It was 10:30 AM when Jimmy arrived at the Nexus.
The streets were still quiet, and the crowd sparse—just a few early tamers, some drowsy staff, and the usual buzz of early-day system maintenance. Jimmy wore his usual academy-issued hoodie, slightly damp from last night's rain, and Luna followed behind him, her footsteps silent despite her size. Her presence drew glances—part awe, part confusion—but no one spoke.
Inside the Nexus, the hum of machines and the cool, sterile scent of energy panels greeted him. He made his way straight to the front desk.
Behind the counter was the same stern woman who had checked him in before—clipboard in hand, eyes sharp, mouth set in a neutral line. She looked up as he approached and gave a surprised blink.
"You this early?" she said, arching a brow. "Did you come from your school to practice already?"
Jimmy simply shook his head.
He took out his phone and began typing quickly. Then he turned the screen toward her:
"I want to update my Whisp's evolution data. She evolved last night."
The receptionist looked at the screen, then at Jimmy. Then—almost as if she couldn't help it—she let out a tiny, amused exhale and smiled. She said "did not you awaken just two weeks ago? Go."
"Room No. 1 is available. Go ahead."
But Jimmy hesitated.
He quickly typed again, his fingers moving fast:
"Please. She really evolved. I've recorded everything."
He tapped to bring up the camera footage, highlighting the brilliant storm light from last night—the rain, the lightning, Luna's transformation.
She squinted at it for a moment. Then, with a shrug, she replied flatly:
"Go play with your pet, kid. I don't have time for jokes."
The words stung more than Jimmy expected. His fingers curled slightly over the phone. Luna, behind him, let out a quiet huff, her mane crackling in irritation.
Still, Jimmy didn't argue. Instead, he turned slightly and began to wander the front chamber of the Nexus. That's when he spotted something on one of the nearby panels—a competition poster glowing faintly on the wall-mounted digital screen.
His eyes scanned the title first:
"Young Whisp Masters Tournament." He saw the date and today is the last day up to evening.
Jimmy's brows furrowed. He stepped closer, reading every line carefully:
Calling all aspiring Tamers, aged 15 to 24!
F-rank to E-rank Badge Qualification Required.
1 vs 1 duel
Prizes for the Top 3
🥇 1st Place: A-grade Potion x1, 10 million T-Coins, 30 days of elite-quality food.
🥈 2nd Place: 7 million T-Coins, 3 C-grade Potions, 20 days of food supply.
🥉 3rd Place: 4 million T-Coins, 10 days of food supply.
Event Ends Tonight at 6 PM.
Jimmy's eyes widened.
F-rank badge… I need it.
Without wasting another second, he spun around and approached the counter again.
This time, he didn't wait for her to ask. He typed out:
"What are the requirements for earning an F-rank Whisp Master Badge?"
The receptionist stared at him again. This time, something in her eyes changed. She didn't question him. She didn't argue.
She simply reached into the drawer beside her, pulled out a registration slip, and handed it to him.
"You'll be evaluated at 11:30. That's your assigned time. Wait in anywhere until then."
Jimmy nodded gratefully and typed a short:
"Thank you."
He also slid a small 100 T-Coin token across the desk to book Training Room No. 2.
The woman accepted it silently.
The Waiting....
The Training Room was modest—clean walls, polished floor, and a minimal battle simulator in the corner. A single bench lined one wall, and the room hummed faintly with energy.
Jimmy and Luna entered together. The moment the door closed behind them, Luna's ears perked up.
She stepped into the centre, her hooves clicking lightly on the floor, and turned to face him.
"So… what now?"
Jimmy smiled and shrugged. He sat on the bench and pulled out some snacks for the both of them.
They talked through the mind-link—casual, light-hearted, full of the little teases and laughter that only close friends could share. Luna stretched out on the floor, coiling her tail, playfully flicking it toward him now and then. He showed her her new profile picture on his phone; he whispered in his heart:
You're amazing.
...............................................
11:15 AM. Jimmy checked his phone. The training room clock blinked softly in the background.
He stood up, stretched his arms, and motioned for Luna to follow him. Together, they stepped out into the hallway, the light from the open atrium streaming across the floor. The receptionist was still at her post, sipping something from a dull ceramic mug.
