The Valenhardt Guild's central arena shimmered with mana.
Dozens of adventurers filled the stands, buzzing with excitement. Word had already spread that a sixteen-year-old Summoner was about to duel a Guild Appraiser — something no student had ever done.
Kael adjusted his gloves, looking unimpressed by the spectacle. Ember perched on his arm, her feathers glowing faintly gold.
> "I still don't understand why we're doing this," he muttered.
"Because you broke Guild property," Ryn called from the stands. "They want to see if you can back it up."
"Ah. Punishment by entertainment. Classic."
---
The Evaluation Match
A middle-aged knight in scarlet armor entered the arena. His armor pulsed faintly with heat, runes flaring across the steel plates.
> "Arven, B-Rank Elemental Knight of Valenhardt," he said, saluting with a grin. "Don't take it personally, kid. I just want to test the Guild's new mystery Summoner."
> "Kael Draven," Kael replied easily. "Try not to regret it."
The crowd laughed.
> "Match start!"
Arven's blade ignited instantly — molten mana spilling out like liquid fire.
He swung downward, and a wave of flame surged across the ground.
> "Flame Domain!"
The air thickened, heat pressing against Kael's skin.
He didn't flinch.
> "Ember, take the sky."
The Phoenix spread her wings and soared upward, golden fire scattering like starlight.
> "Flame Arc — triple spread!"
Three radiant crescents of fire burst outward from her wings, colliding with Arven's domain.
The explosion turned the arena into a storm of heat and light.
When the flames cleared, Arven stood behind a glowing red shield.
> "Not bad for a Summoner," he said, chuckling. "But you'll need more than tricks!"
He slammed his sword into the ground. Pillars of molten stone erupted in a circle, surrounding Kael.
Kael sighed. "You people really love overkill."
He lifted a hand. "Spirit Bind!"
Golden chains erupted from Ember's wings, striking the ground around Arven.
They wrapped around the knight's legs and tightened, glowing hotter and hotter.
> "What—?!"
> "She's not just pretty fire," Kael said, grinning.
The chains pulsed, Ember's power flowing through them. The flames reversed direction, dragging Arven's own fire toward him.
> "Flame Reversal — full burst!"
Ember's cry pierced the air as her body flared into pure light. The vortex of fire she'd captured exploded outward, slamming into Arven's armor.
The entire arena shook.
When the light faded, Arven was on one knee, armor scorched black. His sword clattered to the floor, still steaming.
The Guild referee raised a trembling hand.
> "Winner — Kael Draven!"
The audience erupted.
---
Aftermath
Kael walked over and helped Arven up.
> "No hard feelings?"
"Kid," Arven said, shaking his head with a smile. "If that's your first summon, I don't want to see the second."
Ember landed on Kael's shoulder, feathers glowing softly. She looked extremely proud of herself.
From the viewing balcony, Guildmaster Varin watched in silence. His eyes narrowed, reflecting the golden fire still hanging in the air.
> "Eighty-three percent synchronization," he murmured. "Impossible."
The Guild instructor beside him swallowed hard. "That kind of control… he's sharing his mana flow directly with the beast."
> "No Summoner should be capable of that," Varin said quietly. "Not unless…"
He trailed off, a memory flickering behind his gaze.
---
Guild Recognition
Later, Kael stood before the Guildmaster again.
Varin placed a small metal badge in his palm — silver with a faint golden crest.
> [Adventurer Registration Complete: Rank C]
> "Congratulations," Varin said. "You're now a registered Adventurer of Valenhardt."
Kael blinked. "That's it? No parade? No cake?"
> "No. But you may take quests — and responsibility."
> "Can I take naps instead?"
Varin chuckled softly. "You'll learn quickly that adventurers don't get naps."
> "That's tragic," Kael said. "Maybe I'll start a revolution."
---
Later That Night
Back in his dorm room, Kael leaned against the window, watching the city lights. Ember rested on his shoulder, her warmth gentle and constant.
> "Looks like we're officially part of the Guild," he said softly.
"Try not to incinerate the quest board tomorrow."
Ember gave a soft chirp, clearly promising nothing.
Kael smiled faintly. "Yeah. That's what I thought."
Outside, the Guild tower pulsed faintly with golden light — as if acknowledging the new fire that had entered its ranks.
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