Aeris stared at the Royal Commendation in his hand with mixed emotions. The golden royal seal glinted in the morning sunlight, reminding him of how drastically his life had changed in the past few days. From a mere student who had nearly died in a goblin attack, he now had two contracted monsters—Umbra the shadow wolf and Zephyr the legendary Sky Wolf—plus official recognition from the kingdom.
"Too soon," he muttered as he tucked the recommendation letter into his new leather bag. "This is all too soon."
Zephyr, perched on his shoulder, let out a small mewl, as if understanding its master's unease.
The Sky Wolf's bluish-white fur shimmered with a subtle aura of wind, causing several students who passed by to stare in awe mixed with envy.
"There he is! Aeris Draemor!"
Whispers followed his through the academy corridors. Ever since he returned from his solo mission yesterday, his name had spread throughout Valdris Royal Academy. A D-Rank student who had suddenly risen to C-Rank overnight? The one who had tamed the legendary Sky Wolf? The one who had received a Royal Commendation for saving a royal spy?
The stories had already turned into mini-legends.
"I heard he defeated dozens of goblins by himself," said a second-year student.
"No way! He's just a regular transfer student," his friend argued.
"But look at that Sky Wolf! An A-Rank creature willing to contract with a C-Rank student? Something's not right."
Aeris quickened his pace. he knew full well that something was wrong—herself. His hidden Luck Manipulation and Probability Control allowed her to do things that should have been impossible. But those powers came with risks. The more she used them, the more likely people were to notice his anomaly.
"Aeris Draemor."
A deep voice called out from behind him. Aeris turned to see Leon Ashford—the original protagonist of the "Tamer Chronicles" novels—walking toward him with his characteristic confident strides. Leon's golden-blond hair glistened in the light, his sapphire blue eyes staring intently. On his shoulder perched his beloved Crimson Hawk, a B-Rank firebird with fiery red feathers.
"Leon," Aeris answered in a neutral tone, trying to hide his tension. In the original novels, Leon shouldn't have noticed a side character like him until the third arc. But his presence as an anomaly had already changed the timeline.
"I've heard of your... impressive accomplishments," Leon said, his eyes flicking to Zephyr with interest. "The legendary Sky Wolf, Royal Commendation, rose in rank overnight. Quite remarkable for a transfer student who's only been here a few weeks."
There was a probing tone in his voice. Leon wasn't just handsome and strong—he was also intelligent. In the novels, it was his keen intuition that allowed him to uncover a conspiracy and defeat the main antagonist.
"Beginner's luck," Aeris replied lightly, hoping Leon wouldn't dig any deeper.
"Luck?" Leon smiled thinly. "Azure Resonance Crystal, Sky Wolf wounded in the right place, merchant who turned out to be a royal spy... That's a lot of luck in one day."
Shit. Leon had investigated.
"Sometimes miracles do happen," Aeris said, trying to keep his cool.
The Crimson Hawk on Leon's shoulder let out a loud yelp, its eyes glaring at Zephyr aggressively. The young Sky Wolf stared back fearlessly, its wind aura swirling slowly around its petite body.
"Interesting," Leon murmured. "Usually A-Rank monsters don't like B-Rank monsters or below. But your Sky Wolf… he doesn't seem to feel inferior at all."
Aeris felt a cold sweat break out. Leon was right—in the monster hierarchy, Zephyr should have shown respect or even fear toward the higher-ranked Crimson Hawk. But Aeris' Monster Empathy, combined with his supernatural luck, allowed him to communicate with monsters on a different level.
"Maybe he's still young and doesn't understand the hierarchy yet," Aeris argued.
"Or," Leon's eyes narrowed, "there's something special about his tamer."
Before Aeris could answer, the academy bell rang, announcing the start of morning classes. Leon took a step back, but his eyes never left Aeris.
"We'll talk later, Aeris Draemor. I want to know more about your... fortune."
Leon turned and walked away, the Crimson Hawk on his shoulder making another threatening sound before following him.
Aeris let out a sigh of relief, but him unease only grew. Leon was starting to get suspicious. In the original novel, the protagonist was known for his tenacity in pursuing the truth. If he continued investigating...
"We're in trouble, Zephyr," Aeris whispered as he stroked the little Sky Wolf's head.
Zephyr made a soft sound, as if to say he would protect his master no matter what.
The Advanced Monster Theory class was awkward. Professor Helsing, a middle-aged teacher with a gray beard, kept staring at Aeris with curious eyes. The other students were also unable to focus on their studies because they were busy glancing at Aeris's desk.
"Mr. Draemor," Professor Helsing called out suddenly. "Can you explain how bonding with an A-Rank monster works?"
All eyes were on Aeris. he felt an overwhelming sense of pressure—this was a trick question. In normal theory, a C-Rank student would be unable to contract with an A-Rank monster. Their spiritual level and abilities were not strong enough.
"Well," Aeris began slowly, "according to what I've learned, bonding with a high-rank monster requires… deep spiritual compatibility. Not just strength, but also mutual trust and… good timing."
"Timing?" Professor Helsing raised an eyebrow.
"When a monster is vulnerable, they are more open to forming a bond with a tamer who shows them genuine kindness. Like… saving them when they are injured."
Several students nodded, but Aeris could see the skepticism in Professor Helsing's eyes. The explanation was technically correct, but it didn't explain how she could communicate her pure intentions to the dying Zephyr.
"Interesting theory," Professor Helsing said. "But usually an injured A-Rank monster will become more aggressive and wary, not more receptive."
"Maybe... maybe every monster is different?" Aeris answered weakly.
Professor Helsing stared at him for a long moment, then nodded slowly. "Very well. Let us continue with today's lesson."
Aeris felt relieved, but he knew this was just the beginning. The more people noticed, the harder it would be for him to hide his true abilities.
After class, Aeris decided to go to the Training Grounds to train with Zephyr and Umbra. The place was usually deserted during the day, so she could experiment with her new abilities without fear of being seen.
The Wind Manipulation gained from his contract with Zephyr turned out to be more complex than he had imagined. Not only could he control the wind for attack or defense, but it could also be used to increase mobility and even long-distance communication.
"Okay, Zephyr. Let's practice Wind Slash," Aeris said.
The little Sky Wolf let out a soft howl, and the wind around her began to swirl. With a quick flick of her claw, Zephyr created a wind blade that sliced a wooden training target in half.
"Good! Now try a bigger one."
But just as Zephyr was preparing to make a more powerful attack, Umbra suddenly stepped out of the shadows and let out a low growl. The shadow wolf stared intently at the bushes at the edge of the training ground.
"What's wrong, Umbra?" Aeris whispered.
The answer came in the form of a slow clap. From behind the bushes, Leon Ashford appeared with a faint smile on his face.
"A fascinating display," Leon said, walking over. "Wind Manipulation at that level… unusual for a new contract."
Aeris felt his heart pound. Leon had been watching him practice. How long had he been there? What had he seen?
"Leon, I didn't know you were—"
"Watching? Yes, I was watching." Leon stopped a few feet away from Aeris, his eyes serious. "I have something to ask you, Aeris Draemor. And I expect you to answer honestly."
The wind around them suddenly grew still, as if nature were waiting for the coming confrontation.
"Who are you, really?"