Aston leaned back slightly against the wagon, absorbing everything Nova just explained. He could visualize the colored orbs, each representing a Core Skill— each growing, changing, and multiplying as the beast advanced.

"So, that explains Core Skills…" he muttered. "But why does this Sylph Wind Equine have so many skills overall? There's like… ten of them?"

[Clarification. Spirit beasts can acquire skills across specific growth thresholds. Active Skills may be learned naturally, or through training at the following intervals: 1-star, 3-star, 5-star, 7-star, and 9-star. Passive Skills are typically acquired at 1-star, immediately after birth or awakening, and upon core condensation at Obsidian Core rank.]

[Inherent Skills manifest at 1-star, 5-star and 9-star threshold, depending on different aspects— the beast's lineage, potential, personality, training, and more.]

Aston whistled under his breath and stared again at the Sylph Wind Equines. "That means these guys were probably bred and trained by the same breeder before being assigned."

He trailed off, a new thought creeping into his mind. "Nova… are there ranks beyond the core stage? Like stronger than Diamond Core? Or skills even beyond Core Skills?"

Nova's response was almost immediate, but the tone carried a note of restriction.

[Affirmative. However, this data is currently locked.]

Another prompt blinked into view.

[Clearance Access Level 4 required. Unlocked when Master Spirit Professional Rank or above is reached.]

Aston raised a brow. "Figures…"

He exhaled slowly, watching his breath mist slightly in the morning air, with eyes ignited with desire. He was barely scratching the surface. But he was going to reach that level one day. He had to. For the truth… of his parent's disappearance… of the Voidheart Fragment… of the mysteries of the world.

While conversing with Nova, other students trickled in— some excited, some nervous, and a few still sleepy-eyed. They greeted each other in murmurs and shared glances of anticipation.

Genevieve was nowhere in sight, true to her word. Yosef hadn't arrived yet, but Aston figured he would show up just in time. He was wondering whether Seria and Rowan would be coming or were already at the academy.

The minutes ticked by.

At exactly 8:00 AM, the attendant stepped forward again and announced, "Departure begins now. Wagons will move in sequence. Please board according to your assigned number."

Aston climbed into Wagon Three while carrying both Mirage and Gray over his shoulders. The gentle hum of the engines thrumming beneath his boots. The seats were warm and cozy. Mirage went down and settled on the seat. Gray curled up beside Aston's bag, already dozing again.

The door hissed closed.

With a deep, resonant cry from the leading spirit beasts, the line of wagons began to move.

As the wheels rolled out of the gate toward the distant mountains on the horizon, Aston leaned against the window.

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The view beyond the window blurred as the wagons picked up speed. Wind whistled faintly outside, muffled by the insulated cabin. Inside, the gentle hum of the mechanical core harmonized with the rhythmic gallop of the spirit beasts. It was an odd contrast—organic strength fused with engineering grace.

Aston absently scratched behind Gray's ears. The feline let out a soft, contented purr, barely shifting in its curled-up position. Mirage perched on the opposite seat, one leg tucked under its body, eyes half-closed but alert.

With little else to do, Aston activated his new phone, the transparent interface blooming before his eyes. A few swipes brought him to the academy's internal site. He skimmed through the upcoming semester's subject list.

—

Scouting Arts Division, 1st Year, 1st Semester

[FOU-100: Foundational Spirit Theory]

[FOU-101: Spirit Bond Synchronization Techniques]

[FOU-102: Essence Channeling and Core Cultivation]

[FOU-103: Beast Communication and Emotional Resonance]

[FOU-104: World History — Epochs of Spirit Civilization]

[FOU-105: Applied Battle Tactics]

[SAD-100: Scouting Tactics and Terrain Adaptation

[SAD-101: Spirit Beast Integration for Reconnaissance Purposes]

[SAD-102: Long-Range Observation and Risk Profiling]

Scouting Arts Division, 1st Year, 2nd Semester

[FOU-106: Advanced Spirit Theory]

[FOU-107: Practical Essence Manipulation and Spirit Strain Recovery]

[FOU-108: History of Strategic Conflict — Major Skirmishes and Beast Roles]

[FOU-109: Applied Battle Tactics II]

[SAD-103: Scouting Adaptation in Extreme Environments]

[SAD-104: Field Reporting, Map Encoding, and Recon Journals]

[SAD-105: Detection, Evasion, and Counter-Scouting Protocols]

—

A few threads and student posts cluttered the forums beneath the subject listings.

"Heard the Synchronization class has spirit resonance tests. Hope y'all practiced your link stances."

"Get a good mentor. Some of them actually care. Others? You're just a quota."

"The west dorms have better sunlight. East ones are closer to the training field."

Aston smirked, scrolling through both serious advice and memes hastily drawn on message boards. The nervous excitement that had been lingering in his chest since morning finally settled into something quieter.

He leaned back against the cushioned seat, adjusting his posture so Mirage didn't fall off. The scenery beyond the glass became a picture of dreams—mountains that rose like jagged stone blades, rivers that glistened with the afternoon sun, and endless rolling plains that passed in streaks of gold and green.

Somewhere in that rhythm, sleep crept up.

Gray dozed on, Mirage blinked lazily, and Aston's eyes slowly closed as the wagon surged forward under the clear sky.

Around 3:07 PM, the cabin lights flickered once.

A soft chime rang out.

"Now approaching the outer gates, please prepare for departure," came from the overhead speakers.

Aston stirred from his nap just as the wagon slowed.

Outside, immense gates loomed into view, towering far above those of Shale City. The stone was embedded with metal veins and spirit runes that pulsed with regulated energy. Guards in obsidian-blue armor stood in formation, and overhead wings scouts circled in layered patterns.

Beyond the gate, a sprawling city rose in tiers against the base of a wide plateau. Towers of crystalline glass and white stone caught the afternoon sun like beacons.

Above it all, perched at the heart of the city's uppermost terrace, stood a vast structure with the following lettering.

Halcyon Reach City.

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