**Chapter 1: The Summoning**

Lance’s heart pounded in his chest as he stood in the summoning circle, surrounded by the glow of lifestream energy. His call, filled with both trepidation and hope, stretched across the cosmos, seeking a companion. He could feel it move—pushing through the layers of existence, past the elemental planes of fire, water, earth, and air. It weaved through the serenity of the Primordial Plane of Stars, brushing by the calm forces of the Plane of Serenity, and finally descended into the chaotic, searing depths of the Plane of Fury.

For a moment, Lance felt a response—a tremor in the flow. A creature stirred in the fires of Fury, a mighty drake. Its roar echoed through his soul, vibrating with strength and power. Lance held his breath, hoping, praying that this was his companion. But then... nothing. The drake turned away, uninterested. Lance’s heart sank.

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The connection frayed. He braced for failure.

But just as the last thread of hope was about to snap, a small pulse rippled back. Something had heard his call. Something small—almost imperceptible—but something uniquely alive.

Lance opened his eyes. The summoning circle glowed faintly in front of him. And there, hovering in the center, was a tiny wisp of light, flickering like a candle caught in a storm. A Wisp. Small, insignificant-looking—but it thrummed with energy that was different, unique.

Lance’s lips parted in surprise.

The Wisp pulsed. It was no fire demon, no mighty beast of battle. But it was his.