Chapter 3: Entering XO Academy

The towering gates of XO Academy loomed before Free and Shawn, gleaming under the morning sun. Hundreds of hopeful applicants filled the massive training field, their voices blending into an anxious murmur. Some were rich, dressed in fine combat gear, already holding powerful XO Cards. Others, like Free and Shawn, came from nothing, standing with only their determination.

A loud voice boomed over the crowd.

"Welcome to the entrance exam! Only the strongest will enter!"

At the front of the field stood a tall instructor clad in a black and gold uniform. His muscular frame and piercing gaze made it clear he was no ordinary teacher. He raised his hand, and a large metal platform rose from the ground behind him. A steel door on the platform slid open, releasing a wave of thick mist. From within, XO Beasts emerged, their glowing eyes fixated on the candidates.

"The first trial is simple," the instructor announced. "Capture or defeat an XO Beast within the time limit. If you fail, you're out."

Free's heart pounded with excitement. This was it.

Shawn clenched his fists. "We're not losing."

A loud buzzer rang, and chaos erupted. Students rushed toward the beasts, drawing their XO Cards. Some fought skillfully, summoning beasts of their own. Others struggled, their inexperience evident as they were quickly overwhelmed.

Free scanned the battlefield, eyes narrowing as he analyzed the creatures. He still had the card they'd stolen, but he had no idea how strong the XO Beast inside it was. Was it enough to pass?

Shawn grabbed his arm. "We need a strategy. We only get one shot."

Free smirked. "Then let's make it count."

Their test had begun.