The morning sun spilled across Azure Sky Academy's grand courtyard, glinting off polished stones and the crystalline towers of the central academy building. Students whispered in hushed tones, glancing toward the training grounds where Ethan Cross and his Mythical Flame Fox had been summoned for the first time since the Platinum Challenge.
Word had spread faster than wildfire. A B-rank orphan, with a Bronze-bloodline fox, had evolved to Mythical Nine-Tailed status and dominated Platinum-level beasts. The murmurs were everywhere.
"Did you hear? Cross actually survived Platinum! And the fox… it's nine-tailed!"
"Impossible. That fox was Bronze. How can a B-rank manage that?"
Even the faculty, normally stoic and indifferent, were whispering among themselves. Elder Rowan, the academy principal, frowned, his long robes brushing the stone floor. "This boy… his talent is extraordinary, but B-rank? There's something… unusual here."
The other S-rank students, previously smug and dismissive, now looked on with envy, suspicion, and fear. Lucas Greystone, his wolf at his side, clenched his fists, his pride wounded but burning with determination. "He won't always be this lucky," he muttered. "I'll show him who truly deserves to rise."
The Arrival of the Observers
A deep rumble shook the courtyard as three massive figures approached. Unlike students or teachers, these were visitors of a higher realm—ancient clans' envoys, elite Beast Masters, and even a few who bore the title SSS-rank observers. Each radiated immense power, the kind that could crush a small platoon of students with barely a gesture.
Instructor Raymond approached Ethan cautiously. "These are the Ancients' Eyes. They rarely visit our academy. Their purpose… is to observe exceptional talents. You, Ethan Cross, have drawn their attention."
Ethan's eyes narrowed. Eye of All Things activated instinctively. Streams of data, details, and aura readings flooded his vision. Bloodlines, levels, abilities—all displayed with crystalline clarity.
[Observer Scan]
Entity: Ardent Clan Envoy
Rank: SSS
Specialization: Beast Mastery, Strategic Manipulation
Notes: Known for rare contract beasts and tactical genius
Entity: Violet Phoenix Sect Elder
Rank: SSS
Specialization: Elemental Beast Integration
Notes: Can bind mythic beasts without bloodline restrictions
Entity: Shadow Tiger Clan Head
Rank: SSS
Specialization: Apex Predator Domination
Notes: Historical enemy of Ardent Clan; unparalleled in Platinum combat
Ethan's mind worked rapidly. These were not mere spectators—they were ancient clan elites, capable of reading talent and bloodline at a glance. Most would look at him and see only a B-rank, but his Eye of All Things allowed him to perceive the truth beneath the surface.
Flame Fox stirred beside him, tails flickering. The bond between them pulsed as if sensing the presence of these ancient powers.
The Demonstration
Instructor Raymond cleared his throat. "Ethan Cross, step forward. Demonstrate your Platinum Challenge results for our guests."
Whispers rippled through the crowd. Some students were excited, others jealous, but all were curious. How could a B-rank orphan control a Mythical Nine-Tailed Beast at Platinum level?
Ethan nodded silently. "Flame Fox… fusion, complete."
A wave of energy rolled outward. Nine tails flared in unison, flames burning bright yet controlled, circling Ethan as if the world itself bowed to the bond they shared. The heat shimmered, a barely perceptible hum resonating across the courtyard.
The observers' eyes narrowed. One of the SSS-rank elders murmured, "A Mythical Nine-Tailed Celestial… but the master is only B-rank? Interesting…"
Ethan exhaled, letting the fox demonstrate. He activated Evolution Talent subtly, boosting reflexes and combat potential even further. Then he guided the fox through maneuvers against phantom Platinum-level opponents conjured by the academy's training simulations.
Every strike, dodge, and tail sweep was precise, calculated, and devastating. Flames arced across the courtyard, yet not a single structure was harmed—control beyond instinctual power.
A Platinum Shadowfang Lynx, summoned as a test target, lunged at Ethan. In a fraction of a second, nine tails struck simultaneously: one clipped the claws, another deflected a leap, a third struck the Lynx's flank, and the remaining tails created a net of flame around it. The Lynx fell back, stunned and scorched, clearly outmatched.
