---
The wind howled over the cliffs beyond Shrek Academy.
On a jagged peak just beyond the sanctioned training zone, Kiyanotoka Ash stood still, arms crossed. His coat billowed behind him, soaked by mist. Around him shimmered the faint echoes of presence—beasts bonded not by chance, but will.
Storm Roc. Sylph-Hare. Baby Fire Dragon.
They emerged in silence, summoned not by rings or flashy declarations, but the calm clarity of his command.
---
🐲 Training in Unity
"Formation Three," Kiyanotoka said.
Immediately, the Storm Roc took to the skies. Its wings crackled with static as it rode the thermals, creating an updraft above.
The Sylph-Hare flickered between rocks, using momentum from the Roc's current to leap impossibly high, shadow-stepping in midair.
Below, the Baby Fire Dragon crouched, chest pulsing orange. It inhaled sharply and—
> Fwoooosh!
A focused cone of flame shot upward, engulfing a thrown fire crystal target.
> Direct hit.
Kiyanotoka nodded. "Better."
He had been training his beasts to work together without needing verbal orders. They were adapting—learning through shared instinct. Through the bond.
> [ SYSTEM – Beast Synchronization: 27% ]
Bonus Unlocked: Cross Command – Issue two chained beast commands with a single thought.
> Next milestone: 35% – Tri-Layered Coordination unlocked.
---
🕵️ Fuyue's Suspicion
Far below, back within the academy walls, Fuyue Tsukari knelt in the shadows of the eastern courtyard.
The mist trail, the elemental energy—fire, wind, and void—all matched Kiyanotoka's beasts. She narrowed her eyes.
> "He's training them harder than sanctioned."
She recalled their duel.
> He used raw technique, not showy power. Hidden instincts… deeper command pathways. No delay in their response.
The Moon Serpent coiled at her feet, its tongue flicking.
> "I don't think he's breaking rules," she whispered. "I think he's breaking the system."
---
👤 Visitor from the Outside
Later that afternoon, a man in dark robes stood at the southern gate—presenting forged credentials as a "visiting instructor."
But he wasn't here to teach.
Bounty Hunter: Rank A Mission: Test whether Kiyanotoka Ash possesses "undocumented combat potential" beyond beast mastery.
> "Observation only," Kaelus warned him. "But provoke if needed."
---
⚔️ The Duel
The next morning, the bounty hunter called for a public match. Kiyanotoka accepted without hesitation.
The match drew a full crowd.
> "Three-beast tamer," the man mocked. "Let's see if you can control them when your life's on the line."
From the start, Kiyanotoka took control.
"Storm Roc—arc left, push gust."
The Roc swept wide, sending a wind barrier into the opposing Chimera Wolf's charge.
"Sylph—triple-step. Fake left."
The Hare vanished and reappeared midair, blinking to strike from behind.
"Dragon—wait... now!"
The Fire Dragon, crouched low for nearly ten seconds, unleashed a refined, narrow fire arc that passed between the Hare and Roc without touching them, slamming into the Chimera's side.
> A perfect three-point combo. No shouting. No chaos.
> [ SYSTEM – Cross Command Successfully Deployed Mid-Battle ]
The bounty hunter's beast fell, stunned. The man raised his hand.
> "Enough."
The audience erupted.
But Kaelus didn't cheer.
He simply whispered, "He's past novice... and he's not showing his real power yet."
---
🌌 Beneath the Moon
That night, Kiyanotoka sat alone beneath the stars, his beasts resting nearby.
The Fire Dragon dozed beside a steaming hot rock.
The Sylph-Hare was curled at his feet, ears twitching even in sleep.
The Storm Roc perched silently atop a high branch, keeping watch.
Kiyanotoka closed his eyes and whispered:
> "We're not ready to evolve. But we're ready to endure."
> [ SYSTEM UPDATE – Beast Growth Log ]
Storm Roc: Wing Charge +10%, lightning arc refined.
Sylph-Hare: Gained passive skill "Spatial Skip" (Short-range blink).
Fire Dragon: Refined Fire Arc gained; heat output increased.
Evolution pathways unlocked, but not initiated.
---
📘 End of Chapter 19
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📊 Kiyanotoka Ash – Full Stats
👤 Name: Kiyanotoka Ash
🌐 Class: Spiritual Beast Master (Hidden Body Cultivator)
📈 Body Level: Level 2 – Flame Core Initiate
🔥 Body Trait:
Core Flame Pulse (Brief power surge every 30 seconds)
Pulse Guard (Negates 1 fatal strike/day – cooldown 24 hrs)
---
🐉 Spirit Beasts:
1. Fire Dragon (Juvenile)
Rank: S-Rank
Type: Fire
Skills:
Refined Fire Arc (Mid-tier)
Ember Pulse (Locked)
Status: Stable growth, moderate temper
Evolution: Locked (Progress ~58%)
2. Storm Roc
Rank: A-Rank
Type: Wind + Lightning
Skills:
Wing Charge
Thunder Dive (Locked)
Status: Loyal, tactical, aerial command improved
Evolution: Locked (Progress ~42%)
3. Sylph-Hare
Rank: B-Rank
Type: Void/Speed
Skills:
Shadow Step
Spatial Skip (New – Passive Blink)
Status: Agile, curious, emotionally bonded
Evolution: Locked (Progress ~65%)
---
🧬 Bond Metrics:
Beast Synchronization: 27%
System Bonus: Cross Command Unlocked
Next Sync Bonus: Tri-Layered Coordination (35%)
Evolution Threshold: Pending future catalyst events
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