Biron stood next to Mirelia on the practice field. It was time to summon their creatures, and Mirelia's turn had come.
The young girl with red hair extended her hand, and in a flash of pale light, her creature appeared.
Everyone knew her family, but not the girl herself. She had always been kept in the dark—hidden for a reason.
What emerged was a small Glow Budling—a creature weak to the very element her family was known for mastering.
It was proficient in earth magic and possibly one of the stronger variants of its kind when fully grown.
But Mirelia didn't like it.
Still, unlike some others, she couldn't bring herself to do what many would. She couldn't kill the creature just because she hated it.
The small being looked up at her, its round black eyes trying to gauge whether it would be used today, or sent away like always.
Biron glanced around. He noticed that everyone, including the teachers, had gone silent.
"It looks cute. I hope I get something like that," he said.
Suddenly, Biron's voice cut through the stillness. Mirelia, caught off guard and a little embarrassed, cleared her throat and readied a command.
[Well, don't just stand there, little thing. Hit the targets so they know you're at least useful.]
Not wanting to keep the creature out longer than necessary, Mirelia gave the order.
The small creature placed one hand forward and steadied it with the other. Biron, who had seen people on Earth use guns, was reminded of someone holding a pistol.
Within seconds, the creature fired three powerful shots into the target. The force of the blows caused it to recoil slightly until the stand holding the target finally collapsed.
"Now that is strong!"
Biron's voice snapped Mirelia out of her daze once again. She quickly recalled the creature, just as the teacher called Biron up for his turn.
[Come forth, young one. We know you don't have your creature yet, so I will provide the mana you need. Here—hold this crystal and try to form one from the book you had hours to study.]
Biron hadn't really studied, so he didn't remember every creature he'd seen. What he did remember were the ones Mirelia had been so obsessed with.
The one she liked most was a fire salamander—something he thought would be a great creature to summon.
If he could pull it off, maybe she'd finally look at him. Just once.
So that's what he aimed for.
He focused with all he had, and a small storm of fire erupted before him. The flames, however, didn't burn him. Instead, they swirled around and parted gently, avoiding him entirely, showing a small creature within them.
[Wonderful, young Biron. You have summoned one of the most sought-after creatures.]
Everyone applauded—everyone except Mirelia. The very person he'd hoped to impress stormed off before the teacher could even call her back.
[Yes, well, young summoner, strike the target like the others. Since it's your first time with this creature, be very specific. Call out its name, then give the command.]
Biron was still thinking about Mirelia but turned to the creature in front of him. He had so many names running through his head.
"Well… I managed to summon you. Guess I should go with something simple. How about Flint?"
The small salamander exhaled a stream of fire like a torch. The flames didn't harm anyone—they were directed straight at the target, almost like it had overheard the instructions.
"Fine, you don't like that one? How about Ignis? That sounds good, right? I'm not clever enough to come up with a better one… Cinder? Pyro? Torch—"
Just as he was about to say another name, the creature reacted differently.
"Torch? I guess you do know what we're talking about."
[That will be all, young Mister Biron. You may recall your beast now. Head to eat before the next class begins. You do remember your class, right?]
"Uhm, yes, I know where it is. It's just... how do I call this creature back?"
[Ah, that's simple. Tap it with your wand—that's why you're required to have one. Go on, a little tap, and everything should be fine.]
Biron looked at the crystal at the tip of his wand and gently pressed it against the creature's back. It vanished instantly, dissolving in a flicker of light.
He wanted to stay and watch what other creatures would be summoned, but something told him he needed to find Mirelia.
He rushed off the training field and headed toward the large cafeteria. It wasn't hard to find—the smell of food made it impossible to miss. He had already spotted the place that morning.
But before he could reach it, he was suddenly pulled aside.
[You! Are you mocking me? Did someone send you to do this? Why did you have to summon that creature—the one my family has bonded with for generations?]
Mirelia grabbed him by the collar, her face close to his.
"No! I just saw the book you were reading—the page with all the creatures. That was the one you liked most... I just thought—"
[Thought what? That having it would put you in a better place than me?]
She shoved him back, her eyes glistening with frustration.
"No—I thought you might like it. I wanted to see your reaction. I didn't know it was a creature tied to your family. I'm new to this world. I don't even know anything about your family's situation…"
[Ah… that's right. Well—whatever. I just hope you're telling the truth. And as for my family, don't mention them here. I hate them. They don't even care about someone like me… and honestly, I don't care about them either.]
Biron nodded along. He felt that, maybe, he could be someone on her side.
"Well, I can't say much about family. I lost mine. I have another now… but I don't know them that well yet. I just hope you can find a way to improve things with yours. Your creature might not be the one you wanted, but it's cool. And if there was a way to switch creatures… I'd gladly trade."
Mirelia, who had always been looked down on because of her summon, stared at the boy, perplexed by his sincerity.
It wasn't until the bell rang, signaling they had even less time to eat, that the moment passed. The two of them ran toward the cafeteria, knowing a long day still lay ahead.