The Bond Awakening ceremony had ended, but its impact still trembled in the hearts of everyone present. The village hadn't seen such a spectacle in generations, and whispers of dragon roars and phoenix cries continued to ripple through the streets and homes. Children reenacted the moments with sticks and cloaks, while elders murmured blessings under their breath. The sacred ground of the trial shimmered faintly in the early evening sun, as if reluctant to let go of the power it had witnessed.
Lan Zhen sat quietly on the edge of a wooden bench near the trial site, the crystal identity card glowing softly in his hands. It read: Rank 10 Spirit-Forged Dragon Master. The moment still felt like a dream. All those nights he saw dragons in his sleep—their gaze, their wings, their bowing heads—they made sense now. It wasn't fantasy. It was fate. He remembered the warmth in those dreams, the feeling of power coiling beneath ancient scales, the silent whispers of forgotten beasts.
Lan Xin approached quietly, her eyes shimmering with joy. She knelt and wrapped her arms tightly around her son. "My little Zhen... you did it," she whispered. Her tears wet the side of his neck, but Zhen didn't move. He let himself be held. The weight of everything—the trials, the fear, the hope—finally lifted in her arms.
Feng Yan, standing at the center of the now-cleared gathering square, still looked in awe. "To think... a Dragon and a Phoenix in one village. Truly, the Holy Continent is stirring again." He turned to the families, voice steady but full of wonder. "Such beast bonds are legendary—and extremely rare. The last time I witnessed a Rank 10 beast bond was twenty years ago, and never two in one day."
He then addressed the four newly recognized talents. "Xiao Ping," he began, glancing toward the boy who still stood proudly, arms crossed and chin tilted skyward. "Your Earth Bond suits the Starlight Academy. It focuses on elemental cultivation. With your Spirit Rank 7, you'll fit in well."
Xiao Ping puffed his chest. His parents beamed with pride, looking around with smug satisfaction, though their eyes flickered with lingering envy toward Zhen and Na'er.
Feng Yan turned toward the others. "As for Lan Zhen, Gu Na'er, and Shi Feng... I recommend the Holy Beast Academy. It is among the finest in the Beast Empire and specializes in rare beast bonds. However, its entrance trials are far more challenging than most. Not only will your bond be tested, but your will, spirit, and potential."
Gasps and murmurs spread through the crowd. The Holy Beast Academy was legendary—not just a school, but a crucible for legends.
Gu Sheng, Na'er's father, looked uneasy. He placed a hand on his wife's shoulder. "We can't leave the village. The fruit business is our life. Our roots are deep here, and our workers need us."
Lan Xin, despite her joy, looked heartbroken for a different reason. She gazed at Zhen and then to the path beyond the village. Would he walk that road alone?
Zhen noticed her silence and frowned. "Mom...?"
Lan Hua, who had stood in stoic pride throughout the ceremony, finally stepped forward. His voice was quiet but firm. "I've made a decision," he said, raising his voice for all to hear. "We're leaving the village."
All eyes turned.
"We'll move to Star City."
Lan Xin gasped and turned to him. "Are you sure?"
He nodded. "Zhen needs us. And I am still a Flamebound Tyrant Bond Master. I can forge a life there. We can start anew."
Zhen's face lit up like the rising sun. He leapt into his father's arms. "Really?! You and Mom are coming with me?"
Lan Xin pulled them both into a hug. "Of course we are. How can we let our precious boy wander alone in that city of strangers?"
Feng Yan smiled, deeply pleased. "A wise decision, Mr. Lan. Star City is full of opportunities for someone of your caliber. You might even join the city's blacksmith clan, "steelshaper," or assist the academies."
Na'er's parents stepped forward then, smiling warmly despite the tears in their eyes. "We cannot come," her mother said softly. "But if you wouldn't mind, would you look after our little Na'er as well?"
Lan Xin placed a hand on Na'er's head. "Of course. She's already like a daughter to us."
Na'er threw herself into Xin's arms. "Thank you, Auntie!"
Shi Feng's parents also expressed regret. "Our nephew lives in Star City. Shi Feng will stay with him. He'll be alright. We trust him."
But not everyone was happy.
Xiao Ping fumed in the corner. His jealousy was palpable, and his forced smile barely covered his bitterness. His father muttered with a sneer, "Let's see how these village kids handle the real test. It's one thing to impress in a village. Another to shine in the capital."
Later that evening, the Lan family's house buzzed with activity. Clothes were folded, tools packed, and heirlooms carefully wrapped. Na'er stayed over, helping pack. Laughter echoed through the rooms, blending with the rustle of leaves outside. Even Gu Sheng dropped by with a basket of fruits and a quiet smile.
Zhen was alone in his room, holding his crystal card. He glanced at the forge tools by his desk—especially the hammer. He remembered the heat of the forge, the sparks flying, the rhythm of hammer and anvil.
He picked it up, and its weight settled comfortably in his hand. The sound of metal striking metal rang in his ears again, a memory and a calling.
He walked to his parents. "Dad, I'm not giving up blacksmithing. Even if I'm a Dragon Bond Master, I want to be a forge master too. I want to make my own weapons, armor, and tools. I want to shape my path."
Lan Hua paused, then smiled broadly. "Good. The hammer sings to those who respect it. Few try to cultivate both beast and tool paths. But if anyone can... It's you. I'll teach you everything I know."
He continued, his eyes gleaming with pride. "As a blacksmith master, your hammer is not just a forging tool. In combat, it can become your weapon—grow in size, shape itself through flame and power. It's rare to see someone combine both mastery of tools and beast bond. In my life, I've never seen it done. But you... you might just be the first."
Lan Xin nodded. "And when you make your first blade, I want to be the first to hold it. Your father made my cooking knife when we married. Now it's your turn to carry the flame."
That night, the stars shone especially bright over the village. A breeze swept in from the east, carrying the scent of flowers and forge smoke. Lanterns glowed in every window, honoring the blessings bestowed that day. Even the old village bell rang once at midnight—a tradition when legends are born.
Tomorrow, the road would call. The journey to Star City—to dreams, danger, and destiny—would begin. Their wagon would roll past the river bridge, past the edge of the forest, onto paths lined with unknowns.
But tonight, they rested together.
A family forged stronger than steel.
And a future lit by dragon fire and phoenix flame waited just beyond the dawn.