"Renjie slow down you're running too fast!" Mai called out to me.

"No way I want to see the summoners in the town square," I didn't stop running.

The last fifteen years of my new life were nothing short of amazing. I now lived on Vale. A spectacular world filled with everything I'd ever fantasized about. Magic and mythical beasts roamed freely on this plane of existence. In fact, it resembled the Arcane Duel card game in almost every detail. On this planet, the professions were divided up into various guilds. The most prominent being the soldier's guild, the craftsmen's guild, the merchant's guild, and my favorite the summoner's guild!

Ever since I learned to walk, I wanted nothing more than to be a summoner. I talked about it non-stop. Skadi had reborn me into a family of merchants. My parents Noel and Shima were good people and provided me with a great life. They showered me with love and attention, and I didn't want for much.

Some things did indeed seem odd. For one— If I tried to mention my previous life, I became mute. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't tell anyone where I came from. I chalked this up to some kind of unwritten rule about reincarnation. It disturbed me that I could recall my previous life in excruciating detail. Names, faces, places. They never faded from my memory. Despite having been reborn somewhere entirely different. I figured that must've been a gift from Skadi. I didn't mind remembering my old life, but sometimes the memories saddened me.

"I swear you're obsessed with summoners," Mai shook her head in dismay. "I just don't want you getting your hopes up!"

"Nobody knows more about summoners and summoning than me," I told her. "I'm getting into the Academy."

"The academy only takes a small number of new students every year," she narrowed her almond eyes. "How can you be so confident you'll get in?"

"I thought big sisters are supposed to be supportive," I kept walking. "We're going to that demonstration, and I'm going to impress the recruiter!"

Every seven years representatives from the summoners Academy traveled throughout the Golden Kingdom in search of new recruits. Any student between the ages of thirteen and twenty-one, who had the slightest bit of magical ability, was required to show up. I'd been too young the last time. Now at fifteen, the time had come for me to finally achieve my dream.

Since my toddler years, my parents indulged my obsession with summoning. While I didn't have a complete deck, my father had managed to bring back a precious starter card from his travels. It must have cost him a small fortune! I held my only card and admired the drawn image on it. The tiny figure of a toad wearing Knight's armor stared back at me unblinking. A summoner's card deck stored captured monsters within in it. Only those with sufficient magical talent could call forth the creatures stored in a summon card.

"That's the lamest monster card ever," my sister put her hands on her hips. "There's no way you're going impress anyone with that."

"There are probably five people total in the village who even have a summoning card," I countered. "And probably only two or three that actually have enough magic to use one."

"True," Mai said. "But the Academy is looking for the most talented magical students in the country."

"And you don't think I'm talented?"

"Mom and dad have found the best magical tutors around," she walked faster to keep pace with me. "And I won't deny it, Renjie you're good. But there are safer schools in the magical arts. The Summoners Academy trains front-line fighters! Why don't you pick another magical school to study? Like the Rainmaker's academy?"

"I don't want to be a rainmaker!" My frustration grew, "I want to be a summoner!"

"Fine," she said in exasperation. "I just don't want to see you disappointed."

"We're here," I shouted.

We reached the town square, and it was busy. Every kid within age range and even the tiniest bit of magic showed up for the summoners demonstration. I was worried we'd be late, but in fact, I think we were a little early. I glanced through the crowd and noticed someone I really wish wasn't here— Karl Donner. The spoiled son of a rival merchant family set my teeth on edge. Even our parents only barely managed to get along. Thanks to the merchant's guild settling a feud between our two clans ages ago. I didn't really know the details, but according to mother, Karl's father Lars had cheated my father out of a very lucrative shipping contract. Even though Dad later won the dispute, our families still held a bitter rivalry.

"Renjie," Karl turned his bloated red-face towards me. "What's a loser like you doing here?"

"The only loser is going to be you!" I shot back.

"Just keep your mouth shut Karl," my sister poked a finger into the older boy's chest. "My brother's got more magical talent his big toe than you do in your entire body!"

