Chapter 53: Freedom Flight Chapter 53: Freedom Flight "This marks the end of the trial selection process. Those without a talent leave this area immediately. Those who possess one, stay back," Brant announced, stepping aside to watch as half the crowd began to disperse. Leo blinked, surprised—and he wasn’t the only one. Out of two thousand youths, half had already awakened their talent; this was a 50% chance, a steep increase from the 1% - 2% Beast Master awakening. Brant’s voice rang out again, loud and commanding. "Now, listen carefully. Most of you already know your talent by name—it should hint whether it’s of the combat, support, or life type. The academy values all of these. Even if your talent is ’Cooking,’ you can still join us. But you will be tested accordingly. "Those with life-type talents need not fear; your tests carry no life threat. Fail, and you’ll be escorted home. Pass... and your life changes forever. An academy is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—seize it." When he finished, Brant turned toward Baron James. "Baron James, we’re very pleased with the quality of youths gathered here. The Emperor will reward you well. Especially those two—judging by your expression during their awakening, you seem to know them personally." James gave a slow nod. Brant’s smile widened. "Then perhaps, you could give us a hint to attract them?" A low scoff came from one of the other instructors. "Old fox, you think we can’t hear that? Don’t act innocent. Everyone knows your Aurelius Beasts Academy always tries to poach the best talent, though you only try, heh," Hasker grumbled, earning nods of agreement. "Hoho, why would I do that?" Brant chuckled, spreading his hands. "I’m only asking for our benefit. If we know their preferences, we can compete fairly, no?" James sighed, shaking his head. These academies and their obsession with competition... Still, he answered."From what I’ve seen, they’ll go wherever they’re treated best. But hear me—don’t try to separate them. If you do, they might not join at all." Brant raised a brow. "Such a bond, huh? I’ll keep that in mind," he said lightly, stepping back. They won’t be separated? Brant mused inwardly. Good. Our academy’s spirit department is among the finest... though that boy’s talent—’Bestiary of Souls,’ was it? Never heard of it. Must be soul-related. Hmph. Maybe that fossil of ours will prove useful after all. Some instructors sighed in disappointment, others brightened. Not every academy boasted both Soul and Spirit departments—and for many, that distinction mattered more than they’d admit. It was finally time to depart. Several instructors stepped forward, summoning their beasts into the clearing that had formed once the talentless had left. One after another, mighty eagles appeared: [Skyrend Eagle – High 4★ – Super Bloodline] [Skyrend Eagle – Mid 3★ – Super Bloodline] [Skyrend Eagle – Peak 3★ – Super Bloodline] [Skyrend Eagle – High 3★ – Super Bloodline] [Skyrend Eagle – Mid 3★ – Super Bloodline] Leo’s eyes narrowed. All of them have Super Bloodlines... they must be breeding them. But why does that one look smaller than the one they arrived on? Even smaller, the pressure they exuded was crushing. If not for the mana barriers the instructors hastily deployed, half the crowd would’ve fainted on the spot. The youths hesitated to climb up—each eagle’s back could only be reached by walking across its vast wingspan. Finally, one boy took a shaky step forward. Seeing him, the rest followed. Leo and Lily were already seated, Lily in front and Leo behind her, close enough that he could feel her trembling through her back. Despite the size difference, each eagle still carried nearly two hundred passengers comfortably. He glanced down at Baron James. Their eyes met—a silent farewell. "Everyone steady!" Hasker’s voice thundered. "Let’s fly!" The eagles flapped their wings, and the world dropped away beneath them. At first came gasps and cheers—then shrieks. The air howled past them; several passengers clung so tightly to the feathers they nearly tore them out. As they climbed higher, the eagles began accelerating. This is bad, Leo thought. He wrapped an arm around Lily’s waist to steady her. Around them, others stumbled, some nearly toppling off before regaining balance. Then, without warning, the formation shifted. The eagles aligned in a perfect V, the High 4-star Eagle leading the way. Its body trembled, glowing faintly—and then, astonishingly, every eagle began to grow. Within seconds, each had doubled in size. What once held two hundred now had room for four hundred to lie down comfortably. A rippling force field spread outward from the lead eagle’s beak, enclosing them all. The suffocating wind pressure eased instantly. Breathing became easier. Relief swept through the riders—though the altitude still gnawed at their nerves. They were now flying nearly three thousand meters high... and still climbing. Leo and Lily managed fine, but others looked ready to faint. He caught sight of Zolton—tense, jaw clenched, his whole body rigid with fear. Then Alric—half-buried in the eagle’s soft feathers, ignoring the trembling girl beside him. Through all of it, Leo hadn’t noticed that Lily was gripping his hand around her waist, leaning on him to steady herself. They weren’t alone; many others huddled close for comfort. He shifted slightly, holding her hand more firmly, letting her rest against his shoulder. He noticed her, "Sleep, I will keep you safe." She nodded. Her breathing slowed, and she soon drifted into a light sleep. Maybe it’s the altitude... or maybe some kind of spell, Leo thought, glancing around. Most of the riders were already dozing peacefully. Then he noticed Brant on another eagle, waving a hand—the faint shimmer of magic spreading from him to the others. When their eyes met, the old man just smiled knowingly... then took off toward the next eagle to do the same. "Professor Brant, were you able to figure out that boy’s rank? He seems to hold considerable strength." One instructor asked. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖 "Hmm, I can only guess. But maybe at the very top of Peak 2-star or even 3. I am not sure; somehow, I wasn’t able to probe him properly. But that girl, she is peak 2-star, I can tell that much." Brant said while he looked towards Leo, who was holding the girl securely and looking towards the distant horizon.