The morning sun had barely reached its peak in the sky when the first-year students were led to the Training Field of Valmere Academy. It was a vast open area, surrounded by tall trees and observation platforms for the instructors. Today would be their first day of practical training.
Ethan remained silent while the students around him whispered among themselves. Many were excited to test their newly acquired beasts, while others were still assessing their choices. The Shadow Wolf and a few fierce beasts drew attention, but the eyes always returned to him.
To the boy with a deer.
Master Varian stood before the students and crossed his arms.
"Today, we will assess your initial skills as tamers. The training will be simple: a simulated battle. Each student will face a randomly selected opponent."
Anticipation rose among the group. A fight on the very first day?
"You are not here just to study. Valmere Academy trains tamers prepared for the real-world challenges. Use this opportunity to better understand your beasts and sharpen your strategies."
The instructors began organizing the matchups, calling two students at a time to the center of the field. The first duel was between a Flame Lion and a Venomous Serpent. The battle was quick, with the lion winning by surrounding the serpent in flames and forcing it to retreat.
Other fights followed, each showcasing the strengths and weaknesses of the beasts. Some battles were balanced, others ended swiftly.
Then, Ethan's name was called.
"Ethan Valtieri versus Damian Rael."
He raised his eyes and saw his opponent walking to the center of the field. Damian was the same silver-haired boy who had spoken to him at the sanctuary. His sharp gaze radiated confidence.
"So, I'll finally get to see what that deer of yours can do," Damian said, a challenging smile forming on his lips.
Beside him, a Lightning Eagle spread its wings, letting out a sharp cry. Its bluish feathers shimmered with electricity, sparks dancing around it.
The crowd reacted immediately.
"A Thunder-type beast!"
"Isn't that unfair? The deer doesn't stand a chance against that kind of speed!"
Ethan didn't respond to the provocations. He simply stepped forward and touched the Forest Ancestral Deer, feeling the natural energy vibrating through its body.
Master Varian raised his hand.
"Begin!"
The Lightning Eagle shot through the sky, moving in a quick arc before diving at high speed. Thunder crackled from its feathers, ready to strike.
But Ethan had already anticipated it.
"Rising Roots!"
The deer stomped its hoof on the ground, and in an instant, thick roots burst from the earth, rising like living spears. The Lightning Eagle swerved at the last second, but the sudden movement disrupted its flight path, throwing it off balance.
Damian's eyes widened.
"Terrain control ability?!"
Ethan remained calm.
"Forest Winds!"
A breeze swirled around the deer, scattering luminous leaves across the field. Each glowing leaf held particles of natural energy, creating a defensive field.
The Lightning Eagle dove again, but the moment it entered the area filled with glowing leaves, its movements slowed.
"What the…?"
"It's an energy dispersion technique," one of the instructors murmured. "The particles in the air absorb part of the eagle's electricity, reducing its speed and attack power."
Damian clenched his fists.
"Not bad… But let's see if your deer can handle this!"
He snapped his fingers.
"Thunder Dive!"
The Lightning Eagle soared high into the sky and then plummeted like a bolt of pure electricity, slicing through the air with explosive force.
Ethan smiled for the first time.
"Verdant Cascade!"
The deer raised its head, and green light surged from its body, expanding into a vibrant aura. At the moment of impact, the electricity was dissipated in a wave of natural energy, and the eagle was repelled by the elemental resistance shock.
The field fell silent.
The Lightning Eagle hit the ground, stunned.
Damian stepped back.
"How…?"
Master Varian observed the scene for a moment before raising his hand.
"Winner: Ethan Valtieri."
The silence broke into murmurs.
"He won?!"
"That deer… it's not ordinary."
Ethan walked to his partner and placed a hand on its head.
The Forest Ancestral Deer was no ordinary beast.
And in time, everyone would come to realize that.