It's been a little over four months since we began our intense training, and today marks a significant milestone: we're about to master the basics of magic and summon our first beasts. Kokono, the World Goddess, has bestowed upon each of us unique magical affinities tailored to our strengths. Through this training, I've discovered that my magic is strongest in darkness, fire, and earth, while Híroÿ has an affinity for light, lightning, and water.
As we step outside into the tranquil garden, the morning air is filled with an unusual intensity. Before us, two intricate circles are etched into the ground—one a deep, swirling purple, the other a brilliant, radiant gold. Kokono stands before us, her presence as commanding as ever yet imbued with a serene calm.
"Shiro, you possess the strongest darkness attribute, so this one is yours," she says, pointing to the dark purple circle. I nod, stepping forward, feeling the pulse of dark energy hum beneath my feet.
"So, the golden circle must be mine," Híroÿ says, a confident smile tugging at his lips as he approaches the radiant light, his eyes reflecting its brilliance like a mirror.
Kokono's voice carries an edge of command. "Now, place your hands over the circles and focus on the most powerful beast you can imagine. Channel your energy into the summoning."
We both nod and concentrate. I focus on the abyss, drawing upon the darkness within me, while Híroÿ channels the pure, blinding light that radiates from his being. As we both pour our magic into the circles, the air thickens with power. A swirling black smoke rises from my circle, while from Híroÿ's, a blinding light floods the area.
The ground shakes as two colossal forms materialize with a thunderous roar. From the darkness, a massive black dragon emerges, its scales shimmering like polished onyx, its eyes glowing with an intense crimson fire. From the light, a majestic white tiger steps forward, its fur gleaming with an ethereal radiance, its eyes sharp and piercing.
The dragon's voice booms, a low, guttural growl. "Does a mere human dare summon me? I will reduce your bones to ash, foolish mortal."
"I sense something different about these humans," the white tiger warns, her voice rich with wisdom as she regards Híroÿ with a sharp, intrigued gaze. "Be careful, Black Monarch."
Híroÿ and I exchange a quick, puzzled glance, both uncertain how to proceed. Kokono, ever calm, offers an explanation. "These are your summoned beasts. Shiro, yours is a demonic beast, and Híroÿ's is a heavenly beast. You must earn their respect if you wish to command them. It won't be easy."
The black dragon turns to me, her fiery eyes narrowing. "Do you truly think you can defeat me, human? I am the great dragon, ascended to godhood. I will not bow to you," she snarls, her words dripping with disdain.
A smirk tugs at my lips, and I take a step forward. "Underestimate me, will you?" I challenge, my voice steady. Glancing at Híroÿ, I notice that he's having an easier time with his summoning. A powerful burst of light and wind magic erupts from him, sending the white tiger skidding back into a nearby wall.
The black dragon's jaw drops in shock, her fiery gaze shifting between me and Híroÿ. I can't suppress a laugh. "So, what will it be, Black Dragon? Must I fight you, or will you surrender now?" I taunt, my confidence rising with every second.
The dragon begins to speak again, her voice laced with fury. "Just because your companion wields impressive magic doesn't mean—"
Before she can finish, I unleash a surge of darkness and fire. The blast of energy slams into the dragon, sending her crashing into the wall behind her. "Now then, what's it going to be?" I ask, my voice firm, my eyes burning with resolve. "I'm tired of being the one who's always losing."
For a tense moment, the dragon holds my gaze. Then, unexpectedly, both the dragon and the tiger lower their heads in submission.
"We have witnessed your power and deem you worthy," they announce in unison, their voices no longer laced with hostility but with a newfound respect. "Mark us, and we shall be your eternal companions."
Kokono smiles approvingly, handing each of us a small knife. "Now, all you need to do is mark them with your blood. This will bind them to you as your companions for life."
I take the knife and make a small cut on my thumb, pressing it to the black dragon's forehead. A bright red mark appears, glowing faintly as I speak the words, "I hereby name you Kyoko." The dragon, now named Kyoko, steps forward, her wings spreading as she lands gracefully beside me.
Híroÿ does the same, placing his thumb on the white tiger's forehead, and a brilliant gold mark forms. "I name you Syrah," he declares. The tiger, now Syrah, purrs contentedly as she steps out of the circle and positions herself proudly by his side.
With our new companions by our side, Kokono grants us the rest of the day off to bond and practice incorporating them into our combat strategies. As we spend time with Kyoko and Syrah, we quickly discover that they are the heads of their respective classes—Kyoko commands the demonic beasts, and Syrah commands the heavenly beasts. This gives us the ability to summon other creatures from their classes without needing to form separate contracts.
Testing our new abilities, I realize that Kyoko can enhance my speed, allowing me to cover vast distances in the blink of an eye. Meanwhile, Híroÿ learns that Syrah amplifies his light and wind magic, making his attacks even more powerful and devastating.
Later that day, we're summoned back to the training area, where Muray instructs us to summon another companion. "When you venture out into the world, you'll need additional support," he explains. "Summon a second beast."
Híroÿ steps forward first, calling upon a majestic Pegasus. With a smile, he names her Shura, and the creature steps forward, her wings unfurling as she stands beside him.
I follow suit, summoning a fearsome Cerberus. "I name you Sangui," I say, and the three-headed beast growls with approval as he takes his place beside me.
With our new companions by our side, we return to training, now focused on integrating them into our combat techniques. The challenges ahead are daunting, but with Kyoko, Syrah, Shura, and Sangui, I feel more ready than ever to face whatever comes next. The path ahead will be filled with dangers, but I know we are prepared.