Beast and Elemental Spirit Science was held beyond the wall from where the commons area was. There was a path also, and after about a minute of walking through, one would meet a fenced clearing at the edge of the academy grounds, blending into nearby forestland. Dug into the soil, as if deliberate, were stones with symbols carved into them, all placed around the fence.

  Inside that fence were worn benches arranged in a semi-circle, the half of which were occupied by people from the Beast and Elemental Spirit class and the other half unfamiliar faces. On the far side, a startling scene played out.

  Constructs similar to Instructor Rock, a tad smaller yet more intimidating, shuffled around the ranch. They looked more like scarecrows than golems, wearing patched-together clothing made from stitched burlap and faded leather scraps, their ‘faces’ crudely carved with simple slashes for eyes and mouths. Their joints creaked whenever they moved, like a rusty old mechanism, yet their stride was sure and steady.

  Commanding them was none other than Instructor Rock and a man next to it. These golems carried buckets to the few occupied pens lining the edges of the clearing. Shockingly enough, in those pens were a lot of lesser hounds with black and gray coats. Each one bore thick, shaggy fur matted in places of dirt, their hulking forms corded with lean muscle. There was no leash or chain, only a wooden perimeter filled with claw and teeth marks.

  In spite of their fearsome appearance, the lesser hounds displayed no outward signs of hostility. They proceeded at a measured pace, periodically observing the scarecrow-golems as they provided water and raw meat to the troughs. Certain hounds regarded the activity with quiet curiosity, their ears moving in response to each bucket's impact on the wood. Others merely lounged, sprawled out in the dirt without a care in the world.

  It was… strange. Tyrus expected snapping jaws and growled warnings. Even the heavy, predatory aura lesser hounds typically exuded was subdued, replaced by mellow serenity. The raw instinct was still there, but something had pacified it, leaving the hounds docile as domesticated livestock. All the lesser hounds he met were vicious or in the stalking mood. But these beasts, these lesser hounds, were all docile, maybe even friendly, like giant, hairy puppies.

  Thinking about it more, it made sense that these lesser hounds would've been prepared beforehand. Throwing a group of first-years into a pen of untamed lesser hounds would’ve been nothing short of a massacre. Just what exactly did Instructor Rock do to tame so many of these things? An even better question would be when and where did the instructor find so many of these beasts for the lesson?

  Tyrus trotted over to the benches, looking around for any signs of Ivy, yet she was nowhere to be found. Who he did find was Parsan, seated closest to the pens. Once Tyrus got closer, he noticed the weasel kid held a book in his hands, once again scribbling away at it. Instead of a Sorcerer Plane, an illustration of Instructor Rock was sketched onto the page, along with a few detailed descriptions of who created it and whatnot.

  "Parsan, was it?" Tyrus said, taking a seat beside him.

  The boy practically jumped out of his seat, dropping his sketch book into the dirt. Parsan scrambled to snatch up his sketchbook, his face flushing red as he hugged it close to his chest.

  "Woah! Don't sneak up on me like that!" he sputtered, flustered. "I-I was… focused."

  Tyrus raised his hands in mock surrender. "Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you." His gaze flicked down to the slightly smudged page. "You, uh… always draw during class?"

  Parsan’s fingers tightened around the edges of the book, and he hastily shut it, thumping the cover closed harder than necessary. "I-I like documenting things, okay? It helps me remember stuff. My father said proper documentation is the first step toward understanding." He hugged the sketchbook tighter. "Besides… no one else bothers to write this stuff down. Someone has to, and it just to happened to be my job."

  Tyrus tilted his head. "What kind of stuff are you writing down?"

  "Nothing special!" Parsan blurted out too quickly, his voice rising an octave. He coughed, forcing himself to sound calmer. "Just... class notes. Yeah, class notes. The stuff instructors talk about, important details, that sort of thing."

  "Uh-huh," Tyrus drawled, unconvinced. He glanced at the book again. "I didn’t know you were into art, though. I saw a drawing of Instructor Rock before you slammed it shut."

  "I-It’s just easier to remember things when I draw them. Visual memory and all that."

  "You’ve been sketching all the instructors, then?"

