The sun had barely risen above the stone spires of Haldrin, but the streets were already alive with the clamor of summoners and their summons. Banners of the kingdom fluttered in the early light, bearing the emblem of a silver phoenix circling a blazing sun. The city was buzzing with anticipation—the annual Summoner Recognition Ceremony was the event of the year, a gathering of power, pride, and politics.
Kael walked through the throngs of spectators, the weight of his ceremonial staff heavy in his hands. By his side hovered a small ember-winged fire spirit, its flames flickering nervously in the cool morning air.
He knew the whispers already. Everyone did.
"Common rank… pathetic.""Who brings such a weak summon to the hall of elite summoners?"
Kael's jaw tightened. The fire spirit was his first, his constant companion, the only being that had never judged him. Yet in this hall of opulence and might, it seemed laughable.
Around him, summoners of all ages strutted with confidence, their high-rank summons hovering like living crowns. Dragons with scales that shimmered in the sunlight, phoenixes ablaze with eternal fire, spectral wolves whose eyes glowed like moons—creatures Kael had only seen in books or rumors.
And he had this. A tiny, flickering fire spirit.
The grand hall echoed with the rhythmic chanting of the guild masters as each summoner was called to present their companion. Kael's stomach twisted in a mixture of nerves and anger.
When it was his turn, he stepped forward, raising his fire spirit for display. The creature chirped softly, flames quivering like a candle in the wind.
"Behold, the Common-rank fire spirit of Kael," the guildmaster intoned, his voice polite but tinged with condescension.
A ripple of laughter ran through the spectators. Nobles whispered behind hands, smug smiles curving their lips. Kael clenched his fists, his ears burning with embarrassment and fury.
From the crowd, a young noble sneered. "A Common-rank summon? How amusing. Did they even let him in, or did he sneak through the gates?"
Kael gritted his teeth, refusing to respond. The fire spirit chirped, flames flickering higher in silent defiance.
He lowered his gaze and checked the small rune on its back, revealing its stats in faint glowing numbers only he could see:
Level: 1
Rank: Common
Strength: 12
Agility: 14
Mana Affinity: Fire +10
Not impressive by any standard. Not in this hall. Not today.
A hush fell over the crowd as Prince Kael Dervan strode forward, his presence commanding all attention. His high-rank summon—a majestic shadow dragon—loomed behind him, scales glinting like black obsidian.
The prince's gaze swept over the hall, lingering on Kael and his modest fire spirit. His expression was unreadable, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"Interesting," the prince said, voice smooth, like silk sliding over steel. "A Common-rank summon at a ceremony meant to celebrate strength… yet the owner carries himself with confidence."
Whispers rippled across the hall. Kael felt every eye burning into him, judging him, mocking him, and yet the prince… the prince was different.
"You," the prince continued, stepping closer, "come with me. I could use someone like you in my party."
The crowd gasped. A Common-rank summoner being personally recruited by a prince? Some laughed; others muttered their disbelief. Kael's fire spirit chirped, wings flaring nervously.
Kael hesitated. Pride, ambition, and fear collided inside him. The opportunity was dangerous, yes—but it was also a path forward, a chance to prove himself.
With a determined nod, Kael accepted.
The ceremony concluded, and Kael followed the prince's party to the Oathspire Dungeon, its yawning entrance dark and foreboding against the bright morning sky. Torches flickered along the stone walls, revealing intricate runes and glyphs etched into the rock.
Kael's pulse quickened as he saw the summoners already assembled. Each one had a high-rank summon by their side—a dragon with scales of molten gold, a spectral phoenix ablaze with eternal fire, a colossal wolf whose growl rattled the air. Their owners walked confidently, pride radiating from every movement.
Kael glanced down at his fire spirit. Tiny, flickering, and fragile in comparison, it chirped softly, flames dancing nervously. "Don't worry," Kael whispered, crouching to brush his hand over its head. "You and me, little one. We'll show them what we're made of."
Beside him, Loren—the boy he had once called a brother—stood silently, his expression neutral, unreadable. The prince's smile was sharp, almost predatory, as if sensing the beginning of a game only he knew.
The dungeon loomed ahead, dark and full of unknown threats. Behind them, the prince's party exuded strength and confidence, their high-rank summons radiating raw power. Kael felt the weight of every eye in the hall, the whispers of nobles and summoners echoing in his mind.
Yet in that moment, amidst fear and doubt, Kael felt something else—a spark of determination, a flicker of defiance, and the bond with his small fire spirit, loyal and unwavering.
This was not the end. It was only the beginning.
Together, Kael and his Common-rank fire spirit stepped forward toward the dungeon, the prince extending a hand for him to join his party. Behind them, other summoners flaunted their powerful companions, but Kael's heart burned with one thought: he would rise, and no one would underestimate him ever again.
The shadows of the dungeon stretched before them, promising danger, trials, and—unknown to Kael—the betrayal that awaited him deep within.