Ascension Gates: Rise of the Beast Monarch-Chapter 15: Resonance Training Hall

The day after the lecture on beast evolution did not slow down for the students of Skygate Academy. If anything, the academy seemed even more active than before. News of missions, faction trials, and duels continued spreading, but Aether chose not to rush into any of them yet.

For now, learning was more important.

The information from Professor Halden’s class had confirmed something crucial — the bond between a tamer and their beast was far more important than most students realized. And if Aether wanted the Fire Pup to reach its full potential, especially the path hinted at in the lecture, he needed to understand that bond better.

That was why he stood now in front of a massive circular building located near the center of the academy.

The Resonance Training Hall.

It was one of the most important facilities in Skygate Academy, though only a limited number of students used it regularly. Unlike normal training grounds that focused on combat, this hall existed for one purpose:

Strengthening the connection between tamers and their beasts.

Liora stood beside Aether, looking at the building with a slight smile.

"You’re serious about training," she said.

Aether glanced at her.

"Should I not be?"

"No," she replied quickly. "Most students just chase battles and missions. They ignore this place until much later."

The Fire Pup sniffed the air curiously.

The building emitted a faint, warm energy that seemed to react to beasts specifically.

Aether noticed that too.

"Let’s see what it does," he said.

---

Inside the Resonance Training Hall, the atmosphere felt different from the rest of the academy.

The interior was quiet, with wide open spaces divided into circular platforms made from smooth white stone. Strange runes were carved into the floor, glowing softly with controlled energy.

Some students were already training with their beasts.

But unlike sparring matches in the arena, there were no loud explosions or violent attacks here. Instead, the students and beasts moved slowly, focusing on synchronization exercises.

Aether observed carefully.

"This place helps stabilize energy flow," he said.

Liora nodded.

"Yes. It also reveals how compatible you are with your beast."

The Fire Pup stepped forward onto one of the platforms.

Instantly, the runes beneath it began to glow slightly brighter.

Aether followed.

And the moment both of them stood on the platform, the energy reacted.

A faint wave of warmth spread outward.

Nearby students turned their heads slightly.

Because the reaction was stronger than usual.

Liora raised an eyebrow.

"Well," she said quietly, "that’s interesting."

---

An instructor approached them.

He was older than most of the academy staff and carried a calm, observant demeanor.

"You must be Aether," he said.

Aether nodded.

"Yes."

The instructor looked at the Fire Pup.

"That beast has been attracting attention."

The Fire Pup looked pleased.

The instructor smiled faintly.

"My name is Instructor Varos. This hall is where tamers learn to listen to their beasts."

Aether asked,

"How does the training work?"

Varos gestured toward the glowing platform.

"Sit."

Aether did.

The Fire Pup sat in front of him.

Varos continued speaking.

"Close your eyes and focus on the energy between you."

Aether followed the instruction.

At first, he felt nothing unusual.

Just the steady flow of his cultivation energy.

Then something changed.

The Fire Pup’s flames flickered.

And Aether suddenly sensed a deeper connection forming — not just emotional, but something almost instinctive.

Images flashed briefly in his mind.

A dark infernal landscape.

Three shadows standing behind the Fire Pup.

And a distant roar echoing across endless fire.

Aether’s eyes opened immediately.

The Fire Pup looked at him.

Both of them seemed to understand something without words.

Varos noticed the change.

"What did you feel?"

Aether answered honestly.

"A path."

The instructor studied him carefully.

"Interesting."

---

The training session lasted for more than an hour.

During that time, Aether practiced several synchronization techniques:

Energy alignment.

Movement coordination.

Shared perception.

Each exercise strengthened the bond between him and the Fire Pup.

And the results were noticeable.

The small beast’s flames had become slightly more stable and intense.

Liora watched from nearby.

"You’re improving fast," she said when the session ended.

Aether stood up.

"I need to."

The Fire Pup stretched proudly.

But the peaceful training session did not go unnoticed.

Across the hall, a group of students had been watching quietly.

One of them spoke.

"That’s him."

Another nodded.

"The one who defeated Kael."

A third said,

"He’s getting stronger already."

But the most important observer in the room was someone else.

Standing near the upper balcony.

Darius.

He had returned quietly without announcing himself.

Watching Aether.

Studying the connection between him and the Fire Pup.

And thinking.

Because the red-gold resonance was becoming more visible.

Which meant the timeline was moving faster than expected.

---

Later that day, Aether returned to the main academy courtyard.

The atmosphere felt more lively than usual.

A large notice had appeared on the central board.

Students were gathering around it.

"What is it now?" Liora asked.

Aether stepped closer.

And read the announcement.

Skygate Internal Ranking Tournament — Beginning Soon.

The academy was preparing a large event.

One that would determine the strongest students.

The Fire Pup looked excited.

Aether smiled slightly.

"This could be useful."

Because tournaments were not just about victory.

They were about understanding the strength of everyone around him.

And identifying potential threats.

At the same time, somewhere beyond the academy walls, other factions in the Lower World had already begun moving.

Some wanted to recruit Aether.

Some wanted to observe him.

And some...

Were already considering him an enemy.

But Aether did not know that yet.

For now, his focus remained on training, learning, and slowly building the strength needed to face whatever came next.

Because the academy life had only just begun to show its true depth.

And many more challenges were waiting ahead.

Including the tournament that would soon begin shaping Aether’s reputation across the entire Skygate Academy.