Even after the Awakening Ceremony was over, City H was still filled with the reverberations of incredulity. A three-time failed boy suddenly turned out to be a Beast Tamer with an SSS ranking? The tale was too outrageous to overlook.
But Chen Ho didn't really care about the world's noise. Only the whisper of hidden power and the warmth in his chest remained after his mother's pendant broke. There are four awakenings, but for the time being, only Beast Tamer. I have to exercise caution.
The candidates were called back the following morning, this time to the Dean's Hall.
Seated in his tall chair, Dean Mu Qing used precise strokes to smooth his long beard. He declared, "Newly awakened Beast Tamers in Dragon Country are customarily given an egg from the hatchery." Like the edge of a blade, his eyes swept over the students. "Show that you deserve to be a part of Magic City's Beast Tamer Academy."
Dozens of beast eggs, each wrapped in straw and glowing dimly with life, were spread out on a long table. Some had red or brown stripes, while others had green speckles. The promise of unhatched futures filled the air.
"Come forward one at a time. Decide on a partner.
Students did so one by one. While some eggs flickered dim, others pulsed with strength. As each decision was made, the room was filled with whispers.
Tian Ruo walked with haughty composure when it was his turn. A red-striped egg that pulsed with fire was the first thing his hand touched. "A flame hawk of the future," he declared with pride, glancing at Chen Ho. "A real beast for a real heir."
The hall echoed with snickers. Everyone was anticipating Chen Ho's selection of trash.
At last, someone called his name.
Chen Ho took a step forward and looked at the trays. As though pleading to be selected, the more robust eggs glowed brightly, almost too eagerly. However, his gaze strayed to the distant corner, where a drab, cracked gray egg sat by itself. Its shell appeared dead, as if fate had left it alone.
A student loudly whispered, "Not that one."
"It is half-dead!"
"Just right for him."
Tian Ruo laughed. "Trash picking trash."
However, Chen Ho felt the warmth of the pendant pulse in his chest as his hand hovered over the gray egg. The faint echo of his mother's voice was heard:
"Now the Phoenix walks beside you."
Chen Ho picked it up without thinking.
The hall erupted in laughter.
"He chose the broken one, of course."
"Hey! What will he hatch? A chicken with a disability?
However, after that—
CRACK.
The cracked shell of the egg let in light. The air echoed with a sound that sounded like a faraway cry. The shell exploded with a brilliant flash of red and gold as cracks raced across its surface.
A small animal fell into Chen Ho's hand.
It was a chick, small, fluffy, and unsteady, but its eyes glowed molten gold, and its down shimmered faintly like embers. At the tips of its feathers, sparks danced.
There was silence in the hall.
Leaning forward was Dean Mu Qing. "That isn't your typical beast."
Elder Wu Heng abruptly broke the silence by saying, "Mutation." He spoke sharply, but there was a trace of discomfort in his voice. "Just a rare variation of a firebird."
"Yes, a mutation," Mu Qing quickly concurred, concealing his misgivings. He smiled again, politically. "You're lucky, Chen Ho."
Once more, the students burst into whispers.
"Mutation? Really?
"Looks like... no, it can't be."
"Myths surround phoenixes. This bird must be extremely rare.
Chen Ho gazed down at the woman he was holding. Sparks popped in the air as it peeped once, then sank in closer as if it had always been there.
And then, as softly as the flame that won't go out in the wind, his mother's voice whispered again:
"Hidden wings, hidden flame." Carefully raise it. The world is not prepared to witness your companionship.
Chen Ho made a deep bow. "I'm grateful, Dean. I'll raise it properly.
The giggling had subsided. Envy, suspicion, or fear now filled many eyes.
But Tian Ruo grinned. "Chen Ho, enjoy your chick. Don't cry if it burns out during the first dungeon test.
He was ignored by Chen Ho. Instead, the small bird in his hand chirped once more, seemingly to make fun of Tian Ruo.
Master Yan Tianhe swung a wine gourd and burst out laughing from the guest seats. "Hey! Is it a mutation? Perhaps heaven itself has been changing behind our backs if that is a mutation! Fantastic. Fantastic!
Elder Wu Heng scowled but remained silent.
The dean gave a hand clap. All applicants will bring their beasts or eggs into the Spirit Creek Dungeon tomorrow. Make it to sunset and bring back the designated herbs. As tamers, this is your first move.
Excitement and fear were in the air as the students filed out and bowed.
Chen Ho held the young woman against his chest as he lingered at the door. His heart stabilized as its warmth crept into his veins.
They believe you to be a mutation. That's excellent. Little one, stay hidden. They'll realize who you truly are one day.
Sparks flew from the chick's beak like tiny fireworks as it chirped once more.
Chen Ho gave a small smile.
It was his first beast.
And what had just been born was unknown to the world.