Chapter :5
The wind that morning tasted like silver and sunlight, cool and heavy with the scent of old books and damp stone. Evan Rochel stood at the edge of the sprawling Aflety Academy grounds, a wrought-iron gate yawning open before him, lined with glowing runes. At just ten years old, he looked like a noble child, dressed in deep indigo ceremonial robes stitched with Rochel family sigils — but behind his calm gray eyes, a storm of thoughts stirred.
It had been ten years since his reincarnation into this world — the Feral Lands, home to races beyond imagination and beasts that danced with elemental fury. Three years since the banquet where his fate was changed, and the egg of the Divine Beast Basilisk chose him. Three years of relentless training, silent brooding, and memories of another life he couldn't quite forget.
He still remembered the words his father, Duke Rowley Rochel, had said the night before:
"Evan, the Aflety Academy isn't just a school. It's the heart of our Empire's future. You'll meet enemies and friends there. And one day, maybe, you'll have to surpass even me."
Beside him, the wind tugged at his cloak as the ceremonial bell rang from the tower. Other noble children stepped through the gate, flanked by carriages, servants, and magic beasts in cages. They were sons and daughters of great clans — the Floreths of Wind, the Dravyns of Fire, the Sylvarins of Ice. And now, among them, was Evan Rochel, heir to a dukedom and bonded to a beast of legend.
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Arrival and the Vampire Heiress
The moment Evan entered the courtyard, he noticed the change in atmosphere. Dozens of young tamers-to-be gathered in an open hall where a floating crystal projected names into the sky, listing examination order and beast affinity evaluations. Magical energy shimmered in the air like a heartbeat. Around him, voices buzzed — pride, nervousness, whispered rivalries.
"Is that the Rochel heir?" someone murmured.
"Heard his Divine Beast was so dangerous, they had to ward the entire estate after the hatching…"
"He doesn't look that scary. Kind of plain."
Evan ignored them.
He turned just as the air grew colder.
A carriage stopped at the edge of the marble steps. From it descended a girl no older than ten, dressed in sleek black and red lace, her silver-white hair cascading like moonlight, and crimson eyes gleaming under a parasol.
Lilith Laistrygones.
She approached him without hesitation.
"Evan Rochel," she said, her voice smooth as velvet. "You've grown… and your eyes still carry that same loneliness. Just like when we were seven."
He hesitated. He had seen her once at the banquet, when their families had spoken in cryptic terms about "future bonds." She had tried to talk to him then too. But even now, despite her beauty and clear noble grace, Evan's heart stirred with unease.
"Lilith," he replied politely. "You didn't need to come over."
"You never write back to my letters," she said, tilting her head. "But don't worry. I like hard things."
He didn't respond, but his shoulders tightened.
Lilith smiled, amused by his silence.
"One day," she whispered as she stepped back, "you'll see. Even if your heart is caged, I'll be the one to break the lock."
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The Rivals Reveal Themselves
Moments later, the crowd stirred again. A group of youths emerged from the archway, clad in elaborate house sigils and beast-summoning pendants.
Among them were:
• Veyon Draxis: A black-haired prodigy of the Flame Citadel, known for his bond with a three-headed Inferno Drake.
• Silva Elowen: A soft-spoken elf girl from the Sylvan Court, whose gentle demeanor belied her dangerous bond with a Time-elemental bird.
• Gareth Ironfang: A towering beastman of the Wolf Clan, said to have awakened the Metal-element Fenrir Cub.
• Cassia Belvane: A noble girl from the Belt Domain, whose elemental command over spatial manipulation made her feared even by nobles.
They eyed Evan with curiosity — and in Veyon's case, contempt.
"So you're the heir of the famous Rochel line," Veyon sneered. "I expected someone more… formidable."
Evan remained calm. "I'm not here to meet expectations."
"How disappointing. I was hoping for a challenge."
Cassia laughed. "Don't provoke him yet, Veyon. We haven't even started the entrance trials."
Silva simply offered Evan a nod. "I look forward to seeing what you and your beast are capable of."
Gareth grunted. "Strong eyes. Don't lose them."
As they walked past, Evan turned his gaze toward the tower. His fingers brushed the hidden pendant beneath his robe — the one that pulsed faintly, connected to his Basilisk.
"They'll find out soon enough," he whispered.
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The Black Nest Observes
Far above them, perched within a spire shadowed by illusion magic, a figure observed the gathering of talent through a scrying orb. Robed in feathered black cloth, a mask covering their face in the shape of a crow, they murmured a single name.
"Evan Rochel…"
Behind them, robed figures shifted, cloaked in darkness.
The Black Nest. A clandestine faction older than the Empire, dedicated to controlling — or destroying — Divine Beasts before they grew too powerful. And Evan's bond was something they could not afford to ignore.
A second figure stepped forward.
"Do we act now, Shade Cardinal?"
"Not yet," the masked leader whispered. "Let the boy believe he is safe. Let him grow. And when he reaches his peak… we'll be there to clip his wings."
Chapter End
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