The sun shone brightly above the towering spire of Aurora Beast Academy. Its golden lights reflecting off the polished marble courtyard where hundreds of freshmen had gathered. Banners of different colors hung from the surrounding buildings, each embroidered with symbols of powerful beasts.
Today was not an ordinary day.
It was a beast awakening day.
Every year the academy welcomed a new generation of students and granted them the chance to awaken the beasts that would accompany them for the rest of their lives. Some awaken ordinary creatures such as wolves or hawks, while a rare few awaken legendary beasts that could shake the world.
The courtyard buzzed with excitement.
Students whispered to one another while their families and senior students watched from the surrounding balconies.
Standing near the back of the crowd was Felix.
Felix was a young man with slightly messy brown hair with calm dark eyes. His uniform was neat but plain, and compared to the confident nobles around him, he looked almost invisible.
Beside him stood a beautiful girl with long pink hair that flowed like a beautiful flower.
Her name was Amelia Li.
She crossed her arms impatiently.
"You're quiet today," Amelia said.
Felix smiled faintly. "Just thinking."
"This is the most important day of our lives," she replied. "Thinking won't help. Only strength will."
Felix nodded.
He and Amelia had grown up in the same orphange. They trained together, studied together, and even dreamed together.
They once promised that they would both become the best students in Aurora Beast Academy and become powerful beast tamers to protect the world.
Today, that dream would be tested.
At the center of the courtyard stood a tall crystal altar. It was a massive pillar made of transparent stone, glowing faintly with ancient runes.
An academy elder stepped forward.
"Students!" He announced loudly, "today you will awaken a beast that resonates with your soul. Place your hand upon the awakening crystal and let your spirit guide you."
Cheers erupted from the crowd.
"First student. Step forward."
One by one, the freshmen approached the crystal.
The first boy placed his hand on the surface.
The crystal glowed blue.
A phantom shape appeared behind him.
"A Steel Wolf!" Someone shouted.
Applause echoed.
Everyone felt excited for what beast they would awaken.
Next came a girl who awakened a Wind Falcon.
Then another student awakened a Thunder Bear.
Each awakening filled the courtyard with excitement.
Felix watched silently.
Beside him, Amelia's eyes burned with anticipation.
Soon, her name was called.
"Amelia Li."
The crowd quietened. Her beauty immediately gathered everyone's admiration. The students knew about her. She was one of the top beauties in the academy.
Amelia stepped forward confidently. Her pink hair cascaded behind her as she placed her hand upon the crystal.
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then the crystal exploded with light.
A brilliant golden flame erupted into the sky.
The air grew hot as an enormous phantom bird formed behind Amelia. Its wings were made of burning starlight, and its feathers shimmered with celestial energy.
The entire courtyard fell silent.
Someone gasped.
"A Celestial Phoenix!"
Shock rippled across the audience.
The legendary Celestial Phoenix had appeared.
Many masters from across the city even sensed its presence.
"What was that?" A master in deep cultivation opened his eyes.
"It looks like something interesting is happening on the Aurora Beast Academy's beast awakening day."
Other masters also noticed its presence.
The academy elder trembled with excitement.
"Incredible… a mythical beast that only appears once in a century."
The students erupted into cheers.
"She's a genius!"
"A once-in-a-century talent."
"She'll become the country's future protector."
Amelia slowly withdrew her hand.
The celestial phoenix hovered behind her like a crown of flames.
She looked proud.
And when her gaze briefly met Felix's, she nodded in his direction.
You're next. Is what she meant.
She walked past him without speaking.
Felix felt a small pressure.
After Amelia, more awakenings followed.
Powerful beasts appeared one after another. Golden Lions, Shadow Panthers, Frost Serpents.
Yet the excitement from Amelia's awakening still lingered in the air.
Finally, the elder checked the list again.
"Next student…. Felix Lin."
Some students turned around curiously.
"Who's that?"
"I've never heard of him."
"I think he's the student who is always around our goddess Amelia."
"Oh, it's him., the scholar student. Let's see what beast he'll awaken."
Felix took a deep breath and stepped forward.
The crystal towered before him.
This is it. The moment that will decide his fate.
He placed his hand upon its cold surface.
The runes flickered weakly.
A faint glow appeared.
The light was so dim that people in the back couldn't even see it.
