As he clutched the Ancient Earth Summoning Tome, Ryan's fingers trembled with anticipation. The book leather cover cool against his skin. It felt heavy, not just from its size, but also from the power it contained.
He would summon a mystical beast this morning at the training glade, under Fen and Cedric's guidance.
Fen's voice echoed in his mind: "Visualize elemental forces, channel earth's essence."
Ryan took a deep breath, clearing his thoughts.
With reverence, Ryan recited the incantation:
"Terrae, audit me,
Bestia, surgere,
Elementia, conjungo."
The words rolled off his tongue, resonating like a heartbeat through the glade.
As he spoke, warmth surged through him. A glow enveloped his hands, a sign of the energy he was channeling. The air thickened, creating a tense silence.
The glade around him buzzed with life. Leaves rustled, and a brook gurgled nearby.
The ground trembled.
Then, a magnificent creature took shape before him. It looked powerful and majestic.
Its lion-like body was covered in shimmering scales, sparkling in the sunlight. Its huge eagle wings spread wide, casting a wide shadow over the glade. The long serpent-like tail swished.
Ryan's eyes widened, mesmerized. "Incredible!" he whispered.
Fen beamed proudly. "A Terragron! Rare and ancient. You're fortunate, Ryan."
Cedric nodded, observing the bonding process.
Ryan reached out, his heart racing. He felt a connection forming—a bond between a young man and the creature.
The Terragron, a remarkable creature made of earth and stone, gently nudged Ryan's hand. Its warm, rough skin brushed against his palm. In that brief moment, something magical happened.
"I think I will call him Terra," Ryan said, a wave of joy washing over him.
Fen smiled. "He will be your great companion. Ehem, I mean your underling," he said, with a smugness in his words.
Ryan rolled his eyes, and said, "You could never help yourself of being arrogant."
Fen chuckled.
Cedric stepped forward, his expression serious.
"Ryan," he said, "You need to practice controlling the Terragron's elemental forces. Focus on harmonizing your energy with the elements around you. Controlling the forces it's not just about power, it's about balance."
This wasn't a simple task.
Terragron's forces were powerful and unpredictable. Understanding them required patience and dedication. By aligning your energy with nature, you can tap into a deeper connection with the Terragron.
"Imagine it like tuning a musical instrument," Cedric continued. "If the strings are too tight or too loose, the music won't sound right. The same applies here. You need to find that sweet spot."
Ryan nodded, closing his eyes. He breathed deeply, connecting with Terra.
"Remember," Cedric added, "each time you practice, you build that connection deeper."
Ryan concentrated on channeling earth energy through Terra. He visualized roots sprouting from his feet, reaching deep into the soil. The world around him was alive with energy—every stone, every blade of grass pulsing with a silent rhythm. He could feel Terra responding to his intent, a subtle connection humming between them.
"Geo-Shield!" Ryan commanded, his hands slicing through the air. As he spoke, Terra's body began to glow with a fierce light. A protective barrier formed, shimmering like a mirage, deflecting the nearby pebbles and swirling leaves. The air crackled with energy, and Fen's eyes widened in admiration.
"Impressive!" he exclaimed, his voice carrying a note of excitement.
Cedric nodded approvingly. "Stability and defense are fundamental aspects of earth magic," he added, emphasizing the importance of these skills.
Next, Ryan shifted his focus, determined to harness the offensive potential of Terra. "Seismic Blast!" he shouted. Terra's wings fluttered powerfully, creating vibrations that rippled through the air. The ground beneath them quaked, sending controlled seismic waves outward. Nearby rocks jolted and rolled, showcasing Terra's raw strength.
Cedric's praise echoed in Ryan's ears. "Well done!" he encouraged, recognizing the skill needed to manage such power wisely.
Feeling the momentum, Ryan took a bold step forward. "Terra, Stone Morph!" he instructed. Instantly, Terra's form began to transform, its lion-like shape merging with the earth around it. The creature camouflaged itself, becoming one with the living stone. The world around them shifted, blending seamlessly into Terra's new form.
Fen's eyes lit up. "Incredible!" he said, clearly impressed. "Terra's abilities will benefit you greatly, Ryan."
Cedric advised, "Practice switching Terra's powers smoothly. Harmony is crucial."
Ryan nodded, committed to mastering their bond.
As sunset approached, Ryan and Terra concluded their training.
Sitting beside Terra, Ryan couldn't help but admire her versatility. The way she moved, her energy shifting effortlessly from one form to another, was nothing short of mesmerizing.
Fen, lying on the other side of Ryan, nodded. "Her powers will grow along with your bond," he said.
"She would able to protect you when I am not around," he added.
Ryan's head turned to Fen but stayed silent. But anxiety clearly showed on his face.
***
Ryan eagerly sought out his friends Elijah and Lucas. He found them engrossed in a heated debate about sword techniques in the dining hall.
"Guys, I have something amazing to show you!" Ryan exclaimed.
Elijah and Lucas exchanged intrigued glances. "What is it?" Elijah asked, gesturing them to take their meals.
Lucas's curiosity was piqued. "Did you finally master that earth shield technique?"
Ryan grinned mischievously. "Even better. I will show you after dinner!"
After dinner concluded, Ryan led his friends to the secluded glade where Terra awaited. As they entered, Terra's majestic form became visible. Elijah and Lucas gasped in unison.
"By the elements!" Elijah whispered. Lucas's eyes widened. "That's a Terragron! Rare and ancient!"
Terra's iridescent scales glimmered, and its wings spread wide.
Ryan beamed with pride. "Watch this!" He commanded Terra to demonstrate its abilities.
The Terragron happily showed Geo-Shields, Seismic Blasts, and Stone Morphing. Elijah and Lucas watched, mesmerized.
"Incredible!" Elijah exclaimed. "Terra's powers are impressive, Ryan."
As they marveled at Terra's abilities, their friendship grew.
"We're proud of you, Ryan," Lucas said.
Elijah nodded. "You're a true earth magician."
Ryan smiled, grateful for his friends' support.
Elijah and Lucas bombarded Ryan with questions about Terra's abilities and limitations. Ryan shared his experiences, and they discussed strategies for integrating Terra into their future battles.