Yuzuki

The royal summoning hall was built beneath the palace, where daylight could not reach and old magic still clung to the stone. Five heroes from another world stood before the Summoning Stone while nobles, priests, knights, and court mages watched from the outer ring. The stone rose from the center of the chamber like a pillar of clear blue crystal, its surface filled with drifting stars. The king had already explained the purpose of the ritual. Each hero would touch the stone. Each would call forth a beast. That beast would become their partner, weapon, shield, and proof of divine favor in the war against the Demon Lord. Renzo stepped forward first. The crystal flashed crimson. Heat rolled through the chamber. A young dragon appeared in a coil of flame, scales bright as polished armor. The court erupted in applause. “A Rank,” the high priest announced. “A dragon. Excellent summon young master Renzo.” Renzo smiled as if the result had only confirmed what everyone should have known. Kahori came next. Her summon emerged with a lion’s body, batlike wings, and a scorpion tail. “B Rank manticore.” Himari’s hands trembled when she touched the stone, but golden light answered her. A radiant lion bowed before her. “C Rank Golden Lion.” Rin’s summoning was quiet until the air filled with sparks. A small phoenix appeared, its feathers dim but warm. “D Rank phoenix.” Then came the final summoning. The stone flickered. A thin circle of violet light opened on the floor. From it appeared a small, trembling girl with tiny horns, folded bat wings, and a tail wrapped tightly around one ankle. Her clothes were simple. Her eyes stayed lowered. The hall went silent. The high priest checked the crystal tablet twice. “F Rank,” he said at last. “Succubus” The nobles began whispering. The little succubus flinched and whispered, “I’m sorry. I know I’m trash.” The contract mark formed anyway.