My Classmate Became a Familiar

Hmm, a stone golem? What's that again? A magical beast belonging to the lowest rank?

Looking around for the source of the voice, I spotted a female student with glossy black hair leaning against the wall, observing me.

It was my classmate, Chikage Fujiwara.

I wondered why she was here, but decided to ignore her for the time being and turned back to the exam invigilator.

A middle-aged male teacher dressed in the traditional formal attire of a magician, a black robe, gave me a small nod.

Very well. Souta Ashiya, you've passed the summoning test. You are approved to advance to the second year.

Hearing his words, I felt as if pressure was lifted off my shoulders.

A magician.

This is a general term for those who control magical power and cause supernatural phenomena.

Those who can control magical power are a minority worldwide. In the past, they had various conflicts with the general public.

In modern times, after a series of twists and turns, they've come to be seen as uncommon, but they do exist.

Well then.

I looked at the humanoid magical beast made of stone standing on the summoning circle drawn on the floor.

A stone golem. It is the very first familiar I had summoned from another world, just moments ago.

Acquiring a familiar meant that I had earned my provisional summoner's license. Simultaneously, it signified my advance into the second year of the Boundary Intervention Department at the International Magicians' Association Affiliated Academy of Japan.

In other words, I have taken my first step as a magician.

Right . . . As someone who dislikes hard work, the frustration of my leisure time steadily dwindling is much stronger than any joy.

You're not going anywhere.

Just as I was about to leave the examination room with my familiar, I was halted by Chikage.

Oh, she's still here.

Aren't you ashamed to have such a pathetic magical beast as your familiar?

Chikage was a skilled girl, the best in her grade, and she was strongly recommended as the next student council president.

However, for some reason, she always picked on me when she had the chance, making me look like a fool. Personally, she topped the list of people I would rather avoid getting involved with. This time, she even went as far as to watch my exam, just so she could criticize me.

Normally, does anyone nonchalantly invite themselves to watch someone else's exam?

Ah, were you addressing me by any chance?

Who else would I be talking to?

There are exam supervisors here. Three of them, in fact. You can take your pick.

Oh but isn't it the one hailed as the next great magician, Chikage Fujiwara herself? I never imagined you'd bother talking to a nobody like me. Are you bored or something? There's no point in messing around here. You should spend your time on something more worthwhile.

Aren't you embarrassed to have such a pathetic familiar?

It's disheartening that my self-deprecation just now went unnoticed.

What a pain. I bet she's about to start one of her lofty lectures.

Not at all. Ever heard of the phrase "to each their own", Chikage? This familiar is enough for me.

Chikage clicked her tongue, clenched her fists in annoyance, and swiftly approached me.

Yeah, this doesn't look good. I quickly raised both my hands in defense.

Wait, violence isn't the answer! Let's settle this through discussion! What's bugging you so much? Hehe, if necessary, I'm ready to grovel . . . Ahh!

Chikage grabbed me by the collar.

Why are you so lacking in ambition? Why don't you aim higher?

I admit my ambition isn't high, but physically lifting me up isn't going to help that!

I complained as she tugged my collar.

I can't breathe!

I am about to summon a demon, you know? I, a mere student, am attempting something even top-tier summoners struggle with. And yet, you're content goofing off with low-level beasts, with not an iota of pride?!

A demon refers to a humanoid magical beast able to wield powerful spells at will. Possessing not only magical prowess but also immense physical strength, it stands unrivaled at the summit of magical beasts that a magician can control.

Only a handful of magicians are known to possess the ability to control a demon.

I scoffed at the notion.

Is pride going to help anyone pass their tests? What if you push too hard and fail? You should take it easy, like me, Chikage.

Chikage's face twitched, and her grip on my collar loosened. She then glared at me with intensity.

I'm disgusted. Fine, just watch my exam from here! Even a dimwit like you will have a change of heart once you witness my success firsthand! Absolutely, I'm sure of it! You should consider yourself lucky to witness my glory from the best seat in the house! It's special, alright?!

She pointed her finger at me with force.

Finding her gesture irritating, I brushed her hand away.

Actually, I was planning to celebrate my promotion with my friends. Yippee!

You're only proving my point! Why can't you understand this without me having to spell it out?!

Hold on! I lied about the celebration! I'll watch, so please lower your fist!

As I pleaded in desperation, Chikage, whose hand has been clenched into a fist, dispelled her hostile intent.

Jeez. Real short temper she has, huh.

With a sigh, I led my stone golem and moved to stand by the wall, creating some distance between Chikage and me.

Make sure you watch, okay?! I won't forgive you if you try to leave!

I apathetically waved my hand in response to the yelling Chikage.

Chikage, giving me a suspicious look, picked up a brush soaked in fluorescent paint and started drawing on the floor.

She was creating a summoning circle. It was far more intricate than the one I used to summon the golem. They were nowhere close to the same level.

Just observing it is mentally exhausting. If I put in a significant amount of effort, I might be able to understand some of the structure, but I can't bring myself to care that much.

But, what's this?

As I was absentmindedly watching, Chikage completed the summoning circle and turned to me with a smug look.

Well? What do you think? It's an artistically brilliant summoning circle, wouldn't you say?

Yeah yeah, I'm impressed. By the way, are you using three auxiliary circuits outside the main magical circuit?

When I casually brought up something that piqued my curiosity like that, Chikage's eyes widened in surprise.

You noticed. You really do have a talent.

Chikage gave me a stern look.

Don't you think it's a waste? If you put in the effort to develop that talent, you could become a great magician.

I don't have any extraordinary talents. Besides, it's the will to do something that's the most important talent.

Looks like when people are rotten inside, they can't even accept good advice sincerely.

And you're the type who can't breathe unless you're belittling me regularly.

Ignoring my comment, Chikage bent down to pick up the magic book she had placed on the floor.

The moment her palm touched the cover, the magic circle began to glow blue.

She has activated the summoning circle through the magic book.

Magic books serve as an auxiliary tool that allows magicians to shape the magical power they release into a specific form.