Chapter 9: Climbing the Ranks

The next morning, Free and Shawn entered their first real combat training session. The academy's battle dome was massive, a futuristic arena where students would prove their strength.

The proctor called out, "Free versus Leon."

A hush fell over the students.

Leon smirked as he stepped onto the battlefield, summoning his golden-winged falcon. The beast let out a piercing screech, its wings spreading wide.

Free remained calm. "Shadow Fang, let's go."

The black wolf emerged, growling lowly.

Leon laughed. "You barely made it past the entrance test, street rat. You really think you can keep up?"

The battle began.

Leon's falcon shot forward like a bullet, its razor-sharp talons aiming straight for Shadow Fang. But Free's instincts kicked in.

"Dodge and counter!"

Shadow Fang moved like a shadow itself, slipping past the attack before leaping at the falcon's blind spot. Its fangs snapped shut—but Leon's falcon twisted mid-air, barely evading the bite.

Leon smirked. "Nice try."

The battle continued at breakneck speed, both beasts clashing in midair. But then, Free felt something—an instinct, a connection to Shadow Fang's movements.

"Now! Strike low!"

Shadow Fang shifted in an instant, dropping beneath the falcon and lunging at its legs. The falcon let out a screech as Shadow Fang's fangs clamped down.

Leon's smirk vanished.

Free held up his XO Card. "Capture."

A flash of light. The falcon vanished.

Gasps echoed across the battlefield.

"Incredible…"

Leon gritted his teeth but said nothing. He had underestimated Free, and now he had paid the price.

Instructor Darius nodded. "Winner—Free."

Shawn clapped Free on the back. "That was insane."

Free simply smiled. He was one step closer to rising through the ranks.