After receiving their ranks and summons, Rylan and Blaze returned to their dorm room, a modest stone-walled chamber with twin beds, enchanted lanterns hanging from the ceiling, and a small window offering a view of the academy grounds. The room still felt unfamiliar, but their bond made it a little more like home.
They dropped their gear, too exhausted from the events of the day to talk much. As the sun dipped behind the sky towers of Arcane Taming School, the boys drifted into a light rest.
Suddenly, a flash of radiant flame pierced through the window. A magnificent phoenix, its wings made of golden fire and crimson light, glided down and perched on the sill. Clutched in its talons was an ornate scroll sealed with a glowing sigil.
Blaze, half-asleep, blinked. "Uh... Rylan? Am I dreaming or is that bird on fire?"
Rylan stood, slowly approaching the phoenix. It released the scroll into his hand and vanished in a shimmer of flame and light.
He unrolled the parchment. The magical ink shifted and glowed.
By decree of the Grand Circle of Arcanum and Taming, you have been selected for transfer.
Effective immediately, you are enrolled in VritraMaho Academy, an elite institution for advanced summoning and magical beast mastery. Prepare for departure.
"VritraMaho Academy?" Rylan whispered. "That sounds... intense."
Blaze grinned, suddenly wide awake. "Heck yeah! New school, more magic, cooler summons! Let's do it!"
The next morning, after a rushed breakfast in the dorm mess hall, the two boys visited the nearby Arcana Supplies shop to gather the essentials. As soon as they stepped through the enchanted doorway, they were nearly knocked over by the wave of magical aura.
The shop was bigger on the inside—towering shelves filled with glowing tomes, shimmering powders, and rare artifacts. Mystical orbs floated midair, chiming softly.
"Whoa..." Blaze said, awestruck. "It's like walking into a spell."
They gathered the items listed in their transfer letter: summoning powder, tomes on mythical beasts, runic gloves that boosted control over summons, a pair of enchanted rings, a flying cape stitched from wyvern silk, and a set of sleek black uniforms—each laced with silver threading and alchemical test tubes that refilled with energy potions on command. Their bags, reinforced with dragon scale, shimmered faintly with protective enchantments.
"We look like actual elite tamers now," Rylan said, adjusting his cape.
They returned to their dorms, packed, and prepped for the journey ahead.
The next morning dawned golden and clear. Rylan bolted upright, eyes full of excitement.
"Good morning, Blaze! Today's the day we join our new academy. I can't wait to learn and grow from there!"
Blaze groaned, pulling the pillow over his face. "Woah, chill, Rylan. I know it's big, but let me at least wake up first."
"Sorry, sorry," Rylan said, hopping around as he tried to lace his boots. "I just don't want to be late!"
Once dressed, they were whisked away via an enchanted carriage, pulled by two horned griffins. The trip to VritraMaho Academy was swift, carried on the winds of high magic.
As soon as they arrived at the floating citadel, a crushing yet majestic aura met them—like the weight of a thousand magical beings watching.
They passed through grand gates carved from obsidian and sapphire. The interior of the academy glowed with arcane symbols and floating lanterns. Their steps echoed in the vast marble corridors.
In one hallway, they met a small group of new students.
"Hey!" a boy with spiky brown hair waved. "Name's James. These are my friends—Rant, Frost, Riley, Joy, and Grace."
"Nice to meet you!" Rylan said. "I'm Rylan, and this is Blaze."
"First day too?" Blaze asked.
"Yep," said James. "Let's head to class together."
"All right!" Rylan grinned. "Let's go!"
On the way, Rylan accidentally bumped into another student.
"Hey, chump! Watch where you're going!" the boy growled, grabbing Rylan by the collar.
Before Rylan could respond, Blaze dashed forward and shoved the boy aside. Rylan fell back and quickly got up.
"Thanks, Blaze," he said, brushing himself off. "Sorry, that was my fault."
The other boy narrowed his eyes and growled. "I've got my eye on you two." Then he walked away, scowling.
"Who was that guy?" Rylan muttered.
James caught up, frowning. "That's Drake. Rumor says he used to beat up kids in his old school for just looking at him."
"Well, I don't like him," Rylan said.
"Same here," Blaze agreed.
"Guys, we're gonna be late!" Frost shouted.
"Oh shoot!" Rylan exclaimed. "Let's run!"
"Right behind you!"
Their classroom was massive, shaped like an amphitheater with floating books and glowing crystal displays.
A woman with sleek silver hair and a staff stood at the front.
"Hello, students," she said, her voice both kind and commanding. "I am Miss Maxine—but you may call me Miss Max."
"Let's begin with introductions."
Each student stood in turn. Rylan spoke with confidence, Blaze with excitement. James and the others followed.
Because of some unexpected issues with academy management, their first class ended early.
Back in their dorm room—larger and more luxuriously enchanted than their old one—Blaze noticed Rylan deep in thought.
"You okay, Rylan?"
"Yeah… just thinking about Drake. James said he used to hurt people for fun."
"Don't worry too much," Blaze replied. "Let's talk about it tomorrow. Just rest for now."
"You're right. Good night, Blaze."
"Night, Rylan."
That night, Rylan's dreams were anything but peaceful.
He found himself falling, endless sky above and below. His Fuzzle floated beside him, squeaking nervously. Rylan grabbed it, aiming for what looked like a well below.
Just as they were about to crash—he slowed. They floated gently to the bottom, a hidden force protecting them. Rylan stared at Fuzzle.
"Did you... save us?"
The tiny creature glowed faintly. Hidden magic.
A path appeared. A voice—ancient and resonant—whispered: Follow.
He did.
They entered a shrine, filled with glowing glyphs. At the center were two pedestals—one shaped for a boy, the other, a Fuzzle.
They stepped onto them.
Suddenly, spiritual forms of dragons—of every rank—swirled around and through them. Then spirits of other mythical beasts followed, pouring energy into the Fuzzle.
Then—
He woke.
Sweat beaded on his forehead. Heart pounding.
He stared at the ceiling, wide-eyed.
Something had changed.
Something was awakening.