Then, she began reading down the list of conditions:
1. The familiar is bound to the master within a radius of ten strides with some exceptions
2. The familiar is not allowed to harm humans or humanoid races unless ordered by the master.
3. The master must not physically harm the familiar.
4. The familiar's power is sealed until the master chooses to unseal it.
5. The master's command can override all the conditions above.
"These conditions will be regulated by the school and the Bureau of Magic. Should there be any violations, there will be dire consequences."
Platina's eyes widen in shock at the list of conditions that both master and familiar should follow, but instead aimed more at a familiar. It was almost as if the familiars were caged animals or slaves, given no freedom and could not helped their fate. I knew that neither Platina nor any other familiar were given a choice in the matter – they were summoned, brought into a strange world and forced to obeyed their so-called "masters."
"Is there any question?" asked Prof Clea. A girl in glasses (I forgot her name) timidly raised her hand. "Yes, Loreilla?"
"P-Professor Clea, what does the familiar get in return for helping us?"
"They are given shelter, food and their master's protection, these are luxuries to demons that lived in the wild."
"Yeah right," scoffed Platina, who had gained a look of disgust as she glared at the Mark of Contract on her hand.
The timid girl seemed unsatisfied with the prof's answer, but she did not say anything more.
"Any other question?" All remained silent. She continued, "Please look at condition number 4: "The familiar's power is sealed until the master chooses to unseal it." This only applies to some breeds of demons that possess non-physical power, such as fire-breathing or wind control. These familiars are deemed more dangerous than other familiars and as such have their powers sealed. The master will be able to unseal this power for three hours at a time. The method of unseal will not be taught to you until the week before the performance assessment to allow you more time to better control your familiar. As you know, it is the start of the second semester, and it is almost time for your yearly performance assessment. Since you just gained your familiar, they will also be part of your score. This year's test will begin in one month and will include trials that test for your practical skills in magic. While I am not allowed to disclose the specifics, know that there will be a battle portion involved. I suggest you start practicing with your familiar in this one month. Class dismissed."
The students packed up and poured out the lecture hall, chatting amiably amongst themselves. Platina had been silent this whole time, following behind me without any energy. We were on our way to my next class, Alchemy, when we were blocked by someone annoying. Namely, Rilche.
"HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!" His voice boomed loudly and I rolled my eyes in annoyance, not really in the mood for his pestering. Behind him, an ugly demon ten feet tall followed, knocking some students out of the way.
I sped up, pretending not to hear him, but he ran and blocked my way.
"Kaius, is that your familiar? How laughable! HAHAHAHAHA!"
"Rilche, get out of my way," I attempted a neutral expression but he went on,
"How the mighty have fallen. You were so sure that you would get a strong familiar, but instead you got this scrawny girl!" At this, he pointed at Platina in a haughty way and I resisted the urge to punch him in the face (his huge familiar was right there. And no, I was not scared).
"Don't you know it's not polite to point," she slapped his hand away and Rilche huffed in anger, looking like he was about to give her a piece of his mind, when his eyes widened.
He stared at Platina like that for a while and I could see a hint of red on his face. Rilche always had a weakness for pretty girls. He tried to recover and pathetically spitted out, "H-Haha, Kaius, your f-familiar is way weaker than my familiar. Looks like Mr. Genius finally messed up. I can't wait to see you lose in the performance assessment!"
Irritated, I bit back, "The only one losing will be you, Rilche. Your familiar is slower than a turtle and ugly to boot." I knew that wasn't the most mature thing to say, but my competitiveness was getting to me. Stupid Kaius!
"Oh yeah? How about we find out right now whose familiar is stronger? I challenge you to a DUEL!"
Platina was tugging at my sleeves and shaking her head, but I didn't pay her any mind as I yelled back, "Fine!"
I could hear other students gasped in surprise at this development and that snapped me out of my competition-fueled rage. I finally realized why they were so surprise. It was unheard of for a mage to engage in battle right after obtaining a familiar, there were so many things that could go wrong. But it was too late to back out as Rilche sped away to his next class, yelling "See you after school then!" His familiar heaving its massive body behind him. Around me, I could hear people making plans to go watch the battle. I glanced at Platina, who gained a disapproving expression. I shot her an apologetic look before leading her toward my Alchemy class. I never lost to Rilche before, but I have a feeling this will be a first.