Before showing us the information of the final beast, the principal leaned back in his chair and let out a slow sigh. His tone shifted from casual to something heavier, almost as if he were weighing whether he should speak.
"To be honest," he began, folding his hands together, "I'd suggest you two don't pick this last beast." He glanced at both of us with deliberate care. "Truth be told, it has Monarch-level potential. But… so far, no reserchers or tamers have found a evolution past the Commander stage."
His words hung in the air between us. Monarch-level potential. The phrase buzzed in my mind like static electricity. Even without proof of further evolutions, the possibility alone was intoxicating. My stomach tightened with anticipation.
Henry, meanwhile, shifted forward in his seat, curiosity piqued despite the principal's warning.
The principal gave a small nod before turning the computer monitor toward us. His fingers hovered over the mouse before clicking.
The screen lit up with an image that immediately made me lean closer. The beast was a long, skinny black lizard, its scales shimmering in the light. Sharp crystals sprouted from its back like jagged spires, and its body was coiled in a way that seemed both elegant and predatory. But it wasn't just its form that unsettled me, its eyes. They held multiple, concentric rings, glowing faintly, their hypnotic effect almost tangible.
"This," the principal said, gesturing toward the beast, "is the Amethyst Lizard. It is a Ground and Psychic-type hybrid. It's what we call an all-rounder. The crystals along its back provide natural armor, granting decent defense. Because of its slender, flexible body, it possesses remarkable agility, allowing it to maneuver quickly and strike precisely. Its teeth, made of the same gemstone substance, are not only razor sharp but harder than most alloys we know of." (Image in comments)
I stared at the image, a shiver creeping up my spine. There was something unnatural about the creature, something that both fascinated and unsettled me. The way it seemed to look directly into me , not at me, but through me, made me uneasy, yet I couldn't look away.
Henry leaned in as well, narrowing his eyes at the screen. "That's… creepy," he muttered under his breath. "Feels like it's staring right through you. Like it knows something you don't."
I didn't answer him. My thoughts were tangled in that one phrase, Monarch potential. Who cared if there were no confirmed evolutions past Commander rank? Every great tamer had taken risks. Every new discovery started as an unknown. If anyone could unlock that path, why shouldn't it be me?
Henry chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You always go for the weird ones."
I smirked faintly, not breaking my gaze from the Amethyst Lizard. "Weird ones can be powerful. Besides, it's not about the beast itself, it's about the tamer who raises it."
The principal cleared his throat, drawing my attention back to the present. "Ahem," he said, his voice carrying a slight weight, "so, have you two made your decisions?"
Henry didn't hesitate. His voice rang loud and confident. "Yeah! I'll take the Stone Bear." He puffed his chest out proudly. "The others look good, but nothing beats raw strength. My bear and I? We'll be unstoppable. Nothing's going to break us."
I chuckled quietly, shaking my head at his certainty. He spoke as if the bond was already forged, as if they'd been partners for years.
"I've made my decision too," I said after a moment, still staring at the screen as if drawn to the creature within it. My voice was quieter but firm. "I want the Amethyst Lizard."
The principal's brows rose slightly, surprise flickering in his expression. "Are you sure?" he asked, leaning forward. "It's not without its risks. Few tamers have even attempted it because of the uncertainty."
I nodded, feeling something deep in my chest settle into determination. "Yes. I'm sure. Risk is what makes a tamer great."
Henry shot me a sideways glance and smirked knowingly. "Of course you'd pick the dangerous one."
I gave a small smile back, my eyes still fixed on the Amethyst Lizard's hypnotic gaze. "It's not just dangerous. It's the kind of challenge worth taking."
The principal leaned back, folding his hands together again. A faint smile tugged at his lips, though his eyes still lingered on me, thoughtful.
Henry leaned back too, still grinning. "Looks like we're set then."
I glanced at Henry, then back at the principal, feeling the weight of my choice settle around me. This wasn't just picking a beast. It was the first step toward something far bigger.
"Alright," the principal spoke, pushing himself up from his chair with a slow creak of leather and joints. His expression was unreadable for a moment, then softened into a small smile. "Let's go." He turned toward the door and gestured sharply with one hand, signaling us to follow.
Henry and I exchanged confused looks.
"Where to?" I asked, standing from my seat.
"Well," the principal said with an almost amused glint in his eyes, "to get your beast companions, of course."
"Huh?" Both Henry and I said at the same time, our voices overlapping in surprise.
It took a second for the words to sink in. The idea of getting our beasts today was more than a little unexpected. I glanced at Henry, who looked equally caught off guard.
Then, without a word, We quickly began to follow. The hum of excitement between us was palpable. There was no need to question it, the principal was already heading toward the door, and we followed, moving quickly through the polished corridors of the school.
Outside, the morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of dew and stone from the sprawling courtyard. The principal's car sat waiting, sleek and dark, reflecting the early light like glass. He strode toward it with a steady pace, clearly expecting us to follow.
I caught myself glancing around, wondering if other students were watching. Most were still gathered in small groups, talking quietly about the awakening ceremony, but some stole glances in our direction. I felt my chest tighten with anticipation.
The principal opened the driver's side door without turning to face us. "First," he said, "we will go and get Henry's Stone Bear since it's closer."
Without another word, he climbed in, gesturing for us to get into the back seat.
Henry moved first, his usual confident grin slipping into something slightly amused as he bent forward. He had to hunch his shoulders, carefully sliding into the seat to avoid hitting his head on the low roof.
I followed, settling into the seat beside him. The leather felt cool under my fingers, and the quiet hum of the engine filled the car.
"Ok, thank you," Henry said to the principal in unison with me, our voices a little breathless with excitement.
The principal nodded without turning his head, a faint smirk playing on his lips as he started the engine. The car rolled smoothly forward, tires crunching softly on the gravel path.
As we drove away, the sprawling towers of the academy faded behind us, replaced by the winding roads of Astfall City. For a moment, silence fell between us, each of us lost in thoughts about the beasts we were about to meet.
Then Henry leaned forward slightly, eyes glinting. "You sure you're ready for this?" he asked, his voice low, almost teasing.
I met his gaze in the dim light of the car. "Ready as I'll ever be."
The principal glanced in the rearview mirror, eyes sharp. "Good. Let's not waste time."
The car sped up.