A Light Among Shadows

The ceremony hall of the Celestial Nexus Academy rose majestically toward the evening sky, its vaulted ceiling adorned with crystal chandeliers that scattered light like stars. Ancient tapestries lined the walls, depicting legendary tamers and their companions, each telling stories of wisdom, courage, and noble partnership. The air itself seemed alive with energy, carrying the fresh scent of rare blooms cultivated by the academy's plant tamers.

Through towering windows of stained glass, the setting sun cast patches of colored light across the gathered assembly. Hundreds of students, faculty, and distinguished guests filled the vast room, their formal robes creating a sea of midnight blue and silver – the academy's colors. The ambient energy crystals embedded in the walls cast a soft glow that highlighted the anticipation on every face.

This wasn't merely an evening of ceremony; it was the academy's most significant tradition, when new tamers declared their intentions and principles before their peers and mentors. Each speech represented more than words – it was a commitment to uphold the noble principles of beast taming.

The first-ranked student had delivered a technically perfect speech about innovative taming techniques, drawing polite applause. The second speaker followed with an equally polished address about "advancing the art of beast taming through dedication and discipline."

As the second speaker concluded, a curious tension rippled through the crowd. Everyone knew what – or rather who – came next. The unprecedented third-ranked student who had gained admission through means none fully understood.

Headmaster Valorian rose from his ornate chair, his presence commanding immediate attention. When he spoke, his deep voice carried an unusual note of intrigue that made even the most disinterested attendees straighten in their seats.

"Our third-ranked student," he began, his words measured and deliberate, "represents something rare in our hallowed halls. While not first by traditional metrics, he gained admission through a supplementary evaluation that revealed..." the headmaster paused, looking across the gathered crowd, "...qualities that numbers alone cannot measure. In all my years, I've rarely encountered someone with such a unique understanding of what it truly means to be a beast tamer."

As Khalil rose from his seat in the front row, the whispers began.

Groups of students leaned together, trading theories and speculation. He was unremarkable at first glance, wearing the standard initiate's robes without any familial crests or embellishments. Yet there was something in his bearing that made people look twice – a quiet dignity that spoke of complete self-assurance and unwavering principles.

Unlike the two speakers before him, who had ascended the stage with carefully rehearsed movements, Khalil walked with the natural confidence of someone who knew exactly who he was and what he stood for. When he reached the podium, he didn't immediately speak. Instead, he took a moment to look out at the gathered crowd with genuine regard for each person present.

"I stand before you today," he began, his voice clear and unaffected, "not as someone who has mastered the art of beast taming, but as someone who has barely begun to understand its true meaning." A few murmurs of surprise rippled through the crowd – this was not the typical opening for a top-ranked student's speech.

"In my short time here, I've learned that the greatest power lies not in controlling beasts, but in understanding them. Not in bending them to our will, but in building bridges between their world and ours." He paused thoughtfully. "I came here not to chase glory or acclaim, but to seek truth and understanding."

The quality of silence in the hall changed, becoming deeper, more attentive. Even those who had been discreetly checking their communication crystals were now fully engaged. His sincerity touched something in every heart present.

"We often speak of power and technique," he continued, "but perhaps we should speak more of responsibility and wisdom. Each beast that chooses to bond with a tamer does so out of trust, not submission. They offer us their strength not because we demand it, but because they recognize the goodness in our hearts."

These words caused a stir among the faculty. It was an unusual perspective – one that challenged many traditional views of beast taming of this world. Yet none could deny the truth they heard in his words. Or dared not to in the presence of this many.

Throughout his speech, Khalil noticed Lady Sira Nightsong sitting alone in a section of empty seats.

Known as "the cursed tamer" for her affinity with shadow beasts, she was often misunderstood and avoided by others. Yet he saw what others missed – her dignified bearing, her quiet strength, and most importantly, the wisdom with which she handled her unique abilities.

After the formal ceremonies concluded, as people began to move toward the grand reception hall, Khalil approached where Lady Sira sat. Those nearby drew back, creating an unconscious circle of space around them. Yet Khalil showed no hesitation in his approach.

"Lady Sira," he spoke with quiet conviction. "I have seen the goodness in you that others fail to recognize. Where they see darkness to be feared, I see strength to be respected. Where they see curses, I see gifts waiting to be properly understood."

Standing before her with pure intention and proper respect, Khalil continued, "If you would permit me, I wish to speak with your family about the possibility of marriage. I believe we could walk this path together, supporting each other in goodness and truth."

The surrounding whispers faded to silence. Those who had been hurrying toward the reception now stood still, witnessing this unexpected moment. Lady Sira's expression remained composed, but something in her eyes spoke of surprise – not at the proposal itself, perhaps, but at the straightforward honor with which it was presented.

"I..."

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(A/N: Hello, dear readers.

This is a story about a virtuous young man with his own flaws suddenly becoming a side character of a popular beast-taming game he just wanted to try out.

He is good, has morals, is kind, and innocent but smart and sensible. He has his own principles, one of them being not dating or engaging in any similar activity before marriage. (It's haram.)

But he's not a justice wannabe or a short-sighted do-gooder either. Rather, he possesses a nuanced understanding of the duality of the human experience - the capacity for both light and darkness that resides within us all.

When this young man, Khalil, finds himself unexpectedly transported to the world of this beast-taming game, he is forced to confront his own preconceptions and biases. As a side character, he is meant to play a minor, ultimately tragic role. Yet Khalil, with his keen intellect and unwavering principles, sees beyond the surface of this parallel realm.

Instead of succumbing to despair or recklessly pursuing a hero's path, Khalil approaches this new reality with a measured, thoughtful gaze. He recognizes the complexities of the game's heroic figures, heroes and heroines, nefarious villains, and the villainess - all of whom possess their own depths and struggles.

Kai's journey will not be one of simple black-and-white choices, but rather a nuanced exploration of the gray areas that lie between. He will be challenged to balance his own moral convictions with the realities of this new world, forging unexpected alliances and confronting difficult decisions that test the limits of his principles.

At the heart of this tale lies the art of beast taming itself - a practice that demands not just power and technique, but true wisdom and responsibility. As Khalil delves deeper into this world, he will come to understand that the true strength of a tamer lies not in domination, but in fostering symbiotic bonds built on trust and mutual understanding.

This is not a story about a hapless hero ascending to greatness, nor is it a tale of star-crossed lovers. Rather, it is a journey of self-discovery, where the lines between reality and fantasy blur, and the true measure of a person's character is put to the ultimate test.

I invite you, dear readers, to join Khalil on this unexpected adventure, where the pursuit of truth and justice is tempered by the recognition of our own flaws and the fragility of the human condition. Together, let us explore the depths of this fantastical world, and uncover the profound lessons that lie within.

Thank you for reading.

I will do my best to write as I promised to.

You can support me and the story by adding it to your collection, voting, and commenting or reviewing it. )