There were four main classes in the world of Blizzard-
Argumenter.
Mage.
Healer.
And finally, Beast Tamer
All were a column of balance in the vast Kingdom of Primacia, but only one house had mastered the art of taming these Magical Beasts -
the Dalmenton family.
For generations, their bloodline had bred exceptional individuals who could command magical creatures to submit to their command. The Dalmentons were not born nobles by title alone; they were beast tamers by destiny.
Their descendants were trained from a very young age to listen to the growls of the creatures that exist beyond the veil and to the beat of the Mana that pulses under their feet.
All Dalmentons were subjected to their first ordeal at the age of 15: theSummoning Ceremony.
It was both test and tradition that measures and determines one's future.
The more powerful the first beast, the faster the child's growth. And if their summoning turned out worthy, they earn an entry into the most honored educational institute in the entire realm of Primacia: the Pramatin Academy.
Rivera Dalmenton's turn has come today.
The marble halls of the Dalmenton estate hummed with whispers. Servants hid behind their curtain. Nobles from other families waited in the magnificent garden, and even the sky appeared to hold its collective breath.
Rivera made her way barefoot down the steps of stone towards the Summoning Grounds. Her pale blue robe flowed softly against the ground. Her blonde hair shone like a blade of moonlight catching the sun. Her heart pounded in her chest so loudly. She could hear the echoes of the beat carried on the wind.
She finally turned fifteen.
And everything in her life had led up to this.
"Her brother, Fleming Dalmenton, stood beside their father at the edge of the summoning circle. His wide grin shone as his crimson eyes glittered. "You'll do great, Rivera."
He had the look of a true warrior that she idolized: dark hair, strong jawline, and the self-assurance that seemed to personify power.
His own summoning, three years ago, had shaken the grounds when a Titanium-Tier Magic Beast appeared from the summoning circle. Since then, Fleming had been considered the brightest mind of his generation.
And Rivera… was expected to do the same or better.
"I'll try not to disappoint you, brother," she said as she forced a laugh.
Flemming chuckled. "Ok, don't disappoint us."
Their father, Alvin Dalmenton, loomed quietly in the background. His very existence commanded reverence. An imperceptible hum vibrated in the atmosphere around his imposing form.
He has two Legendary-Tier Magic Beast. He is considered one of the strongest Beast Tamers.
"Relax, Rivera. Fear clouds intent."
"Remember that your mana follows your will." Alvin said in his deep voice.
Rivera turned to face him, bowing his head slightly. "Yes, Father."
Her throat was parched, and her hands were trembling as she entered the Summoning Circle. The ancient runes etched into the floor were glowing softly as they sensed her approach. The flow of magic underneath her feet hummed like the beat of the world's heart.
This was it.
Her future, her pride, her worth are all to be determined in the next few seconds.
"I can do this," she whispered to herself as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
The circle started shining brighter, the threads of light swirling upward like living flames. The sigils at her feet began to blaze one by one, changing colors, from blue to gold to crimson.
She extended her shaking hands.
"By the bond of mana and will, I, Rivera Dalmenton,, call forth my destined companion!"
The ground trembled. An impulse of energy radiated from the spot, rippling across the entire estate. Nobles gasped. The winds were swirling furiously.
Then,
BOOM.
A white light flashed out from the circle. Everything was engulfed in the radiance.
"Rivera!"
A voice broke through the din. "Hold your focus!"
"I...I'm trying!" she shouted back, but her voice quivered.
The air thickened with magic. The summoning circle bellowed like a hurricane, and then,
POOF.
A plume of smoke shot up. The crowd protected their faces as the light faded.
"Coughing softly," Alvin waved a hand, dispelling the haze.
Fleming moved forward. "Fuck, what...what kind of reaction was that?" His crimson eyes narrowing.
There was no response. Just silence.
The thick smoke hovered above the ground like eerie mist. Something moved in the thick smoke. This thing had a silhouette that resembled a monster. This monster looked so strong.
Rivera's heart racing.
"Father." she whispered, her voice shaking.
"Stay behind me," Alvin growled as his eyes squinted. His aura tightening in defense.
The smoke began to thin out, swirling slowly away as the glowing circle lost brightness beneath the feet of the figure. Rivera took a hesitant step forward.
Rivera clutched at her chest as the final veil of smoke dissipated.
And there, at the center of the circle,
A shadow held its ground, the features slowly emerging as the light faded.
Rivera, Alvin, and Fleming were looking at it with anticipation.