The morning sun filtered through the trees as Kai walked toward the village square. Zephyr perched on his shoulder, tiny wings fluttering every few steps. Bouncy stayed tucked in his pocket, peeking out now and then like a curious kid.
The scout from the town academy waited on a wooden platform. He was tall, wearing a crisp blue uniform with a silver badge shaped like a claw. Around him stood the kids who'd bonded beasts yesterday, about twenty in total. Renn was front and center, his new wolf pup sitting proudly at his feet.
Kai hung back near the edge. He didn't want attention yet. Mira's warning echoed in his head: keep the fusion quiet.
The scout cleared his throat. "Listen up! I'm Scout Harlan, no relation to the big nobles, before you ask." A few kids chuckled nervously. "The academy in Elden Town takes ten new students each year from villages like this. You'll show your bond strength in a simple test. The best get invited. The rest… try again next year."
He pointed to a wide circle drawn in chalk on the ground. "One at a time. Step in, command your beast to show its best skill. No fighting each other, save that for later."
First up was a girl with a sturdy turtle. It pulled its head in, then shot out a small water jet that splashed the front row. People clapped politely.
Next came Renn. He smirked, stepping forward. "Go, Fang!"
The wolf pup howled, then dashed around the circle in a blur, kicking up dust. At the end, it leaped and snapped its jaws, sending a tiny spark of lightning from its teeth.
The scout nodded. "Good speed and minor thunder affinity. Solid start."
Renn shot a smug look toward Kai. "Your turn, slime boy. Let's see what you've got."
Kai took a deep breath. He stepped into the circle. Zephyr hopped down to the ground. Bouncy stayed hidden for now.
"Zephyr, show them your wind."
The sparrow chirped and flapped. A gentle breeze swirled around the circle, lifting leaves and making everyone's hair flutter. It wasn't flashy, but it was clean and controlled.
The scout tilted his head. "Wind affinity. Nice control for a fresh bond. But we've seen stronger."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Renn snorted. "That's it? A breeze?"
Kai smiled quietly. Time to surprise them.
He whispered, "Bouncy, come out."
The slime popped from his pocket, jiggling happily. Gasps spread. A slime? Really?
"Fuse," Kai said under his breath. The system glowed faintly in his vision.
[Wind-Infused Bounce Active]
Bouncy shimmered blue. It bounced once, higher than before. On the second bounce, a gust of wind followed, pushing it forward like a living cannonball. It zoomed around the circle, trailing small whirlwinds that spun dust into funnels.
Kids laughed in delight. Even the scout's eyes widened.
Bouncy finished with a big hop, landing softly in front of Kai. It wiggled proudly.
The scout wrote something on his clipboard. "Dual bonds… and a combined skill? That's unusual. Very unusual."
Renn's face darkened. "He's cheating! Nobody fuses like that!"
The scout raised a hand. "No rules against creative bonding. Results speak."
He looked at the group. "The academy invites are: Renn, Lila with the turtle, and… Kai Harlan."
Cheers erupted, mostly from the younger kids who liked the show. Renn glared daggers.
As the scout packed up, he pulled Kai aside. "Boy, that fusion thing… don't flash it everywhere in town. Some people get jealous. Or greedy. Report to the academy in three days. Bring your beasts."
Kai nodded. "Thank you."
Walking back, Mira met him halfway. "You did good. But Renn's family has connections. Watch your back."
That afternoon, Kai trained in the woods behind the village. Zephyr practiced quick dives. Bouncy experimented with bigger bounces, creating mini gusts on purpose.
Kai sat on a log, thinking. "System, any new ideas?"
[Scan Complete: Local Herbs – Fusion Potential Low]
[New Notification: Energy Regen Increased – Level 3 Unlocked]
[Host Level: 3]
[New Skill: Basic Bond Strengthen – Improve loyalty and minor stats of bonded beasts]
He used it right away. Warm light flowed to Bouncy and Zephyr. Both perked up, eyes brighter.
"Good job, guys. We're getting stronger together."
Zephyr chirped happily. Bouncy bounced into his lap, squishing comfortably.
But as the sun dipped lower, a rustle came from the bushes.
Renn stepped out, Fang growling beside him. Two older boys flanked him, probably cousins.
"Nice show earlier," Renn said, voice dripping sarcasm. "But the academy's not for freaks with weird tricks."
Kai stood slowly. "I didn't ask for trouble, Renn."
"You got it anyway." Renn pointed. "Fang, teach him a lesson."
The wolf pup lunged.
"Bouncy, intercept!"
Bouncy rolled forward, bouncing high. Wind pushed it faster. It slammed into Fang mid-leap, sending the pup tumbling with a yelp.
Renn's eyes widened. "What, ?"
Zephyr dove, flapping hard. A focused gust knocked one cousin back.
Kai stepped forward. "We don't want to fight. Walk away."
Renn snarled. "You think you're better? We'll see at the academy."
He whistled. The group retreated, but the look in Renn's eyes promised more trouble.
Kai exhaled. Bouncy nuzzled his leg. Zephyr landed on his shoulder, protective.
Mira appeared from the trees, she'd been watching. "They won't stop. Jealousy festers fast here."
Kai petted his beasts. "Then we train harder. I'm not running from this."
That night, under the stars, Kai made a quiet promise. "We'll show everyone what real strength looks like. Not power… but heart."
But deep down, he wondered: why did the system choose him? And what would happen when bigger eyes turned his way?
Three days until the academy.
The real journey was just beginning.