It was several hours later, and the day lesson had come to an end. Riker stood before the class, addressing the students one final time.

“Starting from now,” Riker announced, his tone resolute, “each of you will be responsible for caring for your own beast. This will help develop your beast-handling skills and prepare you for the real responsibilities of being a tamer.”

The students listened attentively as he continued, “This responsibility includes cultivating your beast’s marks, feeding them, and handling their needs. From this point forward, these tasks are your responsibility alone.”

The idea of managing every aspect of his beast’s growth was daunting, but courage knew it was an essential part of becoming a skilled tamer.

“As for the expenses,” Riker added, “starting tomorrow, the academy will provide each of you with an allowance. Use it wisely to support your beast’s needs. How well you manage this will directly reflect your discipline and commitment as tamers.”

With those final words, the lesson concluded. Courage, along with the rest of the class, began to file out of the training area

Heading back to his room, Courage slumped back into his bed. Today had been a long day for him, and he felt like napping until dinner time.

"So, how was today's experiences for you, kid?" Dan's voice echoed in Courage's head.

"It's alright… just…" Courage sighed. "Still thinking about my aptitude."

"So you noticed, huh?" Dan said, his tone carrying a hint of understanding.

"Yep. My journey as a beast tamer is still at its beginning, but I am already sensing the rough road ahead," Courage replied, a tinge of resignation in his voice.

"Well, I am sorry, kid, but it's good that you're getting aware of it early," Dan said, his voice soft.

"Yeah well When life sets a hard road for you, what can one do but keep on pushing till things get easier," Courage said, closing his eyes.

"Yeah… get easier," Dan muttered halfway through, his voice quieter now.

"Yhaan… Welp, I am spent. Guess I am taking a nap. Wake me up when it's time for dinner," Courage murmured before drifting off to sleep.

The next morning, the students filed into the classroom, greeted by the warm smile of Miss Everdine. Beside her, Riker stood with his usual stoic expression, but even he seemed slightly more relaxed today.

“Good morning, everyone,” Miss Everdine began, her voice kind and inviting. “I hope you all had a good night’s rest. We have some exciting updates for you today.”

The room settled, the students drawn in by her genuine tone.

“First,” she said, her smile widening, “congratulations are in order. As of yesterday, each of you has officially completed the novice training program. Meaning that You are now Level One Beast Tamers.”

The class erupted into cheers and claps. Miss Everdine chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with pride. “You’ve all worked hard to get here, and I want you to take a moment to recognize that. Every single one of you has grown so much, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Courage felt a small swell of warmth at her words, her encouragement reaching even the most anxious of students.

“this milestone,” Miss Everdine continued, her voice steady. "marks a significant transition. You’re now going to enter the mid-to-late training program. This phase will bring new responsibilities and opportunities. For starters, as Mr. Riker informed you yesterday, the care and cultivation of your beasts are now entirely your responsibility. This includes their feeding, handling, and growth. Consider this your first true test as tamers."

The class nodded, some with excitement and others with a hint of apprehension.

"Now, for the second announcement," she said, her tone shifting to something more serious. "In two weeks time, the Academy League will officially commence. This is a series of organized, mandatory combat matches involving students from various classes. These matches will serve as a critical measure of your progress as tamers."

The room erupted into hushed whispers—some students eager, others visibly nervous. Courage straightened in his seat, the weight of her words sinking in.

"Let me be clear," Miss Everdine pressed on, her gaze sharp. "Your performance in these matches—whether you win, lose, or how you handle yourself—will directly impact your yearly evaluation score. Excelling in the league can also earn you academy credits, which can be exchanged for all sorts of benefits "

The students grew silent again, the stakes becoming clear.

"Furthermore, you’ll now have access to optional courses," she added. "These courses are designed to enhance specific skills and knowledge. Excelling in them will also boost your evaluation score. Remember, this phase is about independence and initiative. How you manage your time, your beasts, and your training will determine your success."

Miss Everdine took a moment to let her words sink in before concluding. "That’s all for the announcements. Now, let’s move on to your test results."

The atmosphere in the room shifted again as Riker stepped forward with the results, but Courage's thoughts lingered on the Academy League. Excitement flickered beneath his quietness

Once all the test results were returned, the classroom buzzed with murmured discussions. Some students were reflecting on their grades, while others excitedly shared their scores.

“Woohoo! I managed to score well on both Spirit Sense and Spirit Command!” one student exclaimed.

“Damn, I fell short on the Spirit Sense test,” another groaned.

“Yeah, me too. Even though Spirit Sense seems simpler than Spirit Command, it’s actually harder,” someone added.

“I don’t think a lot of people scored well on it,” another chimed in.

“Really? Who do you think the top scorer in our class is?”

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

“Well, I personally think…”

While the chatter filled the room, Courage sat at his desk, staring at his test results. To his surprise, he had done better than expected, scoring well on both tests. A wave of satisfaction and pride lifted his mood, and for the first time in a while, he felt genuinely optimistic about his future.

