The colossal figure Free had summoned lowered itself, kneeling before him. Free took a cautious step back, wary of any unexpected movements. Yet, he felt no hostile intent emanating from the creature. It exhaled slowly, sending out a thick mist that briefly shrouded the surroundings.
"I bow to you, Master… it has been a long time since you last summoned me," the creature said, bowing deeply.
Everyone was stunned, especially Free. He had no memory of ever encountering this being.
"W-what are you? Master? What do you mean? I don't remember ever summoning you," Free stammered, bewildered by the whirlwind of events that had unfolded today.
The creature fixed its gaze on Free, eyes full of reverence, as if beholding a master it had longed to serve.
"I see… so you do not remember, Master. Perhaps the time has not yet come. My name is Razhnar. I am your loyal follower." the creature declared, standing tall and imposing.
"Razhnar…?" Free managed a small smile. "My name is Free. I don't have a family name. Just call me Free, not Master."
Free hesitated, unsure if he was even allowed to tame Razhnar. When he glanced at the instructor, he noticed that both the teacher and the other students had stepped back, wary of the immense being.
He chuckled lightly and approached Razhnar.
"Alright… then I suppose I'll just tame you. Is it okay if I become your master?"
Razhnar's eyes glimmered sharply, and its massive wings fluttered.
"No taming is needed, for I have served you from the very beginning. Weak attempts like theirs have no effect on me," Razhnar's voice boomed.
Free's confusion deepened, but he accepted Razhnar's words. Still, he couldn't shake his uncertainty about summoning such a colossal creature on demand. Even a human-sized form would be massive enough to dwarf others.
He stepped closer.
"Can you shrink yourself? I think if I summon you, you shouldn't appear this large…" Free asked.
Razhnar opened its enormous jaws, letting out a short, echoing laugh before fixing its gaze back on Free.
"I can manipulate my size. Rest easy, Free," it reassured, its voice resonating like thunder.
Relieved, Free closed his eyes and clasped his right hand.
"Thank goodness. Alright, Razhnar… from now on, I'll be counting on your help."
Razhnar's gaze softened, and a smile crept across its formidable face.
"As you command, my Master!" it responded with enthusiasm.
Once all summoning exercises were complete, the students were instructed to strengthen the bond with their summoned beings.
Instructor Boger arrived on the field, having sensed the overwhelming pressure and energy of Razhnar's summoning. He approached cautiously, determined to identify the source.
From afar, Boger spotted Free and the massive creature.
"Free! What have you done this time?" Boger demanded.
Caught off guard, Free scratched his head and forced a smile.
"I… I don't know how to explain, Sir. It just… happened," he replied.
Boger's eyes widened as he saw the creature, now reduced in size but still immense.
"Is that… a dragon?" Boger asked, intrigued.
Free stepped aside, gesturing to Razhnar.
"Yes, Sir. He falls under the dragon category."
Seria and Gil approached, awestruck.
"The aura… it's incredible." Seria whispered, taking in Razhnar's full form.
Gil patted Free on the shoulders.
"I knew it… extraordinary people are always a bit strange, aren't they?" he said, smiling.
"Free, whatever this is, you must take responsibility. Don't cause trouble." Boger warned before departing.
Free murmured softly, "I suppose I've caused a bit of a stir…"
Seria crossed her arms, observing Razhnar closely.
"You shouldn't summon him too often. People might consider him dangerous." she advised.
Free nodded.
"You're right. Razhnar is indeed formidable… I'll be careful."
Suddenly, a voice rang out.
"Everyone!!"
Free, Gil, and Seria turned to see Hedra approaching, relief flooding their expressions. Behind her, Sieba appeared, still looking chastened from his earlier defeat. Hedra and Sieba caught up with them, asking what had happened. It seemed Hedra was unharmed.
Free and Sieba's eyes met, tension lingering. Sieba stepped forward.
"I apologize for yesterday… for challenging you to a duel and striking you." he said, bowing in sincere remorse.
Free was unsurprised, having expected nothing less.
"I didn't expect an apology… but very well. Have you reconciled with your sibling?"
"Yes, I have… I truly made a grave mistake." Sieba replied softly.
"At least Hedra forgave you. And I wasn't seriously hurt, so don't worry about me. The one who should be careful is you." Free said candidly.
Seria glanced seriously at Sieba.
"True… yesterday you really got beaten badly, huh..." she teased, letting out a small laugh that startled Gil.
Gil hesitated, trying to apologize, but Sieba gestured that it wasn't necessary.
"No need for formalities. Just call me by my name." Sieba said calmly.
"Same goes for me." Hedra added.
Free, Gil, and Seria all grumbled inwardly, thinking, Finally, he says that… he's not suited for such words.
"What about your position? And the consequences of the duel being public?" Free asked, still slightly worried.
"Our position as heirs hasn't been threatened. We were reprimanded by our parents, the King and Queen of Jurga. As for the duel's exposure, royal experts have contained it with alternate explanations. So it's fine. You needn't worry." Hedra reassured.
"Good… glad you didn't lose your place." Seria added.
Afterward, they left the academy to stroll around the city. Children played tag, townspeople mingled, and vendors attended to buyers. Guards stood stationed at various points.
Free and his companions arrived at the central fountain park. Amid the bustling yet peaceful scene, they felt a rare tranquility.
"Peaceful… this is perfect." Gil said, lying on the grass.
He summoned his familiar, which, with its power, transformed the grass into a comfortable natural mattress.
They spoke about their families and lives—lives so serene they seemed enviable to many.
"Oh, Free… where are you from?" Hedra asked, curiosity in her eyes.
"Yes… we've never asked before." Gil added.
They all turned to Free, waiting for an answer.
"I… don't remember. I don't know where I'm from or why I'm here. All I remember is my name and how to use my powers. I don't know my parents' whereabouts." Free revealed.
The group fell silent, shocked. They had assumed Free was just an ordinary citizen. But his past was far more complex.
Seria felt a pang of guilt for never understanding him but tried to keep a smile.
"I'm sorry for ever saying hurtful things." she said softly.
"Forgive me too for asking." Hedra added, regretful.
"It's alright. I'm not upset. There's nothing to worry about." Free replied.
The day passed as the sun dipped lower, yet the city's liveliness endured. Returning to the academy, they went back to their dorms. Though the day had started awkwardly, the setting sun together seemed to dissolve the unease, and they discovered new companions to share their journey with.