“Huff… finally done.”
Actually, these kinds of missions were designed by the Academy as basic trials for new Contract Beasts.
Even if Little White had really been pricked by the Poison Vine just now, with the Academy-issued fast-acting Decontaminant as a backup, there wouldn’t have been any real danger.
The school’s intent was to let these students, who were just starting out in Practical Combat, experience the tension of battle within a safe range.
In a way, it was their first big lesson in “Practical Combat.”
Little White let out a long breath, wiping away the beads of sweat on her forehead.
Her cheeks, already rosy, now glowed with a subtle blush from the recent tension.
Lin Xing also sighed in relief, checked the Proof of Mission in his backpack, and, confirming everything was in order, smiled as he said,
“Mission complete. Let’s go back and report. We’ll make it just in time for dinner at the Cafeteria.”
Lumiya lounged lazily in Lin Xing’s arms, letting out a big yawn.
This fight hadn’t been any challenge for her—just child’s play at baby school.
Yet, seeing the genuine smiles on Lin Xing’s and Little White’s faces after finishing the mission, she felt an unexpected trace of joy in her heart.
Maybe it was because she hadn’t felt
what it meant to be “human”
for a very long time.
With the setting sun at their backs, the three of them and their beasts returned to the Academy.
As soon as they entered the gates, they saw a crowd of students gathered around the Notice Board.
Curious, Little White tugged Lin Xing along.
“Huh? Looks like there’s a new class schedule and event notice! Let’s go take a look!”
Fresh semester arrangements were posted on the Notice Board.
The most eye-catching was the introduction to the “Academy Course System.”
The Academy’s courses were divided into
“Theory Classes”
“Practical Classes”
and “Outdoor Activities”—
three main categories.
Theory Classes included Beast Taming Theory, Magical Beast Ecology, Magic Crystal Energy Science, and so on.
Practical Classes had Contract Beast Training, Tactical Coordination Course, and Elemental Control Course.
As for Outdoor Activities, these covered Bounty Hunt, Secret Realm Exploration, and Inter-Academy Exchange.
Among them, the Bounty Hunt was a regular monthly event, specially designed with different difficulty trial zones for each year level.
Besides the scheduled classes, there were extracurricular activities too. The “mission” they’d just accepted was one such activity.
“This is great! There’s actually a Bounty Hunt next week!” Little White’s eyes sparkled as she pointed to the notice on the board.
“It’s going to be in the Trial Forest behind the Academy, and the D-rank zone is open to new students. There’ll be Summoned Beasts from Tier 0, 5-star, up to Tier 1, 1-star—just right for us to practice!”
Lin Xing nodded, then looked down at Lumiya nestled in his arms.
“Lumiya, let’s do our best next week too.”
Lumiya flicked her tail, a hint of disdain flashing in her golden slit pupils.
They could win just by playing around.
Still, she nuzzled Lin Xing’s palm, acting the part of an obedient beast.
The next morning,
Following the class schedule, Lin Xing arrived at Classroom 302 of Teaching Building 1 for the Beastmaster Course.
As for Zhao Kai? Well, that guy got lucky—he’d entered this school together with his girlfriend, and had long since ditched his buddy Lin Xing to be with her!
The classroom was already filled with students, each accompanied by their own Contract Beast. It was a lively scene.
Little White had saved a spot for him. When she saw Lin Xing enter, she immediately waved to catch his attention.
“Lin Xing, over here!” Little White called, smiling and beckoning him.
In her arms, Snowball was sprawled on the desk, the ice-blue Elemental Resonance Collar around its neck glinting softly under the lights.
Lin Xing had barely sat down when the bell rang.
A middle-aged woman in a deep green robe, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, strode in, holding a thick copy of the Beastmaster’s Handbook, followed by two assistants pushing a Teaching Tools Cart.
“Hello everyone, I’m your Beastmaster Course instructor, Su Qingyue.”
Her voice was gentle but firm.
“This course will give you a systematic understanding of beast classifications, habits, abilities, and cultivation methods. I hope that through this course, you’ll be able to build a deeper bond with your Contract Beasts.”
Teacher Su motioned for her assistants to open the Teaching Tools Cart, which was filled with various Beast Specimens and models.
“First, let’s get to know the categories of beasts.
According to the Beast Attribute System, beasts are divided into
Elemental-type, Beast-type, Plant-type, Mechanical-type, and Undead-type,
with Elemental-type further subdivided into the seven basic elements: Fire, Water, Wind, Lightning, Earth, Light, and Dark.”
She picked up a specimen that was bright red all over and lizard-shaped.
“This is a Fire Lizard, an Elemental-type beast of the Fire attribute. Its rarity is ordinary, and the contract token is quite affordable. They have extremely high body temperatures and can spit out small fireballs. Though not very powerful in battle, they’re extremely sensitive to fire energy and are the most common entry-level Contract Beast for beginners.”
Next, she pointed to a silver-white fox model with wings.
