"Ooh, you're right, it does change color. It looked like a shard of topaz the last time I saw it. That's a pretty neat gift if I ever saw one. Have you ever thought where it came from?" asked Noel in intrigue as she held the necklace up, admiring it up close as the light refracted from the crystals, emitting a strange, rainbow-like glow.

"My father never told me where he got it. The only thing he told me was to keep it close at all times and never lose it. Even then I don't know why there were so many warnings. But, I'm never one to doubt him since he usually gives advice that helps out in the long run."

"Well, you better be careful with that. It looks a bit too valuable to be held with you at all times. But I'm not going to tell you what to do with it."

"Thank you, Noel. I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

"But valuables aside, that sure looks good, Lucia. Mind sharing some with me?"

With a sincere smile that was dashed with mischief, Noel raised her fork over my side dish. Before arriving here, she looked as pale as a ghost, wobbling from side to side with a stick that she had found randomly outside during her morning rounds with her Superior. She didn't hesitate and immediately joined Frais and I as we went to go get breakfast.

"Sure, just eat slowly and don't choke. That's your third glass of water in the span of a minute."

"I need to get the most out of every meal, Lucia. That Captain of mine is running us all ragged. I don't know whether I should be happy that we're all going through the same thing since he shows no favoritism, or whether I should be terrified that he's as merciless a monster. I mean, he doesn't slack off himself. He picks up our slack and does double the amount of work we do, so that makes it hard to complain about anything at all. Sigh, if only he wasn't such stickler, then maybe I would have given him a shot. How about you, Lucia. I know the answer, but I'm going to ask anyway. Have you given some thought of going out with someone here?"

As she asked her question, she immediately pierced Frais' side dish as if it were instinctive. Frais merely made a shocked face but couldn't say anything to complain about the loss of his food. But he continued eating, looking at us and listening intently to my reply for some reason.

"I haven't really given it any thought. I don't think I should if I'm having troubles on my own. I don't think I'm prepared for anything like that yet. I can't even cast magic."

Noel patted my back in assurance.

"There, there. No need to be so glum in the morning. I'm still thinking of a way to help you pass, so don't count me out. But I guess your mindset's right. There aren't a lot of good-looking people in your class. Plus, most of the people who're in the magic course are pretty arrogant. They all have maids and butlers helping them with every little thing. It's a pretty big turn-off for me if a guy can't do anything for himself... Huh?"

Noel then realized that what she was saying directly affected Frais and started apologizing to him, offering him the piece she had taken from him a while ago.

But honestly, finding someone like that is a farfetched goal. I'm not that interested in it yet since I don't think it'll help me with my situation anyhow. But Noel is right. Most of the people enrolled in the magic course are nobles, upright and pampered, bluntly speaking. I'm lucky that I haven't run into them as frequently as I thought I would. If that were to happen, I'd predict that they wouldn't choose to let it slide. I'll have to deal with being in the limelight again, but the situation won't be as light as with Frais. the thing is, they don't take kindly to people without the pedigree that'll match them, so that crosses me out of the list already.

"Calm down already!"

Noel raged at Frais, taking hold of his collar and shaking him back and forth, forcing him to fear her more than he already does.

"I've been patting your back for the past minute and you're still down about that?!"

"But your hands are heavy, and it's making me choke my breakfast out," he replied, coughing, covering his mouth.

"Huh? Are you telling me that I'm as strong as a man? I'll show you what it's like then!"

Looking at the two of them, I found myself laughing to myself. I had so many things to worry about, but seeing the two people who brighten up my day makes dealing with it all worth the while.

"Are you alright, Lucia? What are you laughing about?"

She eased her grip on Frais' neck as they both looked back at me.

"It's nothing. I just wanted to say that I'm thankful for you two."

"Huh? That's all? Well, I appreciate it, but my stomach would appreciate it more if you offered it something a bit filling. I'm still running low on energy," she gestured her wants, rubbing her stomach with a gloomy face.

"I'm thankful for you more, Lucia! We've been through a lot, but you were there for me-"

Cut off, Noel restrained Frais back and held him in a lock once more.