As the murmurs began to die down, Miss Everdine addressed the class again. “I hope you all take time to reflect on these tests and work on compensating for any shortcomings you may have. Falling behind this early could be detrimental, so make sure to correct your weaknesses.”

Her words had a sobering effect on the class, and most students nodded in agreement. But before the weight of her lecture could fully settle, she continued, “With that being said, it’s time for you to receive your first monthly allowance.”

The room instantly shifted back to excitement, the announcement pulling everyone's attention like a magnet.

"Now, as the academy has declared, each student will be given a monthly allowance of 200 spirit stones to use for any expenses they deem necessary," Miss Everdine announced, her voice carrying a tone of authority. "You will receive this amount only once a month, so make sure to spend it wisely and responsibly. Understood?"

The class responded in unison, "Understood, Miss Everdine."

Satisfied with their acknowledgment, Miss Everdine continued, "Good. One last thing—the academy has also instructed to grant additional spirit stones to those who perform well. So the top three scorers of both tests will receive an additional 100 spirit stones each. So, work hard if you also want to earn such rewards in the future! And now to announce the top three scorers for both tests. Let’s begin with Spirit Command,” she declared, her voice steady and commanding.

The students leaned forward in their seats, the room brimming with anticipation.

“For Spirit Command, the top three scorers are as follows: in third place, Jack Eastwood.”

A few polite claps filled the room, though a ripple of unease lingered. Jack leaned back in his seat, smirking with that familiar air of arrogance. Despite his foul demeanor and the reputation that made most steer clear of him, no one could deny his talent. Spirit Command came to him effortlessly, as if he had been born for it. Of course, no one would dare to voice complaints—even the bravest among them knew better than to provoke Jack.

“In second place, Kenji Darvaine.”

Kenji nodded calmly as the attention shifted to him. His stoic demeanor and focus often made him seem unapproachable, but no one doubted his abilities. His aptitude had always set him apart, and his performance today simply reinforced what many already expected.

“And in first place, Sarah Morningstar.”

The applause grew louder, though Sarah herself barely reacted. Sitting near the front, she nodded once, her expression unreadable, almost detached. Her beauty and grace often drew attention, but her quiet, distant nature kept most at arm’s length. She seemed to exist in her own world, uninterested in the praise of others or the usual classroom dynamics.

Courage glanced at the three of them, the only high-grade aptitudes in the class. It wasn’t surprising that they dominated the rankings—this outcome felt inevitable. Talent, as much as effort, shaped their futures, and in their case, the former was as natural as breathing. For the rest of the class, it served as a stark reminder of where they stood in comparison.

Miss Everdine’s voice cut through the room once again.“Now, for the results of the Spirit Sense test. In third place… Kenji Darvaine.”

Polite applause followed, though it was tinged with an undercurrent of surprise. Kenji’s calm expression remained intact, though his lips twitched in a faint smile as he inclined his head slightly.

“In second place… Sarah Morningstar.”

This announcement caused a ripple of shock. Murmurs broke out as Sarah, typically the unshakable favorite, merely nodded without any visible reaction, her gaze distant as if the result hardly mattered.

“And in first place… Courage Petacos.”

A stunned silence swept through the room, followed by a sudden explosion of whispers.

“Wait, Courage? Did she just say Courage?”

“How is that possible? He’s never even stood out before.”

“Looks like a dark stallion has suddenly joined the race!”

“I didn’t think he had it in him…”

Courage sat frozen in his seat, the words still sinking in. He wasn’t sure if the warmth spreading through his chest was pride or disbelief. Slowly, he looked down at his hands, as though they might hold the secret to his unexpected success.

Miss Everdine finished writing the results on the board and turned to face the class. Her eyes briefly settled on Courage, and for a moment, a kind and proud expression crossed her face. It was subtle, but unmistakable, a silent acknowledgment of his achievement.

The attention of the entire class seemed to shift toward Courage. Some students whispered excitedly; others stared at him as if seeing him for the first time. Even the previous top three couldn’t help but react.

Jack Eastwood shot him a glare filled with disdain, his lips curling into a sneer. The bad blood between them was no secret, and this new development clearly stung. Being kicked out of the top three was bad enough, but being bested by Courage of all people seemed to hit a nerve.

Kenji, on the other hand, regarded him with a look of curiosity and intrigue. His head tilted slightly, as though studying Courage like a new puzzle waiting to be solved.

And Sarah, detached as always, seemed unaffected by the revelation. Yet, despite her usual aloof demeanor, she stole a couple of glances at Courage, her expression unreadable. It was subtle enough that most wouldn’t notice, but for those paying attention, it was clear she, too, was silently measuring him.

Courage felt the weight of the stares, a mix of emotions bubbling within him. For the first time, it felt like he had truly stepped into the spotlight, and he wasn’t entirely sure how he felt about it.

After the announcements, Miss Everdine gestured toward the front of the classroom, where a small chest filled with glowing spirit stones had been placed. “Now, it’s time for you to receive your monthly allowances,” she declared. “Each of you will collect 200 spirit stones. As for the top scorers, your additional rewards have been prepared as well. Please line up in an orderly manner.”