“This is a Wind Fox, the Summoned Beast you all encountered during the entrance exam. It’s a Wind-attribute Elemental-type beast, rarity rare, and costs a bit more. Adult Wind Foxes are incredibly fast, able to manipulate airflow for attack and defense, making them the first choice for many speed-type Beastmasters.”
The students in the classroom all crowded forward, marveling in awe.
Teacher Su continued her introduction.
“Besides Elemental-type, Beast-type beasts are also very common. For example—”
She picked up a turtle specimen with a hard shell.
“This is a Heavy Armored Turtle.”
“And this one—” Teacher Su lifted a fluffy gray little animal specimen,
“This is a Shadow Raccoon.”
Lumiya lay on the desk, idly sweeping her gaze over the specimens.
Fire Lizard, Wind Fox, Heavy Armored Turtle… In her eyes, the power of these beasts wasn’t worth mentioning. But she had to admit,
the variety of beasts in this world was truly abundant. Some of their abilities were even new and interesting to her.
That “Mechanical-type” category, for example—just hearing about it was utterly different from the Summoned Beasts she knew.
But that was to be expected. She hadn’t settled in the Endless Cloud Sea from the start, only ended up there because it suited her tastes best.
“Now, let’s talk about Plant-type beasts.”
Teacher Su’s voice rang out again.
“Plant-type beasts usually take forms like vines or flowers, excelling at control and support. For instance—”
She pointed at a glass jar containing blue vines.
“This is Blue Silver Vine, a Plant-type control beast with ordinary rarity. It can rapidly grow vines to entangle enemies. While its attack power isn’t great, its control abilities are outstanding.”
“Mechanical-type beasts are a new variety in recent years, born from a fusion of Magic Crystal technology and machinery.”
Teacher Su displayed a small, metallic robot model.
“This is a Mechanical Scout, a scout-type Mechanical beast. It can launch signal flares, survey terrain, and even perform simple attacks—very practical.”
“These machine beasts don’t take up a Contract Beast slot, but likewise, there’s no mutual boost between beast and tamer, so truly powerful Mechanical beasts are rare.”
“And finally, the Undead-type beasts. These are rather special, usually formed by condensed undead energy, and tend to be fierce in temperament. Controlling them requires the Beastmaster to have strong mental fortitude.” Teacher Su’s tone turned stern.
“If you ever run into an Undead-type Beastmaster while out training, don’t look back—run! Pay attention, I said ‘Beastmaster’!”
“You’re probably wondering why I said Beastmaster instead of Beast Tamer. That’s technically a topic for sophomore year, but I like to get ahead, so listen carefully.”
“A Beast Tamer—that’s what you are right now—forms a basic contract and has a partner, but can only fight through tactics and cooperation. We call these ‘Beast Tamers.’”
“A Beastmaster, though, is someone who’s reached Tier 5 and undergone Soul Fusion. They share a telepathic connection with their partner, transcending human limits and perfectly borrowing their beast’s power for Beastification!”
“Like I said, Undead-type beasts are often very fierce, and once they’re connected with the Beastmaster, it’s easy for their nature to affect the master. Very few can withstand it, so don’t gamble—just run!”
As class was ending,
Teacher Su brought up the Bounty Hunt again.
“Next week’s Bounty Hunt is an important Outdoor Activity for new students. You can participate in teams.
After completing the mission, you can earn Magic Crystals, Course Credits, and exclusive Contract Beast items.
But be careful—the Summoned Beasts in the Trial Forest may not be high level, but they can still be dangerous. Work together and stay safe.”
When the bell rang, students excitedly discussed their team plans.
Little White pulled Lin Xing aside, beaming.
“Let’s hurry up and make our hunting plan! I’ve checked out the Trial Forest info—there are Tier 0, 5-star Bristle Pigs, Tier 1, 1-star Wind Wolves, and even the rarer Moonlight Rabbit. We can start with Bristle Pig, get some experience, then challenge stronger beasts!”
Lin Xing agreed,
“Alright, let’s go to the Library this afternoon to check the detailed info on these Summoned Beasts and devise a more concrete strategy.”
After their loss to the Spirit-communing Poison Vine, both of them had realized how important it was to know about the Summoned Beasts.
They quickly packed up and headed for the Library.
Lumiya nestled in Lin Xing’s arms, listening to their tactical discussions, found it all rather amusing.
Was all this really necessary for low-level beasts?
But seeing how serious they were, she didn’t bother to pour cold water on their enthusiasm.
In any case, she’d secretly step in and solve any problems with ease.
The Library was extremely quiet that afternoon.
Lin Xing and Little White sat by the window, poring over information on the beasts of the Trial Forest. Little White read earnestly from a copy of the Magical Beast Habit Compendium.
“Bristle Pig, Beast-type, Tier 0, 5-star Summoned Beast, irritable temperament, has tough spikes on its back, charges when threatened, weakness is the belly and eyes.”
