The first rays of sunlight illuminated Azure City as Kai slowly opened his eyes.
Nova was curled up on his pillow, using one of her fluffy tails as a blanket. Every few seconds, she let out a tiny snore.
Kai couldn't help smiling.
"You're adorable."
Nova opened one eye.
"I heard that."
Kai laughed.
"So you were awake."
"No."
"I woke up because you called me adorable."
She proudly lifted her chin.
"I know I am."
Kai gently rubbed her head.
The little fox immediately forgot to act dignified and happily leaned into his hand.
[Daily Login Successful.]
Reward Obtained: 500 System Points
Kai stretched.
"System, how many points do I have now?"
Current System Points: 9,000
After buying the Shadow Flash Movement Technique, his points had decreased considerably, but he was still far richer than any ordinary Beast Tamer.
Downstairs, the smell of breakfast filled the house.
Lily smiled as Kai entered the kitchen.
"Good morning."
"There are only two days left before you enter the Royal Beast Academy."
"I made your favorite breakfast."
Kai nodded with a smile.
"Thank you, Mom."
Although she wasn't his biological mother, the warmth in her eyes reminded him of the mother he had lost in his previous life.
He silently swore to protect this family.
After breakfast, a loud knock echoed through the house.
When Kai opened the door, he found a soldier dressed in royal armor.
"Kai Anderson?"
"Yes."
The soldier bowed respectfully.
"His Majesty has sent this invitation."
He handed Kai a golden envelope before leaving.
Inside was a beautifully written letter.
Congratulations.
By order of the Royal Family, you are invited to attend the entrance ceremony of the Royal Beast Academy tomorrow morning.
Please report before sunrise.
Lily's eyes widened.
"The Royal Family personally invited you..."
Kai folded the letter.
"I guess I should prepare."
The next morning...
The Royal Beast Academy stood proudly on a hill overlooking Azure City.
Its towering white buildings resembled ancient castles, while enormous statues of legendary Beast Tamers lined the entrance.
Thousands of new students gathered before the gates.
Some wore expensive noble clothing.
Others, like Kai, dressed simply.
Everyone carried expressions filled with excitement.
Nova remained hidden inside Kai's Beast Space.
According to academy rules, beasts could only be summoned during training or combat.
"Kai!"
A cheerful voice called from behind.
Kai turned around.
It was Sophia White, the girl who had awakened the C-Rank Talent during the ceremony.
She smiled brightly.
"I didn't expect we'd meet again."
Kai smiled politely.
"Congratulations on getting accepted."
Sophia laughed.
"I should be the one congratulating you."
"You're practically a celebrity now."
Before Kai could answer—
A familiar voice interrupted.
"So..."
"The commoner actually made it."
Lucas Sterling approached with several noble students behind him.
His Flame Wolf walked proudly beside him.
Lucas looked Kai up and down.
"I heard the principal personally invited you."
"What a joke."
Kai calmly met his gaze.
"Do you need something?"
Lucas smirked.
"I just wanted to see whether the mysterious genius was anything special."
"So far..."
"I'm disappointed."
Sophia frowned.
"Lucas."
"That's enough."
Lucas ignored her.
He looked directly into Kai's eyes.
"I challenge you."
"The academy's newcomer tournament begins in one month."
"If you have the courage..."
"Face me."
Kai remained silent for a moment.
Then he smiled.
"I accept."
Lucas laughed.
"Good."
"I'll show everyone the difference between nobles and commoners."
He turned around and walked away.
Sophia sighed.
"Don't mind him."
"His family has spoiled him since childhood."
Kai shrugged.
"I wasn't planning to."
At that moment, the academy bell rang.
Every student quickly assembled in the massive courtyard.
Principal Evelyn stepped onto the stage.
"Welcome..."
"...to the Royal Beast Academy."
Her voice echoed across the entire campus.
"For the next four years..."
"You will learn how to become true Beast Tamers."
"But remember."
"A powerful beast does not make a powerful master."
"Courage."
"Wisdom."
"Kindness."
"These qualities are equally important."
Many students nodded.
Others barely listened.
Principal Evelyn continued.
"Today..."
"You will take the Entrance Assessment."
"The results will determine your class."
Immediately, excitement spread through the crowd.
There were five classes.
Bronze.
Silver.
Gold.
Platinum.
And...
Diamond.
Only the greatest geniuses entered the Diamond Class.
An instructor stepped forward.
"The assessment is simple."
"You and your beast will battle an Academy Puppet."
"The longer you survive..."
"The higher your score."
One after another, students stepped forward.
Most lasted less than thirty seconds.
Sophia managed nearly two minutes.
The instructors praised her talent.
Then...
Lucas entered the arena.
His Flame Wolf roared confidently.
After an intense battle, he lasted four minutes before defeating the puppet.
The crowd erupted in applause.
"Incredible!"
"As expected of an A-Rank Talent!"
Lucas proudly looked toward Kai.
"Beat that."
Finally—
"Kai Anderson."
Kai calmly walked into the arena.
He raised one hand.
"Nova."
A golden light flashed.
The tiny nine-tailed fox appeared on his shoulder.
The entire audience fell silent.
"...A fox?"
"That's his contracted beast?"
"It looks so weak."
Lucas burst into laughter.
"That's your beast?"
"I almost feel sorry for you."
Only Principal Evelyn narrowed her eyes.
For some reason...
She couldn't sense Nova's rank.
Not even a little.
The instructor pointed toward the academy puppet.
"Begin!"
The puppet charged.
Its metallic fist shot toward Kai.
Kai didn't move.
He simply smiled.
"Nova."
The little fox yawned.
"Okay."
She lazily lifted one tiny paw.
A single golden flame floated forward.
The next instant—
BOOM!!
The Academy Puppet exploded into thousands of pieces.
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Even the instructors forgot to breathe.
Lucas's smile disappeared completely.
The testing arena...
Was gone.
Only a massive smoking crater remained where the puppet had stood.
Nova blinked innocently.
"...Oops."
Kai rubbed his forehead.
"I think..."
"You used a little too much power."
The little fox lowered her ears.
"Sorry, Master..."
"I was holding back..."
Principal Evelyn slowly stood up.
For the first time in years...
Shock appeared on her usually calm face.
"A Level One beast..."
"...destroyed an Advanced Academy Puppet with one attack?"
Far away, deep beneath the academy, an ancient pair of crimson eyes slowly opened.
A low voice echoed through the darkness.
"The child has finally arrived..."
"And so has..."
"...the Beast of Origin."