"Complaining again, Frais?! Are you implying that I'm not grateful enough? Just so you know, you keep dragging her into your mess, so it's not you two who've been through a lot but only you!"

As we laughed the time away, the time for classes to begin approached. Noel went on ahead saying that she had to report back to her superior before she got punished for being late, and Frais left as well, realizing that he had left his books in her room, dashing off to get them before the first bell. Since the classroom that I had to get to wasn't too far, I decided to read some more on the topic of magic relating to the Summoning Trial, most of them being testaments and reports from those who've participated in the past.

I thought of getting a feel for what it's supposed to be like thinking that I might get some inspiration there, but then it got intriguing the more I read. The day for it wasn't going to be moved anytime soon, and I was at my wit's end with all the materials I was reading to help me. It was finally tomorrow. The past few days had been a repetitive cycle of reading, practicing, and thinking. Those days that seemed so long ago were gone before I knew it, but by then, I was worn out. I can't slack off at all since the day's almost here, so maybe I'll just keeping pushing on without any regrets.

I think I'll be satisfied more with failing after having tried than failing after having done nothing at all. It's pretty depressing that the end of that motto only ends up with me failing, but thinking up of another proverb might take a while.

I decided to close my book and get up, cleaning the table we had eaten on. As I stood up, I managed to stop myself from bumping into someone. She wore an outfit of a maid and bowed, holding the hem of her skirt with her head look up from the floor. Despite wearing a maid's outfit, she looked out of place for frilled clothing. She was taller than I am and had fierce looking eyes that looked like they wouldn't flinch at anything. She also stood in a perfectly dignified manner. It's not strange to find that in a maid, but it's too perfect. We've never had a maid of our own since I was brought up with the intention of doing things without being waited on.

I might be thinking too much into it, but I can't help but be curious.

She greeted me curtly and introduced herself.

"Good morning, madame. My name is Amis, a servant of the noble Decel family. I do not wish to take up too much of your time, but I only have one request if you have the time."

"Sure, I guess. If I can help you. What do you need?"

"I am grateful for your consideration. My master, Philip Decel, has become curious and would like to ask you of your necklace."

I wondered why the man she mentioned would want the necklace, but I didn't want to wait and find out. I felt uneasy and tried to make the conversation as brief as possible.

"I-I'm sorry, I don't think I can give you that. It's a memento of my father. It's not for sale either."

"That is very unfortunate, but I will not impose on you any further. Thank you for your time."

She immediately left and returned to a table where a pompous looking man sat with short, blonde hair, sipping on a teacup. He didn't wear the same uniform that the ones in the mage course wear, so he must be in the Squire program, the same one Noel is in.

As the maid returned to him and bowed her head, relaying the response. The man's face contorted. He brought the cup down on the table and stood. He looked displeased at the maid as he looked my way.

"Tch, you're useless as usual. Out of my way," he said, aggressively pushing her to the side, making her hit the table. He then started walking towards me. I started walking away instinctively at the sight. He didn't look like he was going to be as nice as his maid.

But as I turned my back, hugging my book close as an incentive if things go bad, a loud voice made me stop. It was commanding and shook the room, forcing all eyes on me. Though there weren't as many people in the hall, I still felt their eyes on me.

"Hey, you. Hold it." As his voice reached me, I heard his footsteps draw close. I turned around and saw him towering over me. His eyes looked hostile.

"Do you need something from me?" I asked hesitantly, knowing full well what he wanted.

"You know what I want. You just denied my previous request. And now, I'm going to ask twice, something that usually doesn't need to happen. Give me that necklace you have." He held out his hand and waited impatiently, tapping his foot.

"I already told you, I'm not going to give it away to anyone."

"It seems that you don't understand. What I ask for, I get. Not a lot of people have the audacity to deny me either, so this is quite a surprise. Who are you anyway? What family do you come from?" He looked at me closely and remembered the answer. "Well isn't this a surprise. The girl who is attending a magic course but can't actually use magic. This makes it easier. I don't have to worry the backing of a competent family. Not that many can go against the Decel family. Hand it over, now. It'll look better on me that it ever will on you. You probably stole it from someone somewhere, you poor inept beggar."

