The act that Ferkuntra had attempted was elemental transmutation.

It was a kind of stunt used to display its powerful strength among the spirits.

The method was simple.

It involved changing one element into another.

Though it sounded simple, it was far from an easy task.

Turning flames into ice.

Ice into lightning.

Lightning into darkness.

A skilled mage would understand how astonishing it was to transform an existing element into another.

Creating a new element was easier than whimsically altering an existing one, which was significantly more challenging.

Moreover, these were elements summoned by a mage.

This meant that it was possible to change a fireball launched by a mage into a spear of ice and send it back.

In other words, it was a proof of powerful ability to directly interfere with the elemental concept included in magic...

Having failed, there was neither proof nor anything else. Yi-Han and Yonaire were seriously whispering about what Ferkuntra had just done.

"It must have been trying to show us lightning."

"Lightning...? Indeed, it was a remarkable bolt, but what does it have to do with summoning a fire element?"

"Maybe it was trying to contrast the power of lightning more? When lightning strikes fire, the flames scatter..."

"Is that so? It doesn't seem very effective though."

"Have you seen? This lightning bolt is the manifestation of my power."

Ferkuntra quickly changed its statement.

After all, it had its pride, unable to admit its failure in front of the young mages.

Upon hearing the spirit's words, Yi-Han and Yonaire nodded.

"So it really was trying to show us lightning."

"But it didnt seem very effective to the conjured fire."

"Shh. A spirit's sensibility might be a bit different."

Ferkuntra gritted its teeth.

The young mages' sincere consideration made the powerful spirit feel even more humiliated.

'Why...?'

Ferkuntra looked at the flickering flames.

Originally, it could have easily controlled and transformed the elements of even more experienced mages than the one before it.

But it couldn't even take away a single flame from this young mage.

'!'

It was then that Ferkuntra realized something was strange about the flame conjured by Yi-Han.

On the outside, it looked like a normal flame, but inside it was a dormant, seething power ready to explode.

It was akin to a dragon's flame, capable of transforming in any way depending on the mage's will.

Ferkuntra felt a chill down its spine for the first time in a while.

Young mages were prone to mistakes and accidents.

Even when casting a simple fire spell, they might raise the heat of the flame to unbearable levels for themselves or fail to maintain the shape of the flame, causing it to explode in all directions.

The reason young mages were relatively safe despite such mistakes and accidents was that they infused less mana into their spells.

With less mana, even if a spell ran amok, it wasn't too dangerous.

However, the young mage before him was different.

What if he lost control and let the flame run wild?

The sealed punishment room would melt away, and the two mages would likely die instantly.

'Why would he do such a reckless thing...'

Cursing inwardly, Ferkuntra soon realized the culprit.

...It was itself.

It had urged the gathering of mana and once again prompted the transformation into a destructive element.

Naturally, the young mage would have gathered as much mana as possible and created a destructive flame, just as the spirit had instructed.

And then Ferkuntra even tried to seize control.

When someone attempts to take control, a mage instinctively clutches it even tighter.

Because of this, it was clear that the amount of mana had unconsciously surged.

'I made a mistake...! I should have considered that there was so much mana!'

Now, Ferkuntra's pride was no longer important. What mattered was somehow calming the young mage and canceling the flame without causing panic.

"You have witnessed the grandeur of my lightning, haven't you?"

"Yes, it was truly impressive. So, could you please clear the way now...?"

Yi-Han's words were only half sincere. The other half was flattery, motivated by a desire to leave quickly.

Ferkuntra wanted to curse but couldn't, as a mass of flame was still blazing before Yi-Han.

Cursing would lead to the young mage becoming emotionally unstable or angry, which in turn could influence the flame, risking a catastrophic outburst!

Just wait! I will open the way. I promise on my honor.

"Really?"

Yi-Han was puzzled. The spirit seemed kinder than expected.

'I thought it would be more troublesome... But then again, a spirit is not a professor.'

Perhaps Yi-Han had misjudged the spirit.

So, don't panic. Stay calm. Don't be afraid. Understand? If you do, say so.

"??"

"???"

Ferkuntra lacked eloquence in speech. Yi-Han and Yonaire quickly sensed something was off.

'Why is he acting like that?'

"Is there a problem?"

There's no problem! I tell you, no problem at all!

Yi-Han tilted his head, puzzled, and moved the flame aside with his staff.

Ferkuntra was so startled it almost screamed. It barely managed to hold back.

Don't... wave the staff.

??

Yi-Han was perplexed. He looked at his staff, wondering if the wood spirit within it was the cause.

Don't wave it, I said...!

Ferkuntra restrained itself from shouting. Startling Yi-Han would be more dangerous.

"Why not?"

Ferkuntra was truly frustrated. It wanted to tell them how dangerous the flame was.

But doing so might cause the young mages to panic and create more trouble.

'I... don't like it when you wave your staff in front of me.'

"..."

"..."

Yi-Han and Yonaire wore dubious expressions. Ferkuntra could tell they thought of it as an eccentric and strange spirit!

But it had no time to argue. The longer the flame stayed, the higher the risk of it going berserk. It had to find a way to make them cancel the flame, by any means necessary.

