C16 Battle Companion Awakening

"Beijing?" Feng Yixiu blurted out in surprise before adding with a hint of confusion, "The schools in the capital are supposed to be better, aren't they? Why did you come all the way to Cilding to take the combat test?"

Beijing remained the capital of Kaskieso and was among the strongest base cities in the country. Feng Yixiu couldn't fathom why someone named Han Xiao would travel to Cilding for the combat test.

Feng Yixiu took a careful look at Han Xiao. There were no designer labels on his clothing, but the unmistakable air of affluence clung to him. Clearly, he wasn't someone from an impoverished background.

In fact, Feng Yixiu had a favorable impression of Han Xiao. When he mentioned he was from Tidrith, he detected no scorn or surprise in Han Xiao's demeanor. This level of composure alone was enough to earn Feng Yixiu's respect.

After a brief hesitation, Han Xiao spoke up, his tone nonchalant, "Well, that's a long story. If we end up in the same class, I'll fill you in."

Just then, a voice echoed from the elevated platform, "Next, Han Xiao."

The awakening ritual had been underway for an hour, and a significant number of participants had already bonded with their Battle Companions.

By now, over four hundred individuals had undergone the ritual. The outcomes varied, with some rejoicing and others leaving the Awakening Hall in dejection after failing to awaken.

Those who failed faced the harsh reality of losing their chance to become Fighters, left with no choice but to head home and prepare for the intellectual trial in two days.

"It's your turn. Good luck!" Feng Yixiu said with a smile.

Han Xiao returned the smile and nodded, then made his way to the awakening circle, visibly nervous.

The Awakening Hall buzzed with activity, ten awakening circles operating simultaneously to accommodate the awakening of thousands. Without them, completing the process in a single day would be nearly impossible.

Feng Yixiu watched the enigmatic awakening circles, the intricate spirit patterns etched into them seeming to pulse with a mysterious magic.

Something stirred within him as he watched Han Xiao approach the heart of the awakening circle.

The instructor responsible for the awakening promptly activated the awakening circle. As it did, the circle began to emit an odd yellow glow, and a soft yellow light gradually coalesced above Han Xiao's head.

Feng Yixiu could tell that Han Xiao was extremely uncomfortable. His eyes were tightly shut, and beads of cold sweat slowly trickled down his forehead. The pale yellow light above him also began to take on a more solid form.

After a short while, the pale yellow light finally dissipated, leaving behind an ancient-looking, pale yellow book floating serenely above Han Xiao's head.

"Han Xiao, you may now attempt to summon your Battle Companion," instructed the person overseeing the summoning circle, his face betraying little emotion as he signaled.

Han Xiao willed the Grimoire of Dark Companion into his hands and then gently opened it to the first page, revealing a drowsy turtle spirit.

With a mere thought, the turtle spirit from the Grimoire of Dark Companion materialized at his feet with a soft "Gu Gu."

This turtle spirit was somewhat larger than the typical turtle spirit, standing about knee-high to Han Xiao if it were to be upright.

The earthy yellow turtle spirit affectionately nuzzled Han Xiao's pant leg as soon as it appeared, seemingly expressing gratitude for the life Han Xiao had granted it.

"Alas... an earth-type turtle spirit, that's unfortunate. Had it been a water-type, it would have been an advanced Battle Companion," lamented the instructor, shaking his head with a hint of disappointment before swiftly filling out a blank form.