He started reaching for the necklace that was hidden under my top's collar. I swatted his hand away and ran away from the hall, heading for my class even before the bell could ring. I didn't realize it, but I had gotten to my class before I knew it. It seems that the panic made my legs move twice as fast.

He looked at her figure as she disappeared. He was enveloped with a sudden sense of superiority. He felt that his being had been breached by a measly peasant with no aptitude for magic, and he did nothing and let her get away. In a sense, he was extremely bothered with it. He somehow dissipated his anger by reassuring himself.

"So she thought running away would be a good answer? As expected from someone of her status. Hey, you, maid. Track her and until she gets to her dorm, then report back to me. I’ll show her that denying me what I want rarely ever works out."

"Understood, Master. I, Amis, will carry out that duty," she said begrudgingly.

My heartbeat won't even settle down. This isn't good. I need to concentrate on class. I can't afford to be distracted since the day of Summoning Trial is tomorrow... Wait, that's not helping me at all. It's making me panic even more. Did these few days pass with me not having any options to go with even after I prepared for it so much?

As the lecture started, all I could hear was the ticking of the clock. It was louder than usual, and the fact that it resonated with the beating of my heart made me uneasy. I couldn’t concentrate at all. Before I knew it, I had understood nothing by the end of class. Students shuffled out of the classroom, leaving me by myself to think of what’s left.

I headed out absentmindedly, letting my legs do the walking for me. Two thoughts occupied my head the entire ordeal. About that guy named Decel, the arrogant one from the Squire program, and the Summoning Trial. Maybe I’ll ask Noel about that guy if I run into her.

But as for the Summoning Trial, that’s another thing entirely. What do I do?! I know Noel told me that she’d try to find a way, but I can’t help but want something more in case that it doesn’t work.

I managed to snap out of it by the time I reached the gates of the academy. Maybe I should take a walk around town while I’m at it. I might find something out if I wander aimlessly.

But that idea immediately fell apart as I let out a yawn. It was still remotely bright outside, but despite that I was tired.

I decided to head back to my room and maybe read some more reference books just in case. But as I got to my room, a wave of fatigue immediately washed over me. I fell to the floor and couldn’t get up. The energy in my body faded, and my eyelids felt heavy. Soon enough, I fell asleep.

(Amis, Maid of the Decel family, servant of Philip Decel.)

To disobey the orders from a member of the Decel family is quite the accomplishment. It is also an ordeal to those who are not privy to the consequences that come with it. I had done so before despite being already bound to them, not by will, but by force, the only thing the family knows what to use.

I have been in service of the family for a short time, but in that short span, I realized that I had no way of escaping. I was bound by a chain of illusions. I couldn’t let go, and so things have brought me here. I am forever a prisoner of this family for as long as they live, or for as long as they deem me useful.

I had been ordered to do many things by the youngest of the two sons, Philip. From lying with him to aiding him in his daily life. As much as I hated it, I had to bear the brunt of it. The pain of being beaten for merely standing there, or just being the only one to vent your anger into, I was a scapegoat.

I had thought many times of the various opportunities that I was given to snap that chain. So many opportunities that would have made a captive slave mad with anxiety. And if a slave were to see the opportunities that I had let go of, they would most likely turn their anger towards me, seeing as I wasted my opportunities when they could never have theirs. After the abuse and the pain, one should have had already broken out in a maddening rage and killed their master, but still, I cannot.

Now, another petty order. I guess, at this point, anything for them.

I walked to the dormitory of the female students at the Magic Course. Knowing that security in front of the doors would surely interrogate me and cost me time, I snuck into one of the open windows on the second story, scaling a tree prior.

It was quiet, so every step was something I hadn’t to be careful of. Luckily enough the lit up lamps provided enough light for me to traverse the halls.

I had tracked her and found out what I could about her after I had finished reporting to my Master. I had no need to read into her private life, so I left that unchecked and simply glanced at where it said her room was. It was easy enough to sneak into the directory office since security there was lax enough, but there was a man that almost caught me. In fact, he most likely knew I was there and was suspicious.

