Chapter 342 - On Beasts and Bonding Conversations quietened as more and more eyes turned to the professor, who leaned on a finely carved silver cane, standing on the threshold of the hall. The man sported dark hair streaked with gray and dark indigo clothes. Sweeping his gaze across the classroom, he gave the students a haughty sniff and waited for each one of them to stand up in respectful greeting before entering. Kai wanted to roll his eyes. The academy’s bell had chimed five minutes ago—and they weren’t the ones arriving late. Despite all the archipelago’s disadvantages, he was grateful for its loose customs. It had been less than two weeks since he had enrolled at Raelion, and the endless list of rules and etiquette already stifled him, doubly so when they only applied one way. When on the mainland, do as the mainlanders do. Especially if the guy in charge isa Fourth Circle mage. He’d have to adapt. No first-year was willing to show a hint of displeasure as the man’s silver cane punctuated his way toward the lecturer’s desk. Hierarchical social structures must be an inevitable consequence of levels and grades. A sharp caw made several students jolt when a crow flew through the closing door. The bird’s nightblue feathers seemed to dim the light in the hall as the green presence blanketed the hall. The beast perched on the professor's shoulder and retracted its aura, leaving many students pale and sweaty. Their bonded beasts were even worse. Glancing at the back, Kai saw the puffed-up parrot and the white dove huddling together and shaking, while the golden hamster had dove into its bond’s bag. “What did I tell you, Beatrice?” The professor wagged a finger at the crow before petting her head. “You must be mindful and patient with new students.” The scolding might have worked better if the man didn’t look so pleased—and his familiar seemed to know it, too. It let out another cackling caw, watching the first-years with blatant disdain. Kai didn’t like to propagate stereotypes about birds, but the crow was making it hard. Her beady eyes gleamed like she was plotting ways to torment the class. Thankfully, Hobbes wasn’t here; the proud cat wouldn’t have taken the challenge lying down. Who said laziness didn't have its uses? Beside him, he heard a low hiss from the sleeve where Nibbles had disappeared. Alden petted the bump on the arm of his uniform and whispered some reassuring words. The snake’s aura melded with the mana of his roommate, becoming entirely indistinguishable. Hmm, that explains why I never noticed him. At least that little guy was fighting against stereotypes. Well, as much as a snake hiding to strike from ambush could—he was definitely venomous. Fresh chapters posted on 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭•𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦•𝘯𝘦𝘵 Kai glanced back at the professor, wondering if he could sit when everyone else was still standing. Really, what was even the point? Reaching his desk, the man took his time ordering his books before remembering the students waiting on him. “Sit.” He gestured distractedly and took out a tree-like contraption from a spatial artifact. Its purpose became clear when Beatrice perched on top and gleefully pecked at the collection of shiny baubles strewn among the metallic branches, almost creating a nest. Each piece of gaudy jewelry and polished bead carried the glow of a mana treasure. Kai wasn’t an appraiser, but he reckoned he must be looking at a few hundred mesars just to decorate a mobile perch. Hobbes is getting competition for the fussiest fami— “Be warned, I don’t tolerate distractions during my lessons.” The professor gave the class a stern look. “You may address me as Professor Morgrave. Normally, I don’t teach introductory courses, though the collegium has seen fit to assign me otherwise. So, I welcome you to Introduction to Companion Bonding,” he said. His expression exuded the joy of a funeral procession. “While this is one of the basic courses, it is perhaps more important. A beast bond is a commitment that may last a lifetime. Your familiars and pets will shape you as much as you shape them. More, if you fail to handle them correctly. It goes unsaid that choosing an appropriate beast is of paramount importance. Though if you’re here, that choice has already been made…” He scanned the beasts present with a patronizing air. “I’d like to believe you have carefully pondered every aspect before sealing the bond, but I’m not fond of delusions. You must thank the academy’s foresight for making this course mandatory. Even if your choice lacked wisdom, I’ll put my best effort to steer your skill paths toward success before considering resorting to more drastic solutions. Even under the chill light of the Moons, not everything can be salvaged if the foundation is rotten.” Kai raised his eyes from his notes, hoping he had misunderstood the implications. No other students in the class showed a reaction, and the lecture continued, forcing his attention back on his scribbles to keep pace. After an introduction flavored with disparaging comments, they swiftly delved into the topic, barely following the textbook. Contrary to the seven basic courses, the rest of the class appeared as new to the information as he was. “…there are several types of beast bonds. Can someone tell me the difference between a general companion and a familiar skill?” Professor Morgave searched the hall for volunteers. His droll tone made it ambiguous if he hoped for an answer or silence; after a few seconds, a boy hesitantly raised his hand. “Yes, Mister…?” “Halemore. Tobias Halemore.” The boy stood straighter, gaining the pride of a peacock, though he hadn’t brought a bonded beast. “Familiars