Chapter 5: Training and XO Cards

After passing the entrance exam, Free and Shawn, along with the other successful applicants, were led into the academy's grand training hall. The room was massive, with towering walls lined with weapons and holographic projection screens displaying data on various XO Beasts.

An instructor stood before them, his imposing presence commanding silence.

"I am Instructor Darius," he announced. "Now that you are officially XO Academy cadets, you will learn how to properly use your XO Cards."

He raised a card of his own, and a fiery explosion erupted from it, summoning a massive, armored lion with blazing eyes. The sheer heat from the beast made students step back.

"This is the power of an XO Beast," Darius continued. "And today, you will learn to control your own."

Free tightened his grip on his Shadow Fang's card. This was the moment he had been waiting for.

For the next few hours, the students were put through rigorous drills. Free and Shawn worked on summoning and recalling their beasts, maintaining the energy link between them. Some students struggled, their beasts refusing to obey. Others, like Leon, controlled theirs effortlessly.

As Free watched Leon command his golden-winged falcon with precision, he clenched his fists. He wouldn't be left behind.

"Again!" Free told himself, summoning Shadow Fang once more.

Hours passed, and exhaustion weighed on their bodies. But neither Free nor Shawn gave up.

By the end of the session, Instructor Darius nodded in approval. "Tomorrow begins your first real test. Rest up."

The next challenge was already waiting.