  Parsan's face went pale, and his grip on the book tightened even more. "Not all of them! That’d be weird. Really weird."

  Tyrus squinted at him. "You’re acting like I caught you writing insults about them or something."

  Parsan let out a nervous chuckle, eyes flicking toward the pens as if hoping someone might interrupt. "It's nothing like that. Just... observations. Strengths, weaknesses... stuff that might be useful someday."

  "Useful for what?" Tyrus asked again.

  Parsan froze, and before Tyrus could ask anything else, the sound of footsteps drew his attention. Tyrus looked over his shoulder to see Ivy running towards them, her face flushed and panting from exertion, the book of wild beasts pressed against her chest. She approached Tyrus and took the seat next to him, setting aside the book and gasping for air.

  "I-I'm here," she grumbled. "B-Barely on time, though. Geez, these benches are hard! They could've at least used a softer material."

  Tyrus raised an eyebrow. "What happened to you to almost be late for Instructor Rock's class?"

  It only took Ivy a moment to compose herself and put her disheveled hair back into a simple ponytail. "I was at the library, studying for my other classes, and I completely lost track of time. The History of Magic I and Sorcery Theory I courses are so demanding! The textbook material is incredibly dense, and I find myself needing extra days to absorb and memorize everything for both classes. I feel like I'm barely scratching the surface!"

  "We've just gone over the Pre-Sorcery Era and the Atrocities Period, which were very interesting to learn more about. It really opened my eyes to how much magic influenced the world before it was properly harnessed. Like, did you know that in the early years, sorcerers were practically worshipped like gods because of their abilities? And that the Great Lineages were instrumental in shifting the world’s perception of sorcery into something more structured?" She barely paused for breath, her words tumbling out in rapid succession. "And don't even get me started on Sorcery Theory I! We've been—"

  "Alright, that's enough chatter from you, young miss," said a voice that made everyone turn around.

  Instructor Rock and the man next to him previously approached the students. A closer look revealed a middle-aged man with short, wavy black hair, the strands slightly tousled, and a meticulously groomed mustache. He sported a loose-fit tunic with rolled up sleeves, pants crafted from leather, gloves and boots to match. His attire oddly resembled Instructor Hugo's, but where the wilderness expert wore a color scheme that matched his surroundings, this man's outfit was lighter and more vibrant, given that his tunic was red and his pants black.

  "Greetings, students from Instructor Rock's class," said the man. "I am Instructor Belpyr, a Beast Handler that teaches students in Creature Taming the art of taming beasts and emphasizes bonding, communication, and understanding. Under Instructor Rock's request, today will be a joint lesson between our classes. You'll not only observe but also engage with these lesser hounds under my supervision. I hope that by the end of this session, you'll have a better grasp of how these creatures think and behave."

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  He clasped his hands behind his back and began pacing before the class, his sharp, watchful eyes flicking between the students and the lesser hounds lounging behind him.

  "I understand most of you have minimal experience with creatures like these," Belpyr continued. "But I expect you to listen carefully and follow my instructions to the letter. Despite their current demeanor, these lesser hounds are not your pets. Their instincts are strong, and their natural aggression is only tempered by the training we've instilled in them. Do not, under any circumstances, provoke them."

  A few students straightened in their seats, and the previously casual atmosphere shifted into one of tense focus. Ivy, however, couldn't contain her curiosity. She leaned forward slightly, her hand raised high. "Excuse me, Instructor Belpyr?"

  The Beast Handler turned, arching a brow. "Yes?"

  "How exactly did you tame them to be so docile? I've read in the Book of Wild Beasts: Volume One that lesser hounds are highly aggressive creatures, especially in captivity. Their bloodlust can’t be so easily diminished without long-term magical subjugation or… or some kind of forceful enchantment."

  A murmur of agreement spread among the class, and even Tyrus found himself nodding along. It was a good question. He’d never seen lesser hounds this mellow before.

  The man, however, merely smiled. "An excellent question, young lady. One that will be answered in time. For now, understand that veritable beast taming relies not on force or subjugation, but rather on dominance through trust and mutual understanding. These creatures may follow my command, but they do so willingly, not because they fear me, but because they have learned to respect me."

