Chapter 12 The boys gathered around as Father Thorian announced the next phase: bonding with their chosen war beasts through a blood ritual. The rules were simple state the number of the beast, offer a drop of blood, and if the creature accepted it, the bond would be complete.The first boy confidently stepped forward. “Number 14.”From one of the stables emerged a snarling two-star Hellish Hound with thick black fur, red eyes, and massive tusks that jutted out like curved blades. Gasps filled the hall. It was the kind of beast that exuded power and violence.“Excellent choice,” Father Thorian said with approval. “A beast with raw aggression and two-star potential.”As the ritual began, Adrian stood quietly at the back, hands folded behind him, eyes drifting toward the darker end of the stable. He already knew the number he would call.He had found his companion earlier tucked in a shadowed corner, sickly and trembling, yet sweet and brave enough to lick his hand with affection. Ther

Chapter 14As soon as Arlena gave the command, the group of trainees scattered like startled birds, rushing to settle their beasts and change into their training uniforms. The ground thundered with their hurried steps, echoing the urgency of her fifteen-minute deadline. The stable doors creaked, and curses filled the air as boys stumbled over each other.Except for Adrian.He stood still for a moment, brushing off a speck of dust from his shoulder like royalty. “Fifteen minutes? That’s barely enough time for a proper stretch,” he muttered, voice dripping with sarcasm. His little beast, cradled in his arms like a kitten, nuzzled against his chest with innocent affection.Arlena's sharp eyes followed him as he moved at a leisurely pace, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. “That brat,” she muttered under her breath. “He’s either bold or brainless.”From a distance, Father Thorian watched too, arms crossed, scoffing. “He’s always been a spoiled prince. Just wait until he gets left

Chapter 16The wind carried the scent of sweat and steel as the trainees dispersed from the field, their whispers trailing behind them like shadows. Adrian remained still, his body tense, the sting of the Dragon Spirit Stone's judgment still lingering on his skin.Arlena Hayes stood opposite him, arms folded, her whip coiled at her side like a sleeping serpent. Her gaze was sharp, unreadable but something simmered beneath it. Curiosity? Suspicion? Even Adrian couldn’t tell."You’re hiding something," she said again, her voice quieter now, but heavier, like a stone dropping into a still pond.Adrian shrugged. "Am I?"Arlena’s eyes narrowed. "Don’t play dumb. The stone showed no element, no grade… and yet the sky responded. That wasn’t normal. And neither are you."Adrian kept his expression neutral. "I don’t remember much before waking up in this place. You told me yourself my head injury, the memory loss. Maybe that lightning was just a coincidence.""A coincidence?" she scoffed. "Tha

Chapter 18The atmosphere in the academy shifted like a storm cloud rolling in. Whispers buzzed in every corner of the training fields, dining halls, and meditation chambers.“Prince kael accepted Travis’s duel?”“He’s finished. Everyone knows he can’t even circulate spiritual energy properly.”“I heard he’s betting his position in the academy. Madness.”Wagers flew like leaves in the wind. Every name scrawled on the betting slips was the same Travis.Adrian walked through the center of the murmuring crowd, head high, expression unreadable. Every eye followed him, some with pity, most with mockery. He ignored them all.In truth, he barely heard them.Aurelius’ voice echoed calmly within his mind. “Their doubt is your weapon. Use it well.”Just outside the central pavilion, a familiar voice called out.“Adrian!”Seraphina.He turned to see her rushing toward him, her usually gentle features drawn with worry. Her blonde hair was messy, and her satchel swung awkwardly at her side.She gr

Chapter 20Adrian found Cooper Jenkins behind the stables just after dusk, exactly where the letter had said he would be.The moon cast long shadows across the empty training yard, and for a brief moment, Adrian considered turning back. But the folded letter in his sleeve burned like a brand against his skin.He stepped out of the shadows. “We need to talk.”Cooper turned, his usual lazy grin plastered across his face. “Adrian! What’s up, man? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”Adrian didn’t return the smile. “Cut the act.”Something shifted behind Cooper’s eyes. A flicker. Then his grin slowly faded.“So… you figured it out,” Cooper said, voice dropping an octave. “Took you long enough.”Adrian’s jaw tightened. “You were spying on me this whole time. Feeding them everything. The factions. Travis. Even the noble houses.”Cooper chuckled and took a slow step forward, the mask of friendliness peeling away. “Come on, Adrian. You really thought I wanted to be your friend? You some nobody