---
The first day back after the trial felt strangely quiet.
Even with the cheers, the congratulations, and the curious glances from younger students, Kiyanotoka Ash walked through the academy halls like a shadow—present, but untouched.
> "Kiyanotoka, you're trending on the academy forums."
"Wanna give a quote? Everyone's saying you're some secret noble heir or something."
"Hey, you looking to join a legacy team?"
He declined every offer, every handshake, every enthusiastic shout.
> [ SYSTEM: Fame Threshold Passed – Observation Level Increased ]
Caution Advised. Behavioral consistency recommended.
Mission Tracker: Commander's Domain – 21% Sync Achieved.
He kept his expression calm and humble.
Inside, his thoughts sharpened.
> The more attention I draw, the tighter the rope gets. Time to change focus—stealth, not strength.
---
🧊 Fuyue's Watchful Eye
From the higher terrace balcony, Fuyue Lin watched him walk past the south training wing, his steps perfectly measured.
> He doesn't act like someone who just claimed first place.
Most students who achieved such a feat boasted. They flashed their medals. Posted pictures with their beasts.
Kiyanotoka?
Nothing.
He barely talked to anyone.
Even his beast—no dramatic entrances, no flashy displays. Thamuz remained dormant unless needed. The white rabbit he seemed to keep now? She hadn't seen it once since the trial.
> You're not just hiding power… you're hiding who you really are.
She turned and walked away.
But her curiosity followed.
---
⚔️ Spirit Battle Class – Practice Field
Instructor Kuroda raised a hand, silencing the chatter of gathered students.
"Today's challenge: tactical positioning and terrain advantage. Pairs only. No full-on duels—just formation control."
Kiyanotoka stood beside Riku, while across from them stood a pair of third-years—battle-hardened, cocky, and older.
"Let's see what the rookies can do," one of them smirked. His spirit beast—a Thunder Fang Wolf—let out a crackling howl.
"Spread wide," Kiyanotoka muttered to Riku. "You draw their beast's attention. I'll handle field suppression."
Riku blinked. "We're outclassed. What are you—"
"Trust me."
> [ SYSTEM: Field Simulation Complete ]
Advantage Points Mapped.
Suggested Plan: Lunar Veil → Flame Corralling → Strike Delay.
Kiyanotoka didn't hesitate.
> "Now."
From seemingly nowhere, a glimmer of moonlight shimmered in the air. The Lunar Sylph-Hare phased into visibility for a moment, releasing a subtle glow—Moonlight Veil.
Mist coiled upward, covering the ground.
The wolf lost its lock. Confused.
Thamuz burst forward from behind a rocky mound, releasing a sudden ring of fire that corralled the opponents into a single formation.
Kiyanotoka calmly pointed.
> "Strike now, Riku."
Riku hurled a projectile infused with wind essence straight through the mist. It hit one of the opponents squarely in the shoulder, knocking him off balance.
Instructor Kuroda raised his hand.
> "Point—Squad 7."
Gasps echoed around the field.
> "Did that white rabbit cast an illusion?"
"How did he time it so perfectly?"
"Wait… there was a second beast?!"
Fuyue, watching from the upper platform, narrowed her eyes.
> Two beasts. And no one's even questioned how.
---
🌙 That Night – Dorm Rooftop
Kiyanotoka sat beneath the stars, Thamuz curled beside him, the Sylph-Hare resting silently in his lap, nearly weightless.
> [ SYSTEM: Sync Progress – 24% ]
New Skill Branch Unlock: Dual Command – Passive Aura Activated.
Trait Pending: Commander's Domain (Bond 2 / 3 Required)
> One more bond… then I can access it fully.
But it wasn't just about power anymore.
The more time he spent with Thamuz and the Sylph-Hare, the more real the bond felt.
They weren't tools. They were companions. Living beings who chose to follow him.
> "I'll make sure I deserve that trust," he whispered.
The Sylph-Hare nuzzled his hand in response.
A wind rustled the trees far below.
---
🕊️ Elsewhere – Instructor's Hall
"Squad 7's coordination has evolved beyond what's normal for first-years," said Instructor Veran, sliding a parchment across the table.
Kuroda scanned it. "Two confirmed spirit beasts. The fire dragon is registered. But the moon-hare… I've never seen one bonded so early."
"Think he's hiding a crest?"
"Doesn't make sense. He has no known lineage, no artifacts, no family heritage on record."
"So… what's your theory?"
Kuroda folded his arms. "Some kind of instinctual bond trait. Rare. Maybe even awakened by trauma."
A long pause.
"Or," Veran added slowly, "maybe we've just underestimated him completely."
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📘 End of Chapter 8
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