The dawn mist still clung to the peaks of Azure Sky Academy when Ethan awoke, nine-tailed Flame Fox stretching beside him. The events of the previous night still lingered in his mind—the Night Howler's assault, the raw power he had tapped into through Fusion and Evolution, and the whispers of clans taking notice.
The academy felt different now. Students avoided his path, their eyes wary. Even the S-rank hunters who patrolled the grounds treated him with a mixture of caution and curiosity. Word had already spread of the battle in the courtyard—of the Bronze-bloodline fox that had defeated a Diamond 9 beast.
Lucas and his wolf kept their distance now, smoldering silently in humiliation. Yet Ethan didn't give them a second thought. There were bigger concerns ahead.
A Summons
By late morning, a messenger arrived at the dormitory. No ordinary student, the figure carried the insignia of the Shadow Council, a clandestine assembly of the top five clans in the empire. The council rarely intervened directly in academy affairs; their business was empire-wide.
"Ethan Cross," the messenger said, bowing slightly. "The Shadow Council requests your presence. Your actions have disrupted the balance. You are to appear immediately."
Ethan scanned the figure with Eye of All Things:
Clan: Unknown (Shadow Council envoy)
Talent Rank: S-rank
Beast Companions: High Silver Wolves, Platinum Hawks
Hidden Skills: Advanced Beast Taming, Covert Operations
He stood, straightening his uniform. "Understood. Prepare a summon for Flame Fox."
The fox emerged, tails flicking lazily. Its aura was calm but potent, like coiled energy waiting to strike. Ethan patted its head. "Time to meet the empire's real movers and shakers."
The Council Hall
The council's hall was carved into a mountain, a massive chamber lined with crystal pillars that hummed with arcane energy. Five figures waited inside, seated on thrones of black obsidian. Their presence alone made the air heavy, oppressive, yet Ethan did not falter.
The first to speak was a woman with piercing eyes and hair like molten silver. "Ethan Cross, your recent exploits have drawn the attention of every major clan. A B-rank orphan defeating a Diamond 9 beast… unprecedented."
The man beside her, clad in dark crimson robes, leaned forward. "We have studied the reports. Your fox… its potential borders on Mythical perfection. And your own growth—there is more to you than meets the eye."
Ethan's gaze swept across them. "I am aware of your interest. But know this: I am no one's pawn. I will align with no clan, except on terms I dictate."
The council exchanged glances. Whispers traveled like wind across the room. These were not idle threats—they were the top decision-makers of the empire's most powerful clans. For Ethan to speak so openly was audacious.
The eldest, a man with a braided beard and piercing golden eyes, spoke last. "Bold. But necessary. We are prepared to offer you a chance: training under the Shadow Council's supervision. Full access to resources, beasts, and knowledge. You will advance faster than any academy alone could allow."
Ethan tilted his head slightly. Using Eye of All Things, he scanned the council. Hidden beneath their composed exteriors were multiple layers of skill and strategy. They were dangerous, cunning, and patient.
"And if I refuse?" Ethan asked, calm.
The golden-eyed elder's smile was thin. "Then… you will face pressure. Rival clans will test you. Mercenaries will be sent. The Night Howler was a warning, not a random encounter."
Flame Fox growled softly, tails swaying in warning. Ethan felt the latent fire stir within him. Fusion would not fail; Evolution would continue. He was ready.
"I accept," he said simply. "On my terms: no binding contracts, no political obligations. I train, I grow, and I choose my path."
A tense silence followed. Then the golden-eyed elder inclined his head. "Very well. So it shall be."
Training with the Elite
Over the next weeks, the Shadow Council provided Ethan with access to rare beasts and advanced training grounds. High Silver wolves, Platinum Hawks, and even low-tier Mythical creatures were placed under his command.
With Fusion, Ethan experimented like never before. He combined the abilities of Flame Fox with a High Silver Wolf, gaining enhanced tracking, stealth, and combat instincts simultaneously. Then he experimented with Evolution, pushing weaker beasts toward their true bloodline potential.
[Training Log]
Beast 1: Flame Fox (Nine-Tailed Celestial)
Bloodline: Mythical
Level: Diamond 8
Tails awakened: 6/9
Beast 2: Silver Wolf
Bloodline: High Silver
Level: Black Iron 7 → Silver 1 (Evolution Talent applied)
Beast 3: Platinum Hawk
Bloodline: Low Platinum
Level: Silver 9 → Gold 1 (Evolution Talent applied)
Each training session tested his fusion limits. Every beast he combined added new instincts, new reflexes, and new abilities. By the end of the month, Ethan could fight with three beasts simultaneously, seamlessly blending their senses, strength, and elemental powers.
Rivalries and Respect
Despite his progress, academy life continued. Lucas and other wealthy heirs continued to mock and challenge him, though with increasing caution. After witnessing Ethan's fusion in training, even the strongest students were hesitant to engage in open combat.
Yet, some grudgingly approached. A silver-haired girl with a low Diamond Dragon approached Ethan during lunch. "I saw your fight with the Night Howler," she said quietly. "I… want to spar with you. Not to humiliate you, but to learn."
Ethan's eyes softened slightly. "Then spar with focus. I don't waste my time or energy."
Their sparring sessions became legendary among the students. Ethan's B-rank façade remained, but every movement hinted at the Mythical potential hidden beneath.
Even Lucas's wolf had been forced into retreat multiple times, reinforcing the growing myth surrounding Ethan and his fox.
A Whisper of Danger
One night, as Ethan trained under the moonlight, Eye of All Things detected a hidden presence.
[Beast Scan]
Name: Unknown
Bloodline: High Mythical
Level: Diamond 9
Ability: Unknown
Status: Approaching academy
Ethan's expression darkened. A beast of that caliber, moving within striking distance of the academy, could not be ignored. This was no random wild creature—someone had sent it.
Flame Fox's tails flared. "I see it too," Ethan murmured. "Get ready."
In the distance, the earth trembled. A shadow loomed large over the training grounds, a colossal beast whose size and aura dwarfed even Flame Fox. Its roar split the night, sending shivers down the spines of even the most seasoned students.
Ethan tightened his grip. Fusion and Evolution would not fail. Not tonight.
As the massive creature charged, the academy's walls seemed almost insignificant. The hidden empire was awakening, and Ethan Cross stood at the center, the rising Beast Emperor destined to shake the foundations of clans and kingdoms alike.
✨ End of Chapter 21 ✨