Chapter 18: A Test of Summoning
The afternoon sun streamed through the tall windows of the summoning chambers, casting long shadows across the etched runes and complex patterns that adorned the floors. The Practical Summoning Class was one of the most challenging—and potentially dangerous—courses at the University of Varsovia. Today, however, there was a palpable sense of excitement in the air, a murmur of anticipation running through the students as they took their places at the designated summoning stations.
Robert stood at his assigned station, his gaze focused on the intricate design of his summoning circle. He had spent considerable time refining its layout, ensuring each line and rune was perfectly aligned. This afternoon’s session would be a true test of his skills and control. The morning’s theory lesson had been an excellent primer, but now it was time to put those lessons into practice.
“Attention, everyone,” Professor Gramsci’s voice cut through the low hum of conversation, instantly silencing the room. He stood at the front of the chamber, his presence commanding as always. The sharp lines of his robes seemed to accentuate his aura of authority and precision.
“Today, we will be conducting a practical examination of your summoning capabilities,” Gramsci announced, his gaze sweeping across the rows of students. “Your task is to summon a lesser elemental, similar to what you practiced in theory. However, you will not be merely conjuring the entity. I expect you to push the limits of your control and command.”
A ripple of nervous energy passed through the room. Robert felt his pulse quicken slightly. This was exactly the kind of challenge he had been waiting for.
“Each of you will summon and contain a lesser elemental of your choosing—be it air, fire, water, or earth,” the professor continued, his tone steady and measured. “Once you have summoned the entity, you will be required to manipulate its form and energy output. You must maintain the stability of the summoning circle and prevent the entity from breaching its containment. Those who can successfully complete this task without relying on the secondary barriers will be considered for more advanced summoning exercises in the future.”
Robert’s gaze shifted to the shimmering barriers that surrounded each summoning station. The barriers were a safeguard, designed to activate if the containment field failed and the summon attempted to escape. Relying on them was a sign of weakness—of a lack of control. He knew he had to avoid that at all costs.
Professor Gramsci nodded once, satisfied with the students’ attentive silence. “Begin.”
Robert took a deep breath, centering himself. He reached for the piece of chalk at his side and began sketching the outline of his summoning circle. The motions were fluid, almost instinctive, each line and curve forming a perfect circle. He added the containment runes around the perimeter, each one spaced with meticulous precision. The circle itself was a simple design, but he reinforced it with additional stabilizing runes, modifying the structure to handle a higher flow of MP.
He could feel the weight of the professor’s gaze on him as he worked, but he blocked out the distraction. This was his moment—to prove his capability not only to Professor Gramsci but to himself as well.
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With the circle complete, Robert placed his hands on the table, channeling his MP into the design. The runes began to glow softly, the lines of the circle shimmering with a faint, pulsing light. The containment field formed, a barrier of energy that shimmered like a translucent veil.
He murmured the incantation softly, directing his focus inward as he summoned the elemental. A gust of wind stirred within the circle, the air twisting and coalescing into a swirling wisp of motion. Slowly, a translucent figure began to form—a lesser elemental of air, its shape shifting and swirling as it solidified.
Robert felt the familiar tug of the link between himself and the elemental, a thread of energy connecting them. He could sense the entity’s presence, its curiosity and latent power simmering beneath the surface.
‘Steady,’ he thought, reinforcing the link with a steady flow of MP. The elemental seemed to respond, its form stabilizing within the circle. He took a moment to assess the resonance between them, adjusting his energy output to match the elemental’s frequency.
“Good, good,” Professor Gramsci’s voice murmured from somewhere behind him. “Now, test its limits. Increase the energy flow, alter its form.”
Robert nodded almost imperceptibly. He began channeling more MP into the circle, watching as the elemental pulsed brighter in response. Its form shifted, elongating and twisting into a more defined shape. He willed it to take on a serpentine appearance, similar to the one he had practiced with yesterday.
The elemental hesitated for a moment, its form wavering, but Robert pushed gently with his will, directing the flow of energy through the circle. Slowly, the elemental complied, its translucent body coiling and twisting like a snake of pure wind. He could feel the strain in the link—the increased demand on his control—but he held firm, maintaining the resonance.
“Excellent control,” Gramsci commented, his tone thoughtful. “Now, double its energy output.”
Robert took a deep breath. Doubling the elemental’s energy would put significant pressure on the containment field. He glanced at the runes around the circle, ensuring they were positioned correctly before carefully increasing his MP flow.
The elemental flared brightly, its form expanding as it absorbed the additional energy. The containment field shimmered, its edges pulsing faintly as it struggled to contain the entity’s increased power. Robert could feel the strain in the circle, the runes quivering under the pressure.
‘Hold,’ he thought, focusing intently. He adjusted his energy output, channeling more MP into the stabilizing runes. The containment field steadied, its edges solidifying as the elemental’s form stabilized.
Professor Gramsci moved closer, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed the summoning circle. “Impressive. You’ve managed to increase its power without losing control. But let’s see if you can maintain that control under duress.”
He raised his hand, and with a flick of his fingers, sent a pulse of energy toward the circle. The elemental shuddered, its form twisting violently as the energy disrupted the resonance. For a split second, Robert felt the link waver, the elemental’s power surging against the containment field.
But he didn’t falter. He adjusted his MP flow, reinforcing the link and redirecting the excess energy through the circle. The elemental stabilized once more, its form coiling and twisting within the containment field.
Gramsci nodded, a hint of approval in his gaze. “Well done, Rest. You’ve demonstrated not only control but adaptability. Remember this feeling—this balance between power and stability. It will serve you well in the future.”
Robert exhaled slowly, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. The exercise had been draining, but it had also been a valuable experience. He glanced at the elemental, now stable and contained within the circle, its form still pulsing faintly with energy.
“Thank you, Professor,” he said quietly.
Gramsci’s gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before he moved on to observe the other students. Robert watched him go, then turned his attention back to the elemental. He carefully began decreasing its energy output, allowing the entity to settle back into its original state.
The rest of the class continued with similar exercises, each student pushing the limits of their control and containment abilities. Some struggled, their circles flickering or destabilizing, but most managed to maintain a semblance of control.
By the time the bell rang, signaling the end of the class, Robert felt a deep sense of satisfaction. He had faced the challenge head-on and proven his capability. As he gathered his notes and extinguished the runes on his summoning circle, he couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of purpose.
There was still much to learn, but today had been a step forward—a step toward mastering the complex art of summoning. With that thought in mind, he made his way out of the summoning chamber, already planning his next experiment. The day was far from over, and he intended to make the most of every moment.