Their steps carried them through a corridor that felt somehow lighter, as if the weight of stone and test had lifted. Torches mounted along smooth walls glowed with steady white flames that neither flickered nor smoked. The hush was different here—less tense, more anticipatory, like quiet breath before a herald's call.
Levara Salion adjusted her collar, eyes darting ahead. "This must be it," she said, voice low. "The Sanctum's final chamber where they bestow the rank." She sounded excited, almost hurried.
Danek Torren offered a curt nod. Arrix Velhar's breathing steadied, shoulders back. He looked to Krans del Leon, waiting on his cue. All three of them had, in their own ways, come to trust Krans's calm.
Krans advanced without hurry. "We've proven our skill to the Fourfold Sanctum," he said softly. "Now we face judgment. Stand tall, each of you. We enter not as cadets, but as Summoners who have overcome trials."
Arrix tried a shaky grin. "I still can't believe we managed all that… wind corridors, submerged switches, stone giants, and living flame." He shook his head, wonder and pride mingled. "Feels unreal."
Levara's lips twitched into a sly smile. "Well, we did. And we did it together."
They turned a final corner and stepped into a grand circular hall. The ceiling rose high, supported by slender pillars etched with runes of each element: Air, Water, Earth, Fire. In the center, an elevated dais of polished granite shone under a ring of pure white light that hovered with no visible source. Around the dais stood figures in long robes of deep green, cobalt, crimson, and gold—colors of the Summoner's higher ranks. Their faces were revealed: stern, wise, curious. Among them, one figure stepped forward.
She wore a mantle of emerald cloth embroidered with delicate vines. Her hair, long and shot with silver, framed a face lined by decades of command. Her eyes fixed on Krans and his companions without blinking. When she spoke, her voice rang clear in the hush: "I am High Summoner Avridian, keeper of this Sanctum's rites. You have passed the elemental trials. Present yourselves."
Krans inclined his head, stepping onto the dais. Levara followed on his left, Danek on his right, Arrix just behind. They formed a small arc facing Avridian and the other senior Summoners.
Levara cleared her throat quietly, then spoke with careful respect. "High Summoner, we… we completed all four trials set by the Sanctum. We humbly await your judgment."
Avridian's gaze shifted to each of them in turn. "Name yourselves," she said.
Danek straightened. "Danek Torren," he said simply.
"Levara Salion," Levara added, voice steady.
Arrix drew a breath. "Arrix Velhar, honored Summoner."
Finally, Krans stepped forward, meeting Avridian's eyes with calm confidence. "Krans del Leon," he said, voice resonant, "at your service."
A murmur passed among the gathered senior Summoners. Avridian nodded once. "Del Leon," she repeated, as if tasting the name. "You led them, I suspect. We have monitored your trials, glimpsed your maneuvers through scrying sigils. The four of you displayed skill, adaptability, and cooperation. Traits the Empire prizes in its Summoners."
Arrix relaxed a fraction, relief flooding his face. Danek remained stoic, but a subtle loosening of shoulders betrayed his gratitude. Levara let out a quiet sigh, almost smiling.
Avridian's tone sharpened gently, "But know this: earning rank is not a final victory, it is an oath. You will stand in defense of the Empire's lands, conjure creatures to guard villages against marauders, or scout beyond borders for hidden threats. Your summons are not for personal glory, but for the realm's wellbeing."
Krans inclined his head. "We understand," he said softly. "We accept these duties." His voice carried a certainty that made Avridian's eyes narrow in what might have been approval.
Another senior Summoner, a man with silver runes stitched on his sleeves, stepped forward carrying four slender bands of woven metal—bracelets etched with runic patterns. He held them out, and Avridian took one, holding it up so the torchlight caught its gleam.
"These are the signets of newly recognized Summoners," she explained. "Wear them as proof of your rank, markers of trust placed upon you. In days of old, Summoners who bore these marks stood between chaos and order."
Levara extended her arm first, and Avridian slid the band onto her wrist. It hummed softly, fitting snug and warm. Levara's eyes shone with pride.
Danek followed, no words, just a respectful dip of his head as the band encircled his wrist. Arrix watched intently, his turn next. When the band touched Arrix's skin, his tense posture melted into a quiet smile he didn't try to hide.
Finally, Avridian turned to Krans del Leon. "For you," she said, voice quieter, "the band also symbolizes leadership. We saw how you guided your companions, how your summons harmonized with theirs. Do not squander that gift."
Krans accepted the band, slipping it over his wrist. The metal felt cool first, then pulsed softly with mana. He met Avridian's gaze. "I will use it well," he promised.
A soft stirring among the assembled Summoners—a ripple of approval or relief. Avridian stepped back, folding her arms. "You stand now as true Summoners, recognized and ranked. Serve the Empire with wisdom and courage."
Levara couldn't contain a small grin. "We will," she said firmly.
Danek nodded once, still grave but content. Arrix's joy was plain in the brightness of his eyes.
Krans offered a grateful incline of his head. "High Summoner, may we know our first tasks? The Empire's needs?" he asked gently. He would not waste time basking in triumph. There was work ahead.
Avridian studied him, a corner of her mouth tugging upward. "Eager already. Good." She gestured to the tall man with silver runes who had carried the bracelets. He stepped forth again, this time holding a slender scroll case. "Your initial orders are here. You'll travel east, to a border province troubled by rising monster sightings. Assist local wardens, stabilize the region. Details enclosed." She passed the scroll case to Krans, who accepted it calmly.
Levara's eyes sparked at the mention of real-world duties. Arrix took a breath, steadying himself. Danek remained impassive but alert.
Avridian's voice lowered: "There will be more trials beyond these halls. Harder choices. But remember what you learned in the Sanctum. Cooperation forged victory here—it will do so again."
Krans stepped down from the dais, band shining faintly at his wrist, scroll case tucked under his arm. He turned to his companions, voice quiet but sure. "We have our orders and our rank. Let's serve well."
Levara smirked. "Lead on, del Leon," she teased softly, no malice, only respect. Arrix straightened, proud to stand at Krans's side. Danek just moved closer, a silent pillar of strength.
They left the Hall of Accord together, the senior Summoners watching them vanish into the corridor's glow. Outside, the Fourfold Sanctum's entrance awaited, and beyond it, the Academy grounds under moonlight.
As they made their way upward and out, Krans del Leon felt the weight of the band on his wrist. Not a burden, but a promise. He looked to his companions and smiled—a new chapter of their lives had begun, filled with real work, real challenges, and a bond forged in elemental trials that would guide them forward into whatever lay beyond the Academy's walls.