Summoning Ritual

"Mistress. The young master is currently holding the ritual ceremony in his class," Alisha reported with a worried expression.

"If you want to check on him, do it secretly." Vivian sighed.

"But…" Alisha gently rubbed her cheek, thinking this was not what she should do.

"It's fine. I will believe in him. I hope he likes that item."

Alisha smiled wryly. "Well, surely he likes it, right? You have even used your personal connection to ask for a quick order from Elder Randalf from the Blacksmith Association. The item he would have is the best among other candidates."

"I hope he can summon what he wants. If he summons another beast, it means he has confirmed that he will only be able to summon beasts for the rest of his life. After showing such a result, it can be said he is unique, and his worth will skyrocket afterwards."

"Ahaha." Alisha pointed at the door. "In that case, I'll take my leave."

"Yeah, yeah. Tell me the result after he's done."

…

Classroom.

Jason had set up a magic circle for the summoning. It had a complicated pattern consisting of circles, stars, and wavy strokes.

Unlike the first summoning ritual, the circle was expanded three times its size, covering almost the entire front part of the class.

The color of the circles was red as if they were painted with blood. It looked like a normal drawing when it wasn't activated, but the students could sense an indescribable pressure faintly emitting from the circle.

Jason stepped in the middle of the circle and said, "It seems that six of you have decided to drop out of the academy. Nevertheless, it won't change the fact that you're going with the summoning ritual.

"Each of you has written down the items you wish to have. And the school has purchased all of them.

"Outside the room, there are many staff that will help carry the items into the room.

"I will allow students who want to go on the ritual first. Since we only have a ritual scheduled for today, you are free to leave once you are done with the summoning.

"If any of you don't have questions, we will begin the ritual right away."

The class was silent; no one raised their hand, whether it was to ask questions or volunteer.

"If no one is going to raise their hand, I'll be picking you one by one in alphabetical order." Jason raised his head, looking at the class.

"Teacher. I'm willing to do the ritual first." August raised his hand.

"August Reeves. Please come to the front." Jason nodded while exiting the circle. He checked the paper and said, "Your requested item is a red magician hat, correct?"

"Yes, sir," August confirmed.

Jason exited the room for a while before returning with a female staff. She brought an oversized pointed hat. As August described in his paper, the hat was red in color.

August also took out a bag of dirt from his pocket.

"That's high-quality soil." Jason squinted his eyes, observing the soil.

"Yes. This soil is imported directly from the Holy Kingdom. It is known as the world's most fertile soil." August smiled.

"I see. I know what you are going to summon." Jason nodded in understanding. "Feel free to check the item first before proceeding to the summoning."

"There is no need to check. The Frexia Academy has been doing this for so long, and there has been no question about its quality. I'll trust the academy and begin the ritual immediately."

Jason couldn't help but cross his arms, as August worded it in such a way that it would be the academy's fault if he failed to summon what he wanted. However, he chose not to say anything.

August smiled as he poured the dirt on the center before putting the witch hat on top of it.

August then channeled his Ena into the summoning circle. The circle gradually emitted a gentle blue light, illuminating the room.

"O' Miracle of the World, Divine Being of Summoning, please use my body as the beacon and grant the beloved being your passage. By my name, August Reeves, heed my call and come forth to this world, the great being of another world."

The light from the magic circle shone brightly. The witch hat and the soil were enveloped by this blue light and gradually fused together before forming a humanoid shape.

The size was only 1 meter (3.2 feet) tall, but a third of its height was actually the pointed hat that was used as a sacrifice.

The figure seemed to have a beard and wand with a circle head. The figure gradually manifested in this world.

The process took several minutes. As the light gradually diminished, the figure showed its true appearance.

It was an old man. Its body was shorter than a dwarf, but that red hat symbolized its true identity.

"Gnome?" Nathan widened his eyes.

"Is that a gnome?"

"A gnome is often said to be an earth spirit. They are the guardians of mines containing precious treasures."

"Yeah. As someone from the Blacksmith Guild, this gnome will definitely benefit him a lot."

"Even as a fighter, the gnome is known for their capability of using earth spells, controlling the rock and soil."

"With the dwarf's combat power and August's ability, it wouldn't be weird if August had become a one-man army. After all, he and the dwarf can fight in the front while the gnome supports him from behind."

"The gnome can also help him find treasures."

"Look at the gnome's face."

"It looks so old."

"No way. The older the gnome is, the more powerful they are. Looking at his age, that old man must be a high-ranking gnome."

The students were in shock since August had put in a strong performance from the start. It made them feel inferior if they came after August.

"I am August. Nice to meet you." August dropped to one knee while extending his hand.

The gnome didn't like being observed by all these people, but he still took August's hand before disappearing into thin air.

August smiled as if he had expected this, but the people had definitely seen the result. August turned around, glancing at Rudeus as if indirectly telling him to compare the results.

The people gulped down as if they could sense the spark between their eyes.