Chapter 6: The Summoning

Nathaniel Hufflepuff's journey into the intricate world of magic so far, had led him to a pivotal moment. He currently stood, In his small, dimly lit room, he had meticulously prepared for this occasion, knowing that it was time to summon his very first servant from the Nasuverse.

He recited the incantation with a voice that resonated with power:

"Fill. Fill. Fill. Fill. Fill. Let each be turned over five times, simply breaking asunder the fulfilled time. Let silver and steel be the essence. Let stone and the archduke of contracts be the foundation. Let my great master be the ancestor. Raise a wall, against the wind that shall fall. Close the four cardinal gates. Come out from the crown. Rotate the three-branched road reaching the Kingdom. I shall declare here. Your body shall serve under me. My fate shall be with your sword. If you will submit to this will and this reason... then answer!"

With each word, the room seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy, and the air grew heavy with anticipation. Nathaniel's focus remained unwavering as he channeled the mystic forces at his command.

The center of the room became a swirling vortex, a gateway to the Nasuverse itself. From that portal emerged a figure cloaked in shadows, her presence commanding respect and awe. She was Scathach, a legendary warrior of the Lancer class.

Draped in dark, ethereal armor that seemed to shimmer with the essence of the Land of Shadows, Scathach was a sight to behold. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back like a silken waterfall, and her crimson eyes held an ageless wisdom. Her spear, Gáe Bolg, gleamed with a deadly grace, an extension of her formidable prowess.

With a regal grace, Scathach spoke, her voice carrying the weight of her heroic legend. "I am Scathach, the warrior queen of the Land of Shadows. You have summoned me, Master. What is your command?"

Nathaniel was in awe of the heroic spirit before him, his heart filled with a mixture of reverence and determination. "I am Nathaniel Hufflepuff," he replied, his voice steady. "I have summoned you to be my servant and ally in this world of magic."

Scathach's gaze bore into him, as though measuring his worthiness. "Very well, Master Nathaniel. I shall lend you my strength and knowledge. But remember, I am a warrior of the Land of Shadows. My loyalty is earned through deeds and actions."

Nathaniel nodded, accepting the challenge that lay before him. "I accept your conditions, Scathach. Together, we shall embark on a journey filled with challenges and mysteries."

With a graceful bow, Scathach acknowledged their pact. "As you wish, Master. My lance and my knowledge are at your service."

Under the moonlit skies, Nathaniel Hufflepuff's training with Scathach, the legendary Lancer-class heroic spirit, continued. Their partnership was an intricate dance of master and servant, a fusion of ancient legend and modern magic.

The small room within Nathaniel's house had become a dojo, its walls echoing with the clash of wooden staffs. Scathach had insisted on starting his training with the fundamentals of spear combat, emphasizing the importance of mastering the art before delving into other aspects of magic.

With her spear, Gáe Bolg, Scathach demonstrated the fluidity and precision of her movements. Each strike was a testament to her unparalleled skill, and Nathaniel watched in awe as she effortlessly parried and countered his attacks.

"You must learn to control the spear as an extension of your own body, Master," Scathach instructed, her voice a soothing melody despite the intensity of their training. "The spear is not a weapon; it is a part of you. Feel its balance, its weight, and let it guide your movements."

Nathaniel nodded, absorbing her words with unwavering focus. He knew that becoming a proficient spearmaster was a vital step on his path to greatness. He practiced tirelessly, emulating Scathach's techniques and striving to match her grace and precision.

Days turned into weeks, and Nathaniel's dedication began to yield visible improvements. His strikes became swifter, his footwork more fluid. Scathach acknowledged his progress with a subtle nod of approval.

However, she was quick to remind him of the long road ahead. "You have made strides, Master, but you must continue to refine your skills. I shall only teach you the secrets of runes when you can land a hit on me using pure spearmanship."

Nathaniel understood the challenge she had set before him. The art of the spear was a discipline that required not only physical prowess but also mental acuity. He was determined to meet Scathach's expectations.

Their training sessions continued, each day bringing Nathaniel closer to his goal. Scathach was a patient and exacting teacher, her guidance shaping him into a skilled spearmaster. Yet, despite his progress, he had not yet managed to land a single hit on her.

Two weeks passed in a blur of sweat and determination. Nathaniel's body bore the marks of countless sparring sessions, but his spirit remained unbroken. He knew that he still had much to learn, and he was eager to continue his training.

As the final day of his two-week training approached, Nathaniel felt a surge of determination. He had come a long way, and he was ready to put his newfound skills to the test.

On that fateful day, he faced Scathach in their makeshift dojo, the wooden staffs in their hands poised for combat. The moonlight filtered through the room's windows, casting a surreal glow on their figures.

Their battle was a dance of spears, a clash of steel and skill. Nathaniel's movements were more precise than ever, and he could feel the spear responding to his will. He was no longer a novice; he was a spearmaster in the making.

Scathach, ever the formidable opponent, countered his attacks with her trademark grace and precision. She moved like a shadow, her spear an extension of her very being.

In the heat of their battle, Nathaniel saw an opening—an opportunity to land a hit. With a swift strike, he aimed for Scathach's shoulder, hoping to make contact.

But Scathach, with a barely perceptible movement, parried his attack effortlessly, and Nathaniel's spear found only empty air.

Their spar ended, and they lowered their wooden staffs. Scathach regarded Nathaniel with a knowing smile. "You have improved, Master, but you still have much to learn. Do not be discouraged. Your journey has only just begun."

Nathaniel nodded, his determination unwavering. He knew that his training with Scathach had been invaluable, but there was more to learn, both in the world of magic and at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

With Scathach as his mentor and ally, Nathaniel Hufflepuff was ready to embrace the challenges and mysteries that awaited him in the magical world. Their partnership was a bond that transcended time and space, a union of master and servant that promised greatness, adventure, and the fulfillment of destiny.