Lyra hopped onto the edge of the basket, pecking delicately at the golden berries. Each bite seemed to make her feathers glow ever so slightly, a soft reminder of her mystical nature. Alex watched her quietly, smiling at the little chirps and hops she made between the fruit and the bread.
He carefully picked up a small slice of pastry and held it out to her. She nuzzled against his fingers before nibbling at it, the tiny movements filled with cautious curiosity. Alex chuckled softly. "You really do appreciate the finer things, don't you?"
As he prepared the rest of his breakfast, Alex noticed the other baskets of food he'd been given—fresh fruits, breads, and small parcels of rare ingredients from the village market. Some were ordinary, but others were familiar from the trip back from the academy: golden-hued fruits, sweet pastries, and tiny morsels carefully wrapped for him.
He set a small portion on a clean plate for himself, and as Lyra continued pecking and exploring, he reached out to gently comb her feathers. She allowed it, leaning into his hand, a soft chirp escaping her beak every now and then as he smoothed the golden plumage along her crest and wings. The motion was careful and slow, and though Lyra's wings fluttered lightly at times, she didn't resist—her small chirps filled the quiet room like gentle music.
Alex settled back onto the bed with the plate of food in front of him, letting Lyra finish her little breakfast. He watched her move between the baskets, inspecting the fresh fruits and nibbling delicately, the faint glow along her feathers intensifying with each small bite.
"You're enjoying yourself, aren't you?" he murmured, smiling. Lyra chirped in response, her tiny eyes bright and attentive, as though she were saying yes.
Soon after eating his own food, Alex freshened up for the day. She also washed herself, though it was a bit of a messy affair.
Chirp. Chirp.
Alex watched as Lyra ran toward the water, her movements swift and playful, as if she were mimicking some long-lost instinct. "What are you… a fish?" he murmured, chuckling softly. He sat beside her, observing her for a moment, and then, as he got closer, she turned her head away shyly, tilting it but letting him pet her gently. After a moment, he picked up a soft comb he had bought for her and began brushing her feathers. She was pretty content at first, but then began twitching slightly in playful delight, clearly enjoying his grooming.
After he was finished, he let her hop onto his head, though she continued to move here and there. He let her stay there for a moment, letting her adjust, and soon she relaxed, perching comfortably.
He then headed toward the village gate, finding Max and Sophia chatting. "Sorry I'm late. I had to take care of some things," he said as they looked at the shiny golden bird perched on his shoulder.
"She is like royalty," Max remarked, adding, "Why don't you take her into your Mystic Space? Our Mystic Beasts are in thier, but she's here, sitting on your shoulder as if she owns it."
"I would," Alex replied, "but she doesn't want to go in." He hesitated, not wanting to force her into his Mystic Space. She seemed to prefer staying outside, basking in the morning sun and the open air.
"Some Mystic Beasts prefer staying outside," Sophia said. "But letting them out can be dangerous—someone could aim at them, and that might deliver a direct blow to the Seeker themselves."
Alex nodded, understanding. The freedom of a Mystic Beast came with risk; outside, both beast and master were more exposed to attacks or accidents that could be devastating.
"She's small right now. I'll teach her later—once she stops throwing tantrums," he said, as both of them laughed while leaving for the Academy.
Arriving at the Academy, they reached the main hall where several others were already waiting. Soon, it was time. After half an hour, the doors closed; those who were late would have to wait until the next day or even next year if they are unlucky.
As they waited, Alex noticed Eloria walking in. Beside her stood three men and two women, each wearing insignias representing their guilds.
"They're all from Lord-level guilds or Seeker organizations," Sophia said.
Max and Alex both nodded. They knew the ranks of the Seeker Guilds well—starting from Low level, then Mid, High, and Top. After that came City-level guilds, followed by Lord-class, Prince-class, King-class, Emperor-class, Overlord-class, and finally, Supreme-class guilds, each representing an entire continent's level of power.
"Going into a Lord-class guild already means instant success," Max muttered, swallowing hard as the others around them seemed to share the same thought.
Principal Eloria, now standing on the stage, took the microphone and looked over the gathered students.
"Welcome, everyone," she began, her voice calm but commanding enough to silence the hall. "Today marks the beginning of your journey as official Seekers of the Academy. Some of you will shine on your own paths, while others will find strength in unity. Remember—your choices here will shape your future."
She paused for a moment, letting her words settle before turning her gaze toward the five distinguished figures standing beside her.
"Allow me to introduce our guests—representatives from some of the most renowned Seeker organizations and guilds."
She gestured to the first man, a tall figure in black armor trimmed with silver. "Sir Darius Crowne, Commander of the Silver Fang Guild, a Lord-class guild specializing in monster suppression and high-risk dungeon raids."
Next was a woman dressed in flowing blue robes embroidered with runes that shimmered faintly. "Lady Mira Vael, from the Azure Sanctum, a guild known for its mastery of ancient knowledge and relic research."
The second man, broad-shouldered and carrying a massive blade at his back, stepped forward with a grin. "Gareth Stonefield, Deputy of the Iron Howl Battalion, one of the top-ranked combat-oriented Seeker organizations."
Then came a composed woman in a long crimson coat whose eyes glowed faintly like embers. "Captain Rhea Valen of the Crimson Oath, an elite guild that operates directly under the Central Seeker Council."