Excellent. Here's the fully rewritten version of Chapter Four – "Bonds Tested", crafted to match the tone, rhythm, and quality of the previous chapters while staying completely faithful to your or
The walk back to the Academy was alive with chatter as newly bonded students compared monsters and exchanged stories. Alder spotted Cal in the crowd, his grin as bright as ever.
"Wanna meet my new monster? Her name's Ceana!" Cal said excitedly, holding out his runestone.
In a flicker of light, a bright red ferret appeared, about two feet long, her fiery fur glinting under the sun. She scampered around Cal's legs, leaving faint trails of ember sparks in the air.
"She's amazing," Alder said, watching the creature dart and spin.
"I wonder how big she'll get," Cal mused, crouching down to scratch her chin.
"Not very large," came a familiar voice from behind them. Sara strolled over, her braid swaying gently with each step. "That looks like an Emberose Ferret. They specialize in elemental attacks—fast, fiery, and clever—but they aren't built for physical combat."
Alder smiled. Sara's knowledge of monsters always impressed him. Growing up in the city, she'd been exposed to far more creatures than most villagers could dream of.
Cal nodded appreciatively. "So, she's small but packs a punch. I like her already."
Sara turned to Alder with a teasing smile. "What about you, Alder? Let's see your partner."
Alder hesitated, his fingers brushing the cool surface of Atlas's runestone. Revealing the enchanted Ironwood doll—something not found in Infants' Field—might draw unnecessary attention, especially from Professor Klemp. Better to play it safe, at least for now.
He reached instead for Willow's runestone. With a shimmer of green light, the enchanted stump materialized beside him, her roots writhing gently through the earth. She emitted a faint hum, a soft echo of nature's pulse.
The students nearby turned to stare.
Professor Klemp himself paused mid-step, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Alder, you sealed an enchanted stump?"
"Yes, sir," Alder said, straightening his posture.
"Interesting," Klemp muttered, stroking his chin. "Spirit-type monsters like that don't bond easily. Your connection to nature must be strong. Let me guess—your magic's nature-based?"
Alder nodded, surprised by how quickly Klemp had deduced it. "Yes, sir. Nature element."
"Makes sense. Beast-types bond through force or trust. Spirits, though—they only connect with someone whose magic aligns with their essence. Consider yourself fortunate," Klemp said, before continuing ahead.
Sara leaned closer, whispering, "That's impressive, Alder. Not many first-years could manage that."
He smiled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Guess I just got lucky."
They continued toward the Academy, the group animated with laughter and stories of their first seals. Sara summoned her own monster—a small white-and-gold owl she affectionately called Cookie.
"You brought breadcrumbs with you just for that?" Alder asked, amused.
Sara chuckled. "Of course. My magic's wind-aligned. Bird-type monsters are naturally drawn to it. You have to plan ahead, Alder."
Tarrel's booming laugh interrupted their conversation. "You think that's funny? You should hear how I got Rocky!"
Everyone turned as he gestured dramatically. "So there I was, sitting on a pile of rocks after an hour of finding nothing. I set my runestone down beside me, and suddenly—the rocks under me moved, I went to grab my runestone! Next thing I know, there's this massive light, and boom- I sealed Rocky! Turns out I was sitting on a sleeping Rock Golem."
The group burst into laughter. Even Professor Klemp cracked a faint smile.
Alder wiped a tear from his eye. "You named your Rock Golem 'Rocky'?"
Tarrel shrugged good-naturedly. "It felt right."
Alder chuckled. "Fair enough."
---
As they neared the Academy gates, Professor Klemp called the group to a halt.
"Before you disperse, a final matter. Many of you received free runestones to aid in your bonding. To remain fair, those who brought their own will receive something in return. Step forward if that applies to you."
Only three did—Alder, Sara, and Tarrel.
Klemp handed each of them a small parchment scroll etched with glowing runes. "Appraisal Scrolls. They reveal detailed information about any monster or object they touch. You each have three uses, so spend them wisely."
Alder bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Professor."
With that, Klemp dismissed the students.
---
The group barely made it past the dorm entrance before trouble appeared.
"So, the peasants have pets now?"
