Silence.
A heavy, crushing silence filled the elegant office as I stood frozen in front of Headmaster Aldric Voss, the single most powerful beast tamer in the academy—maybe even the entire continent.
I was still gasping for breath from my escape attempt. Meanwhile, the headmaster calmly set down his teacup, looking at me like I was an interesting insect that had wandered into his study.
"So." He steepled his fingers. "Care to explain why you broke into my office?"
Sweat dripped down my back. "U-Um, well, you see, I was—"
A sudden crash echoed from the hallway.
"HE'S IN THERE!"
Oh. They were still chasing me.
I panicked and grabbed the nearest chair, blocking the door.
The headmaster watched this with mild amusement. "I see you've made quite an impression on your classmates."
I groaned, rubbing my temples. "It's not my fault! I just wanted to exist quietly! Then Argonax blew up a guy's beast in one hit, and now the whole school wants to fight me!"
The headmaster chuckled. "Yes, I heard about your little… duel."
My stomach dropped. "Y-You did?"
"Of course." He leaned back in his chair. "You tamed a Primordial Beast—one that shouldn't be possible to tame. And then you won a battle without even lifting a finger."
He tapped the desk. "Tell me, boy. Do you even know what you've done?"
I blinked. "Uh… survived?"
He sighed. "You've disrupted the balance of the academy. Every student here trains for years to form a strong bond with their beasts. Then you show up—completely untrained—and command one of the most dangerous creatures in existence."
He picked up his teacup again. "Of course they'll want to test you."
I groaned. "But I'm not strong! I don't even know how I tamed Argonax! He just kind of… decided to stick with me!"
Argonax, still curled around my neck, let out a tiny chirp of agreement.
The headmaster's sharp gaze flickered toward my dragon. "And yet, he stays by your side willingly." He studied me for a long moment. Then, slowly, he smiled.
"…Interesting."
I shifted uncomfortably. "Uh. W-What's interesting?"
He didn't answer. Instead, he reached into his desk and pulled out a small, ornate box.
"Sit."
I hesitated, then nervously took a seat across from him. He slid the box toward me.
"Open it."
I cautiously lifted the lid—
Inside was a single silver emblem, engraved with intricate runes.
I had no idea what it was, but the moment I touched it, a strange warmth spread through my chest.
The headmaster's eyes gleamed. "That is an Official Beast Tamer's Crest."
My breath hitched. "A… Tamer's Crest?"
"Indeed." He rested his chin on his hands. "It marks you as a recognized tamer of this academy. Normally, only third-years receive one."
I nearly choked on air. "Wait, WHAT?! I JUST GOT HERE!"
He chuckled. "Yes. And yet, you've already demonstrated power beyond most of your peers."
I stared at the emblem. "But I don't even know how to control my beast."
"That is precisely why you must learn." The headmaster's gaze turned serious. "With power comes responsibility. You have two choices, boy."
He held up a finger. "One—you accept your place here and start training properly. You'll be mentored, learn techniques, and earn your strength."
Then he held up a second finger. "Or two—you refuse, and I send you back to the streets, where you'll be hunted by other tamers, rogue factions, and the very beasts you now command."
I swallowed. That… didn't sound great.
The headmaster leaned forward. "So? What will it be, Kai Stormrider?"
I clutched the Tamer's Crest tightly. I didn't choose this life. I didn't ask for a legendary beast, and I certainly didn't want the entire academy targeting me.
But…
I looked down at Argonax, who blinked up at me with his fiery golden eyes.
Somehow, in that moment, I understood.
This wasn't just about me anymore. We were a team.
I exhaled. Then, gripping the crest, I met the headmaster's gaze.
"…I'll train."
The headmaster smirked. "Good."
He leaned back, raising his teacup once more.
"Welcome to the real world of beast taming, boy."