  Ivy's eyes gleamed with fascination, but before she could press for more, the Beast Handler continued. "Now then, everyone on your feet. We're going to split you into small groups, and each group will have the opportunity to approach one of the lesser hounds. Your task is simple: assess the hound’s temperament, attempt to establish communication, and coax it into following a basic command."

  "A few warnings before we proceed," Instructor Rock chimed in. "Try to make as little eye contact with the lesser hounds as possible. Direct eye contact can be interpreted as a challenge, and while these beasts have been conditioned to remain docile, their predatory instincts are still very much intact. Agitate them, and they will respond."

  "And most importantly, do not raise your voice, flail, or strike if a hound approaches. Sudden movements or outbursts will startle them. Maintain your composure, keep your voice low and steady, and do not break your stance if approached?"

  The boy who previously fainted back then audibly gulped. "Great. Just great. Can we, uh… maybe not do this and just watch?"

  "No one is forced to participate," Instructor Rock replied. "You can merely observe from the fence if you do not feel confident. However, keep in mind that learning through direct interaction will provide far greater understanding than mere observation."

  He hesitated, glancing at the looming forms of the lesser hounds before shrinking back slightly. "I'll, uh… think about it," he muttered.

  Instructor Belpyr chuckled. "Nothing wrong with caution, but fear should not dictate your actions. These creatures can sense uncertainty just as they can sense confidence. Approach them with a steady heart, and you may find them more willing to respond."

  Tyrus folded his arms, exchanging a glance with Ivy, who practically vibrated with excitement. Parsan, on the other hand, looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here.

  "Okay," said Instructor Rock, snapping everyone's attention back to him. "Groups will be assigned now. Follow Instructor Belpyr’s instructions and stay alert."

  The Beast Handler began calling out names, directing students toward different pens. When he reached Tyrus, Ivy, and Parsan, he gestured toward a pen near the far end of the enclosure.

  "You three, along with Cail and Lira, will be working with Grey Wind," he said. "She's one of the older yet calmer hounds, but don’t mistake her patience for submission. Earn her respect, and you’ll see what true communication with a beast looks like."

  Tyrus turned toward their assigned pen, where a massive hound lay curled in the dirt. Her fur was a mix of gray and light brown, thick around the neck like a mane. Her ears flicked lazily at the sound of their approaching footsteps, but she made no move to rise.

  The hands-on lesson progressed smoothly. Each student took their turn approaching Grey Wind, speaking softly and moving carefully, just as Instructor Belpyr had instructed. Cail was the first, his voice steady but his movements slightly awkward. Grey Wind merely flicked her ears at him, indifferent but not hostile. Lira fared better, coaxing the hound into shifting her weight toward her, but no further response came.

  Then came Ivy's turn. With a beaming smile, she approached the pen, careful not to make direct eye contact.

  "Hey there," Ivy murmured, keeping her voice soft and warm. "You're a big one, huh? Bet you’ve seen a lot." She knelt slowly, extending her hand palm up. Grey Wind regarded her, nostrils flaring as she took in Ivy's scent; brief pause, then the hound slowly padded forward and nudged Ivy’s hand with her nose. Gasps of surprise sounded from the other students.

  "Excellent approach, Miss Ivy," Instructor Belpyr said with a smile. "Organized and patient. You understand the method of approach. Well done."

  Ivy grinned, her excitement barely contained as she gently scratched behind Grey Wind’s ears. "She’s amazing," Ivy whispered. "So much bigger up close, though."

  Tyrus smiled. "You're a natural, huh?"

  "I read about this stuff, remember?" Ivy shot back smugly, still petting the hound.

  Finally, it was Tyrus’ turn. He stepped forward, brushing past Parsan and keeping his hands relaxed and avoiding eye contact, just as the others had done. Grey Wind, who had been relatively indifferent so far, immediately stiffened. Her head snapped up, eyes locking onto Tyrus with an intensity that made the hairs on his neck rise.

  Before Tyrus could take another step, Grey Wind lowered her head and did a sort of bow with her front legs, ears flattened and tail tucked low: a clear display of submission. The entire group froze. Even Instructor Belpyr’s friendly demeanor shifted to one of intrigue.

