Zan Yan showed a pick-up sign and got into a yellow taxi, which was flying just a few feet above the ground.
BEEP
A transparent panel appeared in front of him, displaying the car number, his name, an identification slot, and the destination.
Zan Yan: Town Square, Sector 134-B.
The panel closed after a soft confirmation tone, and the car set off at an extremely high speed. Trees zoomed by so quickly that they looked like holograms. The car suddenly braked and stopped exactly at the location. The entire trip, which was over 20 km, took just two minutes.
A screen displayed: "Thank you for travelling with us. Please submit the payment for the ride."
Zan Yan placed three gold tokens into the payment slot. The car door closed automatically, and the taxi drifted away at high speed.
He stepped out into the bustling town square. The town hall ahead was decorated with balloons and flowers. The area was full of people—children, parents, and other onlookers.
Zan Yan: So this is what a town meeting looks like. It's really different from how it's shown in books.
Screech!
The loud echo from the speakers drew everyone's attention to the town hall. An old man in a military uniform stood on the podium.
Mayor: Ahem... Good morning, everyone. I am the Mayor of Kilin City. Apologies for appearing like this, but with the current situation at the borders, I've been summoned again soon. Until then, please listen to the Vice Chairman in my absence.
Mayor: Today is a bright day, as it's the day when all new Soul Tamers begin their journey.
Mayor: I'll now hand it over to the representative of the Soul Association to explain the details.
A man in a black suit, jeans, and sunglasses stepped up. He looked about 30, calm but confident.
Asther: Good morning, everyone. I'm Asther. That's not my real name—it's a code. We Soul Tamers often face not just beasts but cultists. Keeping our real names hidden protects us and those around us. Once you qualify, you'll get to choose your own codename too.
Asther: The Soul Tamer system is divided into stages. Soul Apprentices are just starting out and are still learning to coordinate with their soul pets. Soul Warriors have developed a connection, working in sync. Soul Commanders form even stronger bonds and can use their pet's abilities. Finally, Soul Visionaries... they reach a stage called Soulless, where they and their soul pet become one being. It's a powerful, dangerous form.
Asther: sigh Enough reading off this dumb script. Seriously—who writes ten pages for a speech?
silence
Asther: Anyway, everyone with a soul pet should head to the counter and collect your chip. That chip is your ID now. Name yourself and never lose the chip. It tracks your location, your surroundings, and alerts us if you're in danger.
---
Zan Yan walked up to the counter. An employee scanned his identification and confirmed his pet had been bonded.
Attendant: Thank you, Zan Yan. Now, please choose a codename.
Zan Yan looked down at his silver-furred fox. It gave a soft hum, looking up at him.
Zan Yan: Gray. Just... Gray.
BEEP
The chip printed from the machine, glowing faintly. The attendant handed it to him.
Attendant: Codename Gray registered. Here's your Soul Chip. Don't lose it.
Gray slotted it into the glove on his left hand. It clicked softly into place.
Attendant: Head to the next station for synchronization.
As Gray moved to the next zone, he heard a familiar voice.
???: Took you long enough.
A lean, blonde-haired boy was standing by the wall. His presence was quiet, but there was a strange calm around him. He looked more confident than before, but his eyes still held that nervous flicker from the past.
Gray: You again...
The boy gave a tiny smile, saying nothing. His soul pet, a small, floating jellyfish-like creature, pulsed lightly beside him.
Before Gray could continue, a loud thud echoed.
Kai: You look different, Gray. Got all serious now, huh?
Gray turned to see Kai, now wearing reinforced training armor. His expression was smug. A hulking soul pet—a fire-scaled lizard—stood behind him.
Kai: Name's Dread now. Remember it. You and I aren't done.
He tossed a small magnetic challenge token at Gray.
Dread (Kai): Let's see what you've learned since the selection day.
Gray caught the token without flinching.
Gray: You want to lose that badly, huh?
Dread grinned.
Dread: You talk big for someone with a fox.
Nearby systems activated, scanning both of them. A glowing ring marked a combat area on the field.
BEEP... BEEP... Initiating Duel Zone...
Their soul pets stepped forward. The crowd around them took a step back, eager to see how it would unfold.
Gray looked at the blonde boy, who nodded slightly—not saying anything, just watching with that same thoughtful gaze.
Gray: Let's do this.
3... 2... 1... BEGIN!
To be Continued