The moment Ray stepped into the classroom with Charmander walking proudly beside him, all heads turned.
It wasn't just because of the flaming-tailed creature at his side—but because he was one of the rare few in the class who had managed to create an original card. That alone was enough to make him a mini-celebrity overnight.
Right behind him came Glen, Hexowl floating silently beside him, its mechanical wings making a soft whirr with each flap.
Professor Mirea, their Card Theory teacher, stood at the front of the room with her signature silver braid and sharp gaze, tapping a floating notebook with the tip of her mana quill. She didn't look surprised at all.
"Congratulations," she said, her voice clear and composed. "To those of you who succeeded in creating a unique card, let it be known: from today forward, you are officially recognized as Card Apprentices."
A few polite claps echoed in the room, though it was obvious the applause was forced from the students who sat without cards beside them. Most of them had failed to pass the story test and had resorted to league-issued template cards—usable, but capped at Rank-9 and incapable of breaking through unless fate intervened.
There was envy in their eyes… but also silent admiration.
"Now," Professor Mirea continued, glancing down her roll scroll, "Those of you passed the custom card creation and summoned a unique partner. As part of this morning's session, I want each of you to step forward and introduce your card to the class. Name, type, and a basic technique demonstration."
Her eyes landed on Ray. "Let's start with you."
Ray nodded and walked to the front of the class. Charmander followed beside him, puffing out his chest proudly.
"I'm Ray," he began. "This is my card partner—Charmander. A Beast-Type primary with Elemental-Fire as secondary."
A few murmurs erupted from the students.
"That doesn't sound like any card from the manuals…"
"Is that a custom species?!"
Ray smiled and gave a small nod. "Let me show you what he can do. Charmander, Ember!"
"Char!" The fire lizard's tail flared, and with a quick inhale, it puffed out a cluster of glowing red-hot embers. They arced in the air, landing safely in the open training bin Professor Mirea had already placed for safe use.
The flames danced for a second, then fizzled out harmlessly.
"Nicely controlled," Professor Mirea commented. "Elemental technique precision at level one—impressive."
Ray stepped back, and the next student was called.
A confident girl with short black hair stepped forward. "Iris Vale. Card name: Shadow Serpent. Type: Beast-Mystic Hybrid."
Dark mist swirled around her, and from it emerged a long, serpentine beast with shimmering scales and glowing purple eyes.
"Technique: Veil Lash."
The serpent's tail flicked, launching a wave of shadow energy that distorted the air for a split second.
Even some students in the back flinched.
Professor Mirea raised an eyebrow. "Good. Next."
A boy with spiky silver-blue hair walked up next, clearly a bit nervous. "Yuno Aster… Frostshade Fox. Beast-Elemental, Ice and Wind subtypes."
A sleek, multi-tailed fox appeared beside him. Its fur shimmered like fresh snow, and frost sparkled on the ground beneath its paws.
"Skill: Snowbind."
A mist of frost swept across the front of the class, gently coating the ground before dissipating.
"Beautiful and efficient," Mirea noted. "A difficult hybrid to manage. Well done."
Next came a quiet boy with glasses, moving with methodical steps. "Leon Fei. This is Soul Wisp. Mystic-Spirit."
A faint, floating orb emerged near his shoulder.
"Skill: Echo Heal."
The orb pulsed gently, releasing a soft blue wave that washed over a wilted class plant—reviving it instantly.
"Support type," someone whispered. "Rare as a starting card."
And then it was Glen's turn.
He adjusted his oversized glasses and walked up, grinning. "Glen Cooper, reporting for duty. Card name: Hexowl. Mechanical Type, Support Subclass."
A swirl of blue and silver energy formed into a large metallic owl that floated to Glen's side, its glowing eyes rotating like gears.
"Skill: Scan Pulse."
Hexowl let out a low mechanical hoot. Its eyes glowed brighter, releasing a soft pulse of light that scanned the room. Each person's mana signature briefly flickered around them—like harmless glowing auras.
Professor Mirea looked mildly impressed. "Mana detection and analysis… useful even outside of combat. Strong foundation."
Finally, a muscular girl stepped forward, hammer strapped to her back.
"Brianna Harth. My card's Ironjaw, Beast-Mechanical Hybrid."
A massive crocodile with iron plates and venting steam emerged with a ground-shaking thud.
"Skill: Steam Burst!"
It roared and released a hissing burst of white fog that spread across the room and slowly evaporated.
The class clapped, some with awe, some with jealousy.
Professor Mirea took center stage again.
"You've all done well," she said. "Each card here is impressive in its own right. Strength, support, speed, strategy—all valid paths. But remember: this is only the beginning."
Her voice sharpened slightly. "Tomorrow, your official training begins. These demonstrations were child's play compared to the trials ahead."
She waved her quill in the air, and glowing words formed above her:
Training Begins Tomorrow – Prepare Accordingly.
She let the words linger before continuing.
"Also—remember this: there is no perfect card. Only perfect synergy between card and master. Find your rhythm. Develop your bond. That will determine your future more than any flashy skill."
Ray looked down at Charmander, who was already stretching with a small yawn.
He smiled.
"Let's get stronger together."