Alex leaned back in his chair. "I plan to head to one of the big cities after our first field test. I'll start taking Seeker work from there."
Sophia nodded approvingly. "Smart. I'll probably wait for an invitation or sponsorship first, though. I already got a few offers, thanks to ranking in the top ten during final exams."
Max blinked. "Wait—you already got offers?"
Sophia smirked. "Of course. The top five candidates always get early invitations from the larger Seeker organizations. They're kind of like guilds in the outside world—only more official and with better pay."
"just this time though, it now extended to top 10."
Alex nodded thoughtfully. "Makes sense. Guess I'll just have to make my own name out there."
Sophia smiled. "Oh, I'm sure you will." She said and then looked at Max " You will too Max".
Both Alex and Max nodded, as they begun to eat having small talks.
As they ate, the conversation drifted from plans and ambitions to lighter topics—training mishaps, funny rumors about senior Seekers, and which Mystic Beasts had caused the most chaos during previous ceremonies.
Max was halfway through a mouthful of bread when he said, "Did you hear about the guy last year whose beast set the dorms on fire?"
Sophia groaned. "Yes. The Fire Fang Lizard incident. Half the dormitory had to be rebuilt."
Alex smirked. "So that's why the upper floor smells like smoke."
"Exactly," Sophia said with mock exasperation. "And the worst part? The guy apparently laughed while it burned. Said it was 'part of the bonding process.'"
They all burst into laughter, drawing a few curious glances from nearby students.
As the laughter faded, a faint hum spread through the air. The light crystals embedded in the cafeteria ceiling flickered once, then projected a glowing crest of gold—the emblem of Mystic Gold Academy.
A calm, authoritative voice echoed through the room.
"Attention, new Seekers. Orientation for the first trial will begin in thirty minutes. Please gather at the Outer Field Plaza. Bring your Mystic Bands and bonded beasts."
The crest shimmered for a moment before fading, leaving the hall buzzing with excitement. Chairs scraped, trays clattered, and dozens of students hurried to finish their meals.
Max stood, wiping his hands. "Well, looks like showtime."
Sophia rose too, brushing a stray ember off her shoulder. "Outer Field Plaza… that's where they hold the preliminary rank test, right?"
"Yeah," Alex replied, standing and adjusting his band. "Guess this is where they decide who's really ready to call themselves a Seeker."
The little phoenix in his hands stirred, blinking one golden eye before letting out a faint chirp that almost sounded eager.
Alex smiled faintly. "Looks like someone's ready to prove herself too."
Sophia's Salamander hissed softly, as if accepting the challenge, while Max's Iron-Talon flapped its wings with a sharp metallic ring.
Although all three beasts were still cubs, they all radiated eagerness—ready to fight, grow, and prove themselves alongside their partners.
Soon, the trio arrived at the testing grounds outside the academy. Several large tents had been set up across the field, with banners bearing the crest of Mystic Gold Academy fluttering in the breeze. Dozens of new Seekers were already gathered there, forming neat lines according to their ranks.
A stern-looking instructor stood at the front, his black coat trimmed with gold. His sharp eyes scanned the crowd as his voice rang out clearly:
"Welcome, young Seekers. Today, we will determine whether you are truly suited to bear that title. Becoming a Seeker is not a simple matter—it is a path that stands between life and death. Thus, each of you will be tested."
The crowd quieted instantly.
"Those who pass will be granted your Seeker Apprentice Identification, officially marking your entry into the ranks of Seekers. Those who fail…" —his gaze hardened— "…will be redirected to auxiliary paths until you are ready to try again."
The tension rose in the air, and Alex could feel his pulse quicken.
The instructor raised a hand. "Now, first, we will assess your Mystic Bond. Sit cross-legged and close your eyes. Feel the link between yourself and your Mystic Beast. The bond you share defines your potential as a Seeker."
Everyone obeyed, sitting down in neat rows. Alex, Sophia, and Max followed suit.
"Let your mana flow," the instructor continued. "Let it merge with your partner's essence. Try to sense the ability that awakens from that connection."
A soft hum spread across the field as students began focusing. One by one, faint lights appeared around them—some blue, some red, some green—each reflecting their elemental affinity.
Then, a boy near the front gasped as his hands began to glow with faint yellow sparks. "I got it! My ability's called Lightning Infusion! I can channel lightning into my strikes!"
The instructor nodded approvingly. "Good. That's an offensive ability—strong potential for a Seeker. Step to the right."
Excited murmurs spread through the group as more students began awakening their first shared abilities. The instructor raised his voice again.
"Those whose bond grants offensive or combat-related abilities, move to my right. Those with support or defense-based abilities, move to my left. We will evaluate you accordingly."
Alex opened one eye slightly, glancing down at the small phoenix cub still perched in his lap. "Alright, little one… guess it's our turn," he thought with a faint smile.
He took a slow breath and let his mana flow toward her—waiting to see what kind of power a Divine-grade bond would reveal.
Golden light flickered across Alex's hands.
At first, it was faint—like candlelight dancing between his fingers. But then, as his mana pulsed stronger, the glow thickened and turned molten, flowing through the air like liquid gold. The air shimmered with heat; a low hum echoed as the energy gathered at his chest before surging outward.
A collective gasp rippled through the students nearby.
"What the—?!" someone whispered.
Alex's phoenix cub spread her tiny wings, and the golden flames wrapped around her feathers, spiraling upward like a crown. Unlike normal fire, these didn't scorch or flicker—they flowed, radiant and alive, pulsing with divine warmth.
The instructor's eyes widened. "That flame… it's—" He cut himself off, studying Alex carefully. "Interesting. Continue."
A faint notification rune shimmered before Alex's vision:
[Mystic Bond Ability Awakened — Eternal Gold Flame]
Type: Legendary (Evolving)
Effect: Extremely offensive Flames with no other effects, a combination of Gold and Flame Attribute Fire.
Can be molded into various Weapons. ]