Silas struggled to keep his expression neutral despite his inner excitement. To summon dragons. That could naje his kife a whole kot easier. "Wait, summoner, I've never used summons before."
The examiner ushered him back to the main hall, still looking shaken. When Silas emerged, Kirath stood immediately, sensing something had happened.
"Broodmaster," Silas announced, loud enough for those nearby to hear.
The buzz of conversation stopped. All eyes turned to him. The tiny hatchling who had just received a legendary class.
"Two legendary classes in one testing group?" someone said, breaking the silence.
"And a super rare," another added. "What are the odds?"
Kirath's expression was unreadable as she approached Silas. "Well," she said quietly, "the clan elders were right about your egg being special."
All applicants were directed to the training grounds for the combat portion of the exam. Here, they would demonstrate their ability to survive the tower's dangers.
The training area was an open courtyard with multiple sparring rings. Instructors waited to test each applicant individually. Some used training dummies, and others engaged in direct combat with the applicants.
Failure was common. A nervous-looking human mage couldn't maintain his shield magic because of pressure and ended up failing. A dwarf tripped over his own axe. The cat girl hit every target when it was her turn to test her archery skills.
But most passed, demonstrating enough skill to survive the tower's first floor.
When it was the humans' turn, everyone stopped to watch. Her instructor, a grizzled warrior with numerous scars, attacked without warning. She parried every blow effortlessly, her movements fluid and precise. Within moments, she had not only defended herself but disarmed her opponent, her blade at his throat.
"Pass," the instructor said gruffly, though a smile tugged at his lips.
At the same time, on the other side of the training ground, the Dragon Knight began his test. As his instructor approached, the young dragonkin's body shimmered and changed. He didn't grow larger, but his form became more reptilian. Scales grew thicker, claws grew longer, and his teeth grew longer. He moved extremely fast, and when he missed a strike on the proctor, he crushed the ground with his power.
Finally, it was Silas's turn. His instructor was a slender male elf with long silver hair and delicate features. He approached with a smile that seemed a bit too friendly.
"Well now, aren't you adorable," the instructor said, looking Silas up and down with obvious appreciation. "Let's see what you can do, little one."
Silas felt a twinge of discomfort. His Overflowing Charisma was working. He's just not the type of person he wanted it to work on. The elf's appreciation was plainly more than professional.
"Uh, I'm supposed to summon a dragon," Silas said, stepping back slightly. "But I'm not exactly sure how."
The elf instructor tilted his head. "First time using your ability? How exciting." He winked. "I do enjoy helping novices discover their... potential."
Kirath growled from the sidelines. "Focus on the test, Jalen.
Jalen sighed dramatically. "Always so serious, Kirath." He turned back to Silas. "Very well, little Broodmaster. Your class allows you to call dragons to your side. Since you're just starting out, you should only be able to call one dragon.
"How?" Silas asked, genuinely unsure.
"Look within," Jalen advised, his tone becoming more professional. "Your connection to dragons exists in your blood. Find that connection and pull on it. Imagine reaching across the void to touch a kindred spirit. Broodmaster is a skill that exists only within a certain line of drgaonkin."
Silas closed his eyes, feeling slightly ridiculous. He tried to focus on the concept of dragons on the images he'd seen in his mind when touching the crystal. Nothing happened.
"Perhaps you need motivation," Jalen suggested. The elf suddenly drew a slender blade and lunged.
Silas rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the strike. The instructor pressed forward, and his blade was flashing from reflection with how fast he was swinging. Silas blocked awkwardly with his claw weapons, but he was clearly outmatched.
"Summon your ally, Broodmaster," Jalen called, not slowing his attack. "Or fail the test!"
Panic rose in Silas's chest. He wasn't ready for this. He didn't know how to use his ability yet. He was going to fail, embarrass himself and the clan, and...
Something stirred within him. A warmth in his chest spreading through his body. Acting on instinct, Silas raised his hand and felt energy gathering in his palm. A circle of light formed on the ground before him.
From the circle emerged... a dragon. Sort of.
