After that first day, Biron and Mirelia grew closer—at least, that's what Biron thought. The two shared every class, so it was hard not to get closer after the incident during summoning class.
For the rest of the day, Biron was able to pay a bit more attention in class. He had to learn how to properly use his creature.
The students needed to raise their summons quickly. By the second year, they were expected to be ready to enter the labyrinth. After that came field testing, and then they'd be sent out to hunt rogue creatures—those that had somehow grown wild and become dangerous to hum's, the term used for humans of this world.
Either that or try to bring them in. Some hum's who had lost their creatures could receive a new one through a forced pact.
Summoning, however, was a difficult path to follow. The creature you raised needed constant training, discipline, and—most importantly—proper feeding.
They were dangerous beings. If their needs weren't met, they could grow powerful enough to wipe out entire cities once they reached their final form.
It was a sad truth, but necessary. No one wanted a rogue creature nearby, causing firestorms or, worse, hurricanes.
"So, what does your family do?" Biron asked as the two were getting ready to leave for the day. While Biron had a home to return to, Mirelia lived in the dorms.
[They are… elites with the army. And my father's family is a Marquess. My father, though, didn't inherit the family name…]
The conversation dropped off after that. Biron realized he had probably gone too far with that question, but he noticed the girl only sighed.
[Whatever. I told you I don't care about them. Now tell me—what are you going to do with your creature? You probably don't have enough Aethera stones to evolve it, or proper training clothes... or even a basic heat collar. Without the essentials, that creature's going to be hard to manage.]
Mirelia used her fingers to count off the things he would need to properly tame his summon.
"A what stone? Yeah… I don't have that. And I probably won't be able to get them. I'm low on funds…"
Biron sighed, turning his pockets inside out with a long exhale.
[Well… you can always just ask my family if you want to become a member, like a private soldier. They'll gladly give you everything.]
Mirelia shrugged. She wasn't so friendly that she would do it all for him.
"Don't you think you could help me with that? Please?" Biron asked, putting his palms together in a pleading gesture.
[I can… ask one of my maids to make the request for you. That's the best I can do. It'll probably take a while though—with the new year, there are lots of people applying for the same thing, even if they don't have a fire salamander.]
"Thank you! I hope it comes with money—I really need more of that…" Biron was starting to feel anxious. The day was ending, they were near the gate, and he didn't want to part ways so soon after meeting his first friend in what felt like forever.
[Well, yeah. They do pay you to keep working for the family. Think of it as an investment… Anyway, that's all for today. I need to head this way to get back to my dorm, and you probably have to go that way.]
She spoke casually, giving a small wave before turning and walking off.
Biron was left watching her go before heading off himself. Today, he needed to go straight home and organize his new room. He didn't have much, but that didn't mean he'd leave it the way it was. The place they were renting came with furniture already installed in most parts of the house, but his room was a mess. It needed cleaning.
It was as if the previous occupant had left things behind that even the housemaid or cleaners wouldn't touch.
Still, it was his own room—a space he didn't have to share with fifty others—and for once, he had time to himself.
He was already starting to miss it and promised himself he'd have it spotless before the night ended.
The next morning, Biron woke up early and got ready for school. The twins, who had been ordered to clean their own rooms and help around the house, looked exhausted.
"Hey, you two—want to see my new creature before I head out?" Biron asked. He mostly just wanted to show off. The two kids had been talking about summoning all night and most of the morning.
"You already have yours? That's awesome, Biron—I want to see it!" Terry, the more enthusiastic of the two, practically dragged Biron outside, with his sister following behind. She was clearly interested too, even if she stayed quiet around her new brother.
"Well then, watch closely. It's a small creature, but don't make fun of it—it's one of the ones with the most potential!" Biron said, hoping to build excitement. Even Tessa, usually more reserved, stood ready and waiting for the creature to appear.
"Behold! Ugh… well, Torch—come out!" he called, fumbling slightly over the name he had given the summon. Saying it out loud in front of the kids suddenly felt awkward. Their immediate giggles didn't help.
The laughter didn't last long. The small creature emerged, bellowing a jet of flame above its head—just enough to resemble a powerful lighter.
"I think it's awesome! I want the same one when I start school next year!" Terry exclaimed, trying to pet the creature, but Tessa quickly held him back.
"I know you like it, but be careful. Remember—they're not pets. If we mess up, they could hurt us," she warned, though her eyes remained fixed on the creature with fascination. It looked cool, even if it was shaped a bit like a lizard.
"Well, that's all I can show you two for now. How about we practice a little tonight—once I recharge the mana in my wand? For now… Torch, return to the spirit realm. I can't let you drain all the mana I've got left."
Biron gently pressed his wand to the small amphibian's back, and the creature vanished in a flicker of flame.
"Now I really gotta go. See you two later, alright?"
With that, Biron rushed off, hoping Mirelia would be just as friendly as she had been the evening before.