Chapter 22 : Settling in the Unknown

Azhaan woke to the faint sound of bells ringing in the distance. The morning light filtered through the small window of his dormitory, casting long shadows across the floor. He sat up slowly, his muscles aching from the climb to Skyreach and the intensity of the evaluation the day before.

Shade was already awake, sitting near the window and watching the bustling city below with its ever-glowing red eyes. Azhaan felt a faint pulse from their bond, a quiet sense of curiosity and vigilance.

"Morning, Shade," Azhaan muttered, rubbing his eyes.

The Shadow Stalker didn't turn but let out a soft growl in acknowledgment.

Azhaan swung his legs over the edge of the bed and reached for the schedule that had been left on his desk. The words felt heavier now, knowing that this wasn't just a list of activities—it was a path he'd have to walk to survive in this world.

Today's Schedule

Morning: Combat Fundamentals (Arena 3)

Midday: Introduction to Taming Theory (Lecture Hall)

Afternoon: Beast Evolution Basics (Workshop Wing)

Azhaan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "They really don't waste any time, do they?"

Shade let out another growl, this one faintly amused.

"You think this is funny?" Azhaan asked, smirking despite himself. "Wait until they make you fight again."

Shade turned, its tail flicking lazily before it padded over to him. Azhaan knelt, placing a hand on the beast's sleek fur. The bond between them pulsed faintly, and for a moment, the aches and nerves seemed to ease.

"All right," Azhaan said, standing. "Let's see what this academy has to offer."

The arena was much larger than the one used for Azhaan's evaluation, with tiered stands surrounding an open space filled with training equipment. Students milled about, some chatting in small groups while others sparred with their beasts under the watchful eyes of instructors.

Azhaan hesitated at the entrance, suddenly hyperaware of how out of place he felt.

"Keep moving, rookie," a familiar voice said.

Azhaan turned to see Kaela approaching, her celestial dragon, Lirian, perched gracefully on her shoulder. The beast's crystalline wings shimmered faintly in the sunlight, and its sharp amber eyes locked onto Shade with an almost amused expression.

"I didn't know you were in this class," Azhaan said, falling into step beside her.

Kaela smirked. "I'm not. But I wanted to see how you handled your first lesson."

Azhaan frowned. "You mean you're here to watch me embarrass myself."

"Exactly."

Before Azhaan could retort, a sharp whistle cut through the air. The students quickly fell silent, turning their attention to a tall, broad-shouldered instructor who stood in the center of the arena. His beast—a massive feline with sleek, obsidian fur—paced beside him, its golden eyes scanning the crowd.

"Welcome to Combat Fundamentals," the instructor said, his voice deep and commanding. "My name is Orin, and this is Maelrik. We'll be teaching you how to survive out there."

His gaze swept over the group, lingering briefly on Azhaan and Shade. Azhaan felt a prickle of unease but stood his ground.

"Survival isn't about strength," Orin continued. "It's about strategy, adaptability, and trust. If you think you can rely on your beast to carry you through every fight, you're already dead."

Shade let out a low growl, and Azhaan quickly placed a hand on its back. "Easy," he whispered.

"Today's focus is synergy," Orin said, gesturing to the open arena. "You and your beast are a team. If you can't work together, you won't last long. Pair up with a partner, and we'll begin."

Azhaan looked around, unsure who to approach. Most of the other students had already formed pairs, their beasts standing at attention beside them.

Before he could decide, a familiar voice called out. "Over here, rookie."

Azhaan turned to see Alira leaning against a training dummy, her plant-like beast coiled around her arm.

"You sure about this?" Azhaan asked as he approached.

Alira grinned. "Someone's got to keep you alive."

Orin's voice boomed across the arena. "The first exercise is simple. One of you will defend while the other attacks. Your goal is to disrupt your opponent's synergy while maintaining your own. Begin!"

Azhaan swallowed hard as Alira stepped forward, her beast unfurling its glowing vines.

"Defend first," Alira said, her tone casual. "Let's see what you've got."

Shade stepped in front of Azhaan, its body low and ready. Azhaan felt their bond pulse faintly, a quiet sense of readiness flowing through him.

Alira's beast struck first, its vines snapping forward like whips. Shade darted to the side, avoiding the attack with ease, but the second strike came faster, forcing Azhaan to duck.

"Shade, counter!" Azhaan called.

Shade leapt forward, its claws slicing through the air. Alira's beast twisted away, its movements fluid and precise.

"Not bad," Alira said, her grin widening. "But you're too reactive. Try thinking ahead."

Azhaan gritted his teeth, focusing on Shade. He felt the bond surge again, a faint echo of Shade's instincts brushing against his mind.

"Go low," he muttered.

Shade moved instantly, slipping under the next attack and striking upward. Its claws raked across Alira's beast's side, drawing a sharp hiss.

Alira laughed, holding up a hand. "All right, all right. You've got some fight in you after all."

Orin's voice cut through the arena. "Good. Switch roles."

By the end of the lesson, Azhaan was exhausted. His muscles ached, his clothes were damp with sweat, and his mind felt like it had been through a storm.

Shade padded beside him as they left the arena, its movements slower but still steady.

"You did well," Kaela said, falling into step beside him.

Azhaan shook his head. "It doesn't feel like it. Shade did all the work."

Kaela stopped, forcing him to meet her gaze. "No, it didn't. You did. That bond? That trust? That's all you. But it's a partnership, Azhaan. Shade needs you as much as you need it."

Azhaan glanced at Shade, who let out a soft growl, its red eyes meeting his. For the first time, he felt a flicker of pride—not just in Shade, but in himself.

"Thanks," he said quietly.

Kaela smirked. "Don't thank me yet. You've still got a long way to go."

As they made their way back to the dormitories, Azhaan felt the weight of the day settle over him. The road ahead was long and uncertain, but for the first time, he felt like he belonged.