are stronger and grant more benefits beyond controlling a beast.” Professor Morgrave took the answer with a suffering air, sharing a glance with Beatrice. The crow stopped playing with her shinies long enough to caw at the student. “Mmooorron—caw!” “Language!” Professor Morgrave pressed his lips, shaking his head at the bird, while his face looked subtly pleased—Kai wasn’t much a fan of conspiracies, but he was sensing a pattern. “It’s true that familiars generally bestow stronger benefits. Though that’s a consequence, and not the source of the difference. Anyone else want to try?” The breathing students became the loudest sound in the classroom. Kai skimmed his textbook for answers, feeling the professor’s attention hover in his direction when Alden raised his arm to speak. “A companion bond is asymmetrical, going from human to beast,” his roommate said. “It’s usually considered part of the broader taming skills, though more individual and permanent. By contrast, a familiar bond is reciprocal. It’s a mutual link that goes both ways.” “Correct.” Professor Morgrave seemed surprised by the sound of his own voice. “Mister…?” “Alden…” His roommate gave a rueful look, speaking low, close to a whisper. “Alden Blackwoods.” Kai wasn’t sure if the other students heard, but the professor straightened, rifling through the papers on his desk. “Yes… a fitting answer, Mister Blackwoods! Forgive my slight. I didn’t expect to see someone of your standing in this class.” Mhmm… where have I heard that before— The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Under Alden’s annoyed look, the man quickly continued the lesson with an obsequious smile, cutting short Kai’s thoughts. “As Mister Blackwoods excellently put it, the main characteristic that distinguishes familiar bonds is reciprocity. The skill you see in your status is only half of the whole. It has been documented that if you were to see your familiar’s skills, you’d find a complementary ability. While that doesn’t mean the bond is balanced equally, it does create a much stronger connection. They exert influence on you as you do on them. The combination of skills creates an effect stronger than the parts…” The lecture took a sharp turn, becoming more precise and detailed, with a particular focus on familiars. Kai had no time to wonder why and tested the limits of his new Dexterity to take notes. Apparently, it wasn’t normal to have your skill named after your furry buddy—at least not before Green. It had also been lucky they were both at Yellow when they had bonded, or his skill would have started a whole grade lower. Thank Yatei, I didn't have free slots before advancing. “…as a familiar bond flows both ways, so do its benefits. There are dozens of variations to the skills that we’ll explore in future lessons. For now, we’ll focus on the constants. First, the stronger the bond to your familiar, the greater the advantages and the influence you exert on each other. That’s why it’s crucial to contract a beast with a fitting grade, potential and compatibility. If any of these elements are off balance, the consequences range from wasting a skill slot to subverting the proper balance of power…” Professor Morgrave began pacing as he lectured. “The benefits that beasts gain from bonding with humans are quite straightforward. With few exceptions, familiars develop sharper minds, easily equalling humans upon reaching Green. The effect is even more marked on younglings, which is part of the reason why people prefer bonding beasts that haven’t reached adulthood. Secondarily, familiars can learn a wider variety of skills, depending on… “A more complex topic is the advantages that you gain upon bonding with a familiar. Aside from a trustworthy partner, of course. The variety of benefits is as large as the number of beast species, further multiplied by variations in familiar skills. The most common include heightened instincts, unlocking or evolving specific skills, boosting an attribute…” Kai tested his endurance by filling pages of notes. Digging beyond the deep layers of disdain and condescension, Professor Morgrave proved a decent teacher. He tackled the fundamentals without dithering on unimportant details and classifications. “Any questions on the benefits of familiar bonding before we move on?” His voice sounded almost conciliatory, inviting questions. Beside him, the crow glared at the students to stay silent from her perch. I’m not getting a better chance. Kai had noticed a glaring absence from the list of advantages. Biting his cheek, he raised a hand and leaned slightly toward Alden as if he were a good luck charm. “Excuse me, Professor. What about improving our elemental affinities?” A few chuckles and whispers spread through the hall at his question. Professor Morgrave ignored them, though he wore a condescending smile, his gaze briefly flitting to his roommate. “Quiet, students. Who hasn’t listened to the stories of heroes gaining unparalleled magic upon bonding with mythical beasts? And who hasn’t dreamed of it growing up? I bet all of you did at least once.” He waved the hall to silence and petted his crow. “Every legend carries a few grains of truth. It’s indeed possible to improve your elemental kinship.” The man snorted at the students, showing uncertain humor and dismay. Only Alden appeared unfazed by the revelation, giving Kai a studious look. “Naturally, there is a reason why most people have only heard it in stories,” the man said. “It requires both a powerful familiar skill and a beast with nearly-mythical elemental attunement. The best recorded example is phoenixes. As you may know, they’re reclusive creatures. And even knowing their location, it’s more likely you’d be reduced to ash by an A-tier