Day three of the festival dawned with a sense of awe and wonder as the spotlight turned to the Beast Studies division. The academy grounds had been transformed into an open sanctuary, with carefully constructed enclosures and habitats showcasing magical creatures from across the realms. The air was thick with the sounds of creatures growling, chirping, and cooing, drawing an excited crowd of students and visitors alike.
Kalem strolled through the grounds with Lyra, his curiosity piqued by the strange sights and sounds. "This is... different," he remarked, dodging a playful nip from a small winged creature in a nearby enclosure.
Lyra smirked. "I think it likes you. Maybe you should consider a career change."
Kalem shot her a dry look. "I prefer working with materials that don't have teeth."
Ahead, a crowd gathered near a raised platform where Jhaeros stood, his presence commanding yet calm. He wore traditional Ilvaar garb, sleek and flowing, designed to enhance his movements. Beside him, a magnificent creature stood—a silvery feline with crystalline horns and shimmering fur that seemed to ripple like water under sunlight.
"That's an Iridafang," Lyra whispered, her tone a mix of reverence and fear. "They're supposed to be one of the most temperamental magical beasts in existence."
Kalem raised an eyebrow. "And they let Jhaeros handle it?"
"Apparently, he's got a knack for this kind of thing," Lyra replied.
Jhaeros began his presentation, his voice carrying effortlessly over the murmurs of the crowd. "The Ilvaar believe in coexistence with nature, not dominance. Every creature, no matter how small or dangerous, has a role to play in the balance of the world."
He gestured to the Iridafang, which purred softly beside him. "Take Lyris here. She's a predator, yes, but she also ensures that weaker creatures remain vigilant, honing their instincts and strengthening the ecosystem."
As he spoke, he demonstrated his bond with the Iridafang, moving fluidly as the creature mirrored his steps. The audience watched, entranced, as Jhaeros seemed to communicate with the beast through subtle gestures and soft clicks of his tongue.
"Beast Studies isn't just about taming creatures," Jhaeros continued. "It's about understanding them—learning their needs, their fears, their strengths—and finding harmony between our worlds."
Kalem crossed his arms, impressed despite himself. "I'll admit, that's... fascinating. Though I still prefer my materials to stay on a workbench."
Lyra nudged him. "You just don't want to admit he's better at this than you are."
"Not my field," Kalem retorted, though his tone lacked its usual edge.
The presentation continued with Jhaeros introducing other creatures, each with its own unique traits and quirks. There was a small herd of Glowbacks, turtle-like creatures with luminescent shells that pulsed in rhythm with their breathing. Then came the Skyrends, avian beasts with wings of fire, kept calm by the soothing hums of their handlers.
As Jhaeros explained the intricacies of each creature's behavior, Kalem couldn't help but admire his knowledge and composure. It was clear that Beast Studies was more than a discipline to Jhaeros—it was a way of life.
The peaceful atmosphere, however, didn't last.
A young student, eager to impress, approached one of the enclosures containing a pair of Miststalkers—sleek, wolf-like creatures with misty auras that concealed their true forms. The student reached out to touch one, ignoring the warning signs displayed around the enclosure.
The Miststalker recoiled, baring its teeth and letting out a low, guttural growl. Its companion followed suit, and the mist around them thickened, obscuring the enclosure.
Panic rippled through the crowd as the creatures began to pace, their movements predatory and agitated.
"Someone stop them!" a voice cried.
Before the situation could spiral out of control, Jhaeros stepped forward, his expression calm but firm. "Everyone, stay back!"
He moved into the enclosure, his steps deliberate and unhurried. The Miststalkers snarled, their glowing eyes fixed on him, but Jhaeros remained undeterred. He crouched low, his posture non-threatening, and began to hum—a deep, resonant sound that seemed to ripple through the mist.
The creatures paused, their ears twitching at the sound. Slowly, the mist began to dissipate, revealing Jhaeros with one hand extended, palm up. The Miststalkers sniffed the air cautiously before approaching him, their growls fading into soft whines.
Jhaeros stroked their heads gently, murmuring something inaudible to the crowd. The tension broke as the creatures calmed, returning to their resting positions.
The audience erupted into applause, though Jhaeros barely acknowledged it. Instead, he turned to the young student who had caused the commotion. "Beasts are not toys," he said, his voice stern but not unkind. "Respect their space, or you'll regret it."
The student nodded, shamefaced, and scurried away.
Kalem and Lyra watched from the sidelines, both impressed and slightly awed.
"Okay," Kalem said finally. "Maybe there's more to Beast Studies than I thought."
Lyra smirked. "Told you. Maybe you could learn a thing or two about handling volatile situations."
Kalem rolled his eyes. "I handle volatile materials, not creatures. There's a difference."
Later, as the crowd dispersed, Kalem approached Jhaeros, who was feeding the Iridafang a glowing fruit.
"Impressive work out there," Kalem said.
Jhaeros glanced at him, his feline eyes glinting in the sunlight. "It's not about impressing anyone. It's about trust—between us and them."
Kalem nodded, though he couldn't help but add, "Still, you've got a flair for the dramatic."
Jhaeros allowed a small smile. "Coming from the guy who carries around weapons like they're an extension of his body, I'll take that as a compliment."
Lyra joined them, holding a plate of festival food. "So, what's next on the itinerary? More wild beasts, or are we finally going to see Kalem try something outside his comfort zone?"
Kalem smirked. "Don't hold your breath."
The three of them shared a laugh, the tension of the day melting away. Despite their differences, it was clear that the festival was bringing them closer—not just as friends, but as allies navigating the complexities of a world full of magic and wonder.
And as Kalem pocketed the Echo Gem he'd acquired the previous day, he couldn't shake the feeling that this festival was only the beginning of something much larger.