Ethan stood frozen in the middle of the summoning circle, his face burning with humiliation. His soulbound spirit—a tiny, fluffy creature that barely reached his ankles—blinked up at him with bright, round eyes.
It let out another chirp.
"Meep?"
The laughter of the students echoed around the grand hall.
"Is that even a real spirit?" someone scoffed.
"Maybe it's an infant one? Should we call the nursery?"
Ethan clenched his fists, fighting the urge to snap back. He knew he had to keep his cool, but it was hard when even the professors looked bewildered.
Professor Aldric cleared his throat, silencing the murmurs. His sharp eyes scanned Ethan and his spirit with curiosity. "Ethan Gray," he said. "Have you named your spirit yet?"
Ethan hesitated. Most summoners gave their spirits a name immediately, sealing their bond. But looking at the tiny creature waddling around his feet, he wasn't sure what to call it.
"…Meep," he muttered.
The spirit wagged its fluffy tail and let out another delighted "Meep!" as if it approved.
More laughter.
Professor Aldric gave a thoughtful hum. "Very well. The bond has been formed. All spirits have potential, no matter their appearance." He turned to the crowd. "Now, let's move on to the next summoning."
Ethan exhaled, grateful for the chance to escape. He scooped up Meep, who practically melted into his arms, warm and soft like a little ball of fluff.
"This is going to be a long year," he muttered under his breath.
Later That Night – The Dormitories
Ethan sat on his bed, staring at Meep, who was curled up in his lap. The dormitory was quiet, the only sound being the occasional rustling of students settling in for the night.
He thought back to the other first-years' spirits. His roommate, a boy named Kai, had summoned a sleek, black wolf with glowing blue eyes. Another student had a spirit resembling a winged serpent that hovered around them protectively.
Ethan looked down at Meep.
The tiny creature let out a soft snore.
"…Seriously, what am I supposed to do with you?" Ethan whispered.
Meep yawned and nuzzled his hand.
Ethan sighed. He had been looking forward to this day his entire life. The academy was supposed to be his chance to prove himself. But now, he was the laughingstock of the first-years.
A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.
Kai peered in. "Hey. You okay?"
Ethan forced a smile. "Yeah. Just… processing."
Kai leaned against the doorframe. "Don't let them get to you. I mean, yeah, your spirit's kind of… different, but who knows? Maybe it has some hidden power."
Ethan let out a dry laugh. "You really think so?"
Kai shrugged. "Anything's possible. This academy has seen some weird stuff over the years."
Ethan appreciated the sentiment, but deep down, doubt still gnawed at him.
He reached out and lightly poked Meep's forehead.
No reaction.
Just a soft, sleepy, "Meep…"
Ethan groaned and flopped back onto his bed.
How was he supposed to survive this academy with a spirit that could barely stay awake?