The afternoon sun warmed the city's central plaza, where a crowd swarmed around the core distribution stands.
The air buzzed with the excitement of hundreds of new summoners, their salamanders, frogs, and rabbits glowing with fire, water, and ice.
Lena, Elio's mother, pushed through the crowd, her salamander holding tight to her shoulder.
Behind her, Tarec and his family followed, his rabbit hopping from shoulder to shoulder.
Last came the four young women who'd caused such a stir days ago: Aria, Mei, Lila, and Valeria, each with their own salamander.
"Elio!" Lena called out, scanning the distribution stands for her son. "Where are you, son?"
Kriz, closing up his stand, looked up at Elio's name. A mischievous smile spread across his face as he saw the group approach.
"Well, look who it is!" he called out, his rabbit, Mirror Shot, copying his dramatic pose. "The boss's mom! What brings you to our humble stand, oh noble visitor?"