“Being a summoner is quite a tough job, isn’t it? It’s a glamorous job to be able to find your own companion, but in reality…”
Professor Roxana shrugged with a playful smile.
“It’s a job that burns through money.”
“PUHAHAHA!”
The students burst into laughter.
“Well, aside from that, there is no denying that it is still a rather grueling job. I myself have gone through a lot of hard work.”
The professor spun around and looked at the students.
“Then, any student care to talk about the drawbacks of summoning magic?”
A few students raised their hands.
The professor pointed to one of them.
“First, as you rightly said, it burns through money.”
Laughter once again spread across the classroom.
Though said in jest, it was, in fact, a serious issue. Other mages also start burning through money once they begin various research, but summoning magic was on a completely different level.
What are the conditions to begin practicing summoning magic?
Talent is naturally a given, but most importantly, you need a summonable being.
You can’t practice summoning magic without one.
In order to summon and form a contract with that being, there are various methods, but the representative method involves a summoning magic circle.
And that summoning magic circle is very, very expensive.
The cost of materials alone for the simplest magic circle is beyond the reach of low-ranking nobles, and if you aim for a higher grade summon, the price skyrockets.
Even if you make all that effort to create the magic circle, what happens if no one shows up?
It’s as if your money has flown off into thin air.
Isn’t that why summonable beings are often called ‘money-eating pigs’?
“Secondly, there is uncertainty.”
“Uncertainty? What do you mean by that?”
“Even if you perform a summon, there’s no guarantee the desired being will show. Even if you do get your desired being, their disposition may significantly sway their contribution.”
One could argue that this is the greatest problem with summoning magic.
If you could simply get past the barrier of money, summoning magic is undoubtedly a high-reward magic. If a legendary being from legend appears as your summon, that’s a huge win.
But even if you get a legendary being, what happens if they don’t follow your commands properly?
You can’t exactly discipline a legendary being, and if they won’t listen to you, it’s practically a disaster.
This is the reason why summoners are seen as a destabilizing factor on the battlefield. If they’re doing well and suddenly attack their allies, it can cause internal strife.
“Thirdly, speed. Even if the master gives quick orders, if the summoned being responds slowly, there’s a delay. That delay, even if brief, can be fatal on the battlefield.”
This corresponds to the second point.
The reason why summoning-related accidents never cease is due to these problems…
However…
“…this has nothing to do with me.”
I glanced at Lily grooming her fur on the desk.
Lily would never ignore my words, and considering her nature, she would react even before me and obliterate the enemy.
Having heard the student’s response, the professor clapped.
“Bravo~ That was a perfect answer. Indeed, summoners have to bear these various problems as they move forward. Because of this, it has become a magic that many look down upon, but…”
At that moment,
The atmosphere around the previously kind professor changed.
Flames surged around her.
Startled students scrambled back to the back of the classroom.
However,
“I apologize for startling you.”
The professor walked out from the roaring flames that almost reached the ceiling.
Without a single burn mark, she looked perfectly fine.
“Let’s take a look at the shortcomings. I’ve been wanting to show you this.”
A hazy figure appeared behind the professor.
Made of fire, it was…
“…a lizard?”
It was a large lizard as big as a human.
The professor gently scratched the jaw of that fire-made lizard.
“I’ll show you the strengths of summoning magic when you rise above these flaws.”
Bigger flames erupted, and something burst out of them.
“Is it a bird?”
“It’s a bird emerging from the fire!”
The fire did not stop with the bird and continued to spew more.
A bird with burning wings flying around the classroom, a slow-moving turtle on the floor, a growling lion, and various animals appeared alongside the fire.
Despite being made entirely of fire, each animal retained its individual character.
“This is the power of summoning magic.”
The students’ eyes widened as they watched the movements of the animals that now filled the classroom.
“What the teacher mentioned earlier about the drawbacks does indeed bring many problems. Then, why hasn’t summoning magic become obsolete despite all these issues? This is the answer.”
More animals kept appearing.
This was the real power of summoning magic.
When the issue of money is resolved, a summoner can keep forming contracts with summons within the limits of their mana.
And experienced summoners can call all their summons at once.
Because of this, there’s a term for excellent summoners:
‘One-man army.’
The overwhelming martial prowess that stands alone on the battlefield.
The extraordinary high point that swallows all issues.
The students were marveling at the classroom filled with animals.
“This is 4th-class magic, huh.”
