Chapter 103: Velkarth and Enkarth-1.

After Nyverra returned to her place with her eerie familiar hidden in the shadows, the air shifted once again.

"Chloe Warrens," Illiana called out next.

With her usual confidence, Chloe stepped forward. Her wheat hair shimmered under the soft sunlight, catching the eyes of more than a few students as she walked into the summoning circle.

She smiled faintly to herself, already looking certain of her success.

Swirl—

The summoning circle began to glow and spin as Chloe passed her mana into it. Unlike the previous dark or fiery displays, hers was... harmonious.

The magic didn’t roar or crackle—it danced.

Soft hues of green, gold, and silver sparkled like early morning dew. The grass around the circle fluttered gently, and even the nearby trees swayed lightly, though there was no wind.

Swish—

A gentle breeze picked up, carrying the faint scent of fresh leaves and blooming flowers. The whole space around the circle felt... alive. Peaceful.

Then, a bright greenish light enveloped Chloe’s figure. Her silhouette stood tall within it as the swirling magic gathered into a single point before her.

Slowly, the light dimmed.

A new form emerged from it.

A pair of large, curled horns made of a translucent crystal shimmered with rainbow hues—like stained glass touched by sunlight.

The creature stood tall, majestic and serene.

It was a reindeer—but unlike any normal beast.

Its fur was a snowy white, laced with golden strands that sparkled as it moved. Its hooves didn’t touch the ground, instead floating a few inches above it.

The moment it stepped forward, patches of flowers bloomed beneath it, and the earth seemed to hum softly.

Gasps spread through the students.

Even the professors raised their brows.

"That’s... a Sylvan Reindeer," one of them muttered, clearly impressed.

"They’re legendary beings. Extremely so."

Chloe met the creature’s gentle gaze and raised a hand. The reindeer leaned its large head down, letting her palm rest on its forehead.

Its large golden eyes closed for a moment, and Chloe smiled.

"I’ll call you Lumis," she said softly.

The reindeer let out a low, melodic call—neither a cry nor a grunt, but something that sounded almost like music.

Then, slowly, it moved behind her, following her back to the group with a grace that made it look like it had stepped out of a fairytale.

The students murmured among themselves, a few looking at Chloe with awe... and maybe a hint of jealousy.

But Chloe didn’t pay attention to them.

She stood beside Nyverra, head held high, her majestic companion resting calmly by her side.

It was clear—

Her bond had been a perfect match.

After Chloe returned to her place with Lumis calmly standing beside her, all eyes shifted as Illiana called out, "Sydelle."

Sydelle flicked her viridian hair to the side, letting it catch the sunlight for a brief moment, and stepped confidently into the summoning circle.

Her movements were precise, graceful, as though every step was measured, with noblesse.

Swirl—

The circle glowed beneath her feet, threads of emerald light weaving into intricate patterns, spiraling outward in waves.

Her mana poured steadily into it, calm yet powerful, like a river flowing without resistance.

Swish—

The air thickened with tension, a faint gust of wind whipping around the clearing.

The light intensified, turning into a shimmering blue aura around Sydelle, with faint streaks of silver sparking like lightning along the edges.

Then, slowly, a figure emerged from the circle.

It was a massive bird of prey, far larger than any ordinary hawk. Its feathers gleamed with deep emerald and silver highlights, catching the sunlight with a metallic sheen.

Its eyes, sharp and intelligent, shone like polished jade, scanning everything with keen precision.

Its wings were vast, stretching wide as it flexed them, sending small gusts of wind rustling the nearby grass.

Its talons were formidable, curved and glinting, capable of tearing through even stone if necessary. Its beak was hooked and strong, completing its aura of both beauty and lethal power.

The students whispered in awe.

Even among the extraordinary familiars summoned, none could deny the regal presence of this legendary hawk, a creature of wind and storm, rare and powerful beyond imagination.

Sydelle crouched slightly, extending her hand. The hawk lowered its head, allowing her to rest her palm against its feathered chest.

"I’ll call you Zephyr," she said softly.

The creature gave a low, resonant cry—a sound like wind tearing through the mountains, sharp yet melodic.

Its wings flexed, creating a small tornado of leaves that swirled around them, and the air seemed charged with electric energy.