I didn’t get a good look at him, but he posed a threat to my task. If I were to be found out, then I would have to dispose of any witnesses and make sure that no trace is found back to me or my Master. Yet he left, luckily enough, scolding someone who tried to appeal to him desperately as she said, "My friend needs this! Don't take this away from me. It'll be the end of her!"

I faced the room mentioned in the directory and placed my ear close to the door to listen to any noise. Then I pulled a hairpin from my hair, letting it loose then proceeding to unlock the door as fast as I could. The silence gave me the perfect ambiance to open the locks, and then with a click, I slowly turned the knob of the door, opening it with a slight creaking noise.

I couldn’t open it fully. The door budged against something, and I didn’t force it through. With the space open, it was enough for me to pass through. I came to the sight of the very girl I was ordered to find, lying down, sprawled out on the floor.

I checked her for wounds instinctively, forgetting for a moment that I wasn’t to wake her up, or there will be an uproar in this dormitory due to my unwanted presence. But despite all that, she was more human than anyone in the Decel family. And if would be made to choose who to help, I would choose her.

After laying her out on her bed and checking her for wounds, I saw the necklace on her. Gently, I slid it off her head, avoiding her hair that blended in the dark.

I checked for any trace that I might have had left and began to leave, not until I heard muffled noises coming from behind me.

She was tossing and turning in her sleep, beads of sweat adorning her forehead. She looked uncomfortable with her face contorting at every turn. Whatever dream she was having, I had the urge to wake her and relieve her of the strange pain wracking her. Soon, tears began falling from her eyes, and she started to whisper in her sleep restlessly.

But I had chosen not to, not because of a grudge, but because I was reminded of the words of a haughty young boy whose status controls his life. If I were to disobey, he would not overlook it this time. I might receive a worse punishment, and maybe a harsh lesson that I dare not provoke with words.

I whispered my apologies to her then finally left the room, returning to my Master before he starts getting impatient and imposes needless punishment on me. But I guess it doesn’t matter. He inflicts pain on me regardless. It makes it easier to discern who is an animal and who is a human. I only hope that the people here would see what he truly looks like.

It's gone! No, no, no! This can't be happening! Where could it have had gone? I don't think I recall leaving it anywhere either. Did someone come into my room and steal it?! What am I going to do now? I can't leave without it. It's going to bother me for the rest of my life if I don't find that necklace.

I frantically started checking under the bed, every nook and cranny of my room. I even checked some spots that I had never bothered with and found some other things I had lost other than the necklace. But that didn't raise my spirits at the very least. Soon after, I had scoured every inch of my room and found nothing. All my belongings, clothes from each drawer, books from the shelves, had been reduced to waste after I threw them everywhere as I searched for my necklace. I didn't even have the energy left to put them back where they came from.

"What am I going to do, father? I lost the necklace you gave me, the only thing I can remember you by. I'm sorry."

I buried my face in my arms as I sat on the floor. I don't want to think about anything anymore. I can't even be bothered with the Summoning Trial. That important memento that I treasured for as long as I could remember, gone, in a single night. He must be disappointed in me if I lost something that important so easily.

Am I going to fail and lose my most treasured memento? Could this day get any worse?

As I continued to lament there was a knock on my door. I unlocked it and Noel came 8ntl view with a bright smile as usual.

"Hey, Lucia! Morning! You ready for the Trial-- oh, no, wait. You look far from ready. Have you taken a shower yet? What happened to you? Your hair's all a mess, and you're still wearing your nightgown. The Summoning Trial's going to be an hour from now, so you have to be ready!"

"I don’t think I can do the Summoning Trial, Noel. I can’t find my father’s necklace, the one I showed you and Frais yesterday. That was the only thing giving me the courage to go to the Summoning Trial. Now that that’s gone, I really can’t go there now."

Noel looked at me with eyes of sympathy.

"There, there. I think this is partly my fault, Lucia. You know, I promised you that I’d find a way to help you out with the Trial, but here I am coming here without anything. Well, maybe, but my superior chewed me out on it, and now he has the item. I’ll try to get it back by the time the Summoning Trial begins, so just wait for me, alright?"

