Now that Zhen had proven himself with his strength in such a decisive and awe-inspiring manner, the students of Class 1 and Hong Li returned to their classroom in a subdued but respectful silence, some casting lingering glances his way as if re-evaluating him entirely, their previous doubts now replaced with cautious admiration. Guan Fang, clearly pleased and radiating pride, stepped forward and placed a firm, reassuring hand on Zhen's shoulder, his voice carrying both warmth and authority. "Zhen, you have done really well. Today, you've shown not only power, but also resolve, discipline, and the spirit of a true bond master."
Zhen's eyes lit up and he nodded happily. "Thank you, Head Teacher. I will continue to work hard."
With a smile that carried pride, Guan Fang then instructed the students of Class 2 to begin their running exercises. Zhen was excused since he had already completed his run earlier, but he lingered on the sidelines, watching. Motivated by Zhen's earlier display of speed and stamina, the students of Class 2 took to the field with renewed determination. Even the more timid ones clenched their fists and sprinted with effort. Lei Wei, Shi Feng, Gu Naer, Bing Queer, and Yu Xiatao were among the first to dash forward, each summoning their bond power to push themselves faster.
The air rang with the sound of pounding feet and steady breaths as many students, including Zhen's friends, managed to complete the first lap. Faces were flushed, chests heaved, but their spirits were high. However, when the second lap came, fatigue and dwindling bond power claimed them one by one. Zhen's gaze swept the track and locked on Wang Xuan, who was staggering toward the finish line of his first lap. Sweat poured down the boy's face, his steps faltering as his bond energy ran dry. Just as Wang Xuan's knees buckled, Zhen dashed over, slipping an arm under his shoulder to support him, speaking words of encouragement until together they crossed the finish line.
When the training ended, the tired but grateful Wang Xuan made his way to Zhen. "Thank you for helping me complete my first lap. Without you, I would have collapsed."
"We are classmates, like family," Zhen replied warmly, his voice steady but carrying a depth of sincerity that made the words feel like a vow. "We should always support each other, no matter how small the help, because in this academy and beyond, our bonds are our greatest strength. When one of us stumbles, the rest must be there to lift them up, just as you would for your own brother or sister."
Wang Xuan's tired eyes shone with gratitude. "Thank you, Zhen. I'll remember this."
As Class 2 made their way back to their room, a few Year 2 students stood near the walkway, watching them closely with curious and slightly surprised expressions. They leaned toward each other, whispering quietly, clearly intrigued by what they had just witnessed.
"That's Class 2 of Year 1," one murmured, his tone tinged with disbelief and a hint of admiration. "I heard their initial strength results shattered expectations, and their field training scores weren't just better than Class 1 of Year 1 — they surpassed them by a wide margin, something that's never happened before in the academy's recent history."
"I also heard there's a student named Gu Naer whose Phoenix bond isn't just rare—it carries the legendary dual Ice and Fire attributes, a combination said to be as beautiful as it is devastating in battle… and then there's Lan Zhen, who wields a Dragon bond," another whispered, awe and a trace of reverence in their tone.
When they returned to the classroom, the curious murmurs still lingered in the air. Yu Xiatao, unable to hold back his question, spoke up. "Head Teacher, why were some senior students shocked by our results, like something big had changed?"
Guan Fang smiled knowingly, his eyes sweeping over the attentive faces before him. "It's because last year's Class 2 of Year 1 was not just a little weaker—they struggled in nearly every aspect, from physical training to bond mastery. And in truth, for many years before that, Class 2 students have carried the reputation of being the weakest in the entire academy, a stigma passed down like an unwanted legacy."
The statement hung heavily in the air, the students exchanging puzzled glances.
"That's why Class 2 earned the notorious title: 'Trash,'" Guan Fang said gravely, his tone carrying both the weight of history and the sting of a label that had haunted the class for years.
The word cut through the classroom, drawing silence. Eventually, He Xue gathered the courage to ask, "Head Teacher, what happened to the seniors who were in Class 2 of Year 1 before us?"
Guan Fang sighed deeply, his eyes reflecting old disappointments. "Many were expelled for failing to meet the academy's standards. The rest are still struggling to advance in their current year. But you don't need to worry. Your initial results have already surpassed theirs when they were in Year 1."
The tension broke when Lei Wei stood up, his voice firm with conviction and brimming with determination. "Head Teacher, we will not only remove the 'Trash' tag from our Class 2, but we will work harder than any class before us, proving to the entire academy that we deserve respect and recognition."
Every single student voiced their agreement, united in their resolve to erase the title of 'Trash' from their class forever. The room pulsed with determination, as if their collective spirit had been set a blaze. Guan Fang's smile widened, pride shining in his eyes as he took in the unyielding will of his students.
When the class was dismissed, Zhen told his friends he was heading to the Blacksmith Hall of the academy. At the far corner of the Beast Academy grounds, he spotted a medium-sized building with smoke faintly curling from its chimney. Drawing closer, he read the sturdy letters on the sign: Blacksmith Hall. From inside came the ringing clang of metal striking metal, each impact echoing with a sense of purpose.
Curious, Zhen stepped inside. The air was thick with the scent of heated iron, and the temperature rose instantly. Piles of raw ore, ingots, and various forging hammers were scattered in an organized chaos. At the center of the hall stood a blue-haired man, his muscled arms flexing as he brought his hammer down on a glowing piece of metal with precise, powerful strikes. Sparks danced with every blow, illuminating his focused expression. Zhen paused at the doorway, captivated by the rhythm and strength behind each motion, wondering who this man was—and why the music of the forge stirred something deep within him.