The training field behind Eldenbrook's square was buzzing with excitement.
Today was the Challenge Day—a weekly event where every child tested their companions in small battles or obstacle courses. Sparks of magic flew in the air. Children shouted, laughed, and cheered.
Aren tightened his grip on the cat, who was lazily perched on his shoulder.
"Ready?" he asked.
The cat yawned and blinked slowly.
Aren sighed. "Yeah… me neither."
Other kids were already showing off. Lira's hawk swooped down, catching floating targets midair and leaving golden streaks behind. Joren's stone hound smashed through a set of rolling logs without breaking a sweat. Everyone's companions were flashy, powerful, and perfect.
Then it was Aren's turn.
He stepped into the small arena, trying not to look nervous. Across from him was Daren, the village blacksmith's kid, with a wolf companion that crackled with lightning. The villagers watching murmured.
"This is going to be… fast," Aren muttered.
The whistle blew. Daren's wolf lunged forward, sparks of electricity crackling from its fur. Aren froze. The wolf was fast—too fast. He didn't have time to react.
"Cat… do something!" Aren shouted, panic rising.
The cat stretched, blinked, and looked at him like he'd said something silly. Then, slowly, it leapt from his shoulder.
For a heartbeat, nothing happened.
Then… a faint green aura shimmered around the cat. The wolf skidded to a stop midair, bristling as if invisible walls held it back. Sparks fizzled and vanished.
Aren's jaw dropped. "Wait… what?"
The cat's tail flicked. It padded forward, confident and calm. The wolf growled but couldn't move past the invisible barrier.
The crowd went silent, then erupted into murmurs and cheers. Daren stumbled back, stunned.
The cat meowed, soft but clear, then returned to Aren's side, tail curling around his arm.
Aren knelt down and whispered, "I… I guess you really are amazing."
For the first time, he realized something important: strength isn't always obvious. Sometimes, the smallest, quietest companion could be the most powerful—if only you gave them a chance.
And deep down, Aren knew this was just the beginning.
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