Quickly, another lesser spirit appeared.
A small snake, barely aware of itself.
It even had a tiny fang at the front, and upon seeing it, the mages all sighed.
"A Glorious-Snake. Hatchling, Early stage," The scribe noted swiftly.
That girl didn't seem to have much of a future ahead.
There were worse choices, of course, but this was already a very basic outcome.
Nevertheless, she left with a joyful smile on her face and with a small, cute, glorious snake coiled around her.
She looked happy, and so the mages only chuckled. Not everyone was so lighthearted on such an important day.
"Next," The mage announced, and soon another young man stepped forward.
There were many youths eager to summon their first Familiar, and many of them - as well as their families - took the entire process very seriously.
Each brought with them the cathedral's authorization as well as the materials for the summoning.
Even the enchantment to attract a particular creature was the responsibility of the individual.
But of course, the most important thing was the contract, and whatever was written there…
People came and went, and soon it was the turn of a bronzed-skinned youth, his face gentle and his gaze serene.
He seemed unshakable, nothing could faze him. Yet the moment he approached the circle, the crowd collectively drew in a breath.
"So, it's him…" The mage narrowed his eyes.
He had known of this boy for some time.
Everyone here did.
Still, under such scrutiny, the boy remained completely unmoved.
"All set, boy?" The mage asked in a deep voice, receiving only a calm, almost casual nod in return.
Then the boy knelt, retrieving materials from his leather pouch.
He laid them out before him: a bit of common grass, an unripe carrot, a solid stone and a rope.
He placed a white candle in front of him, then another, and another, three candles in all, set in a triangular formation.
He traced the paths between them, ensuring the triangle's shape.
Finally, he drew a circle connecting the candles, along with several runic markings.
The people around him found the entire act mystical.
So mystical and so bold that it left them breathless.
Then he began to enchant:
"I pray for the spirit that wanders the purple ocean."
"I pray for the clever and agile spirit, who fears no one."
"The one who plays with foxes every day and wins."
"I, Azriel, summon you in my name! Hear my call!"
The black vortex churned at his words, a strong wind flooding the hall, forcing everyone to hold down their hats and skirts.
The flames flickered violently and suddenly expanded, taking on a deep purple hue.
Then just as suddenly came a cry, a first scream followed by thick smoke accompanied by a low, angry voice.
"Who summoned me?!" A deep male voice growled in rage. "I swear I'll kill this clown!"
Slowly the smoke cleared, revealing a small rabbit wearing a top hat and golden-rimmed spectacles.
"Show yourself, summoner! Don't be afraid! I'll just give you a taste of my bullets!"
He shouted, quickly drawing a revolver and waving it wildly, pointing it in every direction in search of his summoner.
"It was I, Azriel, who summoned you! Surrender to me, rabbit! And perhaps I shall show mercy to your soul!"
The boy declared in a commanding voice that left no doubt of his authority.
"You?" The rabbit's eyes widened, his mouth stammered for a moment. He didn't know what to say.
"It was you?"
"…"
Then he suddenly broke into laughter.
"Oh, for the love of the gods. You?!" He pointed the revolver at himself. "I was the unlucky one?"
"Damn it, man, I lost a huge bet because of you! You're getting shot anyway!"
He spun the barrel of the gun and, with crazed eyes, aimed at the barrier. Laughing maniacally as he pulled the trigger again and again.
A deafening bang echoed alongside his mad laughter as the barrier flared repeatedly, becoming tangible to block the bullets.
The crowd quickly covered their ears, while the children crouched in fright.
Then the shots ceased, only the click of the trigger remained, followed by a sharp clucking of the tongue.
"Damn it, I really wanted to fill you with bullets. But, well, it was worth the try." The rabbit said, tossing the gun aside.
The metal clanged against the floor for a moment before vanishing in a shower of purple sparks.
"So, little crazy one? What do you have for me? Is the contract any good at least?"
The rabbit said, approaching the barrier, while the boy remained completely unshaken.
"Read it and tell me what you think." The boy opened the contract, allowing the rabbit to examine it.
The rabbit quickly adjusted his spectacles and then burst into laughter again.
"I love the idea, but you know I'm not really into these sorts of things," The rabbit said then glanced at the mage standing beside the portal.
"No way, boss, not a chance!" The mage sighed, already expecting this outcome. And soon ended the summoning.
Still, he couldn't help but stare at the boy, more specifically, at the contract in his hands.
"One question. What the hell did you write there? You asked for a Familiar contract, right?" The mage asked, puzzled by the rabbit's reaction.
The boy glanced at the contract in his hands, shrugged, and tossed it to the mage.
"Read it yourself. Besides, you've got a knack for narrating. And the audience seems eager for a story,"
He said with an amused laugh as the mage cast a suspicious look at him.
The mage opened the golden paper and cleared his throat before reading aloud.
"I, Azriel, the great mage Azriel, hereby offer the grand opportunity for you, little crazy rabbit, to serve me and my purposes."
The mage took a deep breath before continuing.
"Should you sign, I guarantee in my grand and magnificent name, in all your reputation and glory,"
"To make you not merely a hearty dinner, but a feast which I shall devour to the last bite with delight!"
"Signed: Azriel Twintails."
The mage rubbed his forehead for a few moments, then looked at the boy once more.
"You wrote this while hungry, didn't you?" He asked, speechless, and the boy simply nodded in agreement.
"It's been a while since I've eaten roasted rabbit," He said with a smile. "I make an excellent roasted rabbit."
"Pfft~" someone in the crowd finally burst out laughing.
Soon the entire audience joined, their laughter growing into uncontrollable guffaws.
"All that just to fail!" A boy in the crowd cried out between laughs.
"And he even tried to act like a real mage," One of the parents sighed, trying not to laugh.
"What did you expect from him? Just another pathetic cripple, he'll never cultivate!"
An old woman said harshly, showing no pity for the boy.
But not everyone was as severe, some were just there to enjoy the show.
"I wouldn't doubt it…" the mage muttered, trying to take a deep breath, failing every time.
"Fine, next!"