Chapter 2: Beast Academy and the Mockery Within
Two weeks had passed since Tang Ren bonded with his Lizard Beast, now affectionately nicknamed Zee.
Despite the jeers and dismissive glances from clan members, Tang Ren didn't waste a single moment. Every day, he visited the Beast Nurturing Hall, feeding Zee high-nutrient meat and basic energy crystals to push its growth.
Even now, it was perched on his shoulder, tail swaying with lazy contentment.
Today marked the first day of Crimson Fang Academy's Beast Class—a three-year program where newly awakened youths trained to become full Beast Masters.
The academy gates were massive, etched with red-gold emblems of fang-shaped wings. Tang Ren entered the courtyard alongside dozens of other first-years.
Whispers started immediately.
"That's the weak twin."
"His beast's still a gecko, right?"
"I heard he didn't even make it to Bronze Rank."
Tang Ren ignored them. His gaze remained forward—sharp, calm.
"Tang Yue's brother?" a voice called.
A tall boy with crimson hair and a lion-like beast walked over, sneering. Lu Fen, first son of another elite Crimson Fang elder.
"So, the runt showed up. You sure you're in the right class, lizard-boy?"
Tang Ren simply raised an eyebrow. "You seem invested in what beast I use. Insecure, perhaps?"
Lu Fen's grin faltered.
Before tension could rise, an older man with silver hair and sharp eyes stepped onto the training platform.
"Quiet! I am Instructor Lei, and I don't care who your parents are, or what beasts you bonded with. In my class, only strength speaks."
Silence fell.
He continued. "Your beasts must reach Level 5 Bronze Rank within the month. Fail, and you'll be demoted to Auxiliary Class."
Murmurs of panic spread. That meant no elite training, no resources.
Tang Ren touched the system interface in his mind.
[Zee – Lizard Beast] Level: 3 / Rank: Bronze Evolution Progress: 27% to Flame Basilisk Materials Required: Firecore Gem (1), Charred Scales (3)
He had found a vendor near the outskirts of the city selling Charred Scales, but the Firecore Gem was rare. He needed it before Zee reached level 10.
---
After class, Tang Ren visited the Beast Library. Inside, he studied evolution paths, battle formations, and material harvesting zones.
He learned that the Blazing Gorge, a canyon zone three days south, had Firecore Gems—but was infested with Flame Bats.
That night, while most students dined in the clan hall, Tang Ren slipped out with Zee.
"Ready?" he whispered.
Zee squeaked and leapt into his satchel.
---
Three days later, bruised and dust-covered, Tang Ren stood at the edge of the Blazing Gorge.
He'd faced wolves, mud wyrms, and venom lizards—earning enough experience to level Zee to Level 5.
And now…
A faint glow shimmered ahead. A Firecore Gem, wedged in volcanic stone.
He stepped forward, but a screech rang out.
Dozens of Flame Bats descended.
"Zee!" Tang Ren summoned his beast.
The lizard dropped, tail glowing red.
[Skill Activated: Flame Whip]
Zee's tail lashed, slicing through three bats at once.
Tang Ren gritted his teeth, weaving through the swarm.
If they survived this… the first evolution would be his.
And no one could call him weak again.