Beastbound: Awakening the Hunter

Hector carefully placed three large wooden barrels in Oliver's new room. Behind him, several students followed, each carrying pots filled with various potions, which they poured into the barrels.

The potions were unusual—while they appeared cold as they were carried in, the moment they were poured into the barrels, they began to emit thick, swirling mist. A warm steam, tinged with a faint magical scent, quickly filled the air.

“You three should soak in these,” Hector said casually. “These potions will help heal your wounds.”

Healing potions?!

Both Deniel and James were taken aback, feeling it was a bit extravagant. After all, they had merely been roughed up in a scuffle—something that was hardly uncommon for people like them, from humble backgrounds.

"This is the Academy’s way of compensating you. No need to feel shy about it," Hector chuckled, clearly unconcerned.

Oliver, Deniel, and James were all deeply touched by the gesture. Yet Hector, ever the busy man, didn’t linger. He quickly excused himself and left.

Left to themselves, Oliver, James, and Deniel couldn’t hold back. They eagerly climbed into the steaming barrels with a splash.

The sound of water splashing echoed, followed by contented groans from the three of them. The healing effects of the potions were immediately apparent—they could feel their injuries rapidly healing, a soothing warmth spreading through their bodies. The sensation was so pleasant that it almost bordered on euphoric.

Winter was approaching, and the cold in the air was becoming more pronounced. Soaking in the warm, magical concoction was an absolute comfort. Their muscles, stiff and aching, relaxed as though every fiber of their being was celebrating the healing. Before long, they felt so drowsy that they almost drifted off to sleep.

But James and Deniel, still processing everything that had happened, couldn’t contain their curiosity.

“Oliver, how did you do it?” James asked, his voice full of wonder.

“Yeah, those guys were upperclassmen, and some of them were even from the Knight’s program. Yet you took them all down on your own!” Deniel chimed in, still in awe.

Oliver shrugged casually. “I’m just good at fighting. Besides, why do you think I became the best hunter in the town so quickly?”

“The best hunter in town?” Deniel echoed. If Oliver had said this before, Deniel, also a hunter, would have scoffed. But now, after witnessing what Oliver was capable of, he had no choice but to admit it.

"Some people just have natural talent," Deniel sighed, looking a bit envious. "Our abilities are pretty average, but Oliver... you're going to go far. Don’t forget us when you join the nobility, alright?"

The two of them laughed, envious but proud of their friend.

"Oliver," James added, shaking his head in disbelief, "I think you might be the most impressive person I’ve ever met. Arcanus the professor—he’s respected even by the nobility in town. Everyone bows to him. And now, you’re someone he’s taking seriously? Your future is looking bright."

"I feel like I’m dreaming," Deniel agreed, both of them still processing the magnitude of it all.

Of course, both James and Deniel had benefited from the situation too. They’d been compensated handsomely—hundreds of silver coins. It was enough to purchase more magical potions, and that would significantly boost their strength. Becoming a magic apprentice, which had previously seemed impossible, was now within reach.

Becoming a magic apprentice would change everything for them.

Another hour passed in a blur of contentment as they soaked in the potions. But soon, the magical energy began to dissipate, and the healing effect of the bath started to fade. With a reluctant sigh, James and Deniel climbed out, drying off quickly. Oliver, however, lingered a moment longer, savoring the sensation.

He wiped his body with a towel, then quickly collapsed onto the soft bed.

This room—rumored to cost 1,500 silver coins per semester—was nothing short of luxurious. The bed was the softest he’d ever slept in. Compared to the tiny, rickety house he’d lived in back in the village, this place felt like a paradise.

After a long, deep sleep, he awoke the next morning to the sound of a rooster crowing. The sky was just beginning to brighten when he got up. However, when he went downstairs, he was surprised to find William, his senior, already practicing knightly techniques under a large tree outside the dormitory.

"William, you're up so early?" Oliver asked, a bit surprised.

"Haha, so are you! I failed my attempt to advance to the knight rank in Glensorne. I can’t afford to slack off now!" William replied, his tone one of determination. Despite the setback, his spirit remained unbroken.

After chatting for a while, William checked his pocket watch and then said, “It’s almost time. Professor Arcanus gave instructions for your formal initiation today. After the ceremony, you’ll officially become one of his students.”

Oliver felt a rush of excitement. While he’d already been studying at Oakridge Academy for the past few days, today would mark the start of his true apprenticeship. Not just any apprentice, but a core student—a position envied by even the other students.

Following William, Oliver walked deeper into the academy, toward Arcanus’s residence.

The building was a gothic, somewhat ominous-looking loft that had always been off-limits to the new students. But today, Oliver was about to see it up close.

As they neared the building, Oliver immediately noticed something unusual: a magical barrier surrounding the structure. The aura of the barrier was strong, offering both defensive and offensive properties. Setting up such a barrier would require considerable magical power and wealth.

William led Oliver through the barrier with ease, and as they entered the building, Oliver was struck by its sheer scale and opulence. The surroundings were lush with rare flowers and magical plants—just the exterior alone made it clear that the building’s owner was no ordinary mage.

"Professor Arcanus must be a formidable figure among orange-tier mages," Oliver thought to himself. "He’s even allowed entry into the Mage’s Tower, after all."

Inside, the atmosphere was just as imposing. Arcanus, a dignified figure, stood waiting for him. Several other core apprentices were present as well—Hector and the two girls Oliver had met the previous evening.

Despite his intimidating presence, the professor greeted Oliver with a warm smile.

“Oliver, though you are the son of a farmer, you possess incredible potential in the knightly arts,” Arcanus said, his voice rich with approval. “People like you are rare, and I won’t let your talent go to waste. Would you follow me and learn the ways of the knight?”

Oliver blinked, stunned. Wasn’t he supposed to be studying magic?

"What's this? You think, because I’m a mage, I’m not capable of teaching you the knightly path?" Arcanus asked with a playful, teasing look.

"No, no, Professor," Oliver quickly replied. "I just thought... well, I believe I have a stronger aptitude for magic, and I’m more interested in learning that."

Arcanus raised an eyebrow, a slight frown crossing his face. "You believe you have a greater aptitude for magic, hmm?"