She started for the door but stopped and turned. "You've been practicing for this, Lucia. Frais and I know that very well. If anything, you work just as hard as the next person. I know you'll be able to pull something off. But whatever happens, don't ever forget that you've got the two of us to rely on. Never think that you're doing anything alone, Lucia.That's the most horrible feeling."

And with those words, she left. I took a while to calm down, but she was right. I'd rather do something than nothing, and even if that results in me failing, then I'll do it by trying.

I took a quick bath and hurried to put on my clothes, strapped for time. I had skipped drying my hair and wore my glasses, heading out with my cape in one hand and my wand in the other.

The halls were empty in the female dorm for Magic Course students. They should already be at the site where the Summoning is being held. It's nothing fancy and was held out in the open. It was treated just like every other class, but I had treated like a big deal due to my circumstances.

Luckily, the professor was in the middle of a speech, saying something about how the outcome of this Trial might and might not affect how our lives are to be lived. It seemed exaggerated since it felt like a message for an army more than anything, but it made for a good chance to sneak into the crowd that was gathered up, my class.

"You finally made it, Lucia. I was wondering what was taking you so long. I already had a plan to stall the ceremony if things were taking a turn for the worse though," Frais laughed jokingly, waving to me from his sides, looking as bashful as ever.

"Thank you, Frais. Even until here you have to worry about me."

"No need to thank me for anything. We have to look out for each other. But I can't help but notice. Is there something wrong? You look disheartened, not the usual Lucia I know. And your hair is a bit wet, if that means anything."

"It's nothing, Frais. I'm just really worried about what I'm supposed to do here. I want to succeed. I don't want to fail and go home empty-handed. But, I know that there's a big chance that things might not go the way I want."

"Lucia, if I'm going to be honest with you, I want you to succeed. If it was possible to pass on my abilities, even if it isn't much, I would have given it to you. I know that you've worked hard despite being burdened with a lot of things. And it's admirable seeing you carry all that weight all by yourself, but at the same time, it feels as if I'm not being a good friend by just looking at you. I can't give you my abilities, but if anything, I can do the only thing I can to help you for now."

Frais' eyes became serious. He gulped then let out a breath of exhalation.

"Have some faith in yourself, Lucia. I have a lot of faith in you that something good will happen. I know all that hard work we went through, studying until we wore ourselves out from fatigue, I know those times weren't wasted. Now, how about we prove what we've learned, the two of us? You weren't the only one studying in those sessions, you know? I'm going to pour my all into it as well."

Soon, the speech finally came to the climax, and we listened intently. As this happened, two other classes walked into the wide garden, making sure to separate themselves accordingly as to not be confused with the other students in attendance. From the corner of my eye, however, I caught a glance of the same guy that asked for my necklace. Looking at him, I couldn't help but be suspicious. With if he had taken it? I don't think he could have gone into the dormitory seeing as there were guards, but still.

"Now, everyone, let us come close and listen. We shall begin one by one. You will be called at any time, so listen closely to that. We will have to other professors monitoring you during this ceremony, so rest assured that nothing terrible will occur. The process of this Trial, as some of you might not know, is to bring about a creature by forging with it a contract. You will read out the summoning spell that we shall present to you, and then everything will naturally come in place. Some might take a lot of time to finish forging contract, but you will not be interrupted. Take your time and be sure to give everything you've got, understood?"

Then after, another professor took the stand. This one had a long, gray beard, holding himself up on one side with a wooden cane as he made his way to the front. He adjusted his monocle, clearing his throat. The worn-looking robe that he wore stood out amongst the crowd and the other professors.

With the old professor, a handful of experienced looking guards wearing full armor entered, led by a woman with short hair. She had a dignified smile on her face, wearing her armor proudly as if it suited her. With a simple gesture of her hands, like that of a conductor, the guards arranged themselves accordingly, covering the vast area of the gardens within moments, ensuring that every entrance and exit was guarded. She bowed to the old professor and allowed him to speak.

