The courtyard of Valmere Academy was bustling. Hundreds of first-year students walked toward the Bonding Sanctuary, a sacred space within the school where new tamers would form a contract with their first beasts.

  Ethan strolled calmly among them, the strap of his backpack firmly fastened on his shoulder. Unlike most, he felt no anxiety or hesitation. He already had his beast.

  The Ancestral Forest Deer.

  However, his peers did not know this.

  As they approached the sanctuary, the atmosphere became more solemn. The place was a circular stone temple, with tall pillars covered in ancient inscriptions. In the center, a crystal-clear pond reflected the sunlight, and around it, several reinforced cages held beasts of various species and categories.

  A tall, stern-faced teacher approached the group.

  — Welcome to the most important moment of your lives as tamers, young ones. My name is Master Varian, and today you will form a contract with your first beast.

  The students held their breath. For many, this was the real beginning of their journey.

  — As you know, the academy offers Common and Rare beasts. Those who wish may bring their own beasts, provided they have been approved by the school. Now, form lines.

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  Ethan stepped aside a little, watching his peers hesitantly walk toward the cages. Some chose robust and aggressive beasts, while others scrutinized carefully before deciding.

  — What are you going to choose? — asked a boy beside him, noticing that Ethan was not advancing.

  He had silver hair and sharp eyes, carrying an air of confidence. By his posture, he was not an ordinary student.

  — I already have my beast.

  The boy raised an eyebrow.

  — Really? Which one?

  Before Ethan could answer, a loud roar echoed through the sanctuary.

  All the students turned in the direction of the sound. Inside a reinforced cage, a wolf with black fur and red eyes struggled against the bars, emitting fierce waves of energy.

  — A Dark Wolf? — someone whispered in the crowd.

  A creature of the Dark type, known for its speed and stealth in combat. A tamer was approaching the cage with a determined look.

  The boy beside Ethan smiled.

  — Looks like someone wants to impress.

  Ethan maintained his calm expression. His beast was not as intimidating as a Dark Wolf… at least, not yet.

  Suddenly, the sound of footsteps approached, and a teacher looked at him.

  — Ethan Valtieri?

  He nodded.

  — Your beast has been approved. You may form the contract.

  The eyes of the surrounding students turned to him.

  Ethan approached a reserved space in the sanctuary, where a single beast was waiting.

  A deer.

  At first, it appeared to be a peaceful creature. Its fur was a shade of mossy green, and small golden patterns shone faintly on its skin. Its antlers, though still growing, already displayed a subtle glow of natural energy.

  Whispers spread among the students.

  — A deer?

  — Isn’t that just a support beast?

  — Did he really choose that thing?

  Ethan ignored the comments and knelt before the deer. He extended his hand, feeling the pulsating energy of the creature. His eyes met those of the animal, and in an instant, a bond was formed.

  The contract mark shone on his hand.

  The Ancestral Forest Deer lifted its head, and for the first time, the murmurs ceased.

  They still didn’t know.

  They still didn’t understand the true potential of this creature.

  But Ethan did.

  And soon, everyone else would too.