The grand halls of Soulbound Academy shimmered under the glow of a thousand enchanted lanterns. Banners bearing the academy's crest—a golden phoenix encircling an ancient rune—fluttered from the marble pillars. Today marked the start of the Summoning Ritual, where first-year students would call forth their soulbound spirits, magical companions that determined their power, potential, and future in the academy.
Ethan Gray stood in the line of first-years, heart pounding. Unlike the others, he had no noble lineage, no family legacy of spirit masters. He was just a commoner who had somehow passed the entrance trials. The other students whispered around him, their eyes flickering with anticipation.
"Step forward, Ethan Gray," a voice boomed.
Professor Aldric, the head summoner, gestured for him to approach the Ancient Summoning Circle. The enormous rune-carved platform hummed with raw magical energy, pulsing in sync with the vast spiritual network that connected this world to the Spirit Realm.
Ethan swallowed hard and stepped into the circle. His fingers clenched around the spirit catalyst, a small crystal that would channel his energy into the summoning.
"This is it," he thought. "My moment."
The room grew silent as he took a deep breath and whispered the incantation.
"O great spirits who walk between realms, hear my call. Bind your soul to mine and forge our eternal pact!"
The summoning circle flared with light, golden runes spiraling into the air. A powerful gust of wind swept through the hall.
And then—
BAM!
A small explosion of smoke erupted in front of him.
The other students gasped. Some snickered.
As the smoke cleared, Ethan's heart sank.
Sitting in the middle of the summoning circle was... a tiny, round creature with oversized ears and a goofy grin. Its fur was a mix of white and silver, and it had stubby little paws that twitched as it blinked up at him.
"…Meep?" the creature chirped.
Silence.
Then, laughter.
"Pfft—what is that supposed to be?!" one student blurted out.
"A house pet?" another sneered.
Ethan's face burned as he stared at his supposed soulbound spirit. While others had summoned majestic wolves, ethereal foxes, and even draconic beasts, he had gotten... this.
Professor Aldric stroked his beard, looking both intrigued and concerned.
"This is… unusual," he murmured. "A spirit's true power is not always visible at first glance, but… I've never seen one like this before."
Ethan winced. Even the professor wasn't sure what to make of it.
The small creature waddled up to him and nuzzled his leg.
"Meep!" it chirped again.
Ethan groaned.
This was not how he imagined his first day at Soulbound Academy.