SSS-Ranked Awakening: I Can Only Summon Mythical Beasts

The training grounds of ElderGlow Academy rang with the sharp crack of clashing weapons and the hum of circulating mana.

Morning sunlight filtered through the tall crystalline pillars that bordered the field, refracting into faint rainbow hues across the stone floor. Runes carved into the ground pulsed softly, reinforcing the arena so it could withstand the punishment of fourth-year students—students who were no longer novices, but not yet veterans either.

Damon Terrace wiped sweat from his brow and rolled his shoulders, feeling the familiar thrum of power moving beneath his skin. His essence felt denser than it had just months ago. Advancing to the fourth year had done more than grant them a title—it had pushed all of them into a new bracket of expectations.

Across from him stood Daveon, spear planted firmly into the ground, his breathing controlled but heavy. His short brown hair was damp with sweat, and faint scorch marks still lingered on the edge of his training armor.

“Again?” Daveon asked, a grin tugging at his lips.

Damon smirked. “You’re the one who called for sparring before breakfast.”

Daveon laughed. “Fair enough.”

They moved at the same time.

Daveon lunged first, spear thrusting forward in a straight, efficient line. Damon twisted his body aside, the tip grazing his sleeve, and countered with a sweeping kick aimed at Daveon’s ribs. Daveon jumped back, spun the spear, and brought it down in a wide arc.

Metal met reinforced forearm with a sharp clang.

Damon slid backward, boots screeching lightly against the stone, then pushed forward again, fists glowing faintly with condensed essence. He struck once—fast, precise. Daveon barely raised the spear shaft in time to block, the impact sending a shock through his arms.

On the other side of the training ground, Anaya and Celeste were locked in a completely different kind of battle.

Anaya moved like flowing water, her blade tracing elegant arcs through the air. Each step was measured, her long dark hair tied back tightly as she pressed forward with relentless but graceful strikes. Her eyes were sharp, calculating, always two steps ahead.

Celeste, by contrast, relied more on positioning and timing. She wielded a staff etched with pale blue runes, using it to redirect Anaya’s attacks rather than meet them head-on. Every block was accompanied by a subtle burst of mana, shifting the angle of impact just enough to keep her from being overwhelmed.

“You’re leaning too much into your right side,” Celeste noted calmly as she parried another slash.

Anaya smiled. “And you’re still too cautious.”

She feinted left, then twisted mid-step and struck low. Celeste’s eyes widened slightly as she hopped back, the blade barely missing her leg.

Meanwhile, Damon and Daveon were reaching the end of their bout.

Daveon planted his spear and vaulted upward, bringing the weapon down in a crushing overhead strike. Damon crossed his arms and met it head-on, essence flaring briefly as the ground beneath him cracked in a shallow spiderweb.

They froze for a second, locked in place.

Then Damon exhaled and shoved forward.

Daveon staggered back several steps, boots scraping loudly before he finally lowered his spear and laughed.

“Alright,” he said, holding up a hand. “That’s enough. If we keep going, the instructors will start yelling.”

Damon chuckled and relaxed, rolling his neck as the residual tension drained from his muscles. “You’re getting better,” he admitted. “Your control’s cleaner than last term.”

Daveon nodded, clearly pleased. “You too. Your strikes feel heavier.”

They stepped off the sparring ring just as Anaya and Celeste ended their exchange as well. Anaya sheathed her blade with a smooth motion, while Celeste leaned on her staff, breathing evenly.

“Call it a draw?” Celeste asked.

Anaya laughed softly. “I’ll take that.”

The four of them gathered near the edge of the field, dropping onto the cool stone benches that lined the arena. For a moment, none of them spoke, content to just breathe and enjoy the familiar companionship.

Then Daveon broke the silence.

“Hey, Damon,” he said, staring up at the sky. “What do you think will happen to us after we graduate?”

Damon blinked, surprised by the question. He leaned back, resting his hands behind his head, eyes following the drifting clouds above the academy towers.

“Hm,” he said thoughtfully. “I don’t know. I’ll probably just keep getting stronger.”

Daveon nodded slowly. “Yeah. Makes sense.”

Damon continued casually, as if discussing the weather. “Then I’ll beat up my father, settle a score, lock him up, become the new Lord of the Terrace family… and after that, eliminate all demons.”

There was a pause.

Daveon turned his head slowly to stare at him. “…You’re joking, right?”

Damon shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not.”

Daveon snorted. “You say that like you’re planning your afternoon.”

Anaya had been listening quietly, amusement dancing in her eyes. She stepped closer and slipped her arm around Damon’s, resting her head lightly against his shoulder.

“Well,” she said brightly, “if Damon becomes the Lord of the Terrace family, then I’ll become a wealthy merchant.”

Daveon raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

She smiled—warm, confident, and a little mischievous. “Of course. Someone has to fund his ridiculous ambitions. And then I’ll marry him.”

Damon glanced at her, surprised for half a second, then smirked. “Sounds expensive.”

Celeste laughed, shaking her head. “You two are impossible.”

Daveon scratched the back of his head, thinking for a moment. “As for me… I’ll just get stronger too. Then I’ll find someone to marry and start a family.”

“That’s it?” Damon asked.

Daveon shrugged. “My older brother already fits the role of family head perfectly. I don’t need to chase that. I just want a peaceful life.”

Celeste smiled softly at that. “That actually sounds nice.”

They all looked at her.

She blinked. “What? If things go well—and if we survive long enough—I’d like to become an instructor. Teach the next generation.”

Daveon chuckled. “That’s the simplest dream here.”

“Sometimes,” Celeste replied calmly, “simple is best.”

They laughed together, the sound echoing lightly across the training grounds.

Right on cue, Damon’s stomach growled loudly.

He froze.

Then groaned. “Alright, that’s it. I’m starving.”

Daveon laughed again. “Same here.”

Anaya nodded. “Training on an empty stomach was a bad idea.”

Celeste picked up her staff. “Then let’s go before Damon collapses.”

The four of them left the training grounds together, heading toward the academy’s cafeteria, their voices fading into easy conversation as the sun climbed higher above ElderGlow Academy—unaware of the storms waiting far beyond its walls.