The crowd gasped. Even seasoned S-rank students were whispering, awed.
The Ardent Clan envoy stepped forward. "Master Cross… your control over a Mythical beast is… astonishing. And yet, your rank remains B?"
Ethan's expression remained calm. "The rank does not define my potential. My bond, evolution, and fusion define power."
A Challenge from the Ancients
The Violet Phoenix Sect Elder tilted his head. "I have heard rumors… of a boy controlling a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox, surviving Platinum combat… If true, you may possess potential beyond comprehension. Step into the Trial of the Ancients. Show us your mastery."
A murmur spread across the academy. The Trial of the Ancients was a secretive, legendary test, usually reserved for SSS-level students or prodigies with full Mythical talent. Passing it could bring recognition, resources, and even contracts with ancient clan beasts—opportunities no B-rank would dare dream of.
Lucas's hands clenched. "This is ridiculous! He's an orphan, B-rank, Bronze-bloodline fox… yet they want him in the Trial?!"
Ethan did not reply. His eyes met Flame Fox's. Tails swished, the bond humming. They had grown together, survived Platinum trials, and now faced something even older and stronger.
"Flame Fox," Ethan whispered, "we step into the fire again. Not as B-rank… not as Bronze… but as Hidden Beast Emperor in the making."
Preparation for the Trial
Ethan retreated to the private training arena prepared by the academy. Here, only he, Flame Fox, and the observers would enter.
He activated Eye of All Things. Data streamed rapidly. The trial was ancient; creatures would not be random—they would test every aspect of a master: bond, evolution, fusion, elemental control, strategy, and adaptation. He scanned:
[Trial of the Ancients – Beast Overview]
Beast #1: Platinum Drake, Elemental Breath, Level Platinum 2, Bloodline: High Silver
Beast #2: Ironclaw Wolf, Adaptive Combat, Level Platinum 1, Bloodline: High Silver
Beast #3: Celestial Serpent, Mind Control Resistance, Level Platinum 3, Bloodline: High Silver
He calculated fusion patterns, tail strikes, and energy dispersal, layering every contingency.
Then he whispered to Flame Fox: "We adapt fast. We strike precisely. Our evolution is limitless. Let's show them the Hidden Beast Emperor."
The fox's tails flicked in acknowledgment. Ninth tail flickered with faint embers, almost as if sensing the ancient power of the SSS observers around them.
Trial Begins
The observers nodded. "Enter."
Ethan stepped into the arena, Flame Fox at his side. Immediately, the first beast—a Platinum Drake—dropped from the simulated sky. Its elemental breath hissed and seared the air. Most students would have panicked; most S-rank masters would have hesitated.
But Ethan had fusion. He felt every movement, every potential strike. He moved as one with the fox. Tail flames swirled, creating arcs that deflected the Drake's attacks, forcing it into a defensive stance.
Next came the Ironclaw Wolf. Sharp claws, keen mind, hunting tactics. Ethan countered with precision tail strikes, anticipating every maneuver before the wolf even executed it.
Finally, the Celestial Serpent attempted to ensnare both with mind-affecting illusions. Ethan activated fusion fully, channeling the fox's resistance and instincts. The illusion shattered.
The trial had barely begun, yet Ethan and Flame Fox were dominating every aspect, turning Platinum-level foes into obstacles easily overcome by bond, fusion, and evolutionary advantage.
Recognition
The SSS observers watched in silence, expressions unreadable. Then, the Ardent Clan envoy nodded. "The rumors… were true. This boy… Ethan Cross… Bronze fox… B-rank master… has surpassed every limit imposed by rank or bloodline. I have not seen a Mythical bond of this precision in a millennium."
Even the Violet Phoenix Sect Elder looked impressed. "If he continues… the Hidden Beast Emperor may rise sooner than any ancient text predicted."
Ethan crouched, tails flicking. He whispered, "Flame Fox… the world is waking up to us. Every trial, every evolution… we will rise, and no rank, no bloodline, no ancient will stop us."
Flame Fox's eyes glimmered, the fusion bond pulsing stronger than ever. A new chapter was beginning—one where even the ancient powers had to acknowledge the rise of the Hidden Beast Emperor.
✨ End of Chapter 14 ✨