In the vast realm of Aldora, where mountain ranges gleamed with crystals and forests pulsed with ancient energy, magical beasts reigned supreme. Dragons soared above the clouds, shadow wolves prowled through night-kissed woods, and spirits of wind, flame, and stone whispered through forgotten ruins.
These creatures were not mere beasts—they were forces of nature, embodiments of elemental power. Yet even these mighty beings could be bound—not through force, but through a sacred pact. Only a rare few bore the gift of Taming: a bond between human and creature, sealed by heart and will.
To guide and train these chosen individuals, the world had established a network of elite academies. At their pinnacle stood the Arcane Taming School, nestled atop the floating cliffs of Mytherra, hovering above the Sapphire Expanse like a crown of the gods. It was a place of ancient tradition, where the worthy met their destinies.
And it was here that sixteen-year-old Rylan Ashford stood, gazing up at the marble towers of the academy as dawn broke over the horizon.
"RAZ—uh, Rylan!"
A familiar voice cut through his thoughts. Rylan turned just in time to see Blaze Inferno, his best friend since childhood, sprinting toward him with a grin as bright as the sun.
"You always get that look before something big," Blaze said, clapping a hand on Rylan's shoulder. "Like you're about to leap off a cliff."
"I feel like I'm about to," Rylan muttered, adjusting the leather strap that secured his gear pack. "Today's Ranking Day, Blaze. What if I... screw it all up?"
Blaze laughed, his crimson hair catching the early light like fire. "Come on, man. We've trained for this for years. You're gonna crush it."
Rylan offered a weak smile. "Easy for you to say. You've always been the golden boy."
"Hey," Blaze said, his voice softening. "You're one of the smartest, hardest-working tamers I know. Don't let nerves mess with your head."
They stood at the edge of the plaza, watching as students in ceremonial robes filed toward the grand hall. Rylan took a deep breath.
"This is it," he said. "No turning back."
They joined the flow of students, each one buzzing with excitement or fear. The Grand Hall of Potentia was a cathedral of glowing crystal and silver stone, with luminous runes running along every pillar and arch. At its center hovered the Orb of Potential, suspended in midair and humming with ancient power.
It was said to be a relic of the First Pact, gifted by the original Elemental Lords to measure a person's bond with the magical world. It pulsed with raw energy, capable of glimpsing into a student's soul and bestowing a rank—one that would determine their standing for the rest of their lives.
From lowest to highest: E, D, C, B, A, S, SS, and the mythic SSS. Most never passed C.
A tall instructor in silver-trimmed robes stood beside the Orb, a slate tablet in hand.
"Blaze Inferno," he called out.
Blaze squared his shoulders and stepped forward.
"Place your hands on the Orb," the instructor instructed. "Let the truth of your potential be revealed."
The moment Blaze touched the artifact, it blazed with crimson fire. The runes around the chamber flared in response.
"Rank: A," the instructor declared.
Cheers erupted in the chamber.
Blaze turned, triumphant. "Let's go!" he called out to Rylan, beaming. "Told you!"
The instructor gave a nod. "Impressive. Next: Rylan Ashford."
Rylan's stomach dropped. His legs felt like stone as he walked into the center of the room. He could feel every gaze on him—curious, expectant, doubtful.
"Please place your hands on the Orb."
He hesitated only a second before doing so.
The Orb flickered, dimmed… then settled into a dull, almost lifeless gray.
A silence fell over the room.
The instructor blinked. "Rank… E."
There were gasps. A few students whispered behind their hands. Blaze's smile faltered.
"Is that… is that the lowest?" someone asked.
The instructor nodded slowly. "Yes. The lowest rank in recorded Arcane history."
Rylan pulled his hands away, numb. "Thank you…" he mumbled, and turned to leave.
Outside the hall, Blaze was waiting. He approached carefully.
"Rylan…"
"Don't," Rylan said. "I'm fine."
Blaze opened his mouth to argue but stopped. Instead, he walked beside his friend in silence.
They descended to the Summoning Chamber—a colossal cavern carved into the mountain beneath the academy. At its heart lay dozens of summoning circles, each glowing with runes. Above them spun a vast wheel of elements—fire, water, wind, earth, light, shadow, and a strange arcane symbol that few could interpret.
An elderly man in sapphire robes stood at the front, staff in hand. His eyes were milky white, but there was sharpness in his voice.
"I am the Summons Operator. Step into your circle when called. Speak the incantation: 'Being of rank, I summon you!' and the pact will be sealed."
Blaze gave Rylan a quick nod. "We've got this."
They took their places.
"BEING OF RANK, I SUMMON YOU!" Blaze shouted.
Light exploded from his circle. Flames danced in the air. A roar shook the chamber.
From the light emerged a massive red dragon, its wings ablaze, its scales glinting like molten steel.
Before the awe could settle, two more creatures emerged: a Golden Light Dragon, radiant and regal, and a Yin-Yan Guardian, a serpentine beast with twin heads—one shadow, one light.
"Three?" someone gasped.
The Operator's staff hit the ground. "Impossible… That combination hasn't been seen in centuries."
The crowd erupted in awe.
Then came Rylan's turn.
He stepped into the circle. "Being of rank, I summon you…" he said, barely above a whisper.
A soft glow shimmered. No thunder. No roar.
The magic parted to reveal… a small, silver-furred creature with stubby legs, oversized ears, and bright eyes. It looked more like a plush toy than a partner.
It sneezed.
A few students snickered.
The Operator leaned forward. "A… Fuzzle? Hm. Very rare, though not… battle-inclined. Extremely loyal. Gentle temperament."
Rylan knelt and picked it up. The little thing squeaked and licked his cheek.
"Well," he said softly, "I guess we're partners now."
Blaze approached slowly. "Hey. Look… I know it's not what you wanted. But maybe that little guy's got more going on than it seems."
Rylan looked down at the Fuzzle, who wagged its tail eagerly.
"I'm going to prove I belong here," Rylan said, quietly but firmly. "I don't care what the Orb says. E rank or not, I will become a great tamer."
Blaze smiled. "Now that's the Rylan I know."
As they left the chamber, whispers followed them—some mocking, others in awe.
But Rylan didn't look back.
His story was just beginning.
And he would write it his own way.