Plant, Ice, Air, Metal, Fight, Poison, Thunder, Light, and Shadow. They have unique traits, advantages, and disadvantages when compared to one another.
The professor turned to the class and pointed at a student.
— You, give me an example of elemental interaction.
The boy hesitated for a moment before replying:
— Hm… Water has an advantage over Fire?
Alden nodded.
— Correct. But remember: elemental advantage does not guarantee victory. Factors such as training, strategy, and compatibility with the tamer influence the outcome of a battle. Now, regarding tamers…
He drew a pyramid on the board.
— Tamers are divided into three main specializations: Attack, Support, and Strategic. Attack-focused tamers rely on their beasts' raw power, support tamers aid in battle with buffs and healing, and strategic tamers use tactics to turn the tide of battle. Additionally, there is a less common fourth category: Researchers.
Ethan smiled slightly. This was his area of interest.
— Researchers study the origins and evolution of beasts, as well as their behavior. Many of them work for the Guild of Researchers, developing new methods to strengthen beasts and enhance their abilities.
The professor paused and looked at the students.
— Any questions so far?
A student raised his hand.
— Professor, what about evolution? Can every beast evolve?
Alden crossed his arms.
— Good question. The answer is yes, but the methods vary. Some evolve after reaching a certain level of experience, while others require special catalysts, such as rare minerals, specific fruits, or unique environmental conditions. A successful evolution can completely transform a beast's potential, raising it to a higher level.
The students murmured among themselves, excited. For many, this was the true goal—strengthening their beasts to the limit.
Ethan leaned back in his chair, reflecting. He already knew all that information, yet something inside him told him there were more secrets to uncover. His true goal was not just to become strong. He wanted to understand this world in its entirety, to unravel the mysteries that no one dared to question.
And this journey was only beginning.