The chamber was dimly lit, the walls adorned with faintly glowing runes that seemed alive, pulsating gently with energy. Courage held his breath as the the automated helper handed him two items: a small, sleek titanium-colored card and a crystal orb. The card was no bigger than his palm, its surface etched with intricate markings resembling a futuristic QR code. It shimmered faintly in the chamber’s light.
“This is your official identification,” the attendant explained in a calm, practiced tone. “It contains all relevant information about you, including your rank, aptitude, and your chosen beast. It’s vital for the recruitment process and other official functions, so don’t lose it.”
Courage nodded, marveling at the craftsmanship of the card before turning his attention to the orb. The crystal sphere was cool to the touch, its surface smooth and flawless. Peering into it, he thought he could make out the faint silhouette of a creature curled up inside, its form barely distinguishable.
“This,” the helper continued, “is a temporary Beast Storage Orb. Your chosen creature resides within until you are instructed on how to properly open and tame it. Do not attempt to open it yourself. That will be your mentor’s responsibility. Any questions?”
Courage shook his head. “No, thank you.”
“Good. Proceed to the waiting area. You’ll join your group there once everyone has finished their selection.”
Courage tucked the card and orb carefully into his pouch and left the chamber. He was guided down a narrow hallway that opened into a modest waiting area. Benches lined the walls, already occupied by others who had completed the selection process. The air buzzed with excitement and chatter.
“So, what did you choose?” one voice asked eagerly.
“A Rock Jaw Turtle,” another replied.
“Why would you pick that?” someone scoffed.
“It synergizes well with my totem’s abilities.”
Other voices chimed in, debating their choices. Some spoke of the “package beasts” offered for choosing ,while others proudly shared how they had carefully chosen creatures that complemented their strengths.
Courage scanned the room and quickly spotted two of his siblings. Besmouth and Sapphire who were seated together, chatting animatedly. He approached them, unable to suppress a smile when Besmouth exclaimed, “I got a Scaled Eagle! It’s the beast I’ve always dreamed of having. I can’t believe it!”
Besmouth’s usual stoic demeanor was gone, replaced by the unrestrained joy of someone holding their most cherished prize. Courage chuckled at the sight, his brother’s excitement contagious.
“What about you, Sapphire?” he asked.
Sapphire smiled brightly. “I chose the Winter Tail Swallow. Though not as grand as a Scaled Eagle, I still think its abilities will pair perfectly with my totem’s skills.”
“Smart choice,” Courage said, patting her head. “You’re always so thoughtful and wise.”
Sapphire blushed at the praise, beaming with pride.
Before they could prod him about his choice, Courage hesitated. He didn’t want to reveal too much—especially not the details about his beetle. “I went with a beetle species,” he said simply.
Besmouth raised an eyebrow. “A beetle? Makes sense, I guess, given your totem. Which one exactly?”
Courage dodged the question, quickly noticing their other siblings, Ruby and Opal, entering the room. “Hey, there’s Ruby and Opal!” he said, steering the conversation away. “Let’s hear what they picked.”
After meeting up with them Ruby was the first to speak. “I almost picked a Blaze Jaguar. It’s strong and fiery—totally my style. But then I remembered what Dad always used to say.” Ruby’s voice softened as he quoted, “‘Sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone can help you grow in ways you never imagined.’ So, I chose the Jade Encrusted Ferret instead. It’s a rock-type, and while it’s not what I’d usually pick, I think its abilities will pair well with mine.”
The siblings exchanged looks of surprise, then admiration. “That’s... surprisingly mature of you, Ruby,” Besmouth said.
“Yeah,” Sapphire added. “Good job!”
Ruby grinned at the praise, his usual boisterousness returning.
Finally, all eyes turned to Opal, who stood with her usual poise and grace. “I chose a Kilpy,” she said matter-of-factely. “It’s known for its strength, elegance, and...” She smiled faintly. “...it’s absolutely beautiful.”
The others groaned in unison.
“Classic Opal,” Courage muttered, shaking his head.
“She would never compromise on beauty,” Besmouth added with a sigh.
“Typical perfectionist,” Sapphire said, though her tone was affectionate.
As the group continued to chat, Courage felt a weight lift off his shoulders. For now, he had managed to keep his secret. But deep down, he knew the time would come when he’d have to face the truth—and his siblings’ reactions.
