The academy was in an uproar the following morning.
News spread quickly that the six-year-old prodigy, Krishak, had returned from the Azurewood Forest with a contracted spirit beast.
Students crowded around him as he walked toward the training grounds.
The silver wolf cub trotted calmly at his side, its moonlit fur shimmering softly in the sunlight.
Its clear blue eyes held a level of intelligence that unsettled many observers.
"Is that really a spirit beast?"
"I've never seen one before."
"Where did he find it?"
Krishak ignored the whispers.
Lunafang remained close, alert but composed.
Before classes began, Instructor Rajan called Krishak to the front of the training hall.
The students gathered curiously.
Rajan crouched and studied the cub.
After a moment, his expression became serious.
"This is no ordinary wolf."
He looked at Krishak.
"Based on its bloodline characteristics, this appears to be a Moonshadow Wolf."
The hall fell silent.
Several students gasped.
Even children understood the significance of a rare bloodline beast.
Rajan continued.
"Moonshadow Wolves possess high intelligence, strong elemental affinity, and tremendous growth potential."
He paused.
"If properly nurtured, this beast could become extraordinarily powerful."
Krishak bowed respectfully.
"Thank you for the explanation, Instructor."
Rajan smiled faintly.
"Let us test its intelligence."
He placed three objects on the floor.
A wooden ball.
A spirit crystal.
A medicinal herb.
Lunafang sniffed them briefly.
Without hesitation, the cub picked up the spirit crystal and placed it before Krishak.
The students erupted into excited whispers.
Rajan nodded.
"Excellent judgment."
Then he pointed to a nearby target dummy.
Lunafang darted forward.
With astonishing speed, the cub struck the dummy and returned to Krishak's side.
The display was swift, precise, and disciplined.
Rajan looked genuinely impressed.
"The bond between you is already strong."
That evening, Krishak meditated with Lunafang beside him.
Through their spiritual connection, he observed several effects.
Lunafang's injuries were healing rapidly.
The cub's bloodline was stabilizing.
Their spiritual senses subtly reinforced one another.
Most importantly, Lunafang absorbed Krishak's exceptionally pure spiritual energy.
Even a small amount greatly benefited the young spirit beast.
At the same time, Krishak gained access to heightened instincts and sensory awareness.
Their growth would now be interconnected.
Krishak studied the wolf carefully.
Moonshadow Wolves were naturally gifted in:
Speed
Stealth
Perception
Moon-element abilities
Combined with a high bloodline, Lunafang had the potential to surpass most beasts on Earth.
Krishak decided that he would raise the cub using methods from his previous life.
With proper cultivation, Lunafang might one day become one of Earth's strongest spirit beasts.
At midnight, Krishak brought Lunafang to a secluded clearing.
He guided the cub through a simple breathing pattern designed to refine bloodline power.
Lunafang followed surprisingly well.
Moonlight seemed to gather around the cub's body.
Its silver fur shone even brighter.
The beast's aura became steadier and more refined.
Krishak smiled.
"You learn quickly."
Lunafang barked proudly.
Over the next few days, Krishak and Lunafang trained together.
The cub accompanied him to classes, meditations, and private exercises.
Students who initially viewed the spirit beast with envy gradually came to admire the pair.
Lunafang's loyalty was unmistakable.
And Krishak's care for the cub was evident.
Their relationship was not one of master and servant.
It was one of genuine partnership.
Far away in the hidden valley, Master Kiran sensed the newly formed contract through his connection with Krishak.
He smiled.
"A worthy companion."
The five disciples listened with curiosity as he briefly described the significance of spirit beasts.
Karan, in particular, was fascinated.
"One day, I want a companion like that."
Master Kiran nodded.
"If you continue your training, that opportunity will come."
That night, Lunafang slept peacefully beside Krishak's bed.
Krishak stroked the cub's fur thoughtfully.
In his previous life, he had commanded unimaginable power.
Yet many of his greatest memories were tied not to strength, but to the companions who walked beside him.
Lunafang was still young.
Weak by cosmic standards.
But the cub possessed loyalty, intelligence, and extraordinary potential.
Krishak looked out at the moon.
His path on Earth was no longer solitary.
And together, he and Lunafang would continue moving toward a future beyond the limits of this world.