“How many summons does Lily have?”
“Exactly what kind of mana reservoir…”
Satisfied with the students’ reactions, the professor gestured into the air.
The animals wandering around turned back into flames.
Without even the slightest trace of soot, the classroom was perfectly clean.
It was hard to believe that the room had been engulfed by flames earlier.
‘Truly a 4th-class mage. That is impressive.’
A sudden thought occurred – how strong is the Chancellor, who is ranked 1st?
– Lily, is it okay to ask a question?
– Anything. What is it?
– Lily, how strong do you think the Chancellor is?
– Hmm… Quite above human standard.
– And if you compare the Chancellor with the professor, how long do you think they would last?
– Hmm… Four seconds?
…A mage of that level losing in four seconds?
The title of Grand Mage isn’t given out lightly, it seems.
That sparked a curiosity.
– And if the Chancellor fought against you, Lily…
– Less than one second.
Wow…
– Unless they draw power from another Outsider. Even then, if the Outsider isn’t stronger than me, I’d still win.
She must be of medium to upper strength among the Outer Gods. It’s a different league.
As the students returned to their seats, the professor resumed the lesson.
“Well, let’s go back to the assignment topic, shall we? Why is it so important to communicate mentally with your summons, and why give it as an assignment? Any answers?”
Some students raised their hands again, and the professor pointed to one of them.
“To give more rapid commands.”
“Hmm… That’s only half the answer. Anyone else?”
“To prevent the enemy from intercepting the commands.”
“Hmm… Still incomplete. Anyone else?”
The students’ hands dropped.
It seemed they thought the previous answers were correct.
The professor looked around at the students.
“Does anyone understand why it’s important?~?”
At this, I cautiously raised my hand.
“Ah, this student, do you know the reason why?”
Honestly, I wasn’t entirely sure, but I decided to take a shot anyway.
“To resonate with the summons.”
“Resonate, could you elaborate more on that?”
“If we can communicate mentally with the summons, it’s not just about me issuing orders but also understanding the summons’ minds. Therefore, it’s easier to build a bond with the summons.”
The professor snapped a finger, extinguishing a flame.
“Bravo~ That was a perfect answer.”
“That’s right. For us summoners, the relationship with our summons is crucial. From mutual respect as companions to a bit more rigid master-servant relationships…”
“The type of relationship between a summon and a mage hinges largely on the mage’s preference or the summon’s tastes, but the basic underpinning is resonance. There’s no better way to understand each other.”
The professor pointed to me.
“What’s your name, student?”
“Arthur.”
“Arthur student, I’ll give you a star.”
Whispers started among the students.
“Arthur? That would be…”
“The cat guy?”
“Wasn’t there something about him in the newspaper…”
“Such a lucky guy…”
“Cat is cute…”
…It seems no one in the classroom doesn’t know who I am.
Most reactions were a mix of curiosity and friendliness, but among them were…
“Che. Peasant arrogance.”
“Such a theory-savvy guy…”
“Wasn’t this just to get that star on purpose?”
I caught the gaze of a group whispering, their uniforms sparkling; clearly students from noble families.
‘Took some time to think it through because it wasn’t clear, but…’
– They dare…!
– Calm down, claws, Lily.
– Don’t worry, Arthur. I’ll handle it.
– Handle what?!
As Lily tried to send a beam at those talking behind my back, I stopped her just as the professor finished her writing.
“Everyone must succeed in this assignment within the next month. If not…”
The professor smiled at us.
“You fail.”
“!!!”
“Let’s start practicing from today, then. Everyone, bring out your summons.”
The classroom fell into slight confusion for a moment.
“My companion…”
“Come to me…”
“Power of the universe…”
While some students awkwardly cast their incantation, a few others summoned their beings with mere hand gestures.
After the commotion quieted and the professor confirmed everyone’s summons, she directed them to follow whatever was written on the board.
The classroom grew noisy again.
It was pitiful watching students grovel and plead with their summons.
Clearly, this was difficult.
– …I kind of feel bad.
– For what?
– Feels like I’m pulling a fast one on them, doesn’t it?
– Honestly, since the beginning, calling an Outsider a ‘summon’ was already a fraud.
…When put that way, there’s nothing left to say.
Since I had practically already succeeded, I was pondering what to do in the meantime when Lily jumped into my arms.
Caught off guard, I received her, and Lily peeked out, saying,
– Hold me.