The room buzzed with restless energy as the last few participants filed in, their faces glowing with excitement or nerves. The instructors, sharp-eyed and authoritative, stepped forward and called for silence.
“Alright, listen up!” one of them barked. “The last of you are here, which means it’s time for the next and final step of today’s process. Everyone, stand up and line up in front of the door.”
The children obeyed quickly, shuffling into a neat line before the large metal doors opposite the ones they had entered through earlier. Courage joined the others, gripping his identification card tightly in his hand. Besmouth and Sapphire stood to his right, while Ruby and Opal were just behind him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and determination.
“Now,” the instructor continued, pacing in front of the group, “beyond these doors is the recruitment hall. This is where your future begins. Every academy worth its name has representatives waiting inside, and it’s up to you to make an impression.”
The children exchanged glances, some smiling confidently, others swallowing nervously.
“Here’s how it works,” the instructor went on. “You will present your identification cards at the entrance. These cards contain all the information recruiters need to assess you: your aptitude, your totem, your chosen beast, and more. Once inside, you’ll need to find an academy that aligns with your goals and convince their recruiters to take you in.”
A ripple of excitement passed through the group.
“For some of you,” the instructor added, his tone hardening, “this will be easy. You might be approached immediately by recruitment offers from academies that deem you worthy. But for most of you, it’ll take effort. You’ll need to be prepared to explain your choices and prove your potential. Remember, no academy is obligated to take anyone. If you fail to impress, you may leave here today without a placement.”
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Courage’s grip on his card tightened. He glanced at his siblings. Besmouth seemed calm, Sapphire was focused, and Ruby and Opal looked quietly confident. Courage, however, felt a gnawing uncertainty in his gut.
The instructor paused, letting the weight of his words settle over the group. “This is your chance to take the first real step toward becoming Beast Tamers. Make it count.”
With that, the doors creaked open, revealing a massive hall beyond. The air seemed to hum with anticipation as the children were ushered forward in small groups. Courage’s heart pounded as his turn approached. Beyond those doors lay a world of possibilities, challenges, and the first true test of his resolve.
The recruitment hall was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The massive chamber was designed to impress and intimidate, with towering ceilings adorned with intricate carvings depicting legendary beast tamers and their spirit beasts in battle. Grand chandeliers hung high above, illuminating the space with a warm golden glow. The air buzzed with energy, filled with the sounds of voices, footsteps, and the occasional roar or chirp from spirit beasts.
Rows of recruitment booths lined the walls, each representing a different academy, guild, or training institute. These booths were lavishly decorated, some with banners proudly displaying their emblems, while others showcased holographic projections of their facilities and achievements. Each booth was crowded with hopeful applicants, young and old, jostling to present their abilities to the recruiters. Around them, recruiters in finely tailored uniforms moved briskly, their eyes scanning the crowd for potential talent.
The crowd itself was a chaotic blend of awakened individuals from different garrisons, each donning the distinct insignias of their respective garrison. Conversations in various dialects filled the air, and the occasional clash of egos was a spectacle for those who lingered too long. Some individuals, clearly marked by their impressive totems or extraordinary beast companions, drew flocks of recruiters competing to secure their allegiance. Others moved from booth to booth, determined to find their place among the elite.
As Courage’s group from the Blue Orchid Garrison hesitantly stepped inside, the atmosphere seemed to shift. Heads turned, conversations faltered, and a noticeable ripple of attention swept through the hall. The earlier commotion surrounding their awakening ceremony had evidently reached the ears of the recruiters, and the group's entrance was met with a flurry of activity.
A dozen recruiters immediately broke off from their stations, making a beeline for the Blue Orchid group. Their faces were a mixture of curiosity and eagerness, and their movements carried the desperation of hunters spotting rare prey. For a small garrison like Blue Orchid to produce a high-ranking batch of awakened individuals was both rare and intriguing. From the recruiters' perspective, this was an opportunity too good to miss—a chance to uncover hidden gems, nurture potential prodigies, and bolster their academies' standings with promising new talent.
The attention was both a blessing and a burden. Courage could feel the weight of the recruiters' gazes, their appraising eyes scanning each member of their group as if searching for signs of greatness. He couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety, his fingers fidgeting slightly at his sides. The others in his group appeared equally nervous, some glancing at each other for reassurance, while others tried to steel themselves for the onslaught of offers and questions they knew was coming.