The mocking voice belonged to Damon, the noble who had sneered at them in the mess hall. His entourage of well-dressed followers stood at his back, smirking. Damon's sharp jawline and golden hair screamed arrogance, his noble crest gleaming on his chestplate.
"You should learn your place, commoner," Damon drawled. "Maybe start by kneeling."
Tarrel stepped forward, anger flashing in his eyes. "Say that again."
Damon's grin widened as he flicked his runestone. A massive, two-headed hound appeared beside him, flames licking from its fanged mouths.
"This is Brutus," Damon said proudly. "A three-star Hellhound—barely adolescent. My father gifted him to me. One day, he'll evolve into a full Cerberus. Not something peasants like you could dream of."
Tarrel's fists clenched, but the sight of Brutus's fiery gaze made him hesitate.
Damon snickered, satisfied. "Didn't think so. Run along."
As Damon and his entourage strutted away, Cal muttered darkly, "One day, I'll knock that smug look off his face."
Alder's jaw tightened. "We'll get there. We just have to get stronger first."
Sara nodded in agreement, her eyes sharp. "Let them laugh now. They won't be laughing forever."
---
Later that afternoon, the three friends gathered in the dorm common room to rest. Alder sat on his bed, the new Appraisal Scroll spread across his lap.
He reached for Willow's runestone first and pressed it gently to the parchment. The runes glowed, lines of text forming in the air:
> Willow – Enchanted Stump (Spirit-type, 1 Star)
Attack Skill: Barbed Roots – Entangles enemies with poisonous vines that drain vitality.
Traits: Nature affinity; symbiotic mana link with host; growth potential unknown.
Alder nodded thoughtfully. "You did well today, Willow. You've got real fight in you."
Next, he held Atlas's runestone to the scroll. The light that erupted was stronger this time.
> Atlas – Enchanted Ironwood Doll (Spirit-type, 2 Stars, Variant)
Skills:
Gaia Strike – Delivers a heavy blow infused with nature energy.
Body Replacement – Regrows lost limbs or repairs body parts.
Wood Carver – Crafts new limbs and wooden weapons.
Wood Enchanter – Imbues wooden creations with magical enhancement.
Alder whistled softly. "Well, I'll be damned. You're a craftsman too, huh? Looks like we're both carpenters."
He couldn't help grinning at the possibilities. Wooden weapons that could rival iron—perhaps even steel if made from Ironwood. The potential for profit and innovation was staggering. Still, he knew enough not to get ahead of himself. He'd need to learn more before attempting anything ambitious.
---
The next two days passed quickly. Alder grew closer to Cal and Sara, spending hours talking, training, and sharing meals. But as the first day of classes drew near, Alder's focus returned to his monsters.
That evening, he decided to take Willow out to train at the forest's edge.
The setting sun cast long shadows through the trees, painting the world in gold and green. Willow glided beside him, her roots weaving smoothly through the soil.
"Let's see what you can do, girl," Alder said softly.
The forest was alive with sound—chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the distant trickle of water. Then, from behind a fallen log, movement caught Alder's eye.
A horned rabbit stepped into view. Its fur shimmered white under the fading light, but the sharp ivory horn atop its head gleamed dangerously.
"Careful, Willow. It's a Horned Hare."
Willow's roots tensed, ready. The rabbit darted forward with startling speed, horn aimed straight at her.
"Dodge and bind it!" Alder commanded.
Willow's roots lashed out, but the hare slipped between them, striking fast. Its horn grazed her side, embedding for a moment before it could pull free.
"Now!" Alder shouted.
Barbed roots burst from the earth, wrapping around the hare's legs. The creature thrashed wildly, but the poison worked fast, sapping its strength. Within seconds, the fight was over.
Alder knelt beside Willow, checking the wound. "You did great. I'm proud of you."
She pulsed faintly, as if understanding.
Alder pried the horn loose—it would fetch a decent price despite the poisoned meat—and stood, smiling. "Come on, let's get back. Cal and Sara are going to love this story."
As they made their way back to the dorm, the forest whispered around them, and for the first time, Alder felt it—a bond not just of magic, but of trust.