They had to wait for several more minutes before Professor Rudolph finally decided to look at their newly groomed summons.

The students had gathered in the clearing, lined up with their familiars, each creature looking cleaner… or wetter than before.

Rudolph cleared his throat, tapping his staff on the ground.

"Well then… everyone has done rather well in tending to your familiars. I'll be judging them now."

His tired eyes scanned the group, pausing at every student and their companion.

The air was filled with soft growls, chirps, and squeaks as familiars preened or wagged their tails proudly.

He walked past Sylvia's immaculate Silverhain and did the same for Azel, paused to nod approvingly at Rain's carefully polished egg, and then stopped in front of a boy standing awkwardly near the center of the field.

The student had dirty blond hair and a streak of mud across his cheek.

He looked nervous, clutching the creature in his arms like a treasure.

Rudolph crouched slightly. "And what do we have here?"

The creature blinked… a small, baby monkey-like familiar with honey-colored fur and a long tail tipped with a tuft that looked like golden silk.

Its round amber eyes sparkled with curiosity as it sniffed at the Professor's sleeve.

A tiny bell-shaped flower rested naturally behind one of its ears, part of its own body rather than decoration.

"A Honeymonkey," Rudolph said with a nod of appreciation. "Native to the Eastgrove plains. They're known for their sweet temperament and incredible memory."

He gave the boy a rare, genuine smile. "You've done a very good job grooming its fur… not a tangle in sight, and the natural oils are preserved. You'll come to my office later for your reward."

The blond student's jaw dropped. "R–really?! Thank you, Professor!"

Rudolph sighed lightly, straightening his back again. "Alright, everyone. Return to your mounts. We'll be heading back to the island… but this time, you'll have to balance your familiars while riding. If you fall, you and your familiar will both be swimming."

A collective groan went through the class.

He turned toward the one student still lying unconscious on the grass…. the poor soul Rain had blasted earlier

"I'll take care of this one," Rudolph muttered, hoisting the boy effortlessly over his shoulder as he began walking into the forest. "Go on ahead. I'll catch up."

The class began to stir.

Those with small familiars like the Silverhains or the Honeymonkeys had it easy… the creatures sat quietly on their shoulders or nestled in their arms.

But the ones who had larger familiars… wolf cubs, reptilian beasts, or bulky birds struggled miserably as they tried to keep balance on the griffins.

Rain however used her holy magic to hold the egg in place and prevent it from falling.

"Are you going to be okay?" Azel asked, watching Sylvia trying to lift her Silverhain onto her griffin's back.

The Furry wagged its tail like it had no idea what was happening.

"Of course I'll be fine," she said, twitching slightly as she finally placed it down. "Chipper, really."

She gave him a thumbs-up though her smile twitched like a broken puppet's.

Azel decided not to comment.

He just adjusted the Royal Furry onto his own griffin's back, giving it a gentle pat. "Then see you there."

Before Sylvia could reply, the wind around Azel's mount surged and in a flash, he was gone, leaving a trail of dust.

Sylvia blinked once. "I'm not fine," she muttered before taking off after him.

..

A burst of purple light filled the air as the class reappeared inside the familiar studies classroom.

Azel held the Royal Furry close as they sat, the creature's tail swishing excitedly as it looked around the room with wide eyes.

It yipped softly, clearly fascinated by the walls and desks.

Rudolph stepped forward from the podium, his expression calm again.

"That will be all for today's class," he said. "In our next lesson, you'll learn how to harness your familiars' abilities. Until then, please purchase an Appraisal Item from Miss Brown's table to identify your familiar's skills."

Right on cue, the academy bell rang… a long ring that signaled the end of the morning period.

[Lunch Time]

Azel stretched his arms with a small grin. 'Finally.'

He glanced at his Royal Furry, who was sniffing curiously at his sleeve.

"You hungry?" he asked.

The Furry let out a sharp yelp in reply.

"Master, you're owing me some human food," Erblim said from his shoulder, puffing his feathers. "A companion must eat properly, you know."

"Alright, alright," Azel chuckled. "Let's go to the cafeteria before you both start rioting."

…

The hallway was crowded with students rushing toward the dining area.

But as Azel entered the cafeteria, he immediately noticed something strange.

It wasn't full.

In fact, it was nearly empty.

The rows of long tables that were usually packed with noisy groups of students sat mostly vacant.

A handful of students were eating quietly, and stationed at the wide entrance were several armed academy guards.

"Huh," Azel murmured. "That's new."

He barely took another step before a voice erupted nearby.

"What the hell do you mean I can't come in?!"

A noble student… tall, wearing the academy's uniform stood at the entrance, shouting at the guards.

His face was red with fury, his hand clutching his crest badge.

"Just because I couldn't complete one stupid exercise, you're barring me from the cafeteria?! This is absurd!"

The guards stood firm, their expressions blank.

"Restrain yourself," one of them said evenly. "Everyone who failed to complete their assigned training is barred from entering the cafeteria. Academy regulation. If you have an issue, take it up with your instructor."

The noble's nostrils flared. "My father will—"

"Your father won't change academy rules," the guard interrupted sharply. "Go rest. Maybe next time, you'll finish your assignment."

The noble scoffed, turning away in frustration. "Tch… ridiculous," he spat, brushing past Azel on his way out.

Azel sighed quietly. 'Ah… so they're really enforcing that rule.'

He walked forward and stopped at the gate. The guards looked up briefly and their posture changed instantly.

"You may proceed," one said quickly. "Professor Sebastian already reported that you were the first to complete your exercise."

Azel raised a brow but nodded. "Thanks."

He stepped through the gate with his familiars beside him.

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