Jimmy approached silently and typed into his phone:
"When does my match begin?"
She looked up and sighed—not irritated, but not hopeful either.
"Bad luck, kid. Your opponent… it's Alley."
Jimmy raised an eyebrow.
She continued with a wry smile.
"Yeah, that Alley. Her Whisp's a high-tier primary level ghost type. Already taken down two low-level intermediate Whisps like they were made of paper."
She leaned over the counter, tapping the time.
"You've got 15 minutes left if you want a break… or you can go in now."
Jimmy glanced at his phone: 11:20 AM.
He thought for a moment, then shook his head.
"I'll go now."
The receptionist nodded, impressed.
"Brave. Room 5. She's already there. Try not to get yourself knocked into the healing tank."
Room 5 – Combat Arena
Jimmy opened the door to a small battle chamber—well-lit, polished floor, and elevated platforms. The smell of ozone and scorched training tiles still lingered in the air. A large circular ring was in the centre.
She was already there.
Alley.
A girl of maybe seventeen, wearing a red jacket, sharp eyes, and a face like she was bored with the world and ready to tear it apart anyway. Her legs were crossed casually on the stone bench, and resting gracefully across her lap was her Whisp—a sleek, crimson fire-fox with six faintly flaming tails and glinting amber eyes.
Seyraflare.
Jimmy's memory pulled the name instantly. A feared Fire-Ghost hybrid Whisp, known across the community. Dangerous even at its earliest stages.
"People say that from the moment they're born, they fight like they're already one rank higher…"
Alley stared straight at Jimmy, unblinking, as if measuring his soul. Then she smirked.
"Tch. We don't have time for chit-chat. Losers don't get to speak with me. You want to talk?" She gestured behind him. "Then go talk to the people you'll be joining after I'm done."
Jimmy turned. Three others stood by the wall—two boys and one girl—spectators or former challengers. Their faces were pale. One of them had his arm in a sling, and beside them sat a soft-glow healing tub with a faintly glowing Whisp inside.
The taller boy stepped forward, concern written across his face.
"She's a monster, dude. Don't go in there. Her pet doesn't just burn you—it toys with you."
Another boy added, voice low,
"Our Whisp's still healing. Two ribs broken. That fox hits like a truck and disappears like smoke…"
The girl beside them whispered, "Please. Don't fight her. You don't have to."
Jimmy looked at them, then down at his phone.
He typed slowly, then showed the screen:
"I'm mute. Sorry, I can't explain. But I need this. I have to try."
A moment of silence passed between them.
The girl finally smiled. "Then… best of luck."
Jimmy nodded and turned toward the platform. Luna stepped beside him—her mane glowing faintly blue-white, eyes calm and noble.
Back in the Ring
Jimmy climbed the few stairs to the stone ring.
Alley tilted her head, clearly amused.
"Oh, you've got guts after all. I like that." Her gaze lingered on him for a moment. "You sure you're ready for this?"
Jimmy gave a firm nod.
She smirked wider, lips curving playfully.
"Wait, don't tell me—are you mute, or just shy 'cause a gorgeous girl's talking to you?"
Jimmy smiled softly. His fingers danced over the screen. Then he tapped 'play' and let the robotic voice speak for him:
"I'm mute. And blind."
Alley paused. Her eyebrow twitched. "…Blind too, huh? That is why you have a eyepatch."
There was an awkward silence.
Then she burst out laughing—not cruel, but incredulous.
"What is this, a rom-com? Mute and blind boy enters a Nexus tournament for a girl's heart? What next—you going to tell me your pet was born in a storm?"
Jimmy typed again:
"She was."
Alley raised an eyebrow again, slowly turning toward Luna—who now stood in full view.
For the first time, her face changed.
The playful smirk faded.
Her eyes narrowed.
Even Seyraflare's ears perked up, sensing the crackle of ice and water flowing from Luna's sleek, majestic form.
Jimmy held his phone up one more time.
"Let's start the match."
Alley stood slowly, brushing the dust off her jacket, her smile returning—but now sharper.
"Alright, mute boy. Let's see if your storm can handle my fire."
She leaned closer, just enough to whisper across the ring with a wicked grin:
"Try not to fall in love when I win."
Jimmy smirked, just barely, as his fingers flew across the screen.
He hit play.
"No promises."