Summoning Magic Lesson-2

While Vartika Solanki lectured on the basics of summoning magic, Ranav compared her teachings with the knowledge he had gathered from the book she had given him earlier. Jessica also helped in the background by commenting on his doubts.

Ranav asked, "One thing puzzles me. Why do the beasts of that world agree to make a contract with us when they know we'll use them in battle?"

Vartika said, "There are several reasons. The first is resources. Mana in their world is thin, which slows their magical growth. The longer they stay here, the better their progress. We can also provide them with mana crystals, herbs, bloodline evolution, magical artifacts… things that are rare or even inaccessible in their realm. There, mana crystals and herbs are scarce, and to obtain them, they often have to fight to the death. Magical artifacts and bloodline evolution belong to the domain of dragons. Normal beasts can't get them because they lack the ability to forge or conduct magical research."

She paused before adding, "Even though forming a contract is tempting for them, they are proud creatures. A beast won't contract with someone weaker than itself. If you approach a stronger beast, it might get angry and kill you. If you ever find yourself in that situation, cancel the summoning circle and return immediately. And don't enter for several days. The next time you step in, you'll find yourself in the exact place where you left. If the beast was enraged, it might be waiting to ambush you. Caution is necessary in every step."

She let that sink in before continuing. "Another reason is the time difference. Beasts mature faster in their realm, but once they reach adulthood, they want to live longer. If they spend a year in this world, it effectively saves them a thousand years of lifespan in their own."

Ranav frowned. "But I read that mages enter a random location within the Beast and Spirit Region."

Vartika nodded. "That's true the first time. But if you fail to form a contract and either deplete your mana or return voluntarily, the next time you enter, you'll appear at the same location where you left. However, once you successfully contract a beast, you'll always arrive directly next to it upon re-entry."

"There's constant fighting in that world. You know how beast society works. If your contracted beast is critically injured, it's best not to summon it through the Astral Veil. Instead, you should enter their realm to treat it."

She paused for emphasis. "There's another critical thing to remember. Although mages usually enter the Beast and Spirit Region, sometimes they accidentally step into the Abyss or the Draconic Region. If that happens, you must immediately quit the summoning circle and return. If you stay put and don't move, the next time you enter, you'll appear in a different, random location. But if you move, you'll be stuck there. It's better to live without a summon than to become food for an eldritch horror or a dragon."

Ranav thought for a moment. "Another question. Can only humans summon beasts from that world? What about Emperor Beasts, the ones that can shapeshift and use all elements?"

Vartika said, "As far as I know, only humans, elves, and dwarves have ever been summoners. There are no records of other races practicing summoning magic. It has to do with the compatibility of souls. In theory, if a soul can form a contract, then anyone who awakens summoning magic should be able to summon beings from that plane."

She glanced at Ranav thoughtfully before adding, "One more thing. When you enter that world, you'll mysteriously be able to understand all beast languages, and they will understand you. This phenomenon remains unsolved. But when you return, you'll only be able to communicate with your contracted beast. The soul contract allows telepathic communication, regardless of language."

She smirked. "Do you want to know what my wolf said after meeting you?"

Curious, Ranav asked, "What?"

Vartika chuckled. "He said you smell like a dragon and didn't want to stay in your presence. He felt an overwhelming pressure from you, something that urged him to submit."

Ranav was startled. "What nonsense! I already have enough trouble with my pointy ears… some people even called me half-elf. If they start adding dragon nonsense to that, my already fragile human identity will be ruined. Please don't tell anyone about this." He genuinely panicked.

Vartika smirked. "Relax. That wolf is just a fool. How could dragons have anything to do with humans? Elves, sure… there have been many interracial marriages in history. I won't tell anyone. Rest easy."

But internally, she thought, "My wolf has never been wrong before. He's lived in a world with dragons. There's no way he'd make such a silly mistake. Besides, the boy isn't surprised… he's panicked. If he didn't know something, shock would have been his first reaction. My constable training in reading people is paying off today. This explains his abnormal strength. I can't believe my luck… I've found a growing gem. I need to stay on good terms with him. This will be beneficial in the future. My sister must know something I don't. That's why she sent her daughter with him. Oh, Sister, I never knew you were this manipulative. I need to call her later."

Ranav sighed in relief. "Thank you. I was already disturbed by my supposed elven lineage. My parents never told me anything about it. In my village, I was just a human. After coming to the city, I suddenly started hearing about my 'elf blood,' and people started looking at me like I was some exotic animal. It's so annoying."

Vartika waved a hand dismissively. "Forget that. Let's focus on summoning magic. I heard you've already reached to level-1 summoning star circle. Technically, you can create a summoning circle now. But I advise against it. Summoning magic was the last type of magic I awakened. You, on the other hand, haven't fully awakened all six primary elements yet. I suggest you wait until all your elements manifest before stepping into the summoning plane."

"My wolf has Ice and Earth elements. I offered him guidance in mastering Earth and provided resources for his progress. Likewise, if you share an element with the beast you choose, negotiations will be easier. Personal strength is also a factor. Beasts respect power… it's in their nature. You'll also need decent magical artifacts to prove you have the means to support them. I suggest meditating and reaching level-2 summoning star circle first. At level-2, mana consumption for spells drops significantly, giving you more time to explore."

She took a deep breath and continued, "There's something else to keep in mind when contracting beasts. Some creatures, like wolves, drake hounds, harpies, hyenas, and ravens, can form packs. If you contract an alpha, you gain an additional summoning spell… Summon Horde. With enough investment in your beast, you can empower it to create a pack, which can assist you in battle for a limited time."

She turned serious. "Now, about the summoning circle itself. There are two components… the circle and the rune. The rune is the key. When placed into the summoning circle, it activates the spell. You must practice drawing both separately with each hand and master them individually. Runes are no joke… even a minor mistake can be life-threatening. When you're ready to enter the summoning plane, you combine the two."

She lifted her hands and demonstrated. With practiced ease, she traced a summoning circle on the ground with her right hand, while her left hand simultaneously inscribed a glowing rune in the air. The two symbols synchronized, and for a brief moment, a faint portal flickered before fading away.