  Tyrus stopped dead in his tracks, blinking in confusion. "Uh… is she supposed to do that?" he asked, glancing toward the Beast Handler.

  Belpyr slowly shook his head. "Grey Wind has never bowed to anyone before. This is a fresh experience, even for me. Try giving her a command. Something simple. See how she responds."

  "Okay," Tyrus said with a nod. "Grey Wind, stand."

  Immediately, the massive hound rose to her feet, its massive frame shaking slightly, head still low, and tail tucked submissively. Her gaze never left Tyrus eyes, even though she was a good few inches taller than he was.

  He gave her a command to sit, and she obeyed without hesitation, lowering herself to the ground in one fluid motion. Then he ordered her to approach him, and she trotted over, tail wagging as she nosed his hand. Tyrus's heart skipped a beat as he watched in stunned silence.

  Now that he got a closer look, Grey Wolf was really beautiful to look at. Her fur was thick and well-groomed, a healthy mixture of gray and light brown that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. Her pale red eyes, however, were what captivated Tyrus the most; intelligence that seemed to stare not just at him, but through him. Tentatively, Tyrus brushed his fingers along her snout, and Grey Wind leaned into his touch, releasing a low, contented rumble.

  These beasts aren't so bad after all. Once you get past their terrifying size, speed, and capability of ripping a throat in seconds, they're actually pretty harmless. How come the lesser hounds I've met aren't like this?

  Ivy took a step closer, standing next to Tyrus. "That’s incredible. She’s acting like you're her leader or something."

  "Tsk. This shouldn't surprise anyone," one student murmured. "This is just two beasts getting along."

  "Isn't that a rude thing to say?" said another. "Demi-human or not, it's still disrespect—"

  A sudden, sharp snarl erupted from a nearby pen. Everyone’s head snapped in that direction. A lesser hound that was smaller and leaner than Grey Wind had abruptly risen to its feet, its eyes locked onto Ivy. The hound’s lips peeled back, exposing sharp canines as it let out a low, menacing growl. Then, without warning, it leapt over the fence, barreling straight toward Ivy.

  But before she could react, the lesser hound lunged, jaws snapping. Tyrus didn’t think — his body simply moved. Augmentation flooded his limbs, and in one swift motion, he was between them. His hand shot out, catching the beast mid-air by the throat, halting its momentum just inches from Ivy.

  The beast thrashed violently, but Tyrus held firm, his enhanced strength locking it in place. It continued to writhe, but then another presence surged forward: Grey Wind. The older hound launched herself at the aggressive pup, slamming it down with a heavy, dominating growl. Her fangs grazed its neck, serving as a warning. Instantly, the younger beast’s thrashing ceased. It lay still, panting heavily as Grey Wind loomed over it, enforcing her dominance.

  "What the heck just happened?!" Cail blurted, wide-eyed.

  Another student stepped out of the pen and said, "I thought these lesser hounds were docile and won't attack us!"

  Tyrus ignored them and hurried over to Ivy. "Are you okay? Did the lesser hound get you?"

  "No, I'm fine," she replied, staring at the younger hound. "I didn't even get close to being touched thanks to you."

  Tyrus breathed a sigh of relief. "Good to hear. We should get away from here just in case it's not done with you. Plus, it doesn't seem too happy being pinned down by Grey Wind."

  Instructor Belpyr trotted over to Grey Wind and ordered for the younger hound's release. The massive hound obeyed immediately, stepping back while keeping her intimidating gaze fixed on the pup. The young hound, cowed and shivering, quickly tucked its tail and bounded away, returning to the pen it escaped from.

  "Instructor Rock, I think it would be wise to end the lesson here," the Beast Handler said, looking troubled.

  "I agree," said the construct. "It is surprising that one of the younger hounds would get aggressive. Perhaps further training would be needed the next time."

  The Beast Handler nodded, though his face was creased with worry. "This lesson is over. You may all return to your rooms or whatever you deem is important."

  A few students cheered, while most of the class had gone pale in the face. As the group dispersed, Tyrus's mind raced. Grey Wind stayed put, and even as he walked away with Ivy nearby, Grey Wind's eyes never strayed from him.