Dan stepped into a hall he had never seen before. He lingered at the threshold for a moment, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar architecture.
"The Hall of Spirits..." he whispered. "It's nothing like the others."
The very atmosphere was different—the air felt thin and ethereal, as if invisible currents were swirling around him. Unlike the crowded lecture halls, the seating here was sparse. The walls were etched with ancient, glowing inscriptions that seemed to shift like shadows and mist. As time passed, a handful of students trickled in, though their numbers were far fewer than in the other departments.
So, there really are only a few spirit contractors, Dan thought, observing the quiet crowd.
Suddenly, a familiar face entered his line of sight. Elena. She walked with her usual poise, her expression cold and indifferent as she passed him without a single glance.
Dan's lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. Right... she's still playing the part.
He took a seat near the back, leaning casually against the table as he watched the door with growing anticipation. A few minutes later, the professor arrived.
The man's presence was immediate. He was lean, with striking white hair that contrasted sharply against his vibrant green eyes. But what truly caught Dan's attention—and left no room for doubt—were his long, pointed ears.
An Elf... Dan stared, mesmerized. That's a first.
The professor ascended the podium with a lighthearted smile, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Hello, students," he began, his tone bright and welcoming. "I see some new faces today. How exciting."
He gave a playful wink. "My name is Loren, your handsome professor. I might look young, but trust me, I've lived through more than you can imagine."
A few students chuckled, while others just looked confused by his eccentricity. Loren clapped his hands, signaling the end of the pleasantries.
"Alright, enough about me. We have work to do. Tell me—what do you know about spirits?"
Elena's hand shot up instantly. "Spirits are classified as a distinct race," she began, her voice steady and clinical. "Unlike us, their bodies aren't made of flesh and blood, but are manifested from pure mana."
Loren beamed. "Excellent, Elena. Spot on."
He paused, tilting his head slightly. "And what about the nature of the contract?"
Elena didn't miss a beat. "A spirit contract is a pact of equals. Once forged, the summoner can call upon the spirit at will. Most importantly, it grants the contractor a rare surge in their innate talent."
The room buzzed with quiet murmurs. Loren looked genuinely impressed. "A perfect answer. It seems we have a star student among us."
Suddenly, Dan raised his hand. Loren gestured toward him. "Go ahead."
Dan met the professor's gaze. "A contract offers the summoner immense benefits, but what's in it for the spirit? What do they gain from being bound to another race?"
The room went silent. It was a question few bothered to ask. Loren's smile shifted into one of genuine intrigue.
"A brilliant question," Loren said, pacing slowly in front of the class. "Many believe the contract is one-sided, but spirits are far from naive. Why would a being of pure energy tie itself to a mortal?"
He stopped, his green eyes flashing. "The answer is evolution. Lower-level spirits can accelerate their growth and reach higher tiers far faster by bonding with a partner and evolving alongside them."
Dan followed up immediately. "And high-level spirits? Do they have any reason to work with the inexperienced?"
Loren chuckled. "In most cases? No. They've already reached their peak. However, on rare occasions, a powerful spirit might take an interest in a specific individual. But that's like an S-Rank hunter deciding to serve you out of the blue—highly unlikely."
Loren then raised his right hand. The mana in the air vibrated violently, coalescing into the form of a massive falcon. Its wings shimmered with translucent blue threads, and the sheer pressure of its presence sent a gust of wind through the hall.
"This is my companion," Loren said, pride evident in his voice. "Zephyr."
The students gasped as the majestic creature perched on the professor's arm.
"He was a low-level spirit when we first met," Loren added with a wide smile. "But through our bond, he evolved into a Mid-Rank spirit. This, students, is the true power of a contract—mutual growth."
With a wave of his hand, the falcon dissolved into the wind.
"That is all for today," Loren said softly. "Remember, the world is vast, and spirits are but one piece of the puzzle."
After the lecture, Dan's stomach growled, leading him toward the bustling academy cafeteria. He grabbed a tray—bread, roast beef, and a glass of juice—and scanned the room for a seat.
Across the hall, he spotted two familiar figures. One of them was waving frantically. Dan smiled and made his way over. It was Roen and Cain.
"Just in time," Roen greeted him as Dan sat down. "We were just talking about you."
Dan raised an eyebrow. "I hope it was something good."
Roen laughed. "Actually, we have an offer. We're planning to enter a Gate."
Dan froze, his fork halfway to his mouth. "A Gate?"
Cain leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "Right, you've been out for a month. Things have changed. The academy now allows students to enter Low-Level Gates with permission. It's a bit of a risk, but the rewards and credits are too good to pass up."
"I asked Marlin too," Roen added, "but he passed."
The two looked at Dan, waiting for his verdict. "So," Roen asked. "Are you in?"
Dan didn't need long to think. "When do we leave?"
Roen grinned. "In three days. That gives everyone time to gear up."
Three days... Dan thought, a spark of determination in his eyes. That's more than enough time for me to get back in shape.
He looked at his friends and nodded. "Count me in. I'll be ready."