The morning sun had barely touched the spires of Astralis Academy when the candidates assembled in the sprawling Beast Evaluation Courtyard. Unlike the controlled environment of the Spirit Trial, this arena was a wild, open space dotted with rock formations, shallow streams, and clusters of trees. The air carried faint scents of earth, moss, and animal musk. Hundreds of minor beasts — from wolf-like shadows to armored lizards and winged predators — roamed in carefully regulated enclosures, each awaiting the candidates' approach.
Nox adjusted the straps of his satchel, letting his eyes scan the arena. Each beast radiated its own resonance signature — instinctual, unpredictable, and reactive. This trial would measure compatibility, intelligence, patience, and strategy. Raw strength alone would be insufficient.
Raven flexed his hands, energy flickering in response to the beasts' presence. "Finally. Something with teeth and claws. Let's see who's boss."
Eldran's voice came softly through the talisman at Nox's belt: Intent, control, and observation will decide the outcome. Force is a tool, not the answer.
A Master robed in earthy brown and green appeared on the platform, addressing the candidates.
"The Beast Familiar Evaluation measures more than just your ability to dominate an animal. A true tamer establishes resonance, trust, and coordination with a creature. Your scores will consider three criteria: compatibility, control, and adaptability. Compatibility measures how naturally the beast responds to your presence; control measures your ability to direct its actions without coercion; adaptability measures your response to unpredictable behaviors and environmental challenges. Only those who achieve a minimum threshold in all three areas will advance."
Nox absorbed the instructions carefully, scanning the beasts. "Observation first. Coercion later," he whispered to Raven.
Raven snorted. "I'll let the teeth talk first."
Candidates moved through the enclosures, each choosing a beast to bond with. Some approached cautiously, extending small pulses of resonance to gauge temperament, while others surged forward, forcing submission with raw bursts of energy. A winged serpent hesitated at first, then lowered itself in response to subtle pulses that guided it through loops and turns with precise coordination. A wolf-like predator snapped and growled under raw force, briefly resisting before yielding. A feathered raptor swooped gracefully between invisible paths, guided indirectly by projected cues. A sleek fox-beast mirrored the tiniest gestures of its candidate, responding instinctively and coordinating seamlessly with other creatures nearby. In one corner, a shadow-lizard aligned itself perfectly with minimal input, reacting to subtle shifts in aura and intent as if anticipating every movement.
Among other candidates, Marek of Stonevale drew attention with his bear-like cub. He used controlled bursts of energy to dominate it, bending it to his will, but the effort left him visibly exhausted. Eira of Windhelm guided a serpent-beast with careful gestures and patience, adapting flawlessly to its sudden lunges and subtle movements. Jorin of Redleaf Village merged instinctive force with restraint, guiding a shadow-lizard through a series of small tasks with fluid precision. Selene Aurelion's winged serpent followed her movements flawlessly, weaving through obstacles with perfect synchronization. Taren Voss' wolf obeyed after a surge of raw energy, but its movements were uneven and reactive, showing the limits of power without control. Lyra Fen's feathered raptor responded to subtle illusions, each maneuver precise and deliberate. Kael Draven's fox-beast responded instinctively, its movements perfectly aligned with his subtle gestures. The cloaked youth's creatures moved as though anticipating his intent, shifting unpredictably yet harmoniously.
The trial escalated as environmental challenges were introduced: shallow streams, uneven terrain, and sudden obstacles forced candidates and beasts to adapt simultaneously. One fox-beast leapt across a stream, guided with minute adjustments of energy. A winged raptor darted through a cluster of trees, responding to subtle signals and invisible barriers. Those relying solely on brute strength found themselves overextending, while the more calculated candidates maintained control.
Nox coordinated multiple beasts with calm efficiency, balancing resonance and energy, ensuring they remained responsive throughout the course. Raven relied on bursts of raw force, forcing obedience in the moment but leaving gaps in coordination, causing visible strain. Marek's bear-like cub stumbled over the uneven terrain, struggling to follow rapid commands, while Eira's serpent moved seamlessly through every challenge. Jorin's shadow-lizard adapted to unexpected shifts with ease. Selene's winged serpent navigated flawlessly, demonstrating precision and foresight. Taren's wolf, though strong, misstepped several times, revealing the danger of unchecked force. Lyra's raptor performed elegantly under sudden obstacles, proving her indirect control was more effective than brute dominance. Kael's fox-beast moved fluidly, synchronized perfectly with both the terrain and his subtle gestures. The cloaked youth remained enigmatic, commanding multiple creatures with almost no visible effort, reacting instantaneously to sudden environmental changes.
By late afternoon, the trial concluded. The courtyard hummed with residual resonance, glowing faintly where the most successful candidates had guided their beasts with skill and precision. Observers noted who demonstrated raw power, clever strategy, and adaptability. Nox, having maintained precise control while coordinating multiple creatures, drew the faint aura of approval from the Masters. Raven, despite his physical dominance, showed signs of strain and minor misalignments.
Above them, the Academy Tower shimmered under the afternoon sun, floors glowing faintly. Every interaction, observation, and adjustment had laid the groundwork for the next challenge. The Beast Familiar Evaluation had tested more than strength; it revealed instinct, patience, strategy, and potential mastery. Nox allowed himself a small nod of satisfaction. The Tower Challenge would demand more, but today had already shown the strengths and weaknesses of both friends and rivals.