The morning sun filtered through the dormitory window, casting a golden hue over the wooden floor. Aston stretched, rolled out of bed, and dressed in the standard black-and-gray uniform issued to students. He put on his dark green robe over his uniform, symbolizing his identity as a student of the Scouting Arts Division. His spirit beasts stirred lazily in the corners of the room.

The academy grounds were even more stunning in daylight. He took his time strolling through the sprawling campus—stone pathways wove through open glades, rope bridges stretched across ravines, and training towers dotted the cliffs. He passed by students already training in designated zones, their spirit beasts darting alongside them or in combat stances. He was so fascinated by the spirit beasts that he sent an analysis request to Nova.

—

[Spirit Beast: Wispbloom Mouse]

[Type: Bestial]

[Attribute: Wood]

[Genus: Mus]

[Rank: 5-star]

[Potential: 7-star]

[Description: An elusive beast found deep within spirit-rich groves. It releases fragrant pollen with every step, masking its presence and confusing trackers. Despite its small size, it is revered for its incredible stealth and ability to transfer wood energy into the terrain.]

—

[Spirit Beast: Shadow Assassin Weaver]

[Type: Arachnoid]

[Attribute: Dark]

[Genus: Nephila]

[Rank: 7-star]

[Potential: 9-star]

[Description: A terrifying predator that weaves silence and shadow into its threads. It is known to spin webs laced with dark energy, capable of absorbing light and muffling sounds.]

—

[Spirit Beast: Flash Interrogator Cap]

[Type: Fungi]

[Attribute: Psychic]

[Genus: Psilocybe]

[Rank: 5-star]

[Potential: Obsidian Core]

[Description: A rare fungal lifeform that emits bursts of radiant spores capable of piercing mental defenses. It invades the minds of its targets with psychic spores, forcing surface thoughts to manifest as auditory echoes. Those exposed for too long may suffer memory drift or hallucinations of events they've never lived.]

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—

He was amazed at the variety of skills and abilities each spirit beast had. And he's at the Scouting Arts Division. How much more if he walked towards the other campuses?

After grabbing his standard meal at the common mess hall—braised meat over rice infused with light spirit essence, and a bitter-sweet tea to sharpen awareness, he roamed further, making mental notes of where the mission board, infirmary, beast lounge, and the headquarters were located. The more he saw, the more he realized: this wasn't just a school, but more of a survival training boot camp cloaked as an academy.

Aston walked past stone archways and overgrown courtyards, letting his steps carry him wherever the winding paths led. The scouting division campus felt alive in a way that buildings shouldn't. Hidden alcoves tucked behind trailing ivy, aged murals faded into the stone, and statues of old scouting legend stood vigil in silence. Spirit beasts roamed alongside their tamers or darted through trees overhead, Occasionally, Aston spotted upperclassmen vanishing into camouflaged entryways or slipping across rooftops like shadows.

By the time the sun fell from the horizon, Aston had returned to his room, a bit dusty and sore but content. He sat at the desk, writing down what he learned, when a voice floated through the window.

"...and don't forget—if you wander beyond the southern cliffs, the wards won't protect you. That's still under evaluation. I've sent a copy of the handbook to your student portal accounts. Have a good night, everyone."

Aston peered outside. Down below, a female instructor guided another group of students—new scouting division arrivals, by the look of it. Maybe those from a delayed transport. She gestured with familiarity as she bade farewell.

He was just about to lie down when the doorknob turned with a soft click.

The door opened slowly, revealing a boy roughly Aston's age. He had neatly trimmed dark hair, wore his uniform buttoned all the way up, and carried himself with a stillness that felt intentional. Slung over his shoulder was a travel bag, and silently padding behind him was a sleek, light green-furred cat spirit beast with darker leaf-shaped markings along its back and tail.

Aston straightened slightly. "You my new roommate?"

The boy gave a curt nod. "Yeah. Just got in. Call me Ren."

The cat spirit beast hopped onto the second bed and curled its tail around its paws, staring at Gray with calm, unreadable eyes.

"What's your partner's name?" Aston asked, pointing at the green cat.

"Thorn."

Aston sent a request to Nova.

—

[Spirit Beast: Woodveil Stalker]

[Type: Bestial]

[Attribute: Wood]

[Genus: Felis]

[Rank: 2-star]

[Potential: 8-star]

[Description: Known for its unmatched stealth within woodland or natural environments. It releases faint allergenic spores that cling to targets' spiritual signature, allowing them to track their prey.]

[Skills:]

[Rootstep: Boosts the user's mobility while arbitrarily binding their footing on the ground.]

[Next skill will be unlocked at 3-star]

[Passive Skills:]

[Forest Hunter: Hides its presence inside trees or natural environments. Reduces the Woodveil Stalker's visibility, scent, and spirit signature when in forested terrains.]

[Innate Skills:]

[Whisperbloom: Emits low-frequency vibrations through plant matter to communicate silently with allies within range.]

[Next skill will be unlocked at 5-star]

—

Aston whistled lowly. "It's built for recon."

"So is yours," Ren replied, glancing at Mirage.

A comfortable silence followed. Ren unpacked his things while Aston sat on the bed. Thorn and Gray shared a brief stare before nodding at one another like seasoned scouts acknowledging a fellow pro.

As Aston slid into bed, he couldn't help but think.

This is going to be an interesting partnership…

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