The students quickly formed a line, the excitement palpable in the room. One by one, they stepped forward, receiving their spirit stones and murmuring about how they planned to spend or save them.

When it was Courage’s turn, he hesitated for a moment before stepping up to the desk where Miss Everdine stood. She handed him a small pouch filled with 200 spirit stones and then added another pouch, this one containing an additional 100.

“Your total is 300 spirit stones,” she said, her voice calm but warm. For a brief moment, her eyes met his, and that same subtle yet proud expression crossed her face again. “Well done, Courage.”

“Thank you, Miss Everdine,” Courage managed, feeling a mix of pride and awkwardness as he stepped back toward his seat.

As he walked past the line, he could feel the stares again. Some of his classmates whispered among themselves, the news of his achievement still fresh.

“300 spirit stones… that’s not bad for a first-timer.”

“He really came out of nowhere, didn’t he?”

“Guess the quiet ones can surprise you.”

Even Jack, standing further back in the line, scoffed loudly. “Beginner’s luck,” he muttered under his breath, though the bitterness in his voice was hard to miss.

Courage ignored the comments as best he could, sitting down and placing the pouches on his desk. He opened them slightly, letting the faint glow of the spirit stones spill out. It felt surreal to have them in his possession, especially the bonus stones. For the first time in a while, he felt like he was truly capable of achieving something, and it was a feeling he intended to hold onto.

The distribution continued, and soon all the students were back in their seats, counting their spirit stones and discussing plans for the day ahead. Courage glanced down at his pouch one last time, the weight of it both literal and symbolic—a small victory, but one that felt monumental in its own way.

"Before you all leave, a final word of advice," miss everdine began. "Remember, the academy has provided you with these spirit stones as a means to support your growth, not for frivolous spending. Choose your purchases wisely. Equip yourselves with items that will aid in your training, strengthen your foundations, and prepare you for the challenges ahead."

The students nodded, though the excitement buzzing in the air was palpable.

"And one last reminder," Miss Everdine added, her tone firm. "Though the academy gates are now open, you are still representatives of this institution. Behave accordingly. Do not bring shame upon yourselves or the academy."

With that, she dismissed them. “You’re free to leave. Make good use of your time outside.”

The moment the words left her lips, the room erupted into motion. Students scrambled from their seats, chatting animatedly as they rushed toward the door.

“For real? We can finally go outside?”

“Two months locked up in here… I thought I’d go crazy!”

“I’ve been waiting for this day. There’s this shop I heard about…”

Even Courage felt a spark of excitement bubbling inside him. As an outdoorsman by nature, he had spent most of his life exploring the world around him. The past two months of confinement in the academy, while necessary, had been stifling. Now, he couldn’t wait to stretch his legs and explore the new environment he found himself in.

He hurried back to his room, his heart pounding with anticipation. Without wasting time, he grabbed a small leather satchel and packed a few essentials: a water flask, a map of the garrison he’d been studying, and his new spirit stones. Slinging the bag over his shoulder, he took a deep breath.

“Time to see what this place has to offer,” he muttered to himself, a grin forming on his face.

Rushing out of the dormitory, he joined the stream of students heading toward the academy gates. The towering iron gates creaked open, revealing the bustling streets of grand cliff Garrison. Lined with shops, market stalls, and countless unfamiliar sights, the garrison felt alive in a way the academy never could.

As the academy gates opened, the students spilled out into the world beyond, and Courage excitedly stepped into the bustling streets of Grand Cliff garrison the underground city that had been his home for the past two months. The city's cavernous ceiling stretched high above, supported by massive stone pillars that rose from the ground like ancient sentinels. Though the city was buried beneath the earth, it was far from dark and dreary. Bright lanterns illuminated the pathways, casting a warm glow that reflected off the walls of the cavern, making the entire area feel like an expansive, living space.

The sounds of footsteps echoed off the walls, blending with the chatter of merchants hawking their goods, the scent of fresh food drifting through the air, and the bustle of people moving through the busy streets. There were shopkeepers with colorful stalls, street vendors with crates of goods, and even performers showing off their skills to draw crowds.

Courage paused for a moment, taking in the vastness of Grand Cliff and its sprawling underground districts, its various layers built into the sides of the cavern.

He was eager to see everything Grand Cliff had to offer. The idea of discovering new places, interacting with the city's inhabitants, and—of course—finding new resources for his training with his newly acquired spirit stones filled him with anticipation.

"I’m finally out," Courage murmured to himself, tightening the strap on his leather satchel and then began walking, letting the flow of the crowd carry him along the cobblestone streets. He passed through a market area where the goods ranged from food and textiles to trinkets and bizarre items.

"What to buy first?" he thought, already looking for a shop that sold things that could enhance his training. The streets of Grand Cliff were just the beginning. With the city’s vastness stretching out in every direction, Courage couldn’t wait to get started.