'But how?'

No matter how much Ferkuntra pondered, it couldn't come up with a solution.

If it told them to cancel the flame...

They would ask why->the young mage gets emotionally stirred->the agitation affects the flame->flame goes berserk!

I've changed my mind.

"???"

I will make a contract with you!

"..."

Yi-Han was starting to doubt the mental state of the spirit in front of him.

Does it have bipolar disorder?

Of course, it wasn't the time for Yi-Han to be picky, but he wasn't keen on befriending a mentally unstable spirit.

"May I ask why?"

Ferkuntra really wanted to strike him with a real lightning bolt.

Ungrateful, despite everything...!

But there was no time. He had to convince the young mage somehow.

I see infinite potential in you!

"What? What exactly did you see..."

Ferkuntra's clumsy praise only seemed to heighten Yi-Han's wariness.

Even the red-haired mage looked wary.

"It seems suspicious..."

"Right? We've barely been talking."

Your mana! The mana you possess is a monstrous thing, something no other mage can match. You know this, don't you!

"But just now, you said you wouldn't make a contract because of the amount of mana I have. With someone you don't know well..."

That was because I didn't know then! But now I think I understand! Hurry! Make the contract with me!

Ferkuntra, growing increasingly anxious, shouted out. The flame could burst out at any moment.

"Does it really have bipolar disorder...'

Yi-Han pondered.

Despite doubts about the spirit's mental state, the opportunity to make a contract with a spirit was enticing.

If Farakis recommended it, it must be a spirit of exceptional abilities.

He didn't understand why the spirit had initially refused and then suddenly changed its mind...

But perhaps this was an opportunity.

Maybe this was the one time when the eccentric spirit would soften.

"...Alright! I will make the contract."

Well thought. Open your soul and accept me!

As Ferkuntra sent its invocation towards Yi-Han's soul, Yi-Han became aware of Ferkuntra's true name.

The Spirit of Lightning, Ferkuntra!

That was the name of his counterpart.

'Ah. The Spirit of Lightning. Is that why it's mentally unstable?'

'Now that we're contracted, I can feel your doubts too! Stop it!'

'Oops.'

Their souls intertwined with a mark.

'I recognize you as my companion. You have the right to summon me. But remember, I am not your servant, and you are not my master.'

'I had no such thoughts.'

'Good. Be careful when summoning me. Even calling forth just a part of me, your mana could...'

Ferkuntra stopped mid-sentence. Upon reflection, mana wasn't the issue.

'...if you summon me thoughtlessly, you might not be able to when you really need me.'

Having a contract with a spirit didn't mean one could summon it on a whim.

Their relationship was based on mutual respect.

Especially for a mighty spirit like Ferkuntra, who had strong pride. It would not tolerate being summoned frequently.

'Don't worry. I won't summon you unless it's really necessary.'

Yi-Han didn't particularly want to meet a mentally unstable spirit often.

Ferkuntra, sensing Yi-Han's emotions, held back its curses.

There was something more urgent.

Now that the contract is complete, I will show you my power!

"What are you going to do?"

This!

With a shout, Ferkuntra inhabited Yi-Han's arm.

It then exerted all its power to control the flame.

Hurry! Disperse this flame! Cancel it!

"??"

To Ferkuntra's concern, Yi-Han easily dispersed his mana and dispelled the flame.

Ferkuntra finally breathed a sigh of relief.

You... you fool! Do you realize how dangerous that was? You foolish young mage!

Ferkuntra's angry outburst perplexed the young mages.

Yonaire, even in her confusion, asked a piercing question.

"But... didn't you encourage gathering mana and transforming it into the most destructive element?"

'Im speechless.'

'Im loss for words.'

Yi-Han and Yonaire could sense that their counterpart had nothing to reply.

Anyway, never do that again! It's really dangerous!! This entire punishment room could have melted away!

Ferkuntra's warning was sincere.

In that moment of sincerity, Yi-Han could feel how dangerous the situation had just been.

As Professor Garcia had warned, flame magic might still be too advanced for Yi-Han.

'I barely escaped death.'

Professor Garcia's warning was not in vain. Uncontrolled flame magic could potentially kill its caster.

Yi-Han resolved never to recklessly infuse so much mana into his magic again.

Now you understand, I presume. Remember this: no matter how exceptional your talent may be, it's meaningless if you let it control you

"Wait. If you hadn't told me to gather that much mana in the first place, it wouldn't have been dangerous at all."

Yi-Han pointed out again.

If Ferkuntra hadn't instructed him to do so, they would have been safe.

It tried to gloss over it, but Yi-Han wasn't fooled.

"Now that we've made a contract, I have a question. Why did you tell me to gather so much mana and transform the element?"

I will open the way. Look! Here is the way out. What do you think?

Although a wall opened up and a new staircase appeared, Yi-Han was unswayed.

He was quite curious about it.

Ferkuntra, cornered, blurted out anything it could think of.

You two young mages! The sun is rising outside; aren't you going to attend your classes?

!

!!!

Yi-Han and Yonaire were astonished.

On Friday mornings, they had lectures on <Basic Imperial Geometry and Arithmetic>!