After the excitement of his awakening, Alex and Sophia stepped aside to make room for the next student in line. The two found a spot near the side benches of the great hall—where other students who had already completed their ceremony waited and watched.
Sophia sat beside him, her Salamander curling up lazily near her feet, its fiery tail flickering softly. Alex glanced at his chick, which was still fast asleep in his palms, breathing in tiny puffs of heat.
"Guess she's not much of a morning person," Alex said with a faint smile.
Sophia chuckled. "More like a night person. Maybe she's just recharging."
"Or pretending," Alex muttered. "Wouldn't put it past her."
They both laughed quietly, the tension of the ceremony finally easing. Around them, other students were still whispering about their results—some showing off their beasts, others trying not to look too disappointed.
Then, the guide's voice rang out once more.
"Next—Max Reynard of Hanging Cloud Village!"
Alex looked toward the stage as their friend stepped forward. Max's posture was straight, but his expression was nervous. "He looks like he's heading into a boss battle," Alex murmured.
Sophia nodded. "He always acts tough, but I know he's praying right now."
As Max placed his hand on the Spirit-Seeking Crystal, the same radiant light surrounded him—but this time, the glow flickered between yellow and green. The crowd leaned in, waiting. Moments later, a sharp cry echoed as a small creature emerged—a falcon-like bird with metallic feathers and sharp eyes.
"A mid-grade Uncommon Iron-Talon Hawk," the guide announced.
Max stared at the hawk, stunned for a moment, before grinning ear to ear. "Hell yeah! I got one with wings!" he shouted proudly.
Sophia clapped for him. "That's not bad at all!"
Alex smirked. "See? I told you, he's the kind who celebrates no matter what."
The little phoenix in his hand twitched at the noise, giving a tiny sleepy chirp before snuggling deeper into his palm. Alex glanced down at it and whispered, "Guess you'll have to meet them properly later, huh?"
The ceremony soon drew to a close, marking the end of the first step in their journey as Seekers. The three of them—Alex, Sophia, and Max—had all received very different partners, but as they sat together under the warm light of the crystal's fading glow, a single thought connected them all.
Their paths had just begun.
As the glow from the final awakening faded, the grand hall quieted. The Spirit-Seeking Crystal dimmed back to its resting hue—a soft silver-blue—and the air filled with the faint crackle of lingering mana.
Then, from the high dais at the end of the hall, a figure stepped forward.
All sound ceased.
It was Headmistress Eloria Vaelheart, the guiding pillar of Mystic Gold Academy. Her long gown shimmered with threads of sun-gold and pale azure, the intricate embroidery of arcane sigils glowing faintly as she moved. Her silver hair flowed like liquid moonlight, and her golden eyes—calm yet piercing—commanded both respect and awe.
"Students of the new Seeker generation," Eloria began, her voice clear and resonant, carrying effortlessly across the vast chamber. "You have completed your Awakening. Today does not mark an end—but the beginning of your true journey. Beyond this hall lies a world of peril, wonder, and destiny. Walk it with courage."
Her gaze swept across the crowd, resting briefly on the proud, the anxious, and the uncertain alike. "Your partners may differ in form, strength, or rarity," she said softly, "but know this—the worth of a Seeker lies not in what they awaken, but in how deeply they bond. Only those who understand that truth will rise beyond mediocrity."
Several students lowered their heads, her words striking deeper than any spell could.
Then, with a graceful motion, she raised her staff—a golden-etched rod crowned by a floating crystal. A faint ripple of magic followed her gesture as attendants in ceremonial white approached, each carrying a silver tray.
"By decree of the Mystic Gold Academy," Eloria continued, "you shall now receive your Seeker Identification Bands."
The attendants began distributing the sleek, rune-lined devices—thin obsidian bands with a small crystal core glowing faintly in neutral light.
Alex turned his over in his hand. It felt warm to the touch, thrumming faintly in sync with his heartbeat.
"These are not mere ornaments," Eloria said, her voice taking on a firm tone. "Each band is bound to your mana and life signature. Once activated, no other being may wear it. It records your mana flow, Seeker identity, and mission progress. Should you lose it, your link to the Seeker Network will be severed."
A few gasps rippled through the crowd.
Sophia held hers up curiously, watching the crystal glint. "So… like a magical ID—plus a tracker?"
"Exactly," Alex murmured. "Guess we can't sneak out after curfew anymore."
Sophia smirked. "You were planning to?"
"Hypothetically," Alex said with a shrug.
Nearby, Max had already slipped his on. "Man, this thing's sleek! Like a mix between a bracelet and a watch."
"Idiot, it's more like a smartwatch," Sophia said, rolling her eyes. "Or have you already forgotten the lecture about its features?"
She tapped her own band, activating a faint screen of light. "Look—see? We can even make voice and video calls through the academy's network."
"Holy shit," Alex muttered, impressed. The others nodded in agreement.
After the Mystic Bands were distributed, the ceremony finally ended. Alex and the other two walked out of the grand hall, heading toward the academy cafeteria.
"Since we have to keep our beasts with us for two hours, let's grab something to eat," Sophia suggested as her Salamander followed her with lazy steps, its tail flickering like a small torch.
"Good idea," Max said, stretching. "I'm starving after all that waiting."
They found an open table near the window. The cafeteria overlooked the academy gardens—sunlight spilling across marble floors and enchanted flora. Trays of warm food appeared through a serving enchantment, steaming with the smell of roasted meat and herbs.
"So," Sophia began as she sat down, "what are your plans now?"