beast than getting close enough to their young.” Professor Morgrave turned his patronizing smile back on Kai. “While it’s certainly an… ambitious goal, I wish you the best of luck bonding such a beast. Legends wouldn’t be made if no one were daring enough to try. Any other questions, young man?” “No, professor. That solved my doubts.” Kai said, scribbling insults in English in his notebook. With no one else willing to ask questions, the lecture proceeded to the characteristics that distinguish informal beast tiers before quickly concluding. “Before we end, I’m available to offer specific advice if you have brought your companion. One goal of this course is to analyze the potential of all your bonds, but I see many of you will need a great deal of help sooner rather than later.” His crow cawed and dared anyone to come close to her perch of shinies. Kai stretched his legs beneath the table. Despite the insufferable delivery, the lecture had given him a lot to ponder over. “You should ask Professor Morgrave what he knows about your familiar,” Alden said, putting away a single page of notes. “It’d be unfortunate if you made a mistake out of ignorance.” Thanks, but I’ve had enough condescension for a week. Even appeasing his roommate wasn’t worth the hassle. He prepared an apologetic smile. “Maybe next time. I haven’t brought my—” “Mroow.” A muffled call came from the bag by his chair. Kai cleared his throat to cover the sound when another pitiful meow echoed from his bag, which had gotten noticeably fuller from when he had set it down. He was tempted to kick his backpack, but Alden had already fixed on it, giving him a dirty look. Kai bent to untie the latch and pull out the stowaway that had infiltrated his bag during the lesson. Hobbes watched him with large indigo eyes, innocently licking his paw. Don’t think because you improved my affinity with Space, I won’t strangle you. What happened to keeping a low profile? Forget I’ll buy you more snacks! No, the fact that the lesson was about you isn’t an invitation, you vain fluffball. What if someone noticed the bag mysteriously becoming overstuffed? “You put your familiar into your backpack?” Alden coldly asked. “Oh, he likes to nap inside.” Kai cradled Hobbes in his arms, leaning to whisper words of promises of retribution. At this point, he had no choice but to commit. “You know cats love tight spaces. I couldn’t bear to pull him out. Uhm… maybe we should ask the professor if he can tell me about him.” “We should,” Kai agreed. No way would he face the professor without his good luck charm. He already wasn’t enthusiastic about the idea, but if he had to show Hobbes to pass this course, he’d rather get it over with now. You better behave, or I swear I won’t buy you another snack till spring. And I’ll tell Flynn to do the same. “Meew.” Hobbes watched him with droopy ears and reluctant agreement. With His Majesty’s guiles on his side, they quickly convinced Alden to tag along. Only a couple students had gathered the courage to approach the lecturer’s desk. Beatrice glared at each person who queued, and it was soon their turn. “What can I do for you, Mister Blackwoods?” Professor Morgrave looked at Alden, who was clearly staying a step behind Kai. How many demerits would he get if he flipped off a professor? The middle finger wasn’t a thing in the Republic, though the gesture wasn’t hard to guess. Maybe he could use the finger to casually scratch his brow? His roommate succinctly explained the situation before Kai could make up his mind. “You don’t know the origin of your pet?” Professor Morgrave turned to look at him as if just noticing he was there with a silver cat in his arms. Kai’s face was impassive, though Beatrice didn’t have the same compulsions. “Caww—Mmooorron!” The crow cackled to herself. Laugh as much as you want. Cats are the greatest hunters of birds. It took all of Kai’s will to speak with an even tone. “I’m satisfied with my familiar, but I would like to learn more if possible.” He set Hobbes on the desk, wondering how many demerits he’d get if it were his familiar to act out. The cat was already bristling under the crow’s gaze. Just endure this, buddy. Remember, revenge tastes better cold and with no clues leading back to us. A disinterested glance sharpened as the professor narrowed his eyes on the cat. “It’s an interesting specimen for sure…” He poked and prodded Hobbes, lifting his paws and checking his mouth. “The main bloodline must be from a shade cat and a dreamcatcher, bred with too many others to rebuild its genealogy. Maybe a mutation… Its camouflage is certainly quite unique, slipping away from casual attention.” His mana pulsed, and he nodded, finishing the examination. “You’re very lucky, young man. I don’t possess Shadow Magic myself, but your familiar must have a strong affinity for it. He might reach a rare D-tier breed if we were to categorize him.” “I see. Thank you for your insight. I must have really gotten lucky.” Kai snatched back Hobbes before his familiar could claw the smile off the professor and took his leave. The man was much more interested in talking to Alden anyway. Your sacrifice will be remembered. He mouthed a thank you to his roommate, who glared back. The clock chimed the hour just in time. Hmm… Blackwoods, Blackwoods… Was there a forest or was it a province named like that? He would have to ask Alden later. Holding Hobbes in one arm, Kai grabbed his notebooks and bag, ready to head for his next lesson. Then, he noticed a shiny brooch gleaming in his familiar’s paw—one that had been hanging from Beatrice’s perch a minute ago. He wasn’t sure when or how it happened, but he hurried toward the exit. Good boy. Get rid of the evidence, and I might buy you that snack.