"This is good," Courage thought, trying to steady his breathing. "More attention means more chances." Yet, a small voice in the back of his mind whispered doubts, reminding him of his own limitations and the ever-present shadow of the Petacos family curse.
The recruiters approached like a wave, their voices overlapping as they introduced themselves, their institutions, and the promises they could offer.
"Blue Orchid Garrison, yes? Rare to see such a strong turnout from a smaller garrison!"
"You all must be exceptional! Which academy are you aiming for?"
"Our program specializes in nurturing prodigies—our last graduate broke into the expert Rank within five years!"
Courage's group was quickly surrounded, each recruiter trying to outshine the others with their pitches. It was overwhelming but undeniably thrilling. The group glanced at each other, unsure of how to proceed. Courage clenched his fists and reminded himself to stay calm. This was their moment to shine, and they couldn't afford to falter.
After a while, Courage's patch dissolved into the crowd, each member going their separate ways. Some continued talking to recruiters, showing their identification cards, while others began visiting the booths, seeking academies that suited their aspirations or might accept them. Many were determined to try their luck with prestigious institutions, while others settled for any place that would take them.
Courage and his siblings, too, prepared to search for opportunities among the bustling booths. However, before they could walk far or speak to anyone, a familiar voice called out from the distance. Turning their heads, they saw the envoy from their awakening ceremony approaching them with quick steps.
The envoy’s expression was alight with joy as he finally reached them. He addressed Courage’s siblings with enthusiasm and respect, his voice warm and encouraging.
"Hello there, rare gems of the Blue Orchid Garrison! I am delighted to meet you again," he said.
The siblings returned the greeting with polite nods, their demeanor respectful. The envoy, clearly pleased, nodded back in approval before continuing.
"Well, as I promised during your awakening ceremony, I haven’t forgotten about you. Ever since we last met, I’ve spared no effort in informing the higher-ups about your incredible potential. I even went as far as recommending you to the Imperial Academy."
Hearing this, the siblings exchanged glances, astonishment flashing across their faces.
The envoy stepped aside, gesturing dramatically to someone approaching from behind him. "And now," he added with excitement, "I’ve brought someone who can open the Academy’s doors for you."
A woman emerged from the crowd, drawing everyone’s attention. She was strikingly beautiful, with sharp, well-defined features and stylishly combed hair. Her attire was a perfect blend of modern fashion and ceremonial elegance, exuding authority and refinement. Her graceful yet commanding presence caused a stir in the crowd, who whispered amongst themselves with tones of awe and anticipation.
"Is that… the representative of Star River City?"
"She’s never appeared at events like these before!"
"I heard she only shows up when true prodigies emerge."
"Whoever she’s here for must be exceptional!"
As she approached, her confident steps and composed demeanor made it impossible to look away. Finally, she stopped before Courage and his siblings. Her gaze swept over them briefly before she spoke in a detached, authoritative tone.
"Identifications."
Still processing the surreal situation, the siblings were snapped out of their daze by the envoy's urgent voice. "Quickly now, hand her your identification cards!" he urged, practically vibrating with nervous excitement.
Without hesitation, the siblings complied, handing over their cards. The woman took each one with practiced precision, raising her left hand to press a button on the side of her glasses. A faint glow emitted from the lenses, revealing them to be no ordinary glasses but an advanced device. She brought each card close to her eyes, scanning them one by one.
When she finished with the last card, a faint, almost imperceptible smile broke across her face. It was a small gesture, but it was enough to make the envoy tremble with excitement, sweat beading on his forehead.
"Well, my lady," he stammered, his voice filled with anticipation. "What do you think? They’re as remarkable as I described, aren’t they?"
The woman’s response was simple yet carried an undeniable weight: "Indeed."
That single word sent a chill down the envoy’s spine, his eyes gleaming with joy and triumph. He could barely contain himself as he looked at the siblings with newfound pride.
The woman returned her attention to the four, her faint smile still in place. Taking a single step closer, she seemed to tower over them, her presence so overwhelming that none of them could lift their heads to meet her gaze. Her aura was one of absolute authority, as though the very space around her bent to her will.
"You will hear from the Imperial Academy soon," she said, her voice calm yet resolute. "Do not disappoint us."
The siblings nodded quickly, their hearts pounding as they struggled to process the momentous opportunity presented to them
The announcement echoed through the grand recruitment hall, and for a moment, there was silence. Then, like a tidal wave, the room erupted into an uproar.
