The first morning of Sam Robbin's new life began with the gentle warmth of sunlight spilling through the cracked window of their modest home. Birds chirped above rooftops in the Kingdom of Alberto, and a cool breeze whispered through the alleys of the commoners' district. Sam lay still for a moment, staring at the ceiling with both anticipation and anxiety swirling in his chest. The events of the previous day—the ceremony, the spirit bond, and the weight of dreams—still lingered like fire behind his eyes.
His father's voice broke the quiet, "Sam, breakfast is ready. You'll need your strength today."
Sam swung his legs over the side of his bed and quickly dressed. As he walked into the small kitchen, the aroma of roasted bread and eggs greeted him. His father stood by the stove, wearing a worn-out robe but holding a proud smile.
Soon, a knock echoed through the door.
"It's us!" came Kiro's cheerful voice.
Ayana stood beside him, her silver hair tied neatly, eyes gleaming with excitement.
"You two are early," Sam said, opening the door.
"Of course," Ayana said with a smirk. "It's the first day. Aren't you excited?"
"More nervous than excited," Sam replied.
After a quick breakfast, the three of them followed Sam's father through the stony, narrow paths of the commoner district. As they exited the residential quarter, the Training Center loomed ahead.
The facility was massive—constructed from polished blackstone with shimmering glyphs engraved into its surface. Wide doors made of silverwood stood open, welcoming students into the belly of destiny. A crystal spire rose from the center of the building, piercing the clouds. Light refracted through it in brilliant colors.
"This is it," Sam's father said, stopping at the gate. "From this point on, you're on your own. Remember what I said last night, Sam. Make your spirit your strength, not your burden."
Sam nodded solemnly. "I will."
His father gave them one final look, then turned and disappeared into the crowd.
---
Inside, the three were approached by a young woman wearing the silver robe of a Magic Knight. Her dark-blue hair was tied in a firm bun, and she held a clipboard in one hand.
"Follow me," she said. "I'm your guide."
She led them through arched halls echoing with chatter and footsteps. Students of all types bustled through, some in plain tunics, others in gold-trimmed uniforms—clearly nobles. The differences were immediate and jarring.
They stopped in front of a large oak door.
"Room 14C. This is for commoner students," she said, before nodding and leaving.
Inside, 67 students sat on stone benches, whispering nervously. The walls were bare except for a magical chalkboard and a few glowing lanterns. A distinct air of apprehension clung to the room.
Meanwhile, in a separate wing, nobles gathered in an ornate hall with velvet chairs, floating chandeliers, and even elemental fountains. Grand Magic Knights walked among them, offering advice, laughter, and camaraderie. The comparison was stark.
Back in Room 14C, the atmosphere shifted as the door opened and a woman entered. She wore the armored robes of a Senior Magic Knight—sleek white steel lining her arms and a dark red cloak flowing behind her. Her short auburn hair framed a sharp but fair face.
She walked briskly to the front.
"I am Miss Alisa," she declared, her voice firm. "A Senior Magic Knight of Alberto. I will be instructing you for the next several days. Let me make something very clear: here, we value discipline, focus, and magic control. I don't care if you're a commoner or a noble. If you cause trouble, you will be removed."
Some students flinched. Others sat up straighter.
"Let's start with introductions."
One by one, students stood, gave their names, and mentioned their spirit types—most had minor elemental or animal spirits.
Then it was Sam's turn. He stood up, trying to steady his breath.
Before he could speak, Miss Alisa narrowed her eyes. "You're Sam Robbin. The boy who received a professional spirit, right?"
He hesitated. "Yes... I am."
Her expression hardened. "You have a warning. I've never taught a student bonded with a professional spirit, but I've heard enough. They're volatile, unpredictable. If your spirit causes even one disruption, I won't teach you again."
Whispers shot through the room. Sam froze.
Suddenly, heat surged beside him, and a familiar voice snarled, "I've not created a single mess yet, but now I will show you what a mess looks like."
His spirit appeared—hovering on his shoulder. A fiery feminine form, sharp-eyed with an aura of blistering magic.
"No, wait—" Sam began, panicking.
But it was too late.
The spirit chanted in an ancient tongue, her voice like crackling flames. The air thickened.
"Dragon's Lava Roar!" she screamed.
From the floor erupted a massive spectral dragon, its molten body glowing, roaring with fury. Its mouth opened wide, spewing a tide of burning lava toward Miss Alisa.
Gasps erupted. Screams echoed.
Miss Alisa's eyes widened, but she responded quickly. "Fortress Spirit! Shield Formation!"
Her spirit appeared—a massive armored titan—raising a gleaming shield in front of her. The lava slammed into it with explosive force. The shield cracked, and with a deafening shatter, pieces flew. The blast singed Miss Alisa's side, throwing her back.
Silence followed. Ash drifted in the air. Students stared in horror.
Sam fell to his knees. "I... I didn't mean for this to happen!"
His spirit hovered again, arms crossed. "You said she didn't want to teach you. Well, now she really doesn't have to."
"Enough!" Sam shouted.
She merged into him again, and he turned without a word and walked out.
Miss Alisa stood slowly, brushing ash from her cloak.
Her eyes widened as she whispered, "Professional spirit... even stronger than the records claim."
Students murmured, half in fear, half in awe.
---
Sam stormed through the halls, heart pounding. He reached the courtyard and collapsed onto a bench.
Kiro and Ayana followed quickly.
"What the hell was that?" Kiro asked.
"She just... acted on her own. I didn't summon her. I tried to stop her," Sam said, voice trembling.
Ayana placed a hand on his shoulder. "She's powerful, and clearly proud. But she's part of you now. You have to learn to control her, not the other way around."
Sam nodded slowly. "I know."
Far above them, clouds churned. In the noble wing, whispers spread.
"The commoner boy. The one with the dragon spirit."
"Maybe the nobles aren't the only ones with power anymore."
In that moment, the world of Alberto tilted slightly—and the fire within Sam Robbin burned hotter than ever.
He looked up at the tower of the Training Center and clenched his fists.
"This... is just the beginning."