"Thanks, sis," I whispered.

"I told you I believe in you," Mai whispered in a hushed voice.

My big sister was just about five years older. As a result, she was responsible for looking out for me. Also due to our mother's recent illness, Mai had become an apprentice merchant. Mai now dealt with keeping our family business going while father traveled. We really tried to keep our hopes up, but Mother grew weaker daily. Her mysterious illness baffled every healer we brought to her. Taking care of the household and family store came naturally to Mai. But I noticed such adult responsibilities taking a toll on her. My parents briefly discussed arranging a marriage for her. Yet, both father and mother were quite vocal in their disappointment of all possible suitors. Especially father.

"No young buck is going to come in here and take over my business," Father would slam his fist on the dinner table.

None of this seemed to bother Mai. The independent daughter of a wealthy merchant family, she didn't appear eager to lose her freedom. Despite her youth, she'd grown into a force to be reckoned with.

"Everyone, please gather," a tall bearded man in royal purple robes beckoned. A sudden hush went through the assembled crowd. Everyone gathered around the central fountain. The robed figure held the familiar engraved staff of the Summoners Guild. And I couldn't help but notice the leather pouch tied around his waist. I knew for a fact that a deck magical beast cards lay within.

"Welcome to the choosing," the robed man continued. "I am Alfred. The head recruiter of the Summoners Academy. Every seven years we search for talented youth to join our ranks." He gaze roamed over the crowd as if searching for something. "However, before we begin our testing of the selected candidates, we'd like to show a demonstration."

The recruiter waved towards two young men, also in purple robes, standing to his left. The youths walked forward with a great deal of confidence. I couldn't believe it, these were actual Academy Cadets— each of them carrying a summoner's staff. One had shockingly bright red hair and the other the sparse beginnings of his first beard.

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The temple recruiter raised his staff. In response, both young men faced one another. Without a word, the grey-bearded recruiter lowered his staff.

The cadets bowed and then fell immediately into battle stances. Their summoners staves held high above their heads. A bright glow of spiritual energy erupted from the raised staves. The purple light extended until it formed a protective dome around the two Summoner Cadets.

"That's a battle arena," I whispered to my sister.

"I know that," she folded her arms. "It's a protective barrier that keeps any monsters they summon contained."

"So you have been listening to me," I smirked.

"Shut up," Mai pinched my arm playfully.

Our attention focused back on the demonstration battle. The ginger-haired cadet reached into his pouch and produced a monster card. With a fluid gesture, he turned the card to face his opponent. The air shimmered, and a dog-sized lizard-like creature materialized. There was an audible gasp from the crowd.

"That's a Salamander," my sister gasped.

"I know," my eyes widened in shock and awe.

I couldn't help but wonder how the young novice had managed to capture such a beast. But I didn't have time for speculation. His scruffy opponent had already pulled a card from his own deck. The young summoner tossed his card into the air and tapped with his staff. The card hovered midair and glowed. Soon the figure of slim winged woman coalesced before the awestruck crowd. The angel-winged monster flew in elegant circles as the card she'd been summoned from floated gently towards its owner. The young man effortlessly plucked the object from the air. A confident grin shaped his lips, and he winked towards the crowd.

"Show off," someone muttered in the background.

"It's a Razor Wing," someone else responded in surprise.

"Another rare beast," I couldn't believe my eyes!

Never before had I witnessed a Summoner use his staff to call a monster. Such an advanced technique being taught only to Academy cadets. A wave of jealousy and envy overtook me. Which only served to increase my resolve to impress the recruiter.

The ginger-haired novice pointed with his staff. The Salamander roared into action and leaped towards the flying Razor Wing. The beautiful monster spread her wings wide. Then a flurry of golden feathers erupted from her outstretched wings. The Salamander howled as the razor-sharp feathers sliced its green flesh. The projectiles that missed their target struck the ground.

