Chapter 110 – Summoning.

Rusty tapped the screen, selecting the Monster Combat quest. The glowing interface immediately responded, the shimmering text dissolving into streams of light that coalesced into new instructions. The chamber around him hummed with energy as a low, resonant chime echoed from the summoning circle.

The new prompt was intriguing. He wasn’t sure how much of his status would be concealed, but it was probably better if most of it was. On the downside, there was also a part mentioning that he might be unable to use some of his abilities, leaving him feeling uncertain. Fortunately, one of his guides was there to clarify things.

“Ah, I bet this includes your loadouts and perhaps the stash tab. Better prepare the weapon you want to have beforehand.”

Alexander commented, bringing up the fact that Rusty was the only monster who could change his form using SP. He would be placed in a temporary form created through the summoning ritual. His inventory and loadouts would likely be inaccessible, so it made sense to decide on the form he wanted to take before entering. The summoning manual didn’t specify that he couldn’t use one of his alternate forms – such as the bulkier or lankier ones he had crafted the last time he was here.

‘It would be great if I knew what I was facing…’

Rusty considered his options carefully, pacing around the summoning chamber as the energy within the runes intensified, pulsating like a heartbeat. He glanced at the forms available to him. One was his larger, bulkier frame – the one with the highest destructive power and defense but the lowest agility. Then there was his lighter model, which allowed for greater joint flexibility and even climbing. Finally, there was his current body, balanced and without any significant weaknesses, though it lacked any standout strengths.

‘If it’s just a duel, this form would probably be best.’

After a moment’s hesitation, Rusty made his decision. He activated a loadout, and his body shifted into the towering, heavily armored configuration. To complement its bulk, he selected a massive iron tower shield and a poleaxe. With no idea who – or what he’d be facing, a versatile weapon capable of piercing, slashing, and bludgeoning damage seemed like the smartest choice.

“Alright, this should be fine… now do I just walk onto the summoning circle?”

“It does seem so Rusty, good luck.”

Alexander replied seemingly agreeing with the current setup. Aburdon on the other hand was a bit more ironic.

“Oh, I’m sure you won’t need luck, Rusty. Just try not to embarrass yourself too much out there.”

Aburdon cackled as he floated closer to the summoning circle, his interest in the magic at work evident. Rusty paid him no mind, his towering form clanking as he adjusted the massive tower shield in his left hand and the hefty poleaxe in his right. The weapon’s shaft was much thicker than a standard poleaxe, custom-built to accommodate his enlarged hands.

After reaching the center of the circle, Rusty suddenly felt an unseen force rooting him in place. Lines of glowing runes spiraled outward from his feet, forming an intricate, shifting pattern that danced across the floor, alive with power.

“Here we go…”

Rusty muttered, steadying himself as the energy surrounded his body. Strange straight lines appeared over his frame which then turned into a checkered pattern. He didn’t understand it but his whole body was glowing blue. Soon he saw a projection of his frame floating up along with his own conscience. For a moment he could see his frame standing inside of the summoning circle before the world went dark…

******

“What’s wrong?”

“I think she can’t do it…”

“Is she really unable to summon a monster? How did she get into the academy?”

The voices of teenagers filled the large arena-like structure. Many people were gathered, all of them wearing similar uniforms of a prestigious Mystwood Academy of Summoners, the premier institution for training those with the rare ability to summon and command otherworldly beings. Its name could be seen at the magical training arena where an event was taking place. In the center of the arena, two young women stood on opposite sides of a glowing summoning circle.

“I don’t think Katherine will even need to do anything at this point…”

“The Grandwell family has produced another genius, even if Gwendolin did manage to summon something, she could never win…”

“That’s true, the Rainstar family might be finished…”

The crowd murmured amongst themselves as Gwendolin Rainstar stood frozen at the edge of the summoning arena. Her palms were clasped tightly together, and her heart pounded in her chest. Strands of her raven-black hair had come loose, falling messily over her pale face, which seemed even whiter than usual under the weight of her stress.

The whispered ridicule of her peers echoed through the arena, each cutting word striking her pride like a dagger. Gwendolin’s grip tightened on the small crystal pendant around her neck – a cherished gift from her late grandmother. Closing her eyes, she took a trembling breath, summoning the courage to perform the spell she had practiced countless times.

On one side was Katherine Grandwell, golden-haired and radiating confidence. Her smug smile made it clear she relished the attention. Her family was renowned for their summoning prowess, and Katherine had already proven herself by summoning higher orc variants and other various E-rank creatures, a true genius for her age. She adjusted her ornate silver-and-blue robe, clearly enjoying the murmurs of admiration from the audience.

‘Oh, why isn’t it working… I was able to do it a few times but nothing is coming out now…’

Gwendolin stood there, her simple academy robe hanging awkwardly on her wiry frame. She clutched the silver charm around her neck, trying to channel her energy. Summoning wasn’t just a skill but a magical ability – one that required precise focus and adherence to the summoning ritual. If a caster failed to channel their energy correctly, the ritual would inevitably fail.

When she was alone, the process wasn’t particularly difficult. But under the scrutiny of prying eyes, she could never seem to focus enough to summon anything – not even the weakest G-ranked monsters.

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“She’s just going to embarrass herself again.”

“Does she even belong here?”

“Katherine’s going to wipe the floor with her.”

Katherine smirked and raised her voice, loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Maybe you should sit this one out, Rainstar. Spare yourself the humiliation.”

Gwen clenched her fists, her heart pounding. She wanted to respond, to shout something clever or cutting, but her throat felt dry, and the weight of all those expectant eyes pressed down on her. She focused on the summoning circle before her, it had materialized but nothing yet had appeared.

“Miss Rainstar”

The instructor’s voice cut through the noise, commanding attention.

“Are you able to perform your summoning? If not, then I would ask you to step back and vacate the arena for the other students.”

“I–, I can do it!”