Then a tiny phantom creature appeared in front of Felix.
It was small.
Very small.
It looked like a chubby brown creature with short ears and round body. It didn't roar or shine with power.
It simply floats before him.
Silently.
The courtyard was quiet for two seconds.
Then laughter erupted.
"What is that?"
"A…. Hamster?"
"No way!"
Someone shouted loudly.
"That's a Dirt Muncher!"
More laughter followed.
The Dirt Muncher was one of the most useless beasts known. It had almost no combat ability and was usually used to dig soil.
Felix stared at the tiny creature floating in front of him.
It blinked lazily.
Is this his beast?
For real?
"Uhm, did I mess up on the process?"
He asked the elder.
The elder coughed awkwardly.
"…uhm, you did it right. Sorry, but your awakened beast is truly this Dirt Muncher."
"Is there a way to undo it or redo?" Felix didn't want to give up yet.
An awakened beast has a significant impact on their future, often determining the path their life will take.
The elder helplessly shook his head.
Students began whispering.
"That's the weakest awakened beast I've ever seen."
"He came to the Aurora Beast Academy for that?"
"So embarassing."
Felix clenched his fists.
Then a voice spoke from behind him.
"Felix."
He turned around slowly.
Amelia stood a few meters away.
Her phoenix burned brilliantly behind her.
But her expression was cold.
"Is that really your beast?"
"I-I guess it is."
Felix rubbed the back of his head.
Amelia looked at the Dirt Muncher again.
Her eyes dimmed.
"Felix… we can't keep pretending anymore."
The courtyard became quiet.
"I've worked hard to get here," she continued. "I have responsibilities now."
Felix's chest tightened.
"What are you saying?"
Amelia inhaled slowly.
"From today onward, we should go our separate ways."
The words fell like stones.
Gasps echoed through the crowd.
"You mean…"
Amelia raised her voice so everyone could hear.
"I am cutting ties with Felix."
The words struck like thunder.
Students immediately began whispering.
"Is she putting an end to their party?"
"I guess she is."
"I think it's only natural."
"Right. Felix is not even on Amelia's level."
"I supported her decision. Felix is just a trash awakener he's no right to stand beside her."
Felix stood frozen. They promised to stick together until they grew old. Why did Amelia suddenly cut ties with him?
Amelia avoided his gaze. It looked like even her gaze was too precious to waste to the likes of Felix.
"I can't associated with someone who have no future."
Her phoenix flared behind her.
Felix felt something crack inside his chest. So just because of that she'll end their more than a decade long ties? Felix was dumbfounded.
But before he could respond, a student came on stage.
The atmosphere shifted again.
A tall boy with golden hair stepped forward.
His expression carried calm confidence.
"It's Harold Shin! The son of the wealthiest family in the capital!"
A student screamed.
"Amelia, since you already dumped Felix, if I awakened a strong beast like you, would you finally agree to my proposal?" Harold asked.
Felix looked at Amelia. He wanted to tell her not to accept but Amelia's reply silenced Felix.
"I will consider."
With a confident smile, Harold placed his hand on the crystal.
Dark energy burst forth.
A terrifying roar shook the courtyard.
Three massive wolf heads appeared behind him, each with glowing red eyes and dripping fangs.
Students screamed in shock.
"It's a Cerberus!"
The legendary Cerberus had awakened.
The academy elder looked ready to faint.
"Another mythical beast!"
Cheers erupted.
"First the phoenix, now the Cerberus!"
"This generation is unbelievable!"
Harold smiled faintly.
Then his gaze shifted toward Amelia.
Students immediately started shouting.
"They looked perfect together!"
"Phoenix and Cerberus!"
"They'll become the pillars of the country!"
Amelia remained silent, but she didn't deny it.
Felix watched quietly.
Harold suddenly stepped forward.
His eyes locked onto Felix.
"Felix."
The crowd turned quiet once again, waiting what Harold wanted to say.
Harold smiled politely, captivating most of the girls around.
But his next words was something they didn't expect.
"I would like to test my Cerberus."
Felix felt uneasy.
"Then test it with someone else."
Harold shook his head.
"I believe you are the perfect opponent."
Laughter burst from the students.
"That's cruel!"
"His Dirt Muncher will die instantly!"
Felix frowned.
"I refuse."
