Cerberus The Great Bully.

Ares stepped into the grand Hall of Genesis, his mind still haunted by the eerie place he'd visited.

The memory of the dark, twisted palace—the stone corridors, the pool of blood, and his own sinister reflection on the throne—left a chill in his veins.

His "evil" self's words echoed in his mind, taunting him about a strength he didn't yet understand but would have to confront soon.

'What was that place? Where was it? How did I get there? How did I leave?' There were so many unanswered questions in his mind he wanted to scream in frustration.

There was something wrong about his Bloodline. And he desperately needed to find out before he could feel safe with himself.

Before he could lose himself in thought once more, a familiar voice called out, snapping him back to the present.

"Ares!" a cheerful voice cut through his thoughts.

Turning, he saw Lisa Montrell approaching, her two friends right behind her.

She wore a bright smile, her green hair bouncing as she stopped in front of him, eyes alight with curiosity. "I heard something wild… Is it true? You're in the elite dorms now?"

Ares blinked, caught a bit off guard. "Uh, yeah," he replied, nodding. "Got in recently."

"Really? How is it like?"

"It's different." Ares replied her. Smiling slightly. Her cheerful personality was quite infectious.

Her friend leaned in, wide-eyed. "Different how? Is it like they say? Super high-tech and strict?"

Ares chuckled softly, feeling more at ease. "Sort of. It's definitely more… intense than the regular dorms. There is a lot more space, more recreational items, and the training facilities are on a whole new level."

Lisa's other friend, gave him a playful nudge. "Wow, to think it's so cool. And we're stuck using the boring dorms till next month!"

"Would you smuggle me in? For old times sake?" Lisa's question almost made Ares cough.

Smuggle her in? How was that even possible?

Ares shrugged modestly. "I don't know about that. Aren't you a little too big to be smuggled in?" He managed a small smile, genuinely enjoying the friendly banter.

It was nice to talk to someone casually, to feel like a normal student for once. One who didn't have life threatening problems every now and then.

But before the conversation could continue, a commanding presence filled the hall. The Vice Captain had entered, and the room fell into an attentive hush.

Tiny drones floated in, each carrying a vial filled with a strange, swirling liquid. The fluid was a deep silver, glinting with an eerie, almost hypnotic glow.

The Vice Captain stepped forward, her gaze sweeping over the assembled students. "Today, you're here for a milestone in your journey—awakening your Bloodline Beasts."

A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd. Even Ares felt a jolt of anticipation.

Bloodline Beasts weren't just mythical creatures—they were lifelong companions, beings with powers of their own who grew alongside their masters.

The Vice Captain continued, her voice firm and clear. "Your Bloodline Beast is more than just an ally. It's a partner you can rely on, a creature with its own skills to strengthen you. They're loyal, trustworthy, and they come with unique abilities. Some can fight beside you, others can heal, some even take on companion forms to assist you in different ways."

She paused, letting the words settle in. The students were already buzzing with excitement, glancing at each other with eager expressions.

Ares clenched his fists, his excitement building. He'd heard of Bloodline Beasts before—legendary creatures bound by blood that were loyal only to their masters.

Having his own would not only make him stronger but give him an ally who understood his struggles. His mind raced with possibilities.

What kind of creature would he awaken? And with two bloodlines… was it possible he could have two familiars?

The Vice Captain gave a small nod, and her gaze sharpened. "Now, look up."

The students glanced upward. As they did, the ceiling seemed to vanish, becoming entirely transparent.

Gasps rippled through the hall as a massive golden owl soared above them, its wings spread wide as it glided through the sky.

The owl was enormous—at least twenty meters tall—and its powerful presence radiated an overwhelming pressure.

Ares felt his chest tighten, the sheer force of the creature's aura pressing down on him like an invisible weight.

Around him, students struggled to stand steady, some nearly collapsing under the crushing intensity. The owl's piercing gaze seemed to look right through them, exuding a deadly aura that sent chills down their spines.

Just as quickly as it appeared, the ceiling returned to normal, and the owl's presence faded, lifting the suffocating atmosphere. The students let out a collective breath, some wiping sweat from their brows.

Ares, too, felt a strange mixture of awe and relief. He couldn't shake the thrill that ran through him—if that was the power of a Bloodline Beast, he was eager to meet his own.

The Vice Captain's voice cut through the silence. "That was my Bloodline Beast. Now, each of you will have the chance to awaken your own." She gestured to the drones, which hovered lower, holding the vials within reach. "Drink the solution. After a few moments, you should hear a voice. That voice is your Bloodline Beast—your partner."

Ares took the vial handed to him, staring at the strange liquid inside. He glanced around, seeing the other students doing the same, their faces a mix of nerves and excitement. With a steadying breath, Ares lifted the vial to his lips and drank.

The liquid was icy cold, almost burning as it slid down his throat. He felt it spread through his veins, like electricity crackling beneath his skin.

His vision blurred, and he staggered, gripping the edge of a nearby seat for balance. For a second, he wondered if he'd collapse—then suddenly, a loud, booming voice filled his mind.

"Hahahahaha! Now, mere mortals, I, Cerberus the Great Bully, have been awakened!"

Ares's eyes snapped open in shock, his mouth falling open as the voice continued to laugh in his head.

He hadn't expected anything like this—a Bloodline Beast that sounded as if it had the personality of a mischievous trickster! He could barely believe it. What had he just awakened?

_____

Power stone Goal!

100 PS - 1 Bonus chapter

200 PS - 2 Bonus chapter

300 PS (Quite an achievement as of now) - 3 Bonus chapters.