The First Challenge

The Monster Taming Ceremony was far from over. While others were still struggling to tame their beasts, Jiang Chen had already completed his contract. However, he knew this was just the beginning.

Taming a monster was one thing. Controlling it was another.

At that moment, Instructor Wei's voice rang out across the arena.

"Listen up! Taming your first beast is just step one. A true Monster Tamer must be able to command their monster in battle!"

Jiang Chen's gaze flickered.

Battle?

Instructor Wei smirked and gestured to the students.

"The next phase is a combat test! Each of you will pit your newly tamed beast against another. This will determine your compatibility and strength as a tamer. Those who perform well will receive academy resources."

Excited murmurs spread among the students.

"Combat already?"

"Perfect! I want to see what my Silver Wolf can do!"

"This is a chance to prove our strength!"

Jiang Chen remained calm.

A battle was inevitable. This was a world where strength ruled.

At that moment, a system notification appeared before him.

[System Notification]

New Mission: First Victory!

Win your first battle using Ghost.

Reward: Unlock a random hidden ability for Ghost.

Would you like to accept?

[YES] / [NO]

Jiang Chen's eyes narrowed.

"An ability unlock?"

He didn't hesitate. "Yes."

Ghost, standing beside him, let out a low growl as if sensing his intent.

It was time to fight.

A Worthy Opponent

Instructor Wei called out names randomly. One by one, students stepped forward, sending their monsters into combat.

Bullet Rats clashed with Mint Cats. Fierce Fist Apes battled Green Devil Vines. The arena filled with dust and roars as creatures fought under their tamers' commands.

Then, Jiang Chen heard his name.

"Jiang Chen vs. Wang Tao!"

A muscular student with a cocky grin stepped forward. His beast—a Red River Ape—let out a loud roar, pounding its chest aggressively.

Jiang Chen recognized Wang Tao.

One of the stronger students in the academy, Wang Tao had been training to become a Monster Tamer since he was a child. He had resources, experience, and confidence.

"You?" Wang Tao smirked. "You really picked that bony ape? Thought you'd go for something stronger."

Jiang Chen didn't react. His cold gaze simply locked onto Wang Tao.

Instructor Wei raised his hand. "Begin!"

Battle Begins!

Wang Tao took the initiative.

"Red River Ape, Crushing Fist!"

His beast shot forward, its powerful arms glowing with energy as it swung a devastating punch.

"Ghost, dodge!"

The Battle Bone Death Ape reacted instantly, shifting its weight and barely avoiding the attack. Dust exploded from the impact site where the Red River Ape's fist struck the ground.

Jiang Chen analyzed the battle calmly.

Ghost was faster than expected, but in terms of raw strength, the Red River Ape had the advantage.

Wang Tao smirked. "Good reflexes, but let's see you dodge this!"

"Red River Ape, Berserk Charge!"

His beast's muscles bulged as it dashed forward, closing the gap in an instant.

Jiang Chen's eyes flashed.

"Ghost, counterattack! Use Ghost Claw!"

Ghost's claws glowed with spectral energy, slashing out just as the Red River Ape closed in.

Slash!

The attack connected. Claw marks appeared on the Red River Ape's chest, causing it to roar in pain.

The crowd gasped.

"That ape is faster than I thought!"

"Wait… did it just use a ghost-type attack?"

Wang Tao's grin disappeared.

"So it's not completely useless… but that won't be enough!"

"Red River Ape, Crushing Fist again!"

The powerful ape lunged forward, fist glowing once more.

Jiang Chen's mind raced.

Ghost was agile, but its defense was weak. It couldn't take direct hits.

Then, an idea struck him.

"Ghost, use Bone Armor!"

A faint white glow spread across Ghost's skeletal plating. The moment the Crushing Fist landed, the energy was partially absorbed, reducing the damage.

But Jiang Chen wasn't done.

"Now! Ghost Claw—full power!"

Ghost's claws gleamed once more as it delivered a brutal slash, striking the Red River Ape's unguarded side.

Boom!

The Red River Ape staggered back, letting out a pained howl.

Instructor Wei's eyes shone with interest.

"This kid… he's adapting quickly."

Wang Tao gritted his teeth. His ape was injured, breathing heavily.

Jiang Chen remained calm.

This fight was already over.

"Ghost, Ghost Claw—finish it!"

The final strike landed on the Red River Ape's neck, forcing it to collapse onto the ground.

Silence.

Then—

"Winner, Jiang Chen!"

The crowd erupted in whispers.

"He won?! Against Wang Tao?"

"That ape of his is stronger than it looks…"

Wang Tao clenched his fists but said nothing. He knew he had lost.

Jiang Chen simply turned away.

Ghost let out a quiet grunt, stepping beside its tamer.

Then, a system notification popped up.

[Mission Complete: First Victory!]

Reward Unlocked: Hidden Ability – Phantom Step

[New Ability Acquired!]

Phantom Step: Allows Ghost to briefly fade into the shadows, avoiding attacks and increasing speed for a short time.

Jiang Chen's eyes flashed.

This was just the beginning.

With the Monster Taming System, he would climb to the top—step by step, battle by battle.

He glanced at Ghost, who stood tall beside him, crimson eyes gleaming.

"Let's move forward, Ghost."

The Battle Bone Death Ape let out a low growl.

Their journey had only begun.