"Ahem. I will get straight to the point with this. The way things go with the Summoning Trial is that one needs to simply cast the spell. First, you will contact a being from a plain. Then you will forge a contract with a being from an unknown plain and seal it afterward. The choices in sealing a contract with a being you are able to bring out from the far plain will be presented after and if you are successful. If you plan to use items to enhance your chances of contacting a greater being, then think again. You will be expelled on spot. You will not be able to pull one over your professor's eyes. But most importantly, my eyes," the old professor said, using two fingers to point from his eyes to the students in front of him.

The old professor glanced in my direction. For a second, our eyes met, and he seemed to narrow his sights at me. He then casually left the front and retreated to the sides, watching with closely as the Summoning Trial began.

One by one, our names were being called. The first one up didn't take up that much time. In a few minutes, some students successfully summoned all manners of creatures. One was a boar that had lazy eyes, another was a colorful parrot that started attacking its master as soon as it sealed a contract, then the last was a monkey with a lost expression.

Frais was called up next. He nervously looked back at me and waved as he made his way to the front. He read the incantation and was enveloped with an emerald-like veil. Then circles filled with dozens of runic words and symbols that were completely cryptic even to my knowledge. His eyes were closed, and he was immersed in his ritual. The movement of his wand etched into the air the words of the incantation

For a long while, Frais held that stance and repeated the steps over and over until a wide circle appeared on the ground in front of him. From there emerged a static surge, then a faint light that burst into a sparkling array of glimmer. The same thing had happened to all the others so far. As the light faded, a lizard with fierce-looking eyes and wings appeared, yawning. It fell to the ground and scratched its leg as the summoning circle disappeared.

An echo of awe and surprise wrapped around the venue. Even the old professor came close and inspected it, standing beside Frais and patting him on the shoulder. He jerked and looked anxiously to his side, stuttering as he said hello.

"Magnificent! Although it is still an infant, it is indeed a dragon! This speaks for a lot of things, my child. You might be fated for a destiny that you cannot even begin to perceive. Take it as the ramblings of an old man, but I've seen some students in the past have destinies dictated by what they have summoned."

The old professor's words incited an applause to come from the other students. Opinions were mixed from where I stood. Some took it well, and there are others who did not, saying things along the lines of, "Why of all people did he get a powerful contract being?" or, "He doesn't deserve it. Is this a joke? He probably cheated his Trial. I'm going to have a word with the professors about this."

But nevertheless, what's done is done. If anything, I'm happy for Frais. It's just hard to swallow the contrast between him and his new friend, a big lump of a lizard acting like an infant on the grass, cozying up to the sun's light.

Frais tried to get close to the baby dragon, but it snapped its mouth at him, terrifying Frais. He tried once more, inching his finger towards it dangerously. The baby dragon tilted its head and narrowed its sights at Frais. I think it was just my imagination, but as the dragon looked at Frais, it sighed and shook its head, lowering it to allow Frais to touch his head. In return, he made a bright smile of excitement and embraced his new contracted being, making it uncomfortable as it tried to push him away with its stubby arms.

After the two finally were united, Frais cast a seal for the contract by etching the same mark on his dragon and him. He placed his on the palm of his left hand, and then he placed the other on it the dragon's chest. He then carried the dragon, which seemed heavy as he was pulling up using his legs, and walked towards me.

"I can't believe it, but look, Lucia! A dragon! This my first time seeing one. Who would have thought that I'd be able to forge a contract with a baby dragon! Soon enough it'll grow up into an amazing dragon, one that can fly through the clouds!"

And on that queue, the dragon in Frais' arms yawned and fell asleep, contradicting his words.

"Well, I guess there is still a long amount of time in between before that can happen. But still, I can't help but be excited about this. That only makes my superstitions true, Lucia. If I can forge a contract with something as amazing like a dragon, then maybe you can as well."

"I think that's being too optimistic. But I'm happy for you." I said, looking at the baby dragon, who opened its eyes and looked at me suspiciously. I had the urge to pat its exposed belly for some reason, and before I knew it, my hand hovered over its belly.

The dragon didn't react, and I did the act. A face of satisfaction filled its expression as its leg began to wag, and its wings begin to flutter.

It looked curious as to how its wings were fluttering back and forth, but it somehow flew off Frais' arms and started hovering over to me. It rubbed its head against me, and before its wings unconsciously stopped fluttering, I caught him, feeling the immense amount of weight that Frais felt when first carrying him.

