Leon stood in the vast summoning hall — a grand, open space carved from polished white stone and framed by towering pillars.
Vines with glimmering green leaves curled gently across the glass ceiling, where sunlight filtered down in scattered golden rays.
The air carried a strange stillness, almost sacred, as if the space itself held ancient echoes of forgotten magic.
He looked around at the other students murmuring in excitement.
It was his third and final class of the day — Summoning.
Regrettably, none of his acquaintances — Aaron, Reinhart, or Caelir — had selected this elective. So today, Leon was alone among strangers.
However, the professor teaching the subject was someone he knew: his homeroom teacher, Professor Sylvia.
Leon had chosen Summoning out of genuine interest. Unlike most branches of magic, Summoning didn't require an elemental affinity — only talent. Since he hadn't awakened any element, he held onto the hope that perhaps this was where he could shine. He wasn't about to miss the opportunity.
Soon, Professor Sylvia entered the hall with her usual grace, her Silver robe sweeping across the stone floor like drifting mist. Her presence immediately quieted the room.
"Good afternoon, everyone. Now that you're all here, let's begin our first class," she said, her voice calm and composed.
After a brief pause, she continued, "Let's start by understanding what Summoning actually is."
Leon leaned in, listening carefully.
"A summon," she explained, "is a magical ritual that forms a connection between the caster and beings from another realm. Spirits and familiars can both be called forth. Summoned spirits return to their world after a time, but familiars are different."
Her tone softened with emphasis.
"A familiar, once bound, remains with its master—growing alongside them."
Her words sparked a buzz of curiosity among the students. Sylvia raised a hand, and the chatter fell silent.
"Spirits require a more advanced ritual and not everyone is capable of becoming a true summoner.
Familiars, however, can be summoned by most mages. They may begin weak, but their strength grows with yours — they are your companions, your partners.
If you wish to become a summoner, you must first summon a familiar. Only then can we say you possess the talent to call beings from another realm."
Leon blinked. Partners, huh?
Sylvia then held up a small square of parchment for all to see.
"This is a summoning circle — prepared for you to use. Drop a bit of your blood on it, and the circle will activate, drawing on your mana to summon a familiar suited to your affinity."
Assistants moved among the students, passing out the glowing, rune-covered sheets.
Leon stared at his for a moment. Around him, classmates were already pricking their fingers, letting droplets of blood fall onto their papers.
Pulses of light flickered across the floor as summoning circles bloomed beneath them, mirroring the patterns on the sheets.
Leon followed suit, pricking his finger with a small needle. A drop of blood smeared onto the parchment, which quickly glowed red — then brighter, pulsing with magic.
His circle had activated. It glowed faintly, then began to brighten as the summoning process began.
He watched the others go first, his heart pounding in anticipation, each summoning feeling like a moment torn from a fairytale.
A boy at the front let out a sharp gasp as his circle ignited in brilliant orange.
From the glowing glyphs, a small lizard made of flame slithered forward, its body flickering like a candle in the wind. Its ember-like eyes glowed, and its crackling tail left a trail of heat in the air.
The boy's face lit up with awe, and nearby students leaned in, murmuring in amazement.
Next, a broad-shouldered student watched as his circle rumbled and cracked.
From the shifting symbols emerged a squat golem, formed of rugged stone slabs, with glowing blue veins running through its arms.
It stepped forward heavily, its sapphire eyes radiating quiet strength. The boy laughed proudly, slapping its shoulder as dust scattered off its back.
A few steps away, a delicate girl's circle shimmered like frost. A soft glow danced as a tiny rabbit emerged, no larger than a loaf of bread.
Its fur was snow-white with sparkling silver-blue flecks. It blinked up at her, then leapt into her arms with a soft, delighted squeak.
She cradled it close, nearly in tears, whispering how beautiful it was as friends gathered around her.
The hall was now alive with color and wonder. Elemental sparks flared. Magical mist hugged the floor.
Everywhere, students celebrated — hugging familiars, posing with them, marveling at their forms.
A boy with a majestic hawk perched on his arm stood proudly. Nearby, a pair of twins had somehow summoned nearly identical foxes — one red, the other silver — and were already arguing over which was cooler.
But amidst all the laughter and excitement, Leon felt a cold emptiness rise in his chest.
His hand trembled as he stared down at his glowing circle.
Nothing had appeared.
Leon stood frozen, the light from the circle already fading.
His eyes, full of hope just moments ago, clouded with sadness. It was another failure — first no elemental awakening, and now, no familiar.
Doubt clawed at him. Was I accepted into the academy just by luck? he thought bitterly. What qualifications do I even have?
Dark thoughts crept in.
Yet... he remembered his parents' final words — their hopes and dreams for him. He couldn't give up. Not now.
So he forced a smile, though sorrow lingered in his eyes, hidden beneath a mask of calm.
On the other side of the room, Professor Sylvia moved among the students, inspecting their summoned familiars and jotting notes.
As someone deeply familiar with magic and elemental affinities, she made quick assessments.
When she reached Leon, she looked at him expectantly.
Leon gave a sheepish smile.
"Professor… I didn't summon anything. The circle activated, but… nothing came out."
Sylvia paused, eyes scanning his face. She noted the forced smile, the flicker of emotion behind it.
She sighed softly, then gave a faint shake of her head. Without saying anything further, she marked down his name and made a note beside it.
And just like that, the class came to an end.