Chapter 36 A Fox Named Shiranui

The Beast and the Blade

Arcadia Academy – Beast Taming Grounds

The afternoon sun hung high in the sky, casting golden rays over the sprawling Beast Taming Grounds of Arcadia Academy. A vast field, bordered by towering trees and enclosed by a shimmering barrier of runic inscriptions, it was where students attempted to form their first magical contracts with summoned creatures.

The air buzzed with anticipation. Some students were excited, eager to bond with their first beast. Others were nervous, aware that a failed contract could lead to anything from rejection to outright injury.

Alden?

He simply sat on the grassy field, arms resting behind him as he watched the chaos unfold.

---

A Week in Arcadia

It had been one week since he stepped into this academy.

One week since he had shattered expectations during the Virtual Combat Test.

One week since he had begun laying the groundwork for his survival.

Everything was progressing smoothly.

Well… mostly.

A voice echoed in his mind, laced with amusement and impatience.

"Why are you just sitting there, partner? Are we not supposed to be training?"

Alden smirked, not bothering to turn his head.

Shiranui.

His legendary Nine-Tailed Fox, currently curled up beside him, her tails swishing lazily in the breeze. If anyone else saw her true form, they'd lose their minds—a celestial beast of pure white fur, her eyes like molten silver moons. A creature so rare and powerful that most believed she was a myth.

But for now, she remained in her smaller form, appearing as a small fox, her size barely larger than a house cat.

She huffed. Annoyed.

"I don't see the point of just sitting here."

Alden adjusted his sunglasses, exhaling leisurely.

"Relax. I don't need to tame you. You already belong to me."

Shiranui snapped her teeth playfully at him.

"Belong to you? Tch. Arrogant human."

---

Conversations with a Fox and a Sword

Before Alden could retort, another voice chimed in—this time, not from a fox.

"She has a point, you know. Shouldn't you be putting on a show? You know, for appearances?"

Alden rolled his eyes.

Kurenai.

His katana.

A blade forged from scarlet steel, its edge imbued with the whispers of ancient flames. It didn't just cut—it spoke. A sword with a spirit, sentient and observant, always offering its own commentary on Alden's actions.

He sighed.

"Look, I already have an overpowered fox and a talking sword. If I keep showing off, people are going to start asking questions."

Shiranui flicked her tails, unimpressed.

"Oh? You're afraid of a little attention?"

Alden smirked.

"I'm afraid of getting stabbed in my sleep."

Kurenai chuckled.

"Fair point."

Shiranui narrowed her silver eyes, studying him.

"So what's next, then? You just sit here and do nothing?"

Alden leaned back, the sun warm against his skin.

"Not nothing."

His gaze flickered toward the other students, quietly taking mental notes.

---

Observing the Competition

First up—Seraphina von Edelweiss.

She stood tall, silver hair shimmering in the light, golden eyes cold and calculating as she observed her own beast.

An Ice Griffin.

The creature flapped its massive wings, releasing a chilling cry that sent lesser beasts whimpering in fear. It was clear from the way it moved—from the strength of their contract—that Seraphina had tamed it long before entering the academy.

Alden smirked.

Figures.

The noble princess wouldn't settle for anything less than perfection.

Next—Alicia von Rosenheim.

Her beast was a Crimson Lion, its golden mane flickering with embers.

The sheer heat radiating from it caused the grass beneath its paws to wither. The flames danced wildly, but Alicia remained unfazed, running her fingers through its fur as though it were nothing more than a house pet.

Alden watched closely.

In the game's original story, Alicia's beast would eventually evolve into a Flame Lion King—one of the strongest creatures in the academy. If things played out the same way… she was only going to get stronger.

And then—Leon Ardent.

The protagonist.

Unlike the others, he struggled.

His beast—a Thunder Fang Wolf—stood rigid, its golden eyes glowing with defiance. Every time Leon tried to issue a command, the wolf would snarl or refuse to listen.

But Leon was nothing if not stubborn.

Despite his struggles, he didn't panic. He gritted his teeth, adjusted his stance, and pushed forward.

Alden nodded to himself.

The protagonist's resilience at work.

It was only a matter of time before he succeeded.

---

Avoiding Suspicion

"Alden Blackwood."

The instructor's voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

The students turned to look at him.

Alden let out a fake yawn, stretching his arms lazily.

"What?"

The instructor frowned.

"I don't see you attempting to tame a beast."

Alden gestured toward Shiranui, who swished her tails lazily, barely sparing the instructor a glance.

"I already have one."

The instructor's eyes narrowed.

"That fox is already contracted?"

"Obviously."

Murmurs spread through the students.

"He already tamed a beast?"

"It's so small… but it feels strong."

Alden could feel their gazes shifting, filled with confusion, curiosity… and a hint of suspicion.

Seraphina's golden eyes narrowed.

Alicia tilted her head, watching him closely.

Alden sighed inwardly.

Great. More attention.

---

A Hidden Path Forward

After the lesson, Alden found himself alone in the forested training grounds, away from prying eyes.

His sunglasses rested on his forehead, and his breathing slowed as he focused his mana.

Shiranui sat beside him, her silver eyes glinting with intrigue.

"Are you finally taking things seriously?"

Alden smirked.

"I've been taking things seriously since the day I arrived here."

With a flick of his wrist, Kurenai's blade hummed in the air, its crimson edge glowing faintly.

The academy was watching him now.

Seraphina. Alicia. Even Professor Magnus had started paying attention.

He needed to be careful.

Power was a double-edged sword. If he grew too fast, he'd attract enemies before he was ready.

But if he stayed too low…

He'd be crushed before he ever had the chance to rise.

A delicate balance.

Shiranui chuckled.

"Well then, partner. What's the plan?"

Alden grinned.

"Simple. I train. I grow stronger. And when the time comes…"

He tightened his grip on Kurenai's hilt.

"I'll make sure no one can ever look down on me again."