In the heart of the empire, where towers of ivory pierced the sky and noble blood ruled the land, stood Aurelis Academy—a place where only the most gifted young nobles trained to become the future of magic and might.
Among the sea of prestigious names and prideful heirs, a young girl walked calmly through the golden gates, her silver-white hair glowing faintly under the morning sun. Her name was Aria Valemire, heir to the renowned Valemire household—once hailed as one of the greatest magical bloodlines in the empire.
But despite her noble birth, Aria carried no blessings. Her skills were ranked E at birth. Beast Tamer. A joke. A burden. A disgrace.
Even her family—those who should have stood beside her—turned away.
Still, she stood tall.
The academy's entrance exam was a grand spectacle, watched by nobles, professors, and political figures alike. A public duel would determine a candidate's magical aptitude and potential.
Aria's opponent was none other than Leon Kite—eldest son of House Kite, one of the empire's most powerful families. He was tall, with golden hair, fiery eyes, and a reputation for ruthlessness. He sneered when he saw her.
"They're letting trash like you walk in here now? Don't blink. I'll end this in seconds."
But Aria didn't respond. Her calm gaze unnerved him more than any insult ever could.
The duel began.
Leon unleashed a barrage of high-tier fire spells, confident in his overwhelming power.
Aria didn't move. She simply raised her hand.
A blur shot from the shadows behind her—her shadow wolf, Nyx, summoned with a whisper. Nyx pierced through the flames with ease, leaping past Leon's defenses and pinning him to the ground.
The duel was over in less than ten seconds.
Gasps filled the courtyard. Nobles murmured in disbelief.
"She defeated Leon Kite… effortlessly?"
"With just one beast?"
"Who is she really…?"
Aria walked off the stage silently as Leon lay humiliated.
From that moment, her name spread like wildfire—"The Beast Tamer who Shamed a Kite."
Leon swore vengeance. His pride wouldn't allow such disgrace to stand. "I'll destroy her, no matter what it takes."
Within days of admission, Aria met two students who, unlike the rest, didn't look at her with fear or envy.
Kael – a quiet, sharp-eyed mage who specialized in ancient runes.
Lina – a cheerful spear-wielding commoner who somehow got into the academy through sheer skill.
They connected quickly, drawn together by a sense of not belonging. For the first time in her life, Aria felt something warm. Trust. Companionship.
Together, they delved into dungeons, took on academy challenges, and formed a bond stronger than magic itself.
But shadows loomed behind the academy's polished walls.
And Leon Kite wasn't the only enemy watching her rise.