The moment Alden's serpent spirit shrank into its smaller, almost cute form, the terror that had once gripped the students melted away.

The once-terrifying Basilisk of Calamity was now coiled lazily around Alden's neck like an oversized scarf, flicking its tongue and nuzzling him affectionately.

Whispers filled the air.

"…It's so small now…"

"Wait, it's actually kind of cute."

"I want one like that too!"

The fear that had clouded the cadets' hearts was replaced by an eager fire. Every student now longed for their own spirit companion. The thought that such a terrifying creature could also be loyal and protective to its master filled them with hope.

Professor Livana noticed the shift and smiled warmly. 'Good… the fear is gone. Now they're truly ready to bond.'

Soon, the students began stepping forward one by one, entering the circle to summon their spirits. Laughter, gasps, and excitement buzzed through the Whispering Forest as one cadet after another succeeded in forming their first bond.

Seraphina's turn came. She stepped into the runic circle with her usual grace, blue hair glimmering under the soft light. A heartbeat later, her soul entered the Spirit Realm.

Unlike Alden, she didn't have to search. The moment she arrived, dozens of spirits—both large and small—flocked toward her. Birds of frost, crystalline butterflies, foxes made of mist, and wolves of ice circled her.

Seraphina blinked in awe. 'This… it's not as hard as I thought.'

Then her eyes fell upon one spirit in particular.

A small snow fox, standing upright like a child, its body glowing with ethereal light. Three fluffy tails swayed behind it, tipped with frost crystals. Long silvery hair cascaded down its back, and its icy-blue eyes glowed with innocence and quiet power.

Snowflakes swirled gently around its body, giving it an angelic aura.

Seraphina's heart melted instantly. She extended her hand.

The fox hesitated, stepping back with cautious eyes. But then, as if sensing Seraphina's genuine warmth, it moved forward. It licked her hand, then gave it a gentle nip.

A surge of warmth filled her soul.

Seraphina smiled softly. "Thank you for trusting me. I swear I'll take care of you."

The fox let out a cheerful yip, tails wagging, before snuggling into her chest.

-----

Back in the Whispering Forest, Seraphina's eyes fluttered open. For a moment, Ethan worried she had failed, his brows furrowing. But then Seraphina gave him a reassuring smile and a thumbs up.

The students gasped as the small snow fox materialized in her lap, its three tails swishing happily.

Livana's eyes widened, then she clapped her hands. "Wonderful! Seraphina, you've bonded with an extremely rare spirit. That is a *Kitsune.* Very few ever see one, let alone bond with it. The three tails you see mean she is still young. As she grows stronger, her tails will increase, and with them, her power."

The students stared in awe as Seraphina gently stroked the fox's silky fur, her expression glowing with joy.

---

Next was Thalos, the fairy prince. He entered the circle confidently, and before long emerged with a majestic golden lion at his side.

Alden's jaw dropped. "Oi—are you kidding me?! That's the exact lion I wanted!"

The serpent spirit around his neck hissed furiously, glaring at Alden and the lion with a murderous gleam.

"Okay, okay! You're the best, buddy," Alden chuckled nervously, patting his serpent.

The golden lion growled low, shrinking back under the Basilisk's gaze.

Thalos raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Relax, Alden. Yours is clearly more terrifying. Mine literally cowers when it sees yours."

Alden scratched his head. "Yeah… fair point."

Then Aurelia stepped forward. Everyone expected the fairy princess to shine, and she didn't disappoint.

Not only did she summon her original fox spirit, but another enormous spirit answered her call—a massive bear spirit with fur like shining brown bark. It immediately crouched and lifted Aurelia onto its shoulder, carrying her like a precious treasure.

Aurelia flailed helplessly, cheeks red. "Kuma! Help me down already!"

Thalos chuckled seeing that she had already named it.

The bear gave a low rumble, then carefully placed her on the ground. The students burst into laughter at the adorable scene.

Thalos patted her head gently. "I was worried two bonds might harm you. But you really made me proud, little sister."

Aurelia smiled shyly. "Thanks, brother."

Ava's turn came. She sat cross-legged in the circle, focusing quietly. Minutes passed. Then her eyes opened—calm, glowing with new strength.

Seraphina and Charlotte rushed over. "Well? Did you do it?"

Ava smiled faintly. "Yes. I did."

Before she could reveal her spirit, Alden swaggered over, his serpent coiled smugly around his shoulders.

"So, my little pipsqueak got herself a spirit, huh?" Alden teased. "I bet it's something tiny and fragile… maybe even scared of snakes!"

He burst out laughing, his serpent flicking its tongue as if laughing with him.

Ava's brow twitched. "Shut up, ugly."

She raised her hand, and light flared.

A unicorn appeared before her, slender and graceful, its snow-white coat shimmering faintly green. Its mane flowed like living vines, tiny glowing flowers blooming wherever it moved.

A crystalline horn spiraled from its forehead, glowing emerald. Each step it took sprouted grass and blossoms beneath its hooves.

The students gasped in awe.

Livana's eyes lit up. "Incredible! A Sylven Star Unicorn. These spirits rarely bond with anyone.

Their healing abilities are unmatched, and they can even create sanctuaries in battlefields.

They are revered in wars for turning the tide with their speed, healing, and protection."

The unicorn neighed softly, licking Ava's cheek.

Ava smiled and stroked its mane. "Thank you."

Alden snorted. "So it's just… a fancy horse."

The next instant—WHAM. unicorns foot smashed into his back, launching him straight into a tree.

The forest echoed with laughter.

Charlotte and Seraphina doubled over, clutching their sides. "You got what you deserved, idiot!"

Ava smirked. "Payback's sweet."

Alden groaned from the ground, his serpent hissing indignantly.

Ethan wanted to laugh too but held back, folding his arms as a faint smile tugged at his lips.

Just like that, only four remained—Eliria, Lilith, Ethan, and Charlotte. Their turns were next.

-------

A/N:

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