Chapter 6 - Return of the Weakest
The first rays of dawn pierced through the towering trees of the Forbidden Beast Forest.
Kai Dragonbane stood silently, staring at his evolved companion.
The tiny silver fox that had once fit comfortably on his shoulder had transformed into a graceful fox nearly as large as a wolf.
Its white fur shimmered with crimson patterns that looked like dancing flames.
Its eyes were calm.
Confident.
Alive with intelligence.
Kai smiled.
"We did it."
The Crimson Flame Fox gently lowered its head.
Kai placed his forehead against its own.
"We'll keep our promise."
"We'll become strong together."
The fox let out a cheerful bark.
---
The Book of Infinite Beasts appeared once more.
Its pages glowed brighter than before.
---
Contract Beast
Name: Crimson Flame Fox
Grade: Rare
Current Level: 1
Bloodline Awakening: 1%
Bond Synchronisation: 28%
---
New Skill Unlocked
Beast Concealment
A Beast Tamer may temporarily hide a beast's true grade and bloodline from ordinary inspection techniques.
---
Kai stared at the skill.
"So no one will know you've evolved."
If the academy discovered that a supposedly worthless fox had become a Rare-grade beast in a single night, questions would follow.
Questions he couldn't answer.
"We'll keep this secret."
The fox nodded.
Crimson flames briefly surrounded its body.
Moments later...
The elegant fox had returned to its original appearance—a small, scruffy silver fox.
Only its bright eyes hinted that it was no longer the same creature.
---
Kai slipped back over the academy wall just as the morning bell rang.
No one had seen him leave.
Or so he thought.
High atop the academy clock tower...
The old man with the black raven watched silently.
"The Book has already awakened..."
He smiled.
"The game has begun."
---
Morning classes began with combat drills.
Instructor Gareth Ironwall, a retired Beast Knight known for his harsh methods, stood before Class F.
His scarred face rarely showed emotion.
"Today, you will spar."
"No excuses."
"No mercy."
Several students groaned.
Kai quietly took his place.
Lucien Ashcroft, visiting from Class A to observe the lower classes, smirked when he spotted Kai.
"Looks like the stray is still alive."
His followers laughed.
Kai ignored them.
---
Instructor Gareth pointed toward the arena.
"First match."
"Marcus Reed."
"Kai Dragonbane."
A murmur swept through the students.
Marcus was one of the strongest students in Class F.
His contracted beast was a large Iron Fang Boar.
Kai stepped into the arena.
The tiny silver fox sat calmly beside him.
The audience laughed again.
"Poor Kai."
"This won't last ten seconds."
Marcus cracked his knuckles.
"I don't enjoy bullying weaklings."
"But I won't hold back."
Kai simply replied,
"Neither will I."
The instructor raised his hand.
"Begin!"
The Iron Fang Boar charged like a battering ram.
Dust exploded beneath its hooves.
"Kyu."
The little fox disappeared.
"So fast?"
Marcus blinked.
The fox reappeared beside the boar.
Its paw glowed faintly red.
Flame Claw.
Instead of striking the beast directly...
It lightly tapped the boar's shoulder.
A tiny burst of heat startled the animal.
The boar stumbled sideways, completely losing its balance.
Kai seized the opening.
Using a basic grappling technique taught in class, he redirected the boar's momentum.
Crash!
The massive beast slammed onto its side.
Silence filled the arena.
Marcus stared in disbelief.
"My... my boar?"
The fox hadn't overpowered it.
It had used perfect timing.
Perfect precision.
Instructor Gareth narrowed his eyes.
"Interesting."
He had clearly seen the fox's speed.
It wasn't normal.
"Winner..."
"Kai Dragonbane."
The students were speechless.
One whispered,
"Did the weakest student just win?"
Lucien frowned.
"It was luck."
"It has to be."
Kai simply picked up his fox.
As he turned to leave...
The Book of Infinite Beasts appeared for only a split second.
A new notification flashed before his eyes.
---
Hidden Mission Completed
Win first academy battle.
Reward:
Authority Level Increased
New Function Unlocked
Beast Talent Analysis
---
Before Kai could read further...
A deafening alarm echoed throughout the academy.
WOOOOOOO!
Every instructor's face changed.
Headmaster Aldric appeared instantly above the central courtyard, standing upon a massive silver dragon.
His voice thundered across the campus.
"All students!"
"Return to your classrooms immediately!"
"This is not a drill."
At that exact moment...
Far beyond the academy walls...
A terrifying roar shook the heavens.
The clouds split apart.
Thousands of birds fled into the sky.
Even the strongest instructors turned pale.
Headmaster Aldric looked toward the distant mountains and whispered,
"A Beast Tide..."
"...has begun far earlier than expected."
Meanwhile, deep within the mountains, a pair of colossal golden eyes slowly opened in the darkness.
A voice, ancient enough to predate kingdoms, echoed through the cavern.
"I can feel it..."
"The Beast Sovereign has returned."