Dina didn’t notice her surroundings as her mind was all on the space she was in. She did not need anyone to tell her what this is because it came to her naturally.

The nurturing nest.

The unique space every beastmaster has and one of the major reason they are what they are.

The place is hued in golden and a lighter shade of white. It gave her a feeling of brightness and calm.

A huge white lantern with golden engravings took up a substantial amount of space and a smaller table containing round grooves sat beside it.

Dina moved to the lantern and leaned forward to read the writing. The words seemed to be written in another ancient language but she strangely understood.

Spread the light, vanquish the darkness.

When she tried to read the rest, an intense dizziness overtook her. Something caught her eye and she turned to it.

The pink skin she choose from the material they were given floated upon a groove. It started disintegrating into white light particles that formed in the shape of an egg. Beautiful lines and designs snaked upon the surface of the egg, giving it an exotic look.

Joy bubbled from the bottom of her heart. The beat rate sped up but not for nervousness this time.

The wavy lines slowed down after some time and the white particles disappeared gradually. A golden drop of liquid flew out of the bottom half of the lantern used to store the fuel to the egg.

The designs on the egg which was beginning to halt continued with fervor with hints of gold present in the white.

Moments later, the transformation stopped and the egg landed with a soft thump into one of the two grooves.

A connection came into creation at the back of her mind as the egg settled down.

The baby beast transmitted a feeling of satisfaction.

After looking at every inch of the place again, Dina withdrew.

Her sight brightened and she caught the Principal’s smile from the corner of her eyes.

“Congratulations. You’ve got yourself a Pink Clawed Mino.” The male examiner said before signaling the rest of the untested students behind her to come forward.

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She moved to the group containing people who succeeded the test, waiting for it to be over.

She couldn’t wait to tell her family the marvelous news. Finally her dream is shaping up.

A clap jolted Dina out of her reverie.

It came from Mr. Sark. The test finished some time ago and the examiner had his things packed up and ready to go.

“The incubation required is different for each beast and it could be either long or short. You can shorten the time by nurturing them with your special gifts.” The examiner explained after bringing out a booklet with blank pages and a pen.

“Sir, our special gifts should be the thing apart from the place holding our animals right?” A female senior student questioned and the examiner gave a nod.

“Everybody has plants, liquid or something else in their nurturing nest. Giving them to your beasts hasten their growing process and at the same time, it solidifies their foundation which makes them stronger.” The examiner said before giving the Principal a look.

Mr. Sark cleared his throat, “Students who passed should stay and the rest should go back to their school activities. To retake the test, you must go to any beastmaster college and universities or you can go to a branch of the Beastmaster Nest closer to you. Don’t let this setback stump you.”

The Beastmaster’s Nest is the powerful figure in charge of all those who awakened to their power as beast masters. All colleges and universities must have certifications from them to be able to function, those without one has to make do with being a normal school.

“For students from SS1 and SS2, you have two options now. Either to stay in school for another year and write your exams when you are done with SS3 or you choose to take the school leaving examinations right after some months. If you want to write the exams, lift your hands.” The Principal announced when only the successful candidates remained behind.

Educational development in Witrim uses a special system. Junior Secondary School is divided into three sections named JS1, JS2 and JS3 respectively with students taking a year to study and pass a section.

Senior Secondary follow the same rules but with a tinge of diversity. SS1, SS2, and SS3 is further separated into three classes for each section named Science, Art and Commercial. Foundation for the students’ future expertise is laid from these classes.

Dina herself is in SS2 Science class.

She raised up her hand along with some other people who picked the second option. The candidates who wanted to study for another year was dismissed after their answers was affirmed.

“I will send the link to the application form you have to fill to the school group chat. Read everything carefully so you don’t end up where you don’t like.” Mr. Sark’s face turned a little stern at the warning.

Dina listened with all her focus. Though she knew there is going to be an odd person or two who is going to ignore the warning anyway.

The examiner tapped the sheet of paper held down by his pen, “Please put down your names and the material you took. No mistakes, it’s going in the records.”

The students went to write their information in the order they adopted during the testing period and the sheet became filled up.

Dina and the others dispersed and went back to their activities the moment the Principal gave his approval.

To Dina, the day seemed to come to an end quicker and the lectures were extra sweet. The sun’s rays tickled her exposed skin as she rushed out of the school main entrance with the other students.

She couldn’t wait to share the wonderful news with her family. Thankfully, the route from Blossom High School to her house is only a minute away.

It didn’t take long to reach her destination. She pressed the doorbell and a high pitched ringing disrupted the calm atmosphere. Footfalls echoed behind the door and then there was a click. It opened with a whoosh.

“You are back.” Turi said as Dina slipped into the house.

“Mama, I—“ Dragging sounds prevented her from answering.

A chubby baby crawled in from the hall. Both of them smiled.

The baby boy laughed in response.

“Didi.” He called out.

“Lawrence.” Dina replied as she scooped him into her arms. Kisses rained on his cheek the instant she held him securely.

All the methods Dina and Turi adopted to get him to say Dina’s name in full ended in futility. Lawrence always focus on repeating the first syllable, it became his trademark.

She sank her head in the crook of his neck while he kept trying to tug at her curly brown hair. Lawrence’s pleasant baby scent drifted into her nose whenever she inhaled.

It is so good to be home.

Turi’s eyes lit up, “How was the awakening test result? Is it the same as your previous attempts?”

Dina sighed, “Mama, I’m so forgetful these days. I passed so we should celebrate.”

Turi’s expression shot to the opposite side of the spectrum and a deep frown marred her features.

“What?!”

Dina faced her hurriedly in order to see the reason for her shout.

The frown on Turi’s face deepened and it didn’t take a brain cell to know she wasn’t happy.

Oh no.