Sydelle stood up, Zephyr folding its wings elegantly at its sides as it followed her back to the line, exuding both grace and raw power.

The murmurs of admiration grew louder. Even Nyverra and Chloe, who had already summoned extraordinary familiars, glanced at her with visible respect.

It was clear: Sydelle had formed a bond with a legendary hawk, a creature that mirrored her skill, intelligence, and indomitable spirit.

"Man, what’s happening? I don’t even get it anymore," Zankeil muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Neila chuckled softly. "Haha, it’s almost unreal, isn’t it? So many rare beasts all at once. These students... their potential is incredible."

Zankeil’s gaze shifted toward Raymond and Azhriel. "Yes, but..."

"The monsters are still out there," he added, voice low.

Neila smiled. "It’ll be fun, won’t it?"

Zankeil smirked faintly. "Oh, it will."

"Caelyn." Her name was called.

Caelyn yawned softly as she stepped towards the summoning circle, her movements slow and languid, like she had just woken from a deep nap.

Swirl—

The circle beneath her feet shimmered in soft pastel light, pale pink and silver intertwining, reflecting the gentle aura she radiated. Her mana flowed into it in calm, measured pulses, serene yet potent.

Swish—

The air shimmered, and a faint glow spread outward. From the center of the circle, a graceful creature slowly emerged.

It was a unicorn—but unlike any ordinary one. Its coat was pure white, gleaming like freshly fallen snow, while silver feathers sprouted from its back, forming wings that glimmered in the sunlight.

Its mane flowed like liquid silver, cascading down its neck and swaying with ethereal elegance.

Its eyes were gentle yet intelligent, pale pink pools that seemed to see into the heart of anyone who met them.

Its horn spiraled upward, long and luminous, glinting faintly with magic that seemed ancient and wise.

The students gasped softly at the sight.

Even among the rare and powerful familiars already summoned, this unicorn radiated a calm authority, a quiet majesty that demanded respect.

Caelyn knelt slightly, reaching out to touch its muzzle. The unicorn nuzzled her hand, a soft warmth spreading through her palm.

"I’ll call you Astralis," she said softly, her sleepy tone carrying a quiet reverence.

With a gentle flap of its wings, Astralis rose slightly, hovering just above the ground before settling elegantly beside Caelyn.

The feathers sparkled like starlight, and a faint, soothing wind rippled through the area.

The professors exchanged quiet nods, impressed by the young girl’s bond.

Even Zankeil and Neila, who had seen countless rare summons over the years, allowed themselves a smile at the sight.

It was clear: Caelyn’s unicorn was not only beautiful but powerful, a perfect reflection of her calm, and a bit ditzy nature.

More students continued to step forward, one by one, summoning their bonds.

Out of the 300 students brought today, 234 successfully formed their contracts.

It was a record—a new high for the academy, having so many bonded beasts in a single group.

Still, 63 students didn’t succeed.

Now, only three remained: Raymond, Samuel, and Azhriel.

"Raymond Dawnlight," Illiana called out clearly.

Raymond stepped forward, his golden hair with streaks of red catching the sunlight, making him stand out even more. Calm and confident, he reached the glowing summoning circle and placed his hand on it.

As soon as his mana flowed into it, the circle lit up with an intense golden blaze. Bright yellow light burst from the center, flooding the whole area, so strong it forced some students to turn around.

Then, as the light faded and everyone looked again—

Nothing.

The circle was still there, spinning slowly, but no beast appeared. No creature. No sound. Just silence. The circle pulsed faintly, like a broken clock struggling to tick.

Raymond blinked. "Uh... is this supposed to happen?" he asked, turning toward Zankeil.

Zankeil’s face had turned serious. His eyes narrowed as he stepped forward slightly. "It’s never happened before," he muttered.

But before he could say anything more—

Whoosh.

The summoning circle suddenly burst to life again. This time, it didn’t just glow—it expanded.

The glowing ring grew wider and wider, pushing outwards, until it stretched far enough to reach Samuel, who had been standing nearby, waiting for his turn.

A second, smaller circle of light formed around Samuel’s feet, spinning with the same strange golden hue.

"Okay... this is... confusing," Samuel said, glancing down at the glowing circle beneath him.

Zankeil didn’t hesitate this time. "Boy! Pass your mana through it, now!" he shouted.