Chapter 4:Swarms and Surprises
The morning sun spilled golden light across the academy grounds, and the air buzzed with activity. Students were already out and about, preparing for their first full day of classes and beast taming exercises. For Kai, however, the day started with an annoyed groan.
"Stinger, for the love of everything holy, stop buzzing so loudly," Kai muttered, rubbing his temples. The **Giant Hornet**, now comfortably perched on the windowsill, was flapping its wings in short, rhythmic bursts, creating a sound that was far too energetic for whatever hour it was.
Tiny, meanwhile, was stationed on the floor beside Kai's bed, its mandibles clicking as though in silent judgment.
Kai sat up and stretched, yawning as he glanced at the glowing system interface hovering in front of him.
---
**[Status Interface – Kai Anther]**
**Name**: Kai Anther
**Title**: Insect Tamer (Beginner)
**Level**: 2
**Beast Bond Slots**: 2/2 (Next Slot Unlocks at Level 10)
**Bonded Beasts**:
1. **Titan Ant (Evolved)**
- Skills: Harden (Level 1), Mandible Strike (Level 1), Acid Spit (Level 1)
2. **Giant Hornet**
- Skills: Poison Sting (Level 1), Aerial Dash (Level 1)
**Inventory**:
- 1x Evolution Stone (Medium)
- 100x Beast Taming Points (BTP)
---
Kai rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Alright, two bonded beasts. Not a bad start. Tiny's a tank, and Stinger's got speed and poison. Maybe I'm actually starting to look like a real tamer."
The system chimed in, interrupting his thoughts.
---
**[Ding! New Quest Available]**
**[Quest: Prove Your Worth]**
**Objective**: Win your first combat class exercise.
**Rewards**: 200 Beast Taming Points (BTP), New Skill Unlock.
---
Kai raised an eyebrow as he read the quest description. "Combat class, huh? Sounds like a good chance to show off what Tiny and Stinger can do." He glanced at the clock on his desk, realizing he was cutting it close. "Alright, let's get moving."
Tiny clicked its mandibles in agreement, and Stinger buzzed enthusiastically as Kai grabbed his satchel and headed out the door.
---
### **Combat Class Begins**
The academy's combat training arena was even more impressive than the one Kai had dueled Arden in. Massive stone pillars surrounded the circular field, and the ground was reinforced with enchanted tiles designed to withstand the destructive power of beasts. Students gathered in groups, chatting excitedly as they waited for the instructor to arrive.
Kai kept to the back of the crowd, trying to avoid drawing attention. Unfortunately, his attempt to blend in was ruined when a familiar, obnoxious voice called out.
"Well, if it isn't bug boy!"
Kai groaned inwardly as **Arden Stormfang** sauntered over, his Thunder Wolf padding alongside him. The wolf still had a few visible scars from their duel, but it looked otherwise recovered—and just as menacing as ever.
"Morning, Arden," Kai said flatly. "Here to lose again?"
Arden's smirk faltered for a split second before he recovered. "Don't get cocky. Beating me once doesn't make you special. In fact, I'd say it was pure luck. Let's see how you handle yourself in a real combat class."
Before Kai could respond, a booming voice cut through the chatter.
"Alright, listen up!"
The students fell silent as **Instructor Darius**, a towering man with a grizzled beard and a scar running down his left cheek, strode onto the field. His presence radiated authority, and his sharp eyes scanned the crowd as though daring anyone to step out of line.
"Today's exercise is simple," Darius said, his voice carrying effortlessly across the arena. "You'll pair up and face off in one-on-one beast duels. Your goal is to incapacitate your opponent's beast or force them to withdraw. Show me what you've got!"
The students exchanged excited glances, and Kai felt a spark of anticipation. This was his chance to prove himself again.
"Anther!" Darius barked suddenly.
Kai straightened instinctively. "Yes, sir?"
"You're up first. Let's see if you're as good as people say."
Kai blinked. "Wait, what? People are talking about me?"
Darius chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "Word gets around fast when someone beats Stormfang on their first day. Now get out there and show us what you can do."
Kai sighed, stepping into the center of the arena. Tiny and Stinger followed, their presences giving him a boost of confidence.
"Who's my opponent?" Kai asked, glancing around.
A girl with bright red hair and a confident smirk stepped forward, a **Flame-Tail Lynx** padding beside her. The lynx's fiery tail flicked back and forth, tiny embers falling to the ground with each movement.
"Name's **Reyna Ashford**," she said, her voice tinged with amusement. "Let's see if your bugs can handle a little heat."
---
**[New Opponent Identified: Flame-Tail Lynx]**
**[Tip: Use Stinger's speed and ranged attacks to exploit your opponent's lack of defense.]**
---
Kai grinned. "Alright, Reyna. Let's see what you've got."
---
### **The Duel**
The match began with a burst of motion. Reyna's lynx dashed forward, its fiery tail trailing behind it like a comet.
"Tiny, use *Harden*! Stinger, take to the skies!" Kai commanded.
Tiny braced itself, its exoskeleton shimmering as it hardened, while Stinger buzzed upward, its wings beating furiously.
"Flame-Tail Lynx, *Fire Dash*!" Reyna shouted.
The lynx's body ignited as it charged toward Tiny, slamming into the Titan Ant with explosive force. Tiny skidded back but remained standing, its defenses holding strong.
"Now, Stinger! *Poison Sting*!"
From above, Stinger launched its attack, a glowing green projectile shooting from its stinger and striking the lynx's flank. The beast yowled in pain, stumbling slightly as the poison began to take effect.
Reyna's confident smirk faltered. "Lynx, shake it off! Use *Flame Whip*!"
The lynx's tail lashed out, a wave of fire streaking toward Stinger.
"Dodge it!" Kai yelled.
Stinger darted to the side just in time, evading the attack with ease.
"Now, Tiny! *Mandible Strike*!"
Tiny surged forward, its massive mandibles glowing faintly as it clamped down on the lynx's leg. The beast yelped, struggling to free itself, but Tiny's grip was unyielding.
"Finish it, Stinger! *Poison Sting*!"
Another glowing projectile struck the lynx, and this time, the beast collapsed, unable to continue.
---
The arena fell silent for a moment before Darius stepped forward, a satisfied grin on his face.
"Winner: Kai Anther!"
The crowd erupted into murmurs, some impressed, others disbelieving.
Kai let out a breath of relief, patting Tiny on the head. "Good job, buddy. You too, Stinger."
---
**[Ding! Quest Complete: Prove Your Worth]**
**[Rewards Acquired: 200 Beast Taming Points (BTP), New Skill Unlocked: Swarm Command.]**
---
Kai's status interface appeared in front of him.
---
**[Status Interface – Kai Anther]**
**Name**: Kai Anther
**Title**: Insect Tamer (Beginner)
**Level**: 3
**Beast Bond Slots**: 2/2 (Next Slot Unlocks at Level 10)
**New Skill Unlocked**:
- **Swarm Command (Level 1)**: Temporarily boosts the speed and coordination of all bonded insects, allowing for devastating group attacks.
---
Kai grinned as the interface disappeared. "Looks like things are starting to heat up."