Ethan woke up to the sound of a loud bell ringing through the dormitory halls.
"Rise and shine, first-years!" A voice boomed from outside. "Combat trials begin in one hour!"
Combat trials.
Ethan groaned, sitting up. His first real test at Soulbound Academy—and he was going into it with a tiny, fluffy spirit that couldn't even stand on its own two feet for long.
He glanced down at Meep, who was sprawled out on the bed beside him, snoring peacefully.
Ethan poked it. "Wake up."
Meep twitched but didn't move.
He poked it again. "Come on, buddy. We've got a trial to get to."
Meep finally blinked open its big round eyes. "Meep?"
Ethan sighed. "Yeah, meep. Whatever that means."
Training Grounds – Combat Trials
The training grounds of Soulbound Academy stretched wide, a massive stone arena surrounded by glowing runes that prevented any damage from spilling into the audience. Students were gathered in groups, some testing their spirits' abilities while others strategized.
Professor Aldric stood at the center. "Today, you will demonstrate your spirit's combat potential. Some of you will engage in duels, while others will complete challenge trials." His sharp eyes scanned the students. "Those who fail to perform… may face expulsion."
Ethan stiffened. Expulsion?! That hadn't been mentioned before!
Kai clapped him on the back. "Relax. It's probably just a scare tactic."
Ethan gulped. "You sure?"
"…No."kai said
Before Ethan could panic further, Aldric began calling names. One by one, students stepped forward to battle.
A girl with a flaming tiger spirit unleashed a barrage of fireballs, overwhelming her opponent in seconds. A boy with a shadow fox disappeared into the darkness and reappeared behind his stunned opponent.
Ethan watched in growing horror.
How was he supposed to compete with… Meep?!
Then—
"Ethan Gray. Step forward."
The crowd snickered.
"Oh, this is gonna be good."a student said.
"Maybe Meep will… roll over?"said another one.
Ethan clenched his fists and stepped into the arena. Across from him stood a burly student named Derrick, whose spirit, a two-headed warhound, growled at his feet.
Derrick smirked. "Hope you're ready to lose, commoner."
Ethan ignored him and turned to Meep.
"Okay, buddy. Now's the time to show me what you can do."
Meep blinked. Then…
It rolled over.
The arena burst into laughter.
Ethan's stomach dropped. "You've got to be kidding me—"
"Begin!" Aldric declared.
Derrick wasted no time. "Cerberus, attack!"
The two-headed warhound charged, its fangs glowing with dark energy.
Ethan panicked. "Meep, dodge!"
Meep tilted its head.
"Meep?"
The warhound lunged.
And passed right through Meep.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
"What?!" Derrick shouted.
Ethan blinked. Had Meep just… phased through the attack?!
Derrick growled. "Again! Tear it apart!"
The warhound leapt at Meep once more—
And passed straight through again.
The laughter in the arena stopped.
Now, everyone was watching in stunned silence.
Professor Aldric's eyes narrowed. "Fascinating..."
Ethan's heart pounded.
Could it be…? Does this mean my cute little meep isn't worthless after all?! He looked down at Meep, who wobbled on its tiny feet, looking completely unfazed. Ethan took a deep breath and grinned.
"Alright, buddy. Let's show them what you're really made of."