Khalil entered the room with a quiet sense of resolution, his footsteps echoing slightly on the wooden floor. The walls were much simpler, but there was something grounding about the space. It felt neutral—an empty slate, just like him in this new world. A place to start over.
He closed the door behind him with a soft click and paused, his gaze falling to the medium desk in front of him. His fingers brushed lightly across the surface as he considered the task ahead. It was a significant moment, yet there was an undeniable sense of uncertainty.
"So, here I am," Khalil murmured to himself, his voice low. "Time to connect with my bond. Easy enough, right? Just reach out, tap into that... connection." His words trailed off, as he frowned slightly, feeling the familiar frustration welling up. "Except I don't know how to do any of that. Not properly, anyway."
He moved to the desk and took a seat, resting his elbows on the smooth wood as he began to think aloud. "I mean, I know what I'm supposed to do, in theory. It's all about connecting with the beast, forming that bond, and feeling its energy. It's simple enough for anyone who's familiar with it. But I'm... I'm missing something. Like a piece of the puzzle I should have by now, but I don't."
His thoughts briefly turned to Kalem. 'This body is Kalem's body. His memories, his experiences, are part of me. But... my memories—the ones from my past life—those were sealed, locked away.'
Khalil sighed softly, pressing his fingertips to his forehead. "I should know this. I would have known this, back then. But now… I feel like I'm fumbling through it all."
He shook his head, trying to focus. "Okay, no need to panic. It's not like I'm completely lost. I know enough. Kalem knew enough. History, basic knowledge of taming, the various paths… it's just the practical stuff that's eluding me. Like, the real stuff that makes it work. But I have to start somewhere, right?"
Khalil leaned back in the chair, crossing his arms as he stared up at the ceiling, mulling over the information he had. "This world… it's not like the one I came from. The technology here is far behind. I can't just Moogle something on my holobook or scrap a database for quick answers. In this world, people don't rely on technology—they rely on beasts. And there's a particular energy they rely on too."
He stopped for a moment, tapping his fingers against his leg as he recalled what little he knew. "The energy is called Primal Essence. It's a form of strange energy that beasts absorb. Only they can take it in, shape it, use it. Humans, the Kalun, and the other races—none of them can. It's just... for beasts. The tamers, those who bond with the beasts, are the ones who help harness that power and use it for protection, for work, for battle, whatever's needed."
Khalil paused, his mind turning toward the different races of the world, the ones that called this place home. "Then there are the Kalun. Nomads. Strong, independent. They're a different kind of people, with their own methods of taming. And they have a unique bond with their beasts, too. They don't rely on the same paths as other tamers. They've learned to do things their way, adapting to their environments. But I guess that's how most races survive, huh? They make do with what they have, and they build on it."
Khalil's thoughts continued to flow. "Then there are the other two races. One is… what was it? They're more reclusive, the kind who live far from the main settlements. Their taming methods are shrouded in mystery, but they're powerful. And the last one…" He trailed off. "I can't remember their names, but I'll figure that out later."
He exhaled slowly, getting back on track. "But what I do know is that in this world, the taming paths are divided based on the beasts themselves. Their elements, their abilities. For example, the low-ranked flying beasts. They're common. Nothing special, but useful. People bond with these to use them for transport or labor. They're the workhorses of the this world, and they serve an important role, even if they're not glamorous."
He raised an eyebrow as he leaned forward, hands clasped together. "Then, there are the powerful ones—the Guardian Tamers - the one term used for many paths. These are the tamers who bond with the most formidable beasts, the ones that have the strength and skills to fight and protect. They're the ones out in the field, facing danger. They're like the adventurers you'd find in most games or stories—the ones who fight the wild evil beasts, take on the quests. It's clear that I'll probably fall into this path, especially now that I'm a student at the academy. The Guardians are the ones who go on the biggest adventures. And... well, that's something I can't ignore."
He shook his head slightly, as if trying to banish any overconfidence. "But nothing's certain. Maybe I'll bond with another unique beast. Or maybe I'll end up with something completely unexpected. The possibilities are endless. Still, I have to be realistic."
Khalil leaned back in his chair, giving himself a moment to process. "So, this is what I know for now. I'll need to learn more as I go. The geography here… the language. It's starting to come back, like some kind of muscle memory. But the practical things? The real bonding? The Tamer's job? That's something I'll have to figure out. One step at a time."
He stood up from the chair, stretching as he glanced out the window, watching the sun dip lower in the sky. "Alright, Khalil. Let's not waste time. There's more to this world than just beast taming. And there's more to you than just trying to fit into Kalem's shoes or saving the world."
With a soft chuckle, he added, "First thing's first though—food. I can't focus if I'm hungry. Time to figure out where I'm going to get a proper meal around here."
He turned and moved toward the door, feeling the weight of the path ahead, but also a growing sense of purpose. No more second-guessing. It was time to step forward and take charge.
"Oh, you already woke up, huh?"
"Eh, y-yes, you are back, Mr.Principal."
_____ ____ _
(Don't forget to Comment, Vote, and Share.)
The soft clinking of utensils against fine ceramic echoed gently in the room, a quiet symphony of dinner ambiance. Khalil sat at a modestly adorned dining table, facing the principal of the academy. The warm light of an overhead chandelier cast a soft glow on the setting, illuminating the steaming dishes between them.
