The chill morning air nipped at their cheeks as Leon and Layla stepped out of their modest hilltop home, nestled on the quieter outskirts of Rivor City.
From here, the city looked like a painted dream—soft mist curling around rooftops, distant towers catching the rising sun, and the faint shimmer of protective wardlines tracing the city's outer ring. The road ahead wound gently down through clustered trees and beaststone lanterns, which pulsed with a warm golden glow to light the early risers.
Bird-beasts flitted between branches overhead—plumed chirruks and tiny glowbeaks, chirping with the energy of dawn. A shaggy herbivore beast called a mossback grazer wandered lazily by a fence, chewing cud as its antlers sparkled faintly with dew.
As they walked, the sleepy rural atmosphere slowly gave way to a buzz of movement.
Small homes turned to shops. Carts rattled past, pulled by sturdy shellbacks with moss-covered shells. An old beastmaster waved from his porch, a pot-bellied wind badger curled around his neck like a scarf. Farther in, more people joined the road—young beastmaster hopefuls just like them, some with nervous expressions, others grinning wide with anticipation.
Layla's steps were light, almost bouncing. "The closer we get, the louder it gets," she said, excitement crackling in her voice.
Leon nodded, eyes scanning everything—the way the beast-lanterns flickered when someone passed, the smell of grilled honeyroot pastries from a street stall, the distant hum of enchantments overhead.
The city center was still a good walk away, but the path itself felt like part of the ceremony—like Rivor was waking up just for them.
Just as they rounded the bend past the old stone lanterns lining the path, a voice called out from behind.
"Oi, Leon! Trying to sneak off and snatch the best beast without me?"
They turned to see Jacob jogging up the path, his usual confident smirk plastered across his face. Jacob—Leon's frenemy and relentless rival at school—always seemed to show up at just the right (or wrong) moment.
Leon raised an eyebrow and shot back with a half-smirk, "Please, Jacob. If I waited for you, all the good ones would be napping by the time we got there."
He tossed his cloak over his shoulder dramatically. "Besides, I figured you'd still be brushing that precious hair of yours."
Layla snorted and added with a wicked grin, "He's not wrong. You spend more time on your hair than on beast theory class."
She gave Jacob a teasing once-over. "Hope your beast likes mirrors, because it's gonna be stuck with a real diva."
Jacob's smirk faltered for half a second as he instinctively reached up to smooth his perfectly styled hair.
"H-Hey! Maintenance is important!" he huffed, glancing around to make sure no one else heard. "First impressions matter—even to beasts!"
He shot Leon a mock glare. "Besides, at least I don't show up with bedhead and call it 'natural charm.'"
But the faint pink dusting his cheeks gave him away.
Layla waved a hand dismissively. "Alright, alright, Mr. Fashionbeast—just hurry up already. We'll be late, and I'm not letting you cry if someone else grabs the good eggs first."
She turned, her cloak fluttering behind her. "Let's move, pretty boy."
The trio hurried down the winding cobblestone path, their boots thudding lightly against the ground. The sun had climbed a bit higher, casting golden shafts of light through the gaps in the trees that lined the outer district road. Birds with colorful plumes fluttered between the branches, their songs weaving through the morning air like nature's own fanfare.
As they approached the heart of Rivor City, the buildings grew taller and the sounds louder—vendors calling out, beast-drawn carts rumbling by, and children laughing as smaller familiars scampered at their heels. Rivor had always been lively, but today it pulsed with even more energy.
That's when the grand structure came into view.
Nestled at the center of the city plaza stood the Beastmaster Association Hall, its silver-and-stone facade gleaming under the sunlight. Massive arches framed the entrance, where two statues stood guard—one of a winged lion, and the other of a serpent-horned elk. Runes shimmered faintly along the pillars, pulsing like a heartbeat.
Dozens of teens their age gathered near the gates, some alone, some flanked by parents or elder siblings. All of them had one thing in common: anticipation buzzing in their eyes.
Leon slowed his pace slightly, his breath catching.
Layla elbowed him gently. "Feeling the pressure already?"
He shook his head with a grin. "Just taking it all in."
Jacob smirked as he straightened his collar. "Well, let's make sure we're not just 'taking it in' while someone else walks away with a phoenix egg or something."
The three stopped just a few steps from the entrance.
A large crystalline clock above the gate ticked to 8:59.
They were right on time.
Leon and Jacob pushed open the towering doors and stepped into the vast hall of the Beastmaster Association. The room was filled with dozens of teenagers, all chatting quietly in clusters, their excitement mingling with nervous anticipation.
The hall itself was grand—high ceilings arched overhead, decorated with carvings of legendary beasts from ages past. Rays of sunlight poured through stained-glass windows, casting colorful patches on the stone floor.
Pens and enclosures lined the sides of the hall—but they were empty. No beasts stirred. Only the faint hum of enchantments and the soft shuffle of feet filled the air.
Several elders and trainers moved about, observing the crowd with keen eyes. In the center of the hall was a large circular platform, clearly meant for something important.
Despite the crowd, a calm tension filled the space — everyone here was waiting for the moment their bond with a beast would begin.
Layla looked around, her voice low but steady. "It's strange—all these people here, but no beasts yet. The eggs must be somewhere else." She glanced toward the side doors, curiosity and a hint of nervousness in her eyes. "I wonder what kinds we'll get."
Just then, the large side doors swung open with authority. Two figures entered—one tall and dignified, wearing the robes of the Beastmaster Association President, his silver hair gleaming under the enchanted skylight. Beside him walked Rivor's City Lord, clad in ceremonial armor adorned with the city's crest.
A hush fell over the crowd as the president raised a hand, his deep voice echoing through the hall. "Welcome, aspiring Beastmasters. Today marks the beginning of your journey—one that will bind your fate with a beast and shape your future."
The city lord nodded, his gaze sweeping the room. "You represent not just yourselves, but the strength and spirit of our city. Show honor, courage, and respect as you step forward."
Their presence commanded silence, and the energy in the hall shifted—every teenager's focus sharpening.
The president stepped up to the raised dais, his voice cutting through the still air.
"Before you take your first step as Beastmasters, you must understand the world we live in—and why your path matters."
He gestured to the carvings above. "The Kingdom of Auravelle is the last true bastion of human civilization. Long ago, humanity was shattered—scattered into tribes and wandering clans. It was only through the ancient bond with beasts that we found unity... and survival."
He began to pace slowly, his voice filled with steady authority.
"To the east, the barbarian tribes roam—untamed and fierce, living by blood and conquest. To the north, the orc empire swells with dark contracts and blood-forged beasts. To the west, the elves guard their sacred forests, hidden behind ancient magic and centuries of mistrust. And to the south... lie the unknowns. Lands veiled in mists and mystery, where even our maps do not tread."
The city lord stepped forward, arms folded behind his back. "In this world of chaos, Auravelle endures. Because we honor the bond between man and beast. Because we train our youth. Because we are prepared."
The president's gaze swept the crowd.
"You are the next generation. You will tame the wild, protect your homeland, and forge your legacy."
He turned toward the ornate side doors guarded by armored officials.
"The eggs await."
His voice echoed one final time.
"Come forth and choose—not just a beast, but your path."