In the section reserved for the top five academy representatives, tension hung in the air.
One of them—a broad-shouldered man with a wolf crest on his armor—stared at the hole above and muttered, "With him making a move, we have no chance of recruiting that boy now."
Another, a scholar-like elder with spectacles, sighed. "Indeed. That black-haired monster doesn't move unless something shakes the heavens. If he's personally intervening…"
A beautiful woman with fiery red hair and crimson robes leaned back with a sly smile. "Maybe we can still win Jax over… with the right offer."
The man in armor shot her a glare. "If you want to die, don't drag us into it."
The red-haired woman rolled her eyes. "Tch. Cowards, all of you."
None of them dared speak louder than a whisper. None of them wanted to challenge the man who had taken Jax.
---
Above the clouds…
The wind howled in Jax's ears as he soared through the air, held tightly by the shoulder. His heart pounded—not from fear, but sheer disbelief.
> He's flying… without wings or spells.
Jax turned slightly to study the young man's calm expression. No enchantments glowed around him. No devices were visible.
> "So either… he's a high-tier Wind Mage… or he has terrifying cultivation."
And judging by his appearance, he didn't seem be a wind mage.
> "Then that means… he's flying purely with his aura?!"
Jax felt a chill crawl up his spine. He didn't even know how cultivation worked in this world, but his instincts screamed that this man was dangerous—beyond comprehension.
Before he could think further, the man's voice rang out.
"We're here."
Jax blinked. "Huh? Where—?"
His question was cut off as the young man stopped mid-air.
Floating in the sky, they faced a sprawling sea of shadows and mist below—a forest so vast it swallowed the horizon. The trees were black, twisted, and ancient. Strange lights blinked from the depths, and distant roars echoed through the valleys.
Jax's eyes widened.
> "This is…."
"What is this place?" he asked.
The young man turned to him, his voice calm.
"The Dark Night Forest."
Jax's heart skipped a beat. He had heard about this place back in the city.
> It was said to be a forbidden zone… a land of beasts and mystical races. A place where only monsters survive.
Jax's voice cracked slightly. "W-Why did you bring me here…? This place is deadly!"
"For others," the young man replied coolly. "But not for me. And not for you—if your talent is real."
Jax gulped.
"I want to see it," the man continued. "Your Beast Monarch Talent. To tall you the truth,I've lived for a very long time… and I've never heard of it before. So show me how it's works."
Jax was left speechless when he heard what the young man just said. But before Jax could reply, a thunderous roar shook the sky.
RAAAAAAAAARGHHH!!!
Jax's eyes widened as he clutched his ears. A bolt of lightning streaked through the clouds, smashing into the ground far below—splitting the earth like paper.
And then—two colossal figures exploded from the trees.
One was a majestic golden eagle—its two pairs of wings spanning dozens of meters, twin horns curled from its head like a dragon's. Its eyes glowed with stormlight, and its cry crackled with thunder.
The other…
Was a magnificent white lion with flowing silver mane and massive feathered wings. Its fur shimmered like starlight, and golden armor glinted from its limbs. Lightning swirled around its claws.
Jax's breath caught in his throat.
> They're… monsters.
Jax showed a face of shock when he saw the two colossal monsters as it was his first time seeing monsters this large.
Without hesitation, the two beasts clashed mid-air—fangs and talons colliding in a burst of elemental energy. Thunder crackled. Wind howled. Lightning struck again and again as the two monsters roared.
The young man, unshaken, pointed toward them.
"Can you form a contract with one of them?"
Jax stuttered. "T-Those things? They're… they're terrifying!"
"Your talent is meant for beasts," the man said. "So tame one. I want to see it in action."
Before Jax could protest, the young man extended his hand and
—BOOM!
Both monsters were struck by an unseen force and smashed into the ground, shaking the forest.
Jax could barely believe his eyes.
> He knocked them down… in one move?!
The young man without giving Jax any chance then landed beside the beasts, who now lay groaning with jack. Though not defeated, they were weakened—stunned by the immense pressure the man unleashed.
The lion looked at Jax and the young man and it rore at them.
"
As the lion rore, Jax's breath caught—he could heard a voice in his head—deep, regal, and angry.
> "Human , how dare.you step into our domain…?!"
He realized—he was hearing the lion's voice.
> "I can understand him. I really can… talk to monsters."
"Stop hesitating," the young man said, his voice sharp. "Use your talent. Now."
Jax nodded, swallowing his fear.
He stepped forward—toward the lion.
Its brilliant blue eyes locked onto his, breathing labored but defiant.
> "Human… you dare approach me?"
"I don't want to fight," Jax said aloud. "I want to make a pact."
The lion narrowed its eyes.
> "A contract…?"
Jax called out, "System, how do I from a contract with this monster!"
As he said that a new panel appeared before him.
---
> [ Contract Initiation: Beast Monarch Protocol Active ]
Step 1: Draw Half-Moon Symbol with Blood on Beast's Forehead.
Step 2: Maintain eye contact for 5 seconds.
Step 3: Accept spiritual synchronization.
Warning: If synchronization fails, target may retaliate.
---
Jax took a deep breath and bit the tip of his finger, blood pooling into his palm.
Stepping Infront of the giant head of the lion and gently reached out and drew a half-moon symbol on the lion's forehead.
The beast growled trying to resist.But suddenly, the ground beneath them began to glow.
A massive blood red magic circle erupted around them, symbols spinning in golden light. The pressure in the air grew heavy as the ritual activated.
The young man raised an eyebrow. "Interesting…
"
But the golden eagle looked at them with fear in it eyes . It tried to stand up but because of the powerful aura of the young man, he could not even rise it head. It could only look at Jax and at the lion in the blood red magic circle with a helpless look in it eyes.
As glowing magic circle beneath Jax and the white lion slowly faded, two symbols appeared—one etched on the lion's head, and the other glowing faintly on the back of Jax's right hand.