Khalil couldn't deny the pang of hunger that gnawed at him, and somehow, the principal had known. He glanced briefly at the principal, who appeared relaxed yet observant, as if he could read every thought coursing through Khalil's mind. How had the man known he was hungry? A hunch? Or had the bird—the principal's elusive, intelligent bond—somehow tattled on him?
The meal was simple but hearty—roasted meat, a medley of vegetables, and freshly baked bread that still carried the warmth of the oven. Khalil hesitated for a moment before digging in, his stomach overriding his reservations.
The principal took a slow sip from his cup before setting it down with a deliberate motion. His sharp gaze flicked to Khalil. "Eat well. You'll need to recover after what you did back then."
Khalil nodded, swallowing a bite of bread. The silence between them was surprisingly comfortable, the kind shared by two individuals who understood that conversation would come when the time was right.
Finally, after taking another mouthful, Khalil broke the silence. "Principal," he started cautiously, "I've been meaning to ask… What happened after I fainted? Are the lady and her bond safe?"
The principal smiled faintly, setting down his utensils. "Yes, they're safe. You ensured that when you acted so decisively. The healers tended to her and her bond immediately after you passed out. She expressed her gratitude before leaving for the dormitory to rest. You've done well, Kalem."
The weight that had pressed on Khalil's chest since waking up eased slightly. He nodded, more to himself than the principal, and continued eating.
After a moment, the principal leaned back in his chair, his expression contemplative. "You know," he began, "I took a look at your documents earlier. Quite an interesting background you have. From what I saw, you're from an ordinary family. Your parents are peak Novice Tamers, each bonded to a single beast. You've got two younger siblings—twins, a sister and a brother. And if I'm not mistaken, your family's financial situation only began to stabilize after you started working at a beastcare shop."
Khalil froze for a moment, his fork hovering over his plate. The principal's words weren't surprising, but hearing his life laid out so plainly felt strange, as if someone had pieced him together from fragments of his past.
The principal continued. "The shop owner was the one who recommended and sent you here, wasn't he? Do you know why?"
Khalil placed his fork down, his appetite dampened by the question. He rummaged through Kalem's memories, piecing together the events that had led him here. The beastcare shop had been more than just a workplace—it was practically a half-hospital for beasts.
He had started working there about two years ago, and his efforts had turned the small establishment into something much bigger. More people had begun to trust the shop with their precious bonds, and its reputation had grown exponentially.
Then, about a month ago, the owner—an older man with a sharp eye for potential—had sat him down.
"You're wasting your talents here, Kalem," the owner had said. "You've got the makings of a true tamer, not just a caretaker. It's time you went somewhere that could nurture that potential. The academy's the place for you."
Kalem hadn't fully understood at the time, but he had trusted the owner's judgment. Thanking the man for his kindness, he had agreed, unsure of what lay ahead but determined to give it a shot.
Shaking off the memories, Khalil looked up at the principal and shook his head. "No," he said quietly, "I have a vague idea, but… I'd rather keep it to myself for now."
The principal's eyes seemed to sharpen, but he nodded in understanding. "You're as I've heard," he said, his tone carrying a hint of approval.
Leaning forward slightly, the principal continued, his voice measured. "It's because the shop owner discovered something extraordinary about you. He found your Talent—your Tamer Talent, to be exact."
Khalil stiffened, his pulse quickening. He didn't bother denying it; the principal clearly knew. Besides, it wasn't something he could hide—especially with what happened with the bird who saved him earlier. Instead, he gave a small nod, acknowledging the truth.
The principal smiled faintly. "A wise choice not to hide it. Anyway, your Talent allows you to communicate with beasts, doesn't it? To understand them in ways others can't."
Khalil nodded again, more firmly this time.
"That's a powerful Talent even though it might seem not that good compared to other Talents." The principal said rubbing his beard. "You must know that Tamer Talents are rare. Those who awaken them, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant their talent might be, have an undeniable edge over others. It's not just about skill—it's about connection. And in this world, that connection is everything."
He continued after a pause. "From what I know, your Talent allows you to understand all the beasts, while Tamers are limited to understanding their bonds only and fully understand their words only when they achieve a True Bond. That's what makes your Talent powerful."
Khalil's fingers tensed slightly around his fork. "You seem to know quite a lot about my Talent," he observed carefully, studying the principal's expression.
The principal's eyes crinkled with something that might have been amusement. "The shop owner is an old friend. When he contacted me about you, he was... quite detailed in his observations." He paused, taking another sip from his cup. "But what interests me more is how you've managed to keep such a remarkable Talent relatively hidden. Most young people with such abilities tend to... shine more conspicuously."
A memory surfaced in Khalil's mind – Kalem's memory – of countless nights spent in the shop's recovery ward, quietly talking to injured beasts, careful to only do so when no one was watching. Of deliberately holding back, making his insights seem like lucky guesses or careful observation rather than direct communication.
"I didn't want to stand out," Khalil said finally, choosing his words with care. "The ability to understand beasts... it's not something that should be taken lightly. They trust you with their fears, their pain, their secrets. It felt wrong to use that trust for personal gain."
Paragraph comment
Paragraph comment feature is now on the Web! Move mouse over any paragraph and click the icon to add your comment.
Also, you can always turn it off/on in Settings.
GOT IT