Ascension Gates: Rise of the Beast Monarch-Chapter 13: Ripples in the Courtyard

The victory against Kael spread through Skygate Academy faster than Aether expected.

By the next morning, almost every training group had heard about the match. Some students exaggerated the details, claiming that Aether had overwhelmed Kael effortlessly. Others insisted the Fire Pup had used advanced flame techniques far beyond what a newly contracted beast should be capable of.

Aether, however, treated the situation as if nothing had changed.

He woke early, as usual, before most students had even stepped out of their dormitories. The training grounds were still quiet, with only a few early risers practicing their beast synchronization.

The Fire Pup walked beside him, leaving faint glowing footprints on the stone path.

"People are going to challenge us more now," Aether said.

The Fire Pup flicked its tail confidently.

"Yes," Aether continued, "but that doesn’t mean we show everything."

The small beast seemed slightly disappointed again.

Aether smiled faintly.

"You’ll have plenty of chances later."

---

As the sun rose higher, the academy became lively.

Students filled the central courtyard, and conversations shifted whenever Aether passed nearby. Some stared openly now, curiosity replacing the quiet whispers from before.

Liora noticed it too.

She was leaning against one of the large pillars near the arena entrance when she saw Aether approaching.

"You’re famous now," she said as he walked closer.

Aether stopped beside her.

"That sounds inconvenient."

Liora laughed.

"You defeated one of the stronger students in the intermediate training group. Of course people are talking."

The Fire Pup sat down beside Aether and looked at Liora.

Liora crouched slightly, studying it more closely.

"It really is unusual," she said. "Its flames feel different."

Aether didn’t respond directly.

Instead, he asked, "What’s happening today?"

Liora straightened.

"The academy posted new announcements this morning."

"What kind?"

She pointed toward a large stone board where dozens of students had gathered.

"Faction trial missions."

Aether looked interested.

"Already?"

Liora nodded.

"Skygate does this every few months. Teams go outside the academy territory to complete tasks. It’s how the factions measure potential."

The Fire Pup’s ears perked up.

Aether noticed that immediately.

"Yes," he said quietly. "That could be useful."

---

The announcement board displayed several missions.

Some involved exploring nearby ruins.

Others required collecting rare materials from beast territories.

And a few were clearly dangerous — missions meant only for stronger students.

Liora folded her arms while reading them.

"Most people will form teams," she said. "It’s safer that way."

Aether nodded slightly.

But inside, he was thinking about something else.

Experience.

Understanding the world outside the academy.

And preparing for the path ahead.

Eventually, he would face enemies far stronger than academy students.

So these missions were valuable.

Very valuable.

Then one mission caught his attention.

**Cinder Valley Investigation.**

A location known for fire-aligned beasts and unstable energy zones.

The Fire Pup suddenly became more alert.

Aether noticed.

"You feel something about that place?" he asked quietly.

The small beast gave a soft bark.

Liora looked between them.

"You’re thinking about taking that mission?"

"Maybe," Aether replied.

She raised an eyebrow.

"That area is dangerous. Even instructors supervise those teams."

Aether didn’t seem worried.

"Danger is usually where the useful things are."

Liora stared at him for a moment.

Then she sighed.

"You’re not normal."

"That’s what people keep saying."

---

While the students studied the mission board, a group of individuals watched from a balcony above the courtyard.

They weren’t students.

They were representatives from one of the powerful factions connected to Skygate.

One of them spoke quietly.

"So that’s the boy."

Another nodded.

"Yes. The one with the strange resonance."

The first man looked thoughtful.

"Interesting."

A third figure added,

"Other factions are already asking about him."

The first man smiled faintly.

"Good. Let them watch."

Then his gaze returned to Aether.

"For now."

---

Back in the courtyard, a new presence approached.

This time, it wasn’t someone challenging Aether.

It was a tall student with calm eyes and a composed aura.

He stopped a few steps away.

"You’re Aether, correct?"

Aether looked at him.

"Yes."

"My name is Ren."

Aether waited.

Ren continued,

"I watched your match yesterday."

Aether didn’t react much.

Ren then said,

"I’m forming a team for one of the missions."

Liora looked slightly surprised.

Ren was known as one of the top students in the academy.

"You want Aether on your team?" she asked.

Ren nodded.

"Yes."

Then he added,

"And his beast."

The Fire Pup looked proud again.

Aether considered the offer carefully.

Joining a strong team could reveal useful information about the academy’s true power structure.

But it could also draw more attention.

Still...

This was only the beginning of his journey.

And the academy itself was becoming more interesting.

"What mission?" Aether asked.

Ren replied,

"Cinder Valley."

The Fire Pup’s flames flickered brighter.

Liora sighed.

"I had a feeling you’d say that."

Aether looked at both of them.

Then he said calmly,

"Alright."

---

Far away from Skygate Academy, in a distant fortress belonging to another major faction of the Lower World, several powerful figures sat around a circular table.

A projection hovered in the center.

Showing the image of Aether’s duel with Kael.

One of the figures spoke.

"That’s the one?"

"Yes."

Another leaned forward.

"Red-gold resonance confirmed?"

The response came quickly.

"Most likely."

Silence filled the room.

Finally, one of them said,

"Keep watching him."

Another added,

"And report any further growth."

Because whether Aether realized it or not...

His path inside Skygate Academy had already begun attracting the attention of the World’s strongest factions.