The cart ride to Elden Town took all day. Kai sat in the back with five other village kids, including Renn, who kept to the far corner and glared whenever their eyes met.
Bouncy hid in Kai's bag, peeking out occasionally. Zephyr flew overhead, scouting the road like a tiny lookout.
The academy gates rose ahead, tall stone walls with vines curling over them. Guards in blue checked names, then waved them through.
Inside, it felt alive. Students hurried between buildings, beasts at their sides: foxes, hawks, even a small bear cub following a tall girl.
A friendly-looking woman in her thirties greeted the new arrivals. "Welcome! I'm Instructor Lena. You'll get dorms, schedules, and your first class tomorrow. Settle in."
Kai got a small room with two beds. His roommate was a quiet boy named Theo, who had a sleepy owl perched on his desk.
"Nice slime," Theo said, nodding at Bouncy. "And a sparrow? Cool. Mine's just good at napping."
Kai laughed. "They're the best."
That evening, a notice board buzzed with chatter. Tomorrow: placement test. Show your beast's potential in front of all first-years and instructors.
Renn was already bragging to a group. "My wolf's gonna crush it."
Kai ignored him. He took Bouncy and Zephyr to a quiet training field behind the dorms.
"Let's try something new," he said.
System: [Fusion Slot Open – Combine Traits?]
He focused. "Bouncy's bounce + Zephyr's wind = faster rolls. But add a spin?"
Both glowed. When the light faded, Bouncy could now spin like a top while bouncing, creating a swirling wind shield around itself.
Zephyr tested it by flying close, the spin gently pushed him higher, like an updraft.
"Perfect! Team combo."
They practiced until dark. Kai felt the bond deepen, trust, not just power.
Next morning, the test arena was packed. Stands full of older students watching for fun. Instructors sat at a long table.
Instructor Lena announced, "New students, one by one. Show us your bond!"
Renn went third. Fang dashed, sparked lightning, then howled loud enough to echo. Applause followed.
"Strong control," an instructor noted. "Potential high."
Kai was last.
He stepped forward, heart steady.
"Zephyr first."
The sparrow soared, creating loops of wind that lifted small stones into patterns. Clean, graceful.
Then, "Bouncy."
The slime bounced out, spinning. Wind swirled, forming a mini tornado that lifted Kai's hair without messing it up.
Gasps spread.
Kai smiled. "Together now."
He commanded. Bouncy spun toward the center. Zephyr dove in, riding the updraft. Together they created a beautiful spiral of wind and bounce, stones floating, leaves dancing like confetti.
It ended with both landing perfectly at Kai's feet.
Silence… then huge cheers.
Instructor Lena stood. "Dual bond. Creative fusion. Excellent synergy."
An older instructor whispered to her. She nodded.
After the test, Lena pulled Kai aside. "You're in the advanced track. Special instructor wants to meet you—Master Elowen. She handles rare talents."
Kai's eyes widened. "Really?"
"But be careful," Lena added softly. "Your style draws attention. Good and bad."
As he walked back to the dorm, Renn blocked his path.
"Think you're special now?" Renn hissed. "We'll see who lasts."
Kai met his gaze calmly. "I'm not here to beat you, Renn. Just to get stronger. For my friends. For me."
Renn scoffed and stormed off.
That night, Theo asked, "You okay? Renn's got a temper."
"Yeah," Kai said, petting Bouncy. "But we've got each other."
A soft knock came. A girl with red hair and a small fire lizard on her shoulder stood there.
"I'm Aria," she said. "Saw your test. That was amazing. Want to train together sometime?"
Kai smiled. First real friend here?
"Sure."
But as he closed the door, the system pinged quietly.
[Hidden Quest Unlocked: Uncover Fusion Origin]
[Clue: Seek the Old Library Wing – Restricted]
Kai stared at the message.
More secrets.
And someone, or something, was watching.
Tomorrow, classes began. And the path ahead felt bigger than ever.