Chapter 21 Bonds of the Soul

The air was thick with anticipation. The summoning circle glowed at the center of the ceremonial field, fueled by the professors' magical energy. The students stood around the perimeter—some trembling with excitement, others sweating with nerves.

"Today, you will summon your spiritual familiars," Trébol announced solemnly. "These mystical beings connect to your soul and essence. Their power is not measured by size, but by the bond you forge with them."

One by one, students stepped forward—some summoning small creatures, others more exotic beings. Then, it was Group 4's turn.

Liana went first. She stepped into the circle with calm grace, raising her hands as her nature magic flowed gently like wind through leaves.

"Come, guardian spirit… walk beside me."

The circle lit up in hues of green and brown, and from it emerged a turtle made of leaf and stone, its shell covered in moss, eyes calm and wise. The professors nodded in approval—it was a rare familiar, a symbol of endurance and wisdom.

"Hello, little friend…" Liana whispered, stroking its tough shell.

Agust was next. He stepped into the center with a furrowed brow, full of determination.

"Accept my ice. Become my fang."

A chilling breeze swept through the room, and a howl echoed as an ice wolf emerged from the circle—majestic, its fur glistening like frozen crystals.

Agust gave it a satisfied look.

"We'll fight together."

Then came Dana. Electricity crackled in the air even before the ritual began. With an elegant motion, she channeled her energy.

"If thunder accepts me, let it appear."

A burst of light shook the hall, and from the sparks, an electric phoenix was born—majestic, its wings trailing lightning with every movement. Murmurs of awe spread across the room. It was one of the most powerful known summons.

Trébol raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed.

"Fascinating…"

Finally, Ares stepped toward the circle. His pulse trembled. He didn't know what to expect—he didn't even know if his blue fire would answer at all.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

"If there's something… inside me, something real—show yourself now."

The circle didn't just glow. It roared.

A blue flame erupted from the ground like a silent explosion. The floor cracked, and the air grew heavy. An ancient roar shook the entire room as a blue fire dragon emerged from the circle—its initial size towering over everyone present. Ares collapsed to his knees under the pressure of its magic.

"W-What is that…?" one student whispered.

"Impossible…" muttered Trébol, visibly shaken.

The dragon, its eyes the same deep blue as the flames surrounding it, bowed gently to Ares. Then… its body shrank to a more manageable size—about as big as a large horse.

Ares swallowed hard.

"Hey… are you stuck with this fire too?"

The dragon let out a low growl that sounded almost like… laughter?

From the stands, all eyes were on him—some with fear, others with awe. Even Dana, for the first time, looked genuinely impressed. And Agust, clenching his fists, turned his gaze away.

That day, one thing became clear: Ares could no longer go unnoticed.