The training grounds of the Academy of Arcane Nobility were vast, with open fields for combat practice, obstacle courses, and dueling arenas. The morning sun cast a golden glow over the area, but Priyam felt anything but radiant. He stood awkwardly in the center of the field, surrounded by curious onlookers. Evelyne stood a few feet away, her arms crossed and her expression stern.
"Today," she announced, her voice carrying across the field, "we will assess your capabilities as my familiar. Do not embarrass me."
Priam sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, because that's exactly what I want to do. Embarrass you in front of everyone."
Evelyne's eyes narrowed. "Silence, familiar. Your role is to obey, not to question."
Before Priyam could retort, a tall, muscular man with a scar across his cheek stepped forward. He wore the uniform of the academy's combat instructors, and his presence commanded respect. "Princess Evelyne, if I may?"
Evelyne nodded. "Proceed, Instructor Garrick."
Garrick turned to Priyam, his gaze appraising. "So, you're the summoned human. Let's see what you're made of."
Priam raised an eyebrow. "And how exactly are we doing that?"
Garrick smirked. "Simple. You'll spar with one of our students. No magic, just raw skill. Let's see if you have any fight in you."
Priam's heart sank. Sparring? He had never been in a fight in his life, let alone against someone trained in combat. But before he could protest, a young man stepped forward. He was lean and agile, with short blond hair and a confident grin.
"I'll take him on," the young man said, cracking his knuckles. "This should be fun."
Evelyne nodded. "Very well, Sir Cedric. Show him the difference between a noble and a commoner."
Priam groaned inwardly. This was going to be a disaster.
---
**The Sparring Match**
The crowd gathered around the dueling arena, their murmurs filled with anticipation. Priyam stood across from Cedric, who was stretching casually, as if this were just another day at the academy.
"Don't worry," Cedric said with a smirk. "I'll go easy on you."
Priam clenched his fists, his nerves on edge. "Thanks. That makes me feel so much better."
Garrick raised his hand. "Begin!"
Cedric lunged forward, his movements swift and precise. Priyam barely had time to react, dodging to the side as Cedric's fist grazed his shoulder. The crowd cheered, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
Priam stumbled, his lack of training evident. Cedric pressed his advantage, landing a series of quick jabs that left Priyam breathless. He managed to block a few strikes, but it was clear he was outmatched.
"Come on, familiar!" Cedric taunted. "Is that all you've got?"
Priam gritted his teeth, his frustration growing. He wasn't going to let this guy humiliate him. Summoning what little strength he had, he charged at Cedric, aiming a wild punch at his opponent's midsection.
Cedric easily sidestepped the attack, grabbing Priyam's arm and twisting it behind his back. Priyam cried out in pain, dropping to his knees.
"Yield," Cedric said, his tone smug.
Priam's mind raced. He couldn't give up, not like this. The mark on his hand began to pulse, and he felt a surge of energy coursing through him. With a sudden burst of strength, he broke free from Cedric's grip and spun around, landing a solid punch to Cedric's jaw.
The crowd gasped as Cedric stumbled backward, his confident grin replaced by a look of shock. Priyam didn't hesitate, pressing his advantage with a series of quick strikes. For a moment, it seemed as though he might actually win.
But Cedric recovered quickly, his training kicking in. He blocked Priyam's attacks with ease, countering with a powerful kick that sent Priyam sprawling to the ground.
"Enough!" Garrick shouted, stepping between them. "The match is over."
Priam lay on the ground, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. Cedric offered him a hand, his smirk returning.
"Not bad for a commoner," Cedric said. "You've got some fight in you."
Priam ignored the hand, pushing himself to his feet. "Thanks. I'll take that as a compliment."
Evelyne stepped forward, her expression unreadable. "You performed... adequately. But you have much to learn."
Priam glared at her. "Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence."
---
**A New Ally**
As the crowd dispersed, Priyam noticed a familiar figure approaching. It was Astrid, her silver hair glinting in the sunlight. She adjusted her glasses, her golden eyes studying him with curiosity.
"Interesting performance," she said. "You managed to surprise Cedric, even if only for a moment."
Priam shrugged. "Yeah, well, I'm full of surprises."
Astrid's lips curled into a faint smile. "Indeed. I think you have potential, Priyam. More than anyone here realizes."
Priam raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you say that?"
Astrid glanced at the mark on his hand. "The binding seal is reacting to you in ways it shouldn't. It's as if it's trying to draw out something... extraordinary."
Priam frowned. "You sound like the headmaster."
"Perhaps," Astrid said. "But I'm not the only one who's noticed. Be careful, Priyam. There are those who would use you for their own gain."
Before Priyam could respond, Astrid turned and walked away, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
---
**The First Lesson**
Later that day, Priyam found himself in a classroom, surrounded by students who were clearly more knowledgeable about magic than he was. The instructor, a stern woman with sharp features, stood at the front of the room, her gaze sweeping over the students.
"Today," she said, "we will discuss the fundamentals of mana manipulation. For those of you who are new, this is the foundation upon which all magic is built."
Priam groaned inwardly. Mana manipulation? He didn't even know what mana was, let alone how to manipulate it.
The instructor's gaze landed on him. "You. The summoned familiar. Stand up."
Priam hesitated, then slowly rose to his feet. The other students snickered, clearly enjoying his discomfort.
"Since you are new to this world," the instructor said, "perhaps you can demonstrate what happens when someone without mana attempts to cast a spell."
Priam's eyes widened. "Wait, what?"
The instructor ignored his protest, handing him a small crystal. "Focus your energy on this crystal. Try to make it glow."
Priam stared at the crystal, his mind blank. How was he supposed to do that? He closed his eyes, trying to concentrate. The mark on his hand pulsed faintly, and he felt a strange warmth in his chest.
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the crystal began to glow, a soft, golden light emanating from within.
The classroom fell silent, the students staring in shock. Even the instructor looked surprised.
"Interesting," she said, her tone thoughtful. "It seems you are not as powerless as you appear."
Priam stared at the glowing crystal, his heart racing. Maybe there was hope for him after all.
---
**End of Chapter 4**