Ascension Gates: Rise of the Beast Monarch-Chapter 27: Advanced Beast Theory

The Skygate Academy had never felt so active before.

Ever since the ranking battles ended and Aether entered the top ranks of the academy, many things had begun to change. Some students admired him. Some feared him. And some—especially those connected to rival factions—had started watching him carefully.

But Aether himself didn’t care about fame or attention.

Right now, he was sitting quietly inside one of the academy’s largest lecture halls.

The hall was called the Advanced Beast Theory Chamber, a place where only students who had proven themselves in combat rankings were allowed to attend.

Rows of stone desks curved downward toward a central teaching platform where a large crystal projection floated in the air.

The Fire Pup rested beside Aether’s chair, its flames calm and controlled.

Many students secretly glanced at the small beast.

After witnessing the ranking battles, everyone knew something about it had changed. The Fire Pup was no longer considered a simple beginner beast.

And yet, Aether still treated it normally.

Beside him, Liora leaned back slightly in her chair.

"I still can’t believe you ranked that high already," she whispered. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Aether didn’t look at her.

"Ranking doesn’t mean much if you don’t understand what comes next."

Liora smirked.

"You’re the only person in this academy who says that after defeating Kellan."

Before Aether could respond, the instructor entered the chamber.

The room became quiet instantly.

The instructor was an older man with sharp eyes and silver hair tied behind his head. His name was Professor Valen, one of the most respected beast scholars in Skygate Academy.

He looked across the students slowly.

"Today," he began, "we will discuss something most young tamers completely misunderstand."

The crystal projection behind him shifted.

Images of beasts, battlefields, and energy patterns appeared.

"The relationship between beast evolution and synchronization."

Several students leaned forward.

This was important knowledge.

Valen continued.

"Most tamers believe evolution depends only on materials and time."

He paused.

"That belief is wrong."

The projection changed again.

This time it showed two tamers fighting side by side with their beasts.

"One of the greatest secrets of powerful tamers is this:

Beasts evolve faster when their bond with the tamer exceeds natural limits."

Aether’s eyes sharpened slightly.

The Fire Pup looked up at him as if sensing the change.

Professor Valen continued explaining.

"When a tamer’s will, instinct, and energy resonate perfectly with their beast, evolution can occur far earlier than expected."

Many students looked surprised.

"But," the professor added, "such synchronization is extremely rare."

He glanced around the room.

"Even among elite tamers."

Then his gaze briefly stopped on Aether.

Just for a moment.

Aether noticed it.

But he remained calm.

---

The lecture continued for more than an hour.

They learned about:

• Beast instinct patterns

• Combat synchronization levels

• Domain resonance

• Evolution triggers

At one point, Professor Valen activated a simulation inside the chamber.

The crystal projection created a battlefield in the air.

"This," he said, "is a synchronization test."

Students were called one by one to demonstrate coordination with their beasts.

Some performed well.

Others struggled.

When Aether’s name was called, the room became noticeably quieter.

"Aether."

He stood up calmly.

The Fire Pup followed him.

They stepped into the center of the chamber where the projection created a simulated battlefield.

Professor Valen spoke.

"This test measures how well you and your beast can respond to unpredictable situations."

The simulation began.

Illusory enemies appeared from multiple directions.

Most students expected Aether to destroy them quickly.

But instead—

Aether did something unexpected.

He didn’t attack immediately.

He observed.

Then he said quietly,

"Left approach."

The Fire Pup moved instantly.

Not just quickly—but precisely.

An enemy illusion was eliminated.

Another appeared behind them.

"Rotate."

The Fire Pup adjusted position without hesitation.

Students watching began whispering.

"That coordination..."

"It’s almost perfect."

The simulation increased difficulty.

More enemies appeared.

But Aether and the Fire Pup moved like they had already predicted the entire battlefield.

Professor Valen narrowed his eyes slightly.

Because what he was seeing wasn’t just good synchronization.

It was something else.

Something far more advanced.

---

When the simulation ended, the hall remained silent for several seconds.

Then Professor Valen spoke.

"Excellent control."

Aether nodded slightly and returned to his seat.

Liora leaned closer.

"You’re holding back again, aren’t you?"

Aether replied quietly,

"Always."

She shook her head in disbelief.

"You’re impossible."

---

After the class ended, students began leaving the hall.

But before Aether could exit, someone approached him.

It was Kellan.

The same opponent from the tournament battle.

He looked much calmer now.

"Your performance in class was interesting," Kellan said.

Aether replied,

"Yours wasn’t bad either."

Kellan smirked slightly.

"I wasn’t trying."

Aether shrugged.

"Neither was I."

For a moment, both of them remained silent.

Then Kellan said,

"I want a rematch."

Liora immediately reacted.

"Already?"

But Aether simply asked,

"Why?"

Kellan looked at the Fire Pup.

"Because I want to see how strong you really are."

Before Aether could respond, another voice interrupted.

"Looks like the academy is getting lively again."

A group of students approached.

Their uniforms had a different insignia.

Not Skygate Academy’s symbol.

But the mark of another faction.

The atmosphere immediately changed.

Liora frowned.

"Students from the Iron Dominion faction."

The leader of the group stepped forward.

He was tall, confident, and clearly arrogant.

"So this is the famous Aether."

Aether looked at him calmly.

"Do I know you?"

The student smiled.

"You will."

"My name is Kael."

The tension in the hallway grew instantly.

Because everyone knew something important.

Iron Dominion was one of the factions that had been watching Skygate Academy’s rising talents closely.

And Kael was known for being extremely aggressive.

He looked directly at the Fire Pup.

"That beast is interesting."

Aether’s voice remained calm.

"It’s not for sale."

Kael laughed.

"I wasn’t planning to buy it."

He stepped closer.

"I was planning to take it."

The air suddenly became heavier.

Students nearby stopped walking.

Even Kellan’s expression became more serious.

But Aether didn’t react aggressively.

Instead, he asked,

"You’re not from this academy."

Kael nodded.

"That’s right."

"So why are you here?"

Kael’s smile widened.

"To observe."

"And maybe..."

He looked directly into Aether’s eyes.

"To challenge."

The Fire Pup’s flames flickered slightly.

But Aether simply said,

"Then you should register officially."

Kael tilted his head.

"You’re not afraid?"

Aether replied calmly,

"No."

The hallway remained silent.

Because everyone could feel it.

A new rivalry had just begun.

And this one involved not just students—

But factions.

As Kael walked away, he said one final thing.

"The next ranking battles are going to be interesting."

Aether watched him leave.

Liora sighed.

"You attract trouble too easily."

Aether looked ahead calmly.

"Trouble usually finds me first."

But deep inside...

He had already begun planning.