The alarm clock rang insistently, pulling Kenji from a deep sleep. He opened his eyes sluggishly, his body stiff and his mind foggy. For a moment, he didn't know where he was or what day it was. But then, reality struck him with full force, jolting him awake.
Today was the day. The day of the entrance exam for Ryūsei Academy. The day his fate would be sealed.
Kenji got out of bed with renewed energy and headed to the bathroom to freshen up. He washed his face, brushed his teeth, and looked at himself in the mirror. His reflection stared back at him: an ordinary boy, with nothing special to set him apart from the rest. But today, he would prove he was different. Today, he would show the world his power and determination.
After putting on the new clothes he had bought the day before, Kenji made his way to the kitchen to have breakfast with his parents. The atmosphere in the house was calm, but there was a lingering tension in the air. His parents, though trying to hide it, were just as nervous as he was.
"Eat well, son," his mother said, placing a plate filled with eggs and bacon in front of him. "You'll need energy for the exam."
Kenji nodded and started eating in silence. He didn't have much of an appetite, but he knew he needed to fuel himself. The test would be long and exhausting, and he couldn't afford to be weak.
Once he finished breakfast, Kenji stood up and headed for the door. His parents followed him closely, ready to see him off.
"Good luck, son," his father said, giving him a firm pat on the shoulder. "We know you can do it. Believe in yourself."
"We love you, Kenji," his mother added, embracing him tightly. "We're proud of you, no matter what happens."
Kenji was touched by their words. He had always felt their support, but never as strongly as in that moment.
"Thank you," he said, his voice trembling slightly. "I love you both too."
A Journey Through a Sea of Aspirants
Kenji stepped out of the house and made his way toward Ryūsei Academy. The sun shone brightly, illuminating the streets of Kazehana and giving the city a lively atmosphere. However, Kenji couldn't enjoy the scenery—his mind was too occupied with the upcoming exam, too preoccupied with what awaited him.
As he approached the academy, the streets became more crowded. Children of all ages, accompanied by their parents and their beasts, were heading in the same direction. The air grew thick with anticipation, a competitive tension hanging over the crowd.
Kenji carefully observed the other aspirants. Some looked confident and self-assured, while others showed clear signs of nervousness. Some wore pristine uniforms, while others dressed in simple, worn-out clothes. But despite their differences, they all shared the same goal: to gain admission into Ryūsei Academy.
His attention then shifted to the beasts accompanying the aspirants. A wide variety of creatures filled the streets, differing in size, shape, and color. Some were familiar to him, like Shadow Wolves and Arbolantes, but others were completely new—beasts he had never encountered before, even in the Forbidden Forest.
"It's incredible how many different beasts exist in this world," Kenji thought, feeling a mix of admiration and wonder. "And I've only seen a small fraction of them."
Among the crowd, he spotted a few particularly striking creatures:
A boy, dressed in an immaculate uniform with an arrogant look, was followed by a Porcobeast—a bipedal pig-like creature clad in armor, wielding a heavy mace. The beast walked with a defiant posture, baring its fangs at anyone who got too close.
A girl, wearing an elegant dress and a shy smile, had an Airalight floating above her head—a glowing bird-like beast that emitted a soft, protective light. The creature never strayed far from her side, as if guarding its owner.
Another aspirant, with a serious expression and a face full of scars, walked beside a Terrashaper—a massive, earth-element beast capable of manipulating terrain at will. With each step, the creature left deep imprints in the ground.
Kenji marveled at the diversity of beasts around him. Some acted as guardians, others as companions, and a few even seemed to share an almost telepathic connection with their owners.
The Gates of Ryūsei Academy
Finally, Kenji arrived at the entrance of Ryūsei Academy. Up close, the building was even more imposing—towering toward the sky like a giant made of stone. Two guards, clad in gleaming armor and armed with spears, stood watch, inspecting each aspirant and their beasts before allowing them inside.
Taking a deep breath, Kenji stepped forward, feeling his heartbeat pounding in his chest. He presented his identification and waited for approval.
After a brief inspection, the guards nodded and gestured for him to enter. Exhaling sharply, Kenji crossed the threshold, stepping into a world of magic and endless possibilities.
The academy's courtyard was bustling with activity—aspirants and their families filled the space, their voices creating a chaotic symphony of excitement and anxiety. Kenji felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of people, lost in a sea of unfamiliar faces.
At the center of the courtyard stood a raised platform, where a man towered over the crowd. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his graying hair giving him a stern, dignified look. He wore a formal academy uniform and had a sword hanging at his waist.
Beside the man stood a beast of immense proportions—a Caninferno, a massive hound with fiery red fur that seemed to be made of living flames. Though it sat on its hind legs, the beast was still taller than its master. Its piercing eyes glowed with an infernal light, radiating an aura of pure intimidation.
The man raised his hand, calling for silence. Instantly, the noise of the courtyard faded, and all eyes turned toward him. The air grew thick with tension, and Kenji, standing among the sea of aspirants, clenched his fists.
He knew it. The test was about to begin.
His destiny awaited.