I looked back at Frais, who had a surprised expression on his face. He grabbed his dragon by the sides and tried to take him back saying, "Hey, don't bother Lucia, Ykos!"

"Ykos?" I repeated.

"It's his name," said Frais, struggling. "He introduced himself as Ykos, and that's what he wanted me to call him by. Hey, don't be stubborn, Ykos!"

Finally managing to pull him away, the two of them fell to the ground due to an imbalance. Ykos looked at Frais in disappointment, shaking its head and started crawling away, unable to figure out how to fly with its wings again

"How did he even think of doing all that?" Frais asked himself as he rose from the ground, confused as to see how much Ykos disliked following his commands, or maybe him, he thought. He chased after him and started pulling him up from the ground as the dragon struggled to get away. The way I looked at it, it was like a father and child relationship. And oddly enough it looked normal, even a bit funny since it's actually Frais and a dragon. Who would have thought.

But now, there's me.

"Ahem. Lucia Ellys. is there someone named Lucia Ellys here? If so, then come to the front."

As my name was called, all eyes shifted to me. I was paranoid, thinking that somehow they were all synchronized.

I started walking to the front, hearing the whisperings of those who were usually present.

--What? Is she still going to the front? That's awfully optimistic about her, isn't it?

--She's probably just going to stall for time. Nothing to see here.

--Hey, want to make a bet on what she's going to Summon? I think it's going to be a pile of dust, haha.

--Shut up, she's looking over here. You'll be cursed with a life of no magic if that happens.

"Alright, Miss Ellys. If you will, read this passage and hold your wand out straight."

I did as the professor said and started reading the book in front of me. Strangely enough, after reading it once, I had memorized it, as if the words were immediately implanted into my head. I repeated and repeated the words, hoping that something would happen. I even thought to myself. Maybe nothing's happening, and they're all looking at me like a fool from their perspective.

How long do I have to do this anyway? I can't even tell if something's happening or not. I just to get over this. If I'm going to be expelled, then fine. I won't stop the inevitable. But In any case, let's give this a shot. Everything I've got into this spell? No problem. Father, please guide me. With or without your necklace, please. I don't want to be expelled. I don't want to disappoint mom and you.

"Please, please come. I beg you. Someone, anyone, anything will do! I don't need anything divine, impressive, or surprising. I just want to get this over with. Just hear my plea and answer my call! I'll give you anything I can offer at this point!"

I whispered, tightly holding my wand. I meant every word. Two paths awaited me. And I want to walk the path where I succeed.

I sighed. I'm ready as I'll ever be. I finally read out the words loudly and closed my eyes shut.

"Being from beyond, I implore you to answer my plea! I beseech you to come and cross the plains that separate us and come forth in the name of Althea, the forger of contracts. I call upon you form one with me as your master!"

I felt a jolt of electricity surge from my hand through my wand, making me let go of it. The moment I opened my eyes, I saw the expression on people's faces change. They weren't looking at me, but at the brightly gleaming ritual circle in front of me.

I backed away and felt a strong wind blow from the circle. Then, an explosion of smoke that covered the entire area.

They deployed wind magic to clear it. And before I knew it, I was staring at a naked man lying face down on the ground. He was a bit thin, but tall, and had short blonde hair.

He groaned and his muscles twitched. Starting with his arms, he got up, scratching his head and looking irritatingly around him as if he was lost.

"Where the hell am I?" he said to himself.

When he got up fully, all the girls started turning away, squealing on the top of their lungs. Some of the proper and dignified ladies asked that someone cover him up, turning their heads indifferently, arms crossed and eyes rolled. Their maids and butlers didn't know what to do of the situations, so they tried to think of ways to appease their haughty masters.

Instead, the short-haired woman wearing armor came up to the man and gave him her cape to wear. He took it without a second thought and wore it around his waist like a towel, covering his privates.

After thanking her, he picked up the wand that I dropped and glanced in my direction. His eyes were serious, almost deadly even. I held my breath as those cold eyes pierced through me.

"Hey, you. Was that your voice? Were you the one that called me here?"