High spires and layered stained-glass windows—this is the Ardula Academy of Magic, a school that champions meritocracy like few others on the continent. The "rankings" assigned upon enrollment are updated daily, and the names of top students are carved into the walls of the grand lecture hall in letters of light. In this place where everyone rejoices or despairs over their standing, there was one student who, from the very first day of enrollment, continued to reign at the pinnacle. At the very back of the classroom, by the window. No one tried to approach him. No one spoke to him, nor had anyone ever seen him annoyed by being spoken to. Everyone simply understood it instinctively—there was an uncrossable line between him and themselves. "—Today, we will perform the summoning ritual." At the teacher's voice from the podium, the air in the classroom tensed slightly. Summoning a familiar is the first great trial at this academy. The caliber of the being summoned directly proves the quality of one's own magical power.

One by one, the students stepped forward, pouring their magic into the circle with inexperienced hands. Pale lights, tiny spirits, modest familiars—as small cheers and sighs of disappointment rose here and there throughout the classroom, Aldo's turn came. He rose lazily from his chair and stood before the magic circle at the podium. The surrounding gazes inevitably focused on him. "—Begin." At the teacher's word, Aldo raised one hand with an air of annoyance.

✦┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈✦ If you is a schoolmate, observe the summoning ritual. If you is a summoned beast, please make your appearance. ✦┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈✦