Chapitre 14: The Right Reward

"Last but not least. As the two who not only broke the record but came here first, you can choose one resource as your acceptance reward for joining Nova academy." This was an unexpected benefit. Clark had thought he would be sent to a dormitory then left to wait for classes.

The next room after the main entrance was full of strange materials, scents, and energy. Everything in the room was valuable for low tier tamers. They could help them progress or even understand their tamed beasts better. "Take one and only one. If you try to take more I will not be kind." The gatekeeper would never allow greed.

'Oil stone

Best material for a ground and fire type beast to consume. It will strengthen their affinity for the elements.

Dried coriander seeds

Perfect for earth and water type beasts. These can help calm them when the spirit tamer is meditating. It will increase their bond.'

Clark was absorbing all the information he saw. It was valuable. Even if he couldn't find something perfect for him and Devi, he would find something valuable for someone else to sell later. He would need the gold to buy what he needed.

"Lit, look. That's a small spirit stone. It can help you get stronger faster." Maria was nearby about to grab the small spirit stone.

'Small spirit stone

This is perfect for increasing a spirit beast's strength. While it does not work with secondary tamed beats, it is ideal for a spirit beast. This is due to the strengthening effect it has on the soul of the beast. In turn, it also strengthens the spirit tamer increasing overall strength.'

"I wouldn't take that. You will be wasting your potential." Clark wasn't being mean. It was just true.

"But…I need to get stronger." Maria felt that Clark had spoken for a reason. She didn't show the fear from earlier but was thrown off by his sudden outburst. Clark hadn't been one to speak to her since she started to follow him.

"I'll help you in turn for healing my hands before." Clark looked around and zeroed in on a single unassuming item.

"This is called spirit thread. Make a bracelet and wear it whenever you meditate. It only works with spiritual beasts like yours. Over time it will strengthen your bond and give you the potential for better telepathic communication with your spirit beast. It can be something you use for your whole life. Not just a one time use."

The gatekeeper held a calm face. Inside he was praising the wise eyes of the youth before him. Most people were caught up by the materials that increased strength instantly. Only the students that had a few brain cells were wise enough to choose something that wouldn't be wasted after a single use.

"Thank you!" Maria was reassured that Clark was a hidden kind soul. Someone she might be able to rely on. While she had some personal misgivings, she became more attached to him. Clark on the other hand realized he might have chosen wrong. But he had to pay her back or it would haunt him forever.

"I will take that. Is it alright? That's very rare." Clark pointed at a small vial with a few drops of black liquid in it.

"That? Why would you desire that? Unless you can use it? Interesting. You know that most people wouldn't even know that's a possible item. It takes some very unique studies to find that beasts that can use that exist." The gatekeeper found the thing that all the professors watching had wondered. He knew what kind of spirit beast Clark possessed.

"So you figured it out. I see. But I trust you will keep that between us?" Clark looked and saw the gatekeeper nod.

'Black blood

Blood taken from a very powerful undead beast. This blood would be a poison to any living spirit beast, however, for an undead or ghost type spirit beast it is nourishment. The potential of a ghost or undead type spirit beast can be properly unlocked by using this to feed it. It can only be used once in their existence but could have incredible effects.'

Clark was willing to gamble on this. Devi hadn't hatched for years to get proper nourishment. That was what made him have the mythical rank. His rarity offered great potential already. But if Clark were to feed him this black blood, then Devi might unlock the potential he had as a spirit beast altogether.

"Now that you have chosen. Here are your uniforms. Your dormitory will have additional pairs for you. As the first two to come through you would get the first and second rooms. But since you came in at the same time I will send you to the first dormitory. The rooms six and seven will be yours. Welcome to Nova academy. Copycat, take them there will you?"

A small shadow cat jumped out of the gatekeeper's shadow meowing at the two looking at it. Clark hadn't sensed or seen this spirit beast at all.

'Doppelganger

The doppelganger often takes a cat like form. It is able to copy a targeted beast by consuming some of its soul essence. It possesses a very weak ghost and strong darkness type. They are usually found deep in the woods and enjoy tormenting stronger beasts by copying them. They require intense training by changing forms over and over to become powerful. However, they will become an intense opponent when replicating a beast they are stronger then.'

"Impressive…" Clark whispered this. The weak ghost type that this spirit beast had was enough for the gatekeeper to know of the ghost type and figure out Clark had a similar spirit beast. He also knew that those who worked in the academy would not be simple. It was something everyone knew but was reestablished in front of his eyes.

Before Clark could fall in to deep thought, he was graced by the next door opening. The Nova academy proved to be more elegant than expected. Many tall separate buildings were set up around a massive courtyard full of students. The buildings were clearly marked for different uses.

One that caught Clark's eyes was a very large battle arena. It would be perfect for him to go and test his strength. But he wouldn't be able to show off his strength just yet. He had to keep Devi a secret. That was the only thing keeping him at an advantage over everyone.

A few other students noticed the new faces walking through the streets following the black cat. They could tell they were new students since Maria and Clark were not in their uniforms yet.

"Two finished already? How did they manage that? We only get ten or so new students every time and it usually takes over twenty two hours to get them." The gossip had already begun. Whether Clark and Maria liked it or not, they were a hot topic.

"Where's his spirit beast? A dwelling type or a weapon type maybe?"

"How did she get so far with some glow sting jellyfish? Aren't they weak and can only heal?"

"Yeah, must have been lucky. She'll get knocked out soon enough."

"Why did that kid just glare at us? Does he think he's tough? He isn't wearing any crests to back him up. He'll get himself beat to a pulp."

"We seem to have made friends." Clark grinned at the people who would be his stepping stones to proper strength.

Before long, the pair stood in front of a large building. It had a single number on it showing that it was dormitory one. "Replacements for the graduated students of room six and room seven. Come in. I only have these two left. Be lucky you got them. Students would fight over this luxury." The dormitory staff member handed a simple booklet with rules and keys that only opened their rooms. She walked away soon after mumbling about preparing the night's meal. Her job appeared to be very busy so Clark didn't feel dejected at all by her behavior.