“The Imperial Academy?! Someone actually got accepted into the Imperial Academy this year!” shouted one onlooker, their voice cracking with disbelief.
“Not just one! Four people! That’s unheard of!” another chimed in, their words drowning in the murmurs of awe and excitement.
“And they’re all from the Blue Orchid Garrison! Quick, gather intel on those four! See if we can establish a connection!”
The crowd surged toward the section marked by the distinct Blue Orchid patch, their attention laser-focused on four young individuals standing in the spotlight. Whispers turned to fervent discussions, and discussions to outright demands for answers.
Several bold souls approached the Imperial Academy representative directly, bowing humbly as they asked, “Why were they chosen? What makes these four so special?”
The representative, a tall and imposing figure clad in the Academy’s emblematic white-and-gold uniform, regarded the crowd with an air of indifference. She answered coolly, her voice carrying above the commotion.
“It’s simple. These four displayed qualities worthy of the Imperial Academy’s attention. It is not every day we come across peak-grade aptitude individuals.”
Her declaration was like throwing fuel on an already roaring fire. Gasps rippled through the hall, followed by an explosion of shocked voices.
“Peak grades?! There are peak-grade awakenings this year?!”
“Impossible! A small garrison like the Blue Orchid producing not just one, but four peak-grade individuals in one generation? This has never happened before—not even in high-level garrisons or the history of core cities combined!”
“This is a historic moment! Four peak-grade tamers accepted into the Imperial Academy... The Academy so prestigious it doesn’t even bother setting up recruitment booths like the rest!”
“This could be the rise of the Blue Orchid Garrison! Their reputation is about to skyrocket!”
In the chaos, opportunistic recruiters and scouts began spreading through the crowd like predators on the hunt. “Find anyone else from the Blue Orchid Garrison!” one barked. “Even if we can’t get those four, the next best thing might be worth it!”
As the crowd’s chaos began to subside, the Imperial Academy representative finally turned her attention back to the four siblings. She studied them intently, her piercing gaze scanning each one before settling on a figure she had overlooked until now—Courage.
He stood slightly apart but had been present from the beginning, a quiet shadow in his siblings' light. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at him, her expression shifting subtly into one of curiosity.
"Who is this?" she asked, her voice cutting through the lingering murmurs around them.
The envoy hesitated, clearly caught off guard. “Ah, um... This is the older brother of the four. I apologize for not mentioning him in my earlier report.”
Intrigued, the representative stepped forward, her presence commanding the space around her. She extended a hand toward Courage. “Your identification,” she demanded with cool authority.
Courage, feeling the weight of her gaze and unable to summon the courage to oppose her, silently handed over his identification card. The representative took it, scanned it carefully with the same device she had used for his siblings, and slowly raised an eyebrow.
“Hmm... how peculiar,” she murmured.
“W-what?” Courage stammered, his unease evident.
The representative turned her sharp gaze toward him. “For you and your siblings to have such a massive gap in potential is... strange. While it’s common for offspring from the same parents to exhibit some variation in aptitude, this disparity is unprecedented. It’s almost unnatural.”
The envoy quickly stepped in, eager to provide an explanation. “Well, you see, they’re actually half-siblings. They share the same mother but have different fathers. That could explain the difference in potential.”
The representative’s cold gaze shifted back to Courage. “Ah, then it must be something in his father’s blood.”
Her blunt words hit Courage like a silent slap to the face. The statement, devoid of malice but steeped in detached judgment, cut deeper than he expected. It was as as though she had casually exposed a wound he didn’t even realize was open.
Courage swallowed the bitterness rising in his throat, forcing his clenched fists to remain at his sides. Mustering every ounce of composure he could, he gave a polite, steady response. “W-well, I guess it is.”
The representative’s intrigue faded as quickly as it had appeared. Without another word, she tossed his card back to him, her disinterest evident in the casual gesture. She turned her attention to the envoy, her tone sharp and commanding.
“Ensure everything is prepared for these siblings to be transported to the Academy by tomorrow,” she ordered curtly.
The envoy bowed deeply. “Yes, ma’am. I will see to it immediately.”
Satisfied, the representative turned on her heel and strode away, cutting a path through the crowd with effortless authority. Her departure left the hall buzzing with renewed whispers, but Courage barely registered them. He stood there, his card clutched tightly in his hand, the sting of her words lingering like an unwelcome echo.