The Verdant Depths, a maze of caverns beyond Verdant Academy, glowed with crystals pulsing with Essence. Kai crouched at the entrance, his Starborn Cub nestled beside him, its silver fur sparkling like stars. His black hair, streaked with silver, stuck to his sweaty forehead, and his green eyes scanned the shadows. The star-shaped scar on his left hand pulsed, matching the cub's warm glow. His Thorned Viper slithered nearby, its green scales blending with the moss. His blue robes, pinned with a Novice medallion, rustled softly.
A month into Verdant Academy, Kai's skills were strong. Sylvara's training had unlocked Starveil Cloak, and the tournament showed his Venomshade Bind. Veyra's shadowy moves against the corrupted Mistfang Lynx, her violet eyes fixed on his cub, worried him. Today's group mission, led by Sylvara, sent Kai, Lila, and two others to grab a Crystal of Binding from the Depths, testing their teamwork. The cub yipped, ready for action.
Lila crouched beside him, her auburn ponytail swaying, blue streaks in her hair catching the crystal light. Her hazel eyes sparkled, and her green robes fluttered as her Windwing Sparrow perched on her arm. Her Windchime Pendant glowed, boosting her Windslash and Windstep moves. "Ready to shine, Kai?" she whispered, smirking. Kai grinned, her warmth easing his nerves. "Don't trip, Lila."
Sylvara stood at the entrance, her red hair blazing under her Ember Crown. Her amber eyes burned, and her crimson robes glowed with flame runes. Her Blazefury Drake loomed, its fiery scales casting heat. "Novices," she said, her voice firm. "The Crystal of Binding strengthens bonds. Get it, but watch out—corrupted beasts roam here." Her eyes locked on Kai's cub.
A new woman joined her—Eryndra, with silver hair like moonlight and sapphire eyes. Her white robes shimmered with star runes, and her Starlight Owl, a Rare beast with nebula feathers, perched on her arm. "I'm Eryndra, from the Celestial Order," she said, her voice calm. "I'm watching." Her eyes met Kai's, making his scar tingle.
Lila nudged Kai. "Another one eyeing your cub, Kai?" Kai smirked, but Veyra's absence worried him. The team—Kai, Lila, and two others with a Stone Beetle and Vine Lizard—entered the Depths. The cub's Starflare lit the caverns, crystals glowing. Lila's sparrow scouted, its Windslash clearing webs. Kai channeled Essence, his scar glowing. "Find the crystal," he whispered.
The caverns twisted, the air heavy. The cub's Starveil Cloak shimmered, and Lila's sparrow wove through tunnels. The other beasts helped, but Kai and Lila led. A deep hum shook the walls, chilling Kai. The cub growled, its fur standing up. Lila's sparrow screeched, landing on her arm. A corrupted beast appeared—a Common Crystalback Scorpion, its shell dark with veins, eyes glowing red. Its power felt like a shadow.
"Spread out!" Kai yelled. The cub's Starveil Cloak blocked the scorpion's tail. Lila's sparrow dove, its Windslash cracking the shell. The other beasts helped, but Kai took charge. "Viper, Venomshade Bind!" The serpent coiled, its dark venom slowing the scorpion. Lila's Windslash hit its eyes, and Kai's cub unleashed a Starflare Burst, shattering the shell. The scorpion fell, its dark power fading.
Eryndra appeared, her owl's starlight glowing. "Strong work, Kai," she said, her eyes on his cub. Lila whispered, "She's curious, Kai." A shadow moved—Veyra, her Voidfang Scepter pulsing. She vanished before Sylvara saw. The team found the Crystal of Binding, a glowing gem. Kai grabbed it, the cub nuzzling him.
Sylvara met them, her drake roaring. "Good job," she said. "Your cub draws danger, Kai." Eryndra nodded. "The stars guide you, Kai. Watch the shadows." Lila's hand brushed Kai's, her hazel eyes soft. "Nice save, Kai." Kai smiled, the cub warm. "Thanks, Lila." In the dorms, Kai held the crystal, the cub's light glowing. Lila leaned against the door, her sparrow nearby. "You're trouble, Kai," she teased. Kai grinned. "Good thing you're here, Lila."