Sophia stepped forward confidently and placed her hand on the Spirit-Seeking Crystal. A faint glow spread from the crystal up her arm, surrounding her in shimmering red light. The hall fell silent as threads of energy swirled around her, converging into a single point above the crystal.
From that point descended a creature unlike any student had seen before—a lizard-like beast with flaming scales, its eyes burning with fierce intelligence.
"A High rare-rank Salamander!" the guide announced, raising a hand to signal the crowd.
The students murmured in awe. The Mystic Beast ranking system was well-known among Seekers: creatures were classified as Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, Legendary, Mythical, Divine, and, at the very top, Supreme. Each rank reflected the beast's strength, intelligence, and future potential with its Seeker.
But it didn't end there. Every Mystic Beast also had sub-ranks within each main rank: Low, Mid, Advanced, and Peak Grade, with higher tiers granting greater growth potential and unique abilities.
Sophia's Salamander flared its tail, sending sparks dancing across the floor—a living sign of its rare and high-grade rank. She knelt slightly and whispered its name, forming the bond. A soft pulse of light connected her heart to the creature's—a true Seeker bond had been formed.
Other students sighed in relief and excitement as they watched Sophia's Salamander settle by her side. Its rare, high-grade rank was impressive, and for many, it was proof that the gods—or fate—are with them today as the first turned out to be High Rare rank.
Whispers spread through the hall. "Maybe I'll get something good too…" some murmured hopefully.
But as the ceremony progressed, it became clear that most students were not so fortunate. The majority of the remaining new Seekers awakened Common or Uncommon beasts, plain and unremarkable in comparison. The rarity and strength Sophia had received were exceptional; no one else in this batch had yet pulled anything approaching her level.
Still, even the lower-ranked beasts were not without potential. A Seeker's skill, strategy, and bond could elevate a creature beyond its original limits. The whispers of disappointment gradually turned to cautious determination, as each student prepared to form their own connection and begin the path toward strength.
Finally, the line moved on, student after student stepping forward to touch the Spirit-Seeking Crystal. One by one, Mystic Beasts emerged—small foxes, winged serpents, armored wolves—all displaying a mix of Common and Uncommon ranks. The hall buzzed with excitement, laughter, and the occasional gasp of awe when a slightly stronger or rarer creature appeared.
Alex shifted in line, his heart beating steadily. 11th rank, meaning he had already watched ten students awaken before him. Some had gotten beasts that inspired envy, while most had received unremarkable partners.
He exhaled softly, clenching his fists. "Alright… let's see what I get," he muttered under his breath.
As his name was finally called, the crowd's attention turned toward him. Alex stepped forward calmly, though a small thrill ran through him. Unlike the others, he wasn't just hoping for luck—he had something else.
The Supreme Bloodline veil with him, So, no matter what beast he gets, he could raise it to supreme level easily.
The Spirit-Seeking Crystal shimmered, reacting to his approach with a faint hum. Threads of golden-red light spiraled around him as he placed his hand upon its smooth surface. A warm pulse shot up his arm, and the energy seemed… different.
Unlike the students before him, Alex felt the crystal hesitate, as if sensing something unusual. Then, almost imperceptibly, a faint whisper appeared in his mind:
[You are… interesting.]
Before Alex could even think, the Crystal flared brightly. From its center emerged a small, round, chubby chick with two floppy wings. Alex blinked, taken aback.
"A… Common-rank Fire Chicken?" the guide announced.
Alex instinctively reached out and picked it up. He ignored the guide's words about it being "common." He had a notification pop up in his mind:
[Congratulations, Host. You have obtained a Divine-grade Mystic Beast: The Eternal Flames Phoenix Cub.]
Alex froze. "Wait… what?" He looked down at the tiny chick in his hands. It certainly didn't look Divine—just like an ordinary, slightly plump fire chicken chick.
But even as he held it, a faint golden aura shimmered around the chick. Alex's eyes widened. 'So… this isn't just a chicken. It's a Divine-grade Phoenix?'
He muttered to himself, a mix of disbelief and excitement: 'I thought at least I'd need the Supreme Bloodline Vial the goddess gave me to be powerful… but now? With this chick, I don't even need it. I already have the power.'
A soft, fiery chirp echoed from the chick, and tiny flames danced harmlessly over its wings. Alex couldn't help but grin. Somehow, fate—or the Goddess of Gacha—had just handed him a game-breaking partner disguised as a fluffball.
"Move on," the guide said, gesturing forward.
Alex nodded and carefully climbed down the stairs.
"It's okay, Alex. We'll protect you," Sophia said, patting his back gently. Her Salamander, however, had other ideas. It leaned closer, drooling slightly as it stared hungrily at the Fire Phoenix chick in Alex's hands.
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Uh… are you sure?" he asked, glancing at the drooling creature as he tried to keep the chick safe.
Sophia's face flushed bright red. "Bad boy!" she scolded, flicking her Salamander lightly on the head. "It's… it's not food—it's a friend."
The Salamander blinked, then nodded, no longer staring at the chick with hungry eyes, but now only curious ones.
Meanwhile, the chick in Alex's hands suddenly fell asleep. Seeing this, Alex muttered under his breath, "Why are all divine beings so… unreliable?"
Still, he carefully held the tiny creature, letting it rest in his hands. After all, the Seekers had been advised to keep their newly bonded Mystic Beasts with them for at least two hours after bonding to strengthen the connection. After that, they could place them in the Soul Space, a special pocket within the Seeker's core where the Mystic Beast could reside safely while still remaining linked.
Alex adjusted the chick in his hands and sighed. Despite its size and sleepy demeanor, he already felt the faint pulse of immense power emanating from it. Clearly, this wasn't an ordinary partner—it was a Divine-grade Mystic Beast in every sense.