– Sure.
The instant I held Lily, I could feel the warm pulse and vitality.
‘Feels nice…’
It might be a little weird to say this, but in her feline form, Lily boasts the very best cushioning.
Enjoying her touch while taking a peek at the other students, Professor Roxana approached me.
“Arthur student, what are you doing?”
“Ah, I…”
Should I say it or not?
While I was considering,
Professor, who was observing Lily intently, clapped her hands.
“Ah! I see, you’re a student under the blessing of Familial Bond!”
“I see. Yes.”
“Ah, when I saw the cat, it clicked. I’ve heard from other professors too, but your cat really does have red eyes!”
“Yes, her name is Lilim.”
“Could I see her up close?”
I reluctantly placed Lily, who looked rather annoyed at being taken out of my arms so suddenly, on the desk.
Lily, who had been staring sharply at me until then, softened immediately upon hearing the praise.
“Such a cute cat! The fur is so glossy and luxurious.”
– …This human knows their stuff.
Thanks to the praise, Lily relaxed immediately.
“I believe that with Familial Bond, you can mentally communicate. Would you show us?”
Ah, so this is possible with Familial Bond?
That’s why it’s called a blessing.
Anyway, since it was the professor’s request…
I can’t refuse.
– Lily.
– What should I do?
– Hmm… Could you stand up for a moment?
In a flash,
Lily proudly stood up only on her hind legs.
“Oh! It’s really possible, isn’t it? Can she do more? Try something more challenging.”
More challenging…?
What could there be?
As I pondered, Lily suddenly straightened her body.
– Lily?
Bent a little at the knees, Lily then…
Whirrr!
Performed a flip in mid-air and landed perfectly on the desk.
Lily then looked at me with what seemed to be a confident smirk.
“Oh… A flip, impressive! Such a nimble summon. Seeing how it understands the master’s commands so well, it seems intelligent too. Congratulations, Arthur student. Quite the exceptional summon.”
“Thank you.”
“Then Arthur, you’ve practically succeeded at the assignment already. Even so, make sure to keep practicing your skills.”
“Yes, professor.”
With that, the conversation concluded and the professor returned to her seat.
“Professor!”
At this moment, a student stood up.
Looking closely, it was one of the noble students who had been talking badly about me earlier.
“What seems to be the matter?”
“I think there’s a fairness issue here.”
The student pointed directly at Lily.
“It’s unfair to take a test with a familial-bound creature instead of an ordinary summon!”
“A familiar is a legitimate summon.”
“But it is a fundamentally different entity from others.”
The professor let out a deep sigh and then asked the student a question.
“Do you know what’s most important in summoning magic?”
“Isn’t it talent?”
“Yes, talent. Having a familiar bond is a form of that very talent.”
“But it’s just pure luck…”
“Even luck is a form of talent—at the very least in summoning magic.”
The professor’s expression hardened, and her voice became stern.
“To be sure, there’s no guarantee in summoning magic: a summon might have stomach problems, or suddenly give birth, or for various other reasons, it might not work out. The talent in summoning magic includes luck. From that perspective, Arthur student has sufficient talent and his summon is a legitimate and fair summon.”
The professor took a breath and turned to the raised student.
“If there are any more objections, please speak now.”
I silently cheered for the professor.
‘Brava! That was a perfect counterargument!’
The professor began to truly appeal to me.
As expected, the standing student couldn’t refute anything and had no choice but to sit down.
The lesson continued, and during this time, I played with Lily’s tail to pass the time.
Her texture was delightfully soft.
As the bell rang and we were about to move to the next classroom,
Puck!
Someone nudged my shoulder and walked by.
The forcefulness of it left no doubt—it wasn’t accidental.
The face was unmistakable; it was the same student who stood up earlier.
I wanted to call out, but the student walked away quickly, snickering with three others who had been talking ill of me.
But then,
Wham bang!
“Uaaagh!”
“Chack!”
“Waaaa!”
Suddenly, all three of them slipped at the same time, spun in the air, and landed headfirst on the floor.
‘Wow… That’s got to hurt.’
The level of impact had me worried their skulls hadn’t cracked.
There was no way the three of them falling simultaneously was an accident.
I gazed silently at Lily purring in my arms.
Lily, catching my glance, subtly turned her head.
‘Ah… Can’t really fault her, can I?’
But still…
‘Feels pretty satisfying.’
