Roran had begged.
Literally begged with the desperation of someone who saw opportunity slipping through their fingers.
"Please," he'd said, his hands pressed together as in prayer, dignity abandoned. "Just one spot. I can be useful, I swear."
Other classmates had joined the chorus of pleading. Offers of eternal loyalty, promises of future debts, even one had attempted to bribe Ren with underwear from his personal collection, thanks to a ridiculous rumor that Roran's group had started through misunderstandings.
But there were only ten slots.
And Ren's team was already complete, filled with people who'd earned their places through years of friendship too, but also proven capability.
And most importantly, synergy.
They had thirteen Silver beasts, an absurd quantity for a ten-person team.
But also..
Taro's Royal Living Tunnel, a marvel of minerals and power that had caused a sensation when it evolved to Gold 1.
