Monster Academy: Rise of the Card Master

Jasmine walked up to the wall of cards floating in the air and looked at each one. Each card had the image of the monster type and its power and defense rating, along with a small description.

Jasmine completely forgot all about her anxiety and was now seriously studying each card. This was the part of the test that took the longest. With just these many hopefuls, the testing process could take all day. Elder Hill and Elder Lancaster both stood at the side patiently. They were in no hurry and would never rush an aspiring Card Master.

Card Masters were essential to the survival of humankind. If they did not risk their lives to dive deep into dungeons and kill monsters on a daily basis, humankind would have long been wiped out due to dungeon breaks.

Thirty minutes passed before Jasmine finally pointed at a single card. “The Lightning Bee.”

“Good choice. It has a high attack but lower defense. However, it is able to stun your opponents. This will help on your path to becoming a Card Master. If you evolve it it will become even stronger as well.” Elder Lancaster waved his hand, the the Lightning Bee’s card flew down from the wall of cards, stopping right in front of Jasmine’s face. “Take the card and concentrate on it. Open your mind and connect with the card. Only by doing so will you be brought into the Chaotic Realm. I wish you luck.”

“Hey, Leo, what do you think her chances are?” Jack asked. He was curious whether or not Jasmine would be able to pass the test.

“She will. She has a strong mind and determination. I hate to say it, but she will be going to the capital. Although I kind of wish she would fail and get a dose of reality.” ‘Maybe she will understand the feelings of the boy she turned down in such a brutal way, mocking him for not being able to pass the test.’

Leo kept his thoughts to himself, but he had a strong feeling that this girl would pass no matter what. She had a dream and it is said dreams will make a person’s mind strong.

Jasmine stood stock still for almost ten minutes before finally suddenly taking a deep breath. “I… I did it…” The card in Jasmine’s hand began to glow a golden light before flying into her chest and disappearing. She had really passed the test and conquered the monster.

“Well done. You may go home and rest. In three days we will be leaving for the capital.” Elder Hill walked over and helped Jasmine off the stage. He knew for a new Card Master their first battle was the hardest mentally.

After Jasmine left the stage, Elder Hill looked at the next person. “Next!”

One after the other, the Card Master hopefuls continued going up, taking a chance in hopes of changing their lives. But out of all the ones who had gone up so far, only Jasmine had passed the test.

Elder Hill could only shake his head. He had not expected so many to fail. “Next.”

“I will be going.” Jack took a deep breath and walked up onto the stage.

“Name and age?”

“Jack Stone, 15.” Jack replied. He had already spotted which monster he wanted to try his luck against. It was a Water Bull.

“Go ahead and try your luck.” Elder Hill had all but given up. There was only one more person left after this one. He watched as Jack went over to the wall of cards, and without even taking a minute to think about it, the young man pointed at a card. “That one. The Water Bull.”

Leo watched as Jack was given directions on how to enter the Chaotic realm, and in no time, he had become like the rest. Frozen in place. This was because their minds were drawn into the Chaotic Realm and why it was always best to only try to capture a monster when you have someone nearby to protect you.

Leo did hope that Jack would be successful. Jack had always been kind and hard-working. If anyone deserved a chance, it was him. Leo found himself feeling nervous for his good friend. He hoped he would pass.

“Oh? It looks like he passed.” Elder Lancaster smiled. He was happy another person passed. The card in front of Jack began to glow with a golden light before flying into Jack’s chest, just like it did for Jasmine. “Well done. You should go rest. In three days we will be departing for the capital.”

“Thank you.” Jack felt like his entire body had been drained of energy. He walked off the stage and placed his hand on Leo’s shoulder. “I will wait here. I want to see you pass as well.”

“I will do my best.” Leo smiled and walked up the stage. He was nervous, but he also knew this was his big chance. If he failed this time, he would only get one more chance after this.

“Name and age?” Elder Hill looked at the young man, a bit surprised. The kid's sky-blue eyes were filled with determination.

“Leon Tristan, 15.