After the surprising performance on the training field, the atmosphere at Valmere Academy was heating up. Rumors about Ethan's abilities and his enigmatic deer spread quickly through the halls. Some students saw him as a natural talent; others, as a threat to be watched closely.
That very day, the administration announced a friendly tournament exclusively for freshmen. The idea was simple: to test each new tamer's team spirit and strategies before the more intense training sessions began. For many, it was a chance to gain immediate recognition. For Ethan, beyond proving his potential, the tournament was an opportunity to deepen his bond with the Forest Ancestral Deer.
The main auditorium had been transformed into an improvised arena, with bleachers filled with students and professors. Banners bearing the academy's emblems adorned the walls, while vibrant music echoed through the space, boosting the crowd's energy.
Ethan arrived with a few classmates who had signed up to form a temporary team. At his side were Lara, a determined young woman with a swift fire fox, and Miguel, who commanded a small but sturdy earth turtle. Together, they formed an unlikely trio, but one whose synergy had already begun to show during training.
As the organizers announced the groups and the first matchups, Ethan's name was called once more. This time, he was placed in a mixed team, challenging tamers from different faculties and battle styles.
The first match for Ethan's team was against a group known for their aggressive nature and conventional tactics. The duel was structured in short rounds, with each team having the chance to showcase their strategy and adapt their plan to every new situation.
At the start of the round, the attacks came fast and fierce. The enemy charged in with a Thunder-type beast, known for its speed and brute force, while Ethan's team maintained a defensive posture. That's when Ethan, carefully observing the opponent's movement, signaled to his teammates:
— "Now, synergy!"
With a quick command, Lara triggered her Twin Flame move, causing her fox to release two blasts of fire in opposite directions. At the same time, Miguel activated Stone Shell, momentarily creating a barrier with his turtle to block a surprise attack.
But the turning point came when Ethan stepped forward. In a calm voice, he commanded his deer:
— "Nature's Rhythm!"
Immediately, the Forest Ancestral Deer responded, making roots and leaves sprout around it—not just for protection, but to create a field of control across the terrain. This tactic destabilized the opponent's movements, leaving them entangled in a natural trap.
The enemy's attacks were efficiently neutralized, and Ethan's team managed to push them back, winning the round with an impressive score.
The crowd applauded enthusiastically, and the teachers didn't hold back their praise for the team's creativity and coordination. Master Varian, who was closely following the tournament, cast a proud look at Ethan, as if he saw in him not just a promising tamer, but a strategist in the making.
As the group gathered to rest between matches, Ethan reflected on what had just happened. Each move, each command, was a piece of a larger puzzle he was still learning to put together. He knew that to truly stand out, having a talented beast wasn't enough—it was necessary to master the art of combat, the synergy between tamer and beast, and the ability to adapt strategies to every situation.
And in that moment, amidst his teammates' contagious laughter and the instructors' praise, Ethan understood that the path to becoming a master wouldn't be easy—but it would certainly be rewarding.