No matter what, this is his awakened beast, he was responsible for its well-being. Besides, a Dirt Muncher is not suitable for battling.
But an academy official suddenly spoke.
"A duel would be an excellent demonstration. Besides, it's just a mock battle. What's there to worry about?"
Felix's heart sank.
Harold smiled slightly.
Actually, Harold always had hidden enmity toward him. Probably, he was jealous about his closeness with Amelia.
There were even times when Felix caught Harold instructing his lackeys to put disgusting thing inside his locker.
Felix told the academy advisers regarding it and they said they'll do something about it and also instructed him to stay quiet about it.
However, Harold only became more active in making his life mesirable inside the academy.
It seemed they were afraid of angering him. It must be due to his family background. He heard the Shin family was the biggest sponsor to the Aurora Beast Academy.
And it was rumored that the Shin family has the backing of the three top families in the country.
Soon, the two stood inside a circular arena.
Felix's tiny Dirt Muncher sat beside him.
Harold's Cerberus towered behind him like a nightmare.
The referee raised his hand.
"Begin!"
Harold smirked.
"Cerberus."
The three-headed beast lunged forward.
Felix shouted.
"Move!"
But it was too late.
One of Cerberus' heads struck.
Boom.
The Dirt Muncher was sent flying across the arena.
It hit the ground and knocked instantly.
Silence.
Then laughter exploded across the courtyard.
"One hit!"
"So pathethic."
The academy officials nodded approvingly.
"Excellent control."
"Amazing power."
"Harold Shin truly deserves his mythical beast."
Felix stood motionless.
The referee declared the result.
"Winner. Harold Shin!"
Harold turned away as if nothing important had happened.
On the contrary, Felix rushed over to pick his Dirt Muncher.
He looked so worried. It was knocked unconscious. But he sighed in relief when he noticed it was still breathing, though faintly.
"Don't worry, I will heal you faster—"
He was about to take a pill medicine when suddenly an announcement came.
"Due to his extremely poor awakening, Felix Lin's scholarship will be revoked. The academy officials also expressed their thoughts. According to them, our prestigious Aurora Beast Academy doesn't need a pathethic Beast Tamer. So Felix, from now on, you don't belong here."
Felix was so shocked. He was barely moving due to it.
The announcer continued. "Get your transfer paper and leave. You will be sent to the Dawn Academy the next day."
The words echoed through the courtyard.
Students laughed again.
"That's a good decision coming from our academy officials."
"They are the best!"
"The Dawn Academy is mostly where trash like Felix was thrown away."
"Exactly."
Felix felt everyone was against him at that moment. Why did it happen? Yesterday, he was full of dreams. The world seems bright. But now, it suddenly became black and distant.
In his mind, he asked, "is this where my dreams end?" Vocally, he didn't say a single word. He simply turned and walked away with his beast.
He prioretized healing it first.
Step by step, he left the arena.
Behind him, he could hear Harold and Amelia's voice.
Harold asked Amelia if she agreed to join his team, Amelia replied, "I always wanted a powerful and dependable companion unlike a loser someone."
Her words felt like blades, wounding his chest mercilessly.
The crowd started cheering Amelia and Harold's name, celebrating their newly formed bond.
Felix left the academy courtyard.
Left the noise.
His chest felt so heavy.
The bright celebration behind him felt so distant.
By the time he reached the academy gates, the sun had begun to set.
Felix stopped walking.
He looked down at his knocked beast carried in his arms. Its tiny closed eyes fluttered, as if wanting to wake up but couldn't due to injury.
"So this is how my dream ends."
He laughed quietly.
Then suddenly…
A bright blue screen appeared before his eyes.
[System Notification]
Felix froze.
More words appeared.
[Congratulations Host]
[Hidden Ability Detected]
[Golden Finger Activated]
Felix's eyes widened.
The screen continued.
[You have awakened the Secret Farming Cultivation System]
[Beginner Reward Granted]
[Spirit Farm unlocked]
Felix stared at the glowing interface.
The heavy weight in his chest slowly disappeared, replaced by shock and disbelief.
Then a faint smile appeared on his face.
"Secret farming cultivation system?"
He looked back toward the academy far behind him.
The place where he had just been humiliated.
Then he turned forward again.
His eyes shone with quiet determination.
"Maybe…"
"This isn't the end after all."