His eyes widened as he read the official academy letterhead and formal language detailing his enrollment in an additional course.
"This is your enrollment in the Summoner's or the also known as Beast-tamer class," Ms. Ember explained, leaning back in her chair. "You will be taught how to coordinate better with your beast and many other essential skills for beastmasters. Combat techniques, bond strengthening exercises, tactical applications of beast abilities – things that basic classes don't cover."
Draco looked up from the paper, processing this unexpected development.
"You will find out the specifics once you get there," Ms. Ember continued with a slight smile. "So there's no point discussing the curriculum in detail now. Just know that this class is typically reserved for students with demonstrated potential."
"Thank you," Draco said earnestly, carefully folding the enrollment paper. The opportunity to receive specialized training was more valuable than he could express.
He stepped out of the classroom with his new timetable, noting that his first Summoner's class was scheduled for later that afternoon.
…
Two hours passed by quickly, and Draco used the free time between his next lesson to head to the academy's training courtyard to complete his daily mission.
The familiar blue screen had appeared that morning, presenting the same objectives as the day before.
The training courtyard was a large open space, equipped with various exercise equipment and practice areas.
Most importantly for Draco's purposes, it was usually empty during mid-afternoon hours when other students were attending their classes.
He threw himself into the physical challenges with determination, though his body still ached from yesterday's hard workout.
Each push-up burned through his chest and arms, while the sit-ups sent fire through his core muscles. The pull-ups were particularly brutal, forcing him to hang from metal bars until his grip nearly failed.
The ten-kilometer run around the academy's perimeter was perhaps the most grueling part. His legs felt like they were about to come off by the halfway point, and his lungs burned with each labored breath.
Zephyr flew alongside him during the run, occasionally chirping encouragement or darting ahead as if trying to motivate his master to keep up with his pace.
The cultivation session with Zephyr provided a welcome respite from the physical exertion. Sitting cross-legged in a quiet corner of the courtyard, Draco synchronized his breathing with his contracted beast's rapid heartbeat.
The fifteen minutes passed more smoothly than the previous day, their connection feeling slightly more stable and natural.
Finally, the communication exercises allowed them to practice the signals they had developed the day before.
Zephyr could now indicate directions with specific chrips, express approval or concern through different chirping sequences, and even warn of approaching people.
—-
Daily Mission:
100 Press-ups ☑️
100 Sit-ups ☑️
100 Pull-ups ☑️
10 km run ☑️
15 minutes cultivation with a contracted Beast ☑️
Practice basic communication exercises with Zephyr ☑️
—-
[You have received +2 EXP.]
[You have received 1 Stat point.]
By the time he completed all objectives, Draco was completely exhausted.
Sweat dripped from every pore, and his muscles trembled with fatigue.
His breathing came in short, ragged gasps as he collapsed onto a nearby bench.
"Haah!"
"We… definitely need to… work on our endurance," he panted to Zephyr, who looked considerably less winded than his human partner
Zephyr gave him a look that said 'Who's we? You are the only one out of breath'.
Knowing he had the Summoner's class approaching, Draco forced himself to head to the academy's washroom facilities.
The communal showers were basic but functional, with enchanted stones providing warm water and basic cleaning amenities.
The hot water felt incredible against his aching muscles, washing away the sweat and grime from his intensive training session.
He took his time, allowing the heat to soothe his protesting body while mentally preparing for his first beastmaster lesson.
After drying off and changing into clean academy robes, Draco felt significantly more presentable.
The shower had helped clear his mind as well as his body, leaving him alert and ready for whatever the Summoner's class might entail.
Once again, Draco allocated his earned stat point to agility, following the same logical reasoning as before.
His Super-Sonic skill would benefit most from improvements to his base agility score.
Agility: 13 → 14
The enhancement felt more noticeable this time, perhaps because he was learning to recognize the subtle changes.
His movements felt more fluid and controlled, with better balance and coordination than he'd possessed just days ago.
-----
Draco Von Ashblade [Awakened] EXP: 5/100
Title: None
Talent: Dragon Lord (SSS-Rank)
Strength: 11 / Agility: 14 / Constitution: 10 / Mana: 50
Beastmaster Manual: None
Skills: None
Stat points: 0
Satisfied with his progress and feeling refreshed from his shower, Draco made his way toward the location specified for his first Summoner's class,
Zephyr perched on his shoulder chirping a soft melody.