I stayed in my seat, chin resting in my palm, eyes half-lidded. Just watching.
One by one, the teacher called students to the summoning circle. Flashy creatures, glowing weapons, and even skill-based summons filled the room with excitement. The class buzzed with oohs and ahhs.
Me? I just watched.
The rubber summon part was still in my pocket, warm and solid. The System hadn't spoken again since yesterday. But I could feel it — a quiet hum beneath my skin.
Still, I didn't move.
I wasn't called. I didn't volunteer.
And no one noticed.
I preferred it that way.
While the others tried to outshine each other, I just sat there. Calm. Detached.
But I saw it all.
And when the time came…I'd show them.
The summoning circle glowed softly as students were called one by one.
"Lana Kessler."
A girl with bright eyes stepped forward, clutching a gleaming crystal shard. With a small chant, a shining falcon formed beside her, wings fluttering gently.
The class burst into applause.
"Next, Mido Thorne."
A confident boy marched in with a metallic claw. Soon, a sleek wolf made of steel and shadow appeared at his side, growling low.
One by one, flashy summons filled the room—fiery swords, glowing shields, even a swirling orb of wind.
I stayed put in my seat, barely interested.
The rubber lump in my pocket was quiet. No glow, no hum, no invitation.
None of the other students glanced my way. I was just another face in the crowd.
Some whispered behind me.
"Do you think he even has a summon part?"
"Maybe he's one of those lazy types who just watches."
"Bet he's not worth a second glance."
Good. Let them think what they want.
Cain called out a few more names. Each summon got louder, more impressive, more attention.
The bell finally rang.
The class shuffled out, talking excitedly about their summons and battle strategies.
I gathered my things slowly, the rubber lump cold in my palm.
No one asked me a single question.
No one challenged me.
I walked out last, letting the crowd disappear ahead.
Outside, the bright sun felt too harsh.
The bell rang again, signaling the start of the next class.
I packed up my things slowly, not in any hurry. Other students rushed out, chatting excitedly about their summons like it was the best thing ever.
The classroom for the next lesson was smaller, quieter. The sign above the door read: "Summoner Theory and Mana Control."
Inside, the desks were arranged in neat rows. The teacher, a woman with sharp eyes and silver hair tied in a bun, was already waiting.
She smiled lightly when the students settled.
"Good. You all survived your first summoning practice," she said dryly.
I slid into a seat near the back, leaning against the wall. Didn't feel like participating too much.
"Today, we will cover the basics of mana manipulation. Understanding your mana flow is crucial to controlling your summon."
She clicked a button on a projector, displaying glowing diagrams of mana circulation, nodes, and summoning circles.
Most students took notes eagerly. I watched without writing.
"Your summon part is just a vessel," she continued. "Your mana is the key. Without proper flow, even the strongest summon part is useless."
I felt a faint buzz in my pocket where the rubber part rested.
"Some of you may struggle with mana control at first. That's normal."
She glanced around, eyes briefly landing on me. I met her gaze, expression blank.
"Mana control isn't about forcing power," she said quietly. "It's about harmony. Learning to move mana like water—fluid and natural."
I yawned softly.
The class went on, but I drifted in and out of focus, the technical talk not exactly gripping me.
Still, I knew it mattered.
If I wanted to survive this world, I had to figure it out. Slowly, at my own pace.
The lecture continued for another half hour, but my mind was already wandering. The soft hum of the projector, the scribbling of pens—all blending into background noise.
Finally, the teacher glanced at the clock and nodded.
"That's all for today. Practice your mana control exercises at home. Remember, summon power comes from within, not just the parts you carry."
The students gathered their things quickly, buzzing with new ideas and plans to train.
I stood slowly, stretched, and slipped the rubber part back into my pocket.
Walking out of the classroom, the sun was higher now, casting long shadows down the hall.
Somewhere, distant laughter and footsteps echoed.
I didn't join the chatter. Didn't make any plans.
Just another day.