The Salamander landed elegantly on its feet, facing the flying Bright Wing. It's eyes glowing a fierce crimson. Suddenly, twin beams of red-hot laser light shot from its eyes. Both striking the flying beast. The Razor Wing shrieked and plummeted towards the makeshift arena.

"Enough," the robed recruiter stepped forward his staff raised high. Purplish bolts if electricity radiated from his staff. The energy struck both monsters. The creatures vanished in a flash.

The head summoner then turned his gaze to his students. They both lowered their staves and bowed. The glowing energy that encircled them vanished.

I trembled with awe and excitement. I'd never seen an actual card battle like that before. Sure, my parents had paid the occasional wandering tutor to show me a trick or two. But never anything on this scale. Plus, those summoning staves! The way they could control the beasts and shield the summoner. I wanted to learn that kind of power.

"That was amazing!" Mai placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Are you sure you want to go through with this?"

"This is all I've ever wanted!"

My sister simply nodded in response and took her hand off my shoulder. I knew she only wanted what was best for me. But in the end, I had to choose my own path. Ever since I was first born into this new world, I wanted nothing more than to learn the arts of summoning. My chance had finally arrived. Giving up now would be unthinkable.

"Will the candidates please step forward?" Alfred the head summoner beckoned to us.

Without hesitation, I stepped forward along with three other young candidates. I noticed both smug attitude and pure confidence on Karl's pudgy face. I really hated that guy. He sure was cocky, but he didn't have half the magical talent I did.

My eyes fell on another candidate, a girl with pink hair and impossibly violet eyes. I'd never seen her before. The final candidate a lanky teen who was considerably older than the rest of us. I wondered— If he had magical talent why was he only now auditioning for admission?

"Candidates speak your names," the head recruiter tapped his staff on the ground.

"I'm Karl Donner," the privileged little snot stepped forward with way too much confidence.

"Kylie Huang," the violet-eyed girl spoke with an air of assurance.

"Jun Møller," the older kid's voice cracked.

"Renjie Castillo," my hands trembled with nervous tension.

I realized I was much more nervous than I thought I'd be. It's strange to want something so much and to finally have it within your grasp. My sweaty hands gripped my single summoner card. Toad Knight wasn't the strongest monster. But I had no choice but to trust my instincts and in my own magical ability. I knew I could pull this off.

"Summon your monsters!" Alfred commanded.

"I summon you, Dragon Wing," of course Karl wasted no time being first. The shiny new card he held in his hands glowed brightly, and a tiny winged dragon materialized in front of him. The little beast flew magnificent circles around Karl's head. Before obediently sitting on his summoner's shoulders.

"I summon you Bushwog," Kylie produced her card and held it high in the air. The ground beneath her trembled, and suddenly a thick green branch burst forth. The tiny plant quickly matured into a small leaf covered bush. Then to my amazement, the bush pulled its roots from the ground. The gnarled roots then shaped themselves into feet and legs. Next, wooden arms sprouted from the bush's sides, and two brilliant green eyes manifested with within its leaves. It was the strangest monster I'd ever seen.

"I summon you, Rock Troll," Jun, the older boy, gripped his card. There was a slight glow of energy that soon coalesced into a four-foot high figure. The stone-skinned creature brandished its crystal club and took a defensive stance in front of the boy who summoned it.

"Toad Knight," I called out. "I summon you!" The time-worn card in my hand suddenly felt alive with warmth. A bright flash erupted from my card, and a tiny frog-like beast hopped out. Completely covered in rusty armor, he held out his dented sword. Easily the smallest of the monsters he took his place at my side.

"Ribbit," the Toad Knight croaked.

"Well, that's pathetic!" Karl laughed.

"Quiet candidate," the recruiter's stern gaze fell on my tormentor. "Do not speak until you are called upon."

I stifled a giggle. That's totally what that jerk deserved. The recruiter turned towards me and I felt small under his piercing scrutiny.

"Now," he said. "Let's see if any of you have what it takes to join the Academy."

My palms were cold and sweaty. This was it, the moment I'd been dreaming of since I'd been reborn into this world. There was no way I could screw it up!