Lin Xing took notes as he occasionally stroked Lumiya’s scales, thinking about tactics.
“We could dig a half-meter deep pit along a Bristle Pig’s usual route, line it with sharp branches and disguise it with leaves. When the pig falls in, Snowball can use ice mist to restrain it, then Lumiya can attack its belly with fire.”
Lumiya impatiently shook her head, but still lay quietly in his arms, her golden slit eyes scanning the information on the table.
Bristle Pig? It sounded like the meat would be tasty. She wondered if it would be good roasted.
Unknowingly, dusk crept in.
The two of them finished gathering materials and went to the Cafeteria for dinner.
On their way back, passing by the Lakeside Pavilion, Little White suddenly stopped, pointing at the lake: “Look, there are Glowing Fish in the lake!”
Lin Xing followed her finger and saw countless little fish glowing blue floating on the water’s surface. As they swam, they left behind streaks of blue light—a beautiful sight.
“So pretty!”
Little White excitedly took out her phone to snap pictures, and Snowball peeked out, its ice-blue eyes reflecting the shimmering lake.
The Glowing Fish on the water looked like scattered diamonds, weaving a dreamy net of blue light.
Little White crouched by the lake, her elbows on her knees, hands supporting her chin.
She watched the fish intently, her cheeks tinted with a gentle blue glow from the water.
Her hair fell softly over her shoulders, gently tousled by the evening breeze.
Strands caught the silvery glint of the moonlight, and when she smiled, it seemed as if her dimples sparkled with starlight.
Lin Xing stood beside her, momentarily spellbound.
Even his breathing became softer—the night breeze, the glowing light, the girl’s smiling face—like a magic painting, making his heart race.
He didn’t even notice Lumiya poking his palm with her paw.
After returning to the dorm,
Lin Xing prepared an Enchanted Egg Tart for Lumiya’s dinner.
She devoured it ravenously and quickly fell asleep on the bed.
Lin Xing looked at her sleeping form, helplessly smiling.
He gently covered her with a small blanket before sitting down to write up his class notes for the day.
Once Lin Xing was asleep, Lumiya suddenly opened her eyes.
She quietly got up. Perhaps it was the effect of the contract awakening the dragon’s possessive instinct,
or perhaps the millennia-old dragon, through Little White, was reminded of those early days—
The first thing the newly-traveled dragon learned in her loneliness was to become human.
After crossing world after world in solitude, never finding “humans,” she had given up on being “human.”
But tonight, Lumiya
wanted to become
“human”
once more.
Golden light enveloped her body, growing brighter and brighter, illuminating the entire dorm as if it were day.
When the light faded, the small dragon form was gone—replaced by the figure of a young girl.
The girl had waist-length golden hair, silky and lustrous, glowing faintly under the moonlight like flowing sunlight.
Her face was exquisitely delicate, doll-like.
Her brows were slender and lively, her golden eyes still bearing the laziness and pride of her dragon form, but now tinged with more softness.
Her nose was petite and delicate, lips a natural cherry pink, the corners lifted in a faint, elusive smile.
Her figure was slim and graceful, skin snowy white as if it could break at a touch.
She wore a gold-strapped long dress, the perfect curves of her chest lifting the skirt, fine dragon scales shimmering softly beneath the moon, and the hem fluttering like butterfly wings in the breeze.
Around her snow-white neck hung a small ruby, echoing her golden eyes and making her shine even brighter.
Lumiya walked to the window and pushed it open. The night breeze tousled her long hair, bringing coolness with it.
She looked up at the sky. The bright moonlight spilled over her, making her look like an elven spirit beneath the moon.
From the distant sports field came scattered laughter and the calls of Contract Beasts as students trained late into the night.
Lumiya sighed softly, her heart a mix of emotions.
She had never thought she would appear in this world in such a form.
Lin Xing might be a bit of a “small fry,” but he treated her well enough.
Little White was gentle and adorable, always bringing her tasty egg tarts.
The days spent with them, though simple, were full of joy.
She looked down at her own hands—slender and pale, utterly different from the powerful dragon claws she’d used for a thousand years.
She waved her hands lightly, feeling both the familiarity and strangeness of this form. Suddenly, she found it rather novel.
Maybe, living in this world in this shape wasn’t such a bad thing after all.
Lumiya turned to look at Lin Xing’s bed.
He was sleeping soundly, a slight smile on his lips—who knows what pleasant dream he was having.
She tiptoed over, bent down, and gently touched Lin Xing’s cheek with her finger.
Lin Xing stirred, turned over, and continued sleeping.
Lumiya smiled, then returned to the window.
She knew that when the sun rose, she would become that small dragon again, continuing her role as the “newbie Contract Beast.”
But she didn’t mind.
After all, she knew she had already found her “human” self in this world.
Under the moonlight, the girl’s figure was slowly enveloped by golden light, once again turning into a small dragon.
Lumiya curled up on the bed, closed her eyes, and a satisfied smile played on her lips.
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