Night draped its quiet veil over the academy field as Zhen and his friends gathered under the stars. The air was crisp, the faint smell of grass lingering from the day's sun. Long Yi was already waiting, arms crossed, her figure calm yet commanding in the moonlight. The six children, despite their young faces, carried determination in their eyes. Zhen stepped forward with conviction and declared, "Teacher, we have set a goal."
Long Yi raised an eyebrow, curious at the weight in his tone. "What goal?"
The six spoke in unison, their voices carrying a harmony that echoed across the empty field: "When we reach rank 25, we six will become a team."
Long Yi's gaze lingered on them, a flicker of surprise flashing across her expression. "So… you aim to surpass even the DARKNESS LIGHT?" The name of the legendary team sent a shiver down their spines. Yet, each of them nodded firmly, eyes unwavering.
For a moment, silence held the field. Then, Long Yi's lips curved into a smile. "Alright, if that is your resolve, let's begin the training."
Their night's work started with the routine two rounds around the field. The sound of their footsteps filled the quiet night, steady at first but growing heavy. Zhen ran as if tireless, his pace strong and balanced, while the others struggled, sweat dripping and breaths heavy. By the end, they collapsed to their knees, but all managed to complete the laps.
Long Yi nodded approvingly. "Good. You've all improved. Looks like you can handle two rounds now."
The words sparked happiness in their tired bodies. But the satisfaction was short-lived, for Long Yi's next instruction stunned them.
"Shi Feng and Bing Xueer, you two form a team. You will fight against Lei Wei and Yu Xiatao."
They froze, disbelief painted on their faces. A battle against each other? Their bonds were strong, but now they were to stand on opposite sides.
Long Yi's calm voice explained, "Shi Feng and Bing Xueer showed excellent coordination during the third trial. Lei Wei and Yu Xiatao, both of you share thunder attributes—dragon and phoenix—making you a natural pair. Tonight, I want to see how you push one another. Now, prepare."
Hesitant glances passed between the six, but determination soon settled. On one side, Lei Wei and Yu Xiatao braced themselves, the faint glow of their beast power already flickering around them. On the opposite side, Bing Xueer and Shi Feng tightened their stance. Zhen and Naer stood at the corner, voices loud in encouragement, cheering both sides equally.
Xueer glanced at Feng with confidence. "Let's do it the same way as the third trial."
Feng grinned, excitement in his eyes. "Right on."
Across from them, Lei Wei clenched his fists. "We can win this."
Xiatao nodded firmly. "Yeah, together."
Long Yi lifted her hand, her voice clear. "Battle, begin!"
The ground shook as Lei Wei and Shi Feng dashed forward. Sparks flew when their claws collided—"First skill, Thunder Dragon Claw!" shouted Wei, his strike wrapped in blazing thunder. "First skill, Terror Claw!" roared Feng, his beast energy bursting with shadow. Their clash lit the night with a violent glow.
Meanwhile, Xiatao soared forward, her eyes locked on Xueer. "It looks like you're mine tonight, Queer! Skill, Thunder Phoenix Wings!" Her glowing wings burst outward, radiating a storm of crackling energy.
Xueer's lips curled into a smile. "You underestimate me, Xiatao. Skill, Frost Shield!" A shimmering wall of ice erupted before her, clashing with the thunder wings in an explosion of sparks and frost.
Long Yi watched silently, her eyes narrowing with interest. "So young, yet already wielding such powerful beast bonds…" she whispered.
The battlefield grew more intense. Xueer braced herself against Wei's claw strikes, each impact echoing across the field. "Feng, switch with me!" she shouted.
Feng didn't hesitate. The two swapped opponents smoothly. Now, Feng charged at Xiatao while Xueer turned her shield against Lei Wei. The switch invigorated them, showing their trust in one another.
Wei gritted his teeth, his lightning dancing wildly. "I want to see if the Bing Clan's defense is truly stronger than the Lei Clan's attack!" His thunder dragon claw crackled as it descended.
Xueer pushed forward with her shield, her voice sharp. "Then let's find out!" Frost and thunder collided, each refusing to give way, filling the air with mist and sparks.
On the other side, Xiatao flapped her brilliant wings, her figure rising into the air. "Your claw is powerful, Feng, but what can you do when I take the skies?"
Feng's eyes followed her, his claws slashing at nothing. His frustration grew as her thunder wings rained attacks from above. Long Yi observed closely, murmuring, "Yu Xiatao's advantage is clear—her thunder phoenix wings grant her both flight and attack force."
Feng clenched his fists, unwilling to give in. "Xueer! Let's combine our strength!"
"Understood!" Xueer replied.
Wei immediately realized their plan. "Xiatao, they're preparing to strike together. We must match them with our power too!"
"Alright!" Xiatao called back, her wings glowing brighter.
Both pairs began gathering their energies. On one side, frost and storm swirled together, forming a biting blizzard laced with shadow. On the other, lightning storms and phoenix thunder intertwined, filling the field with searing strikes and crackling thunder. The pressure of their combined powers shook the ground beneath their feet.
Zhen and Naer could only stare, their hearts pounding wildly as the raw energy flooded the night. It felt as if the very field would split apart.
The four combatants roared as one, their voices blending with their beasts' cries. "Haaaaaaaahhhhhh!"
But before their ultimate clash could land, a dark figure blurred into the center. Long Yi's hands stretched outward, her palms glowing. Twin dragon claws, black as night and brimming with terrifying energy, manifested and caught all four attacks as if they were mere sparks.
"Enough," her voice boomed. "The battle is over."
The power dispersed instantly. A shockwave spread across the field, rattling the trees around them. Wei, Xiatao, Feng, and Xueer dropped to the ground, their bodies trembling from exhaustion. They gasped for breath, sweat pouring down their faces.
Zhen and Naer rushed forward, pulling their friends up one by one. Their relief turned to shock as the four suddenly felt a surge ignite within their bodies. Beasts roared within their souls, bonds strengthening with newfound vigor.
"My bond power… it has reached rank 15!!!" all four shouted together, voices filled with astonishment and joy.
Zhen's and Naer's faces lit up, their voices joining in cheer. "Congratulations, everyone!"
Long Yi stepped forward, her expression firm but proud. "Good. Bing Xueer, Yu Xiatao, Shi Feng, Lei Wei—your bond power has advanced to rank 15."
Excitement buzzed in the group, but Zhen raised his hand quickly. "Teacher, what about me and Naer?"
Naer looked at Long Yi with eager curiosity.
Long Yi's lips curved into a mysterious smile. "Your training is… very special. It will begin tomorrow night." Her tone carried both promise and weight, leaving Zhen and Naer glancing at each other with anticipation, wondering what awaited them in the shadows of the next night.