It was tiny. It would fit in Silas's palm. with silver scales that matched his hair color. Its wings looked like crumpled tissue paper, and its head seemed too big for its body, giving it a comically top-heavy appearance. It had enormous eyes that blinked owlishly at the surrounding crowd.
The training ground fell silent for exactly three seconds before someone burst into uncontrollable laughter. Soon, the entire area was roaring with amusement.
"Is that a dragon or a lizard with birth defects?" someone called out.
"Maybe it'll grow up to be a fearsome gecko!" another shouted.
The tiny dragon, apparently sensing it was the subject of mockery, puffed out its chest and opened its tiny jaws. What was meant to be a fearsome roar came out as an adorable high-pitched "Squeeeak!" That sounded more like a rubber toy being squeezed. This only made the laughter grow louder.
Silas felt his face burning so hot he was sure his scales had turned from silver to crimson. Of all the dragons he could have summoned, he got a runt that made his hatchling form look intimidating by comparison.
The little dragon, determined to defend its dignity, attempted to flap its underdeveloped wings. It managed to hop about two inches off the ground before tumbling over in a somersault, landing on its back with its tiny legs kicking in the air.
The crowd was now in tears. Some people literally doubled over with laughter.
"Behold!" someone shouted between gasps of laughter. "The mighty dragon of the legendary Broodmaster! Tremble before its squeak!"
Jalen, the elf instructor, bit his lip in a failed attempt to maintain his professional demeanor. A snort of laughter escaped despite his efforts.
"Oh, you poor thing," he said, approaching Silas with exaggerated sympathy. He laid a hand on Silas's shoulder, letting it linger there longer than necessary. "Don't worry, little one. I've seen many beginners struggle with their first summons." His voice dropped to a whisper. "I could give you some... private instruction if you'd like. My quarters have plenty of space for practice."
Silas stepped back, his face now practically glowing with embarrassment. "I think I'll manage on my own, thanks."
The tiny dragon, having righted itself, waddled over to Silas with all the dignity it could muster. Which wasn't much, considering it tripped over its own tail twice during the short journey. It butted its head against Silas's ankle and made a sound that could charitably be described as a purr. If purrs sounded like a rusty hinge.
"You pass the test, little Broodmaster." He leaned in closer, his voice dropping again. "For what it's worth, I find your determination... quite attractive."
Silas pretended not to hear as he bent down to pick up the tiny dragon, which immediately climbed up his arm and perched on his shoulder, looking absurdly pleased with itself.
"What do I do with it now?" Silas asked, desperately trying to change the subject.
"It's your familiar," Jalen explained, finally returning to a professional tone. "Your first summoned dragon becomes bonded to you permanently. It will grow as you grow." His professional demeanor slipped again as he added with a wink, "though it has quite a growth journey ahead, doesn't it?"
The tiny dragon, apparently understanding the implied insult, puffed out a small puff of smoke from its nostrils—its first display of actual dragon-like ability. Unfortunately, the smoke formed a perfect tiny ring that floated upward like a child's bubble, inspiring another round of chuckles from the onlookers.
"Does it have a name?" Jalen asked, clearly struggling not to laugh again.
Silas looked at the miniature dragon now preening on his shoulder. Despite its ridiculous appearance, it had tried its best to be impressive. Its silver scales matched his own coloring, and it seemed utterly devoted to him already.
"Silver," he decided, trying to give it a name that sounded at least somewhat formidable.
The dragon chirped happily, then hiccupped, producing another perfect smoke cloud.
A notification appeared:
[Dragon Familiar Silver has been bound to you]
[Bond Level: 1/10]
[Exp: 0/10]
[New Skill Acquired: Broodmaster Lvl. 1]
"Congratulations," Kirath said as they left the training grounds. Her tone was neutral, but Silas could swear he saw the corner of her mouth twitch upward. "Your first dragon. Not quite what anyone expected, but it's a start."
"It's mortifying," Silas muttered, keenly aware of the tiny dragon now attempting to nest in his hair.
"It's a beginning," Kirath corrected. "All great things start small, hatchling. Though perhaps not quite that small."
Jalen called after them as they walked away. "Feel free to visit me for additional training, little Broodmaster. My door is always open to you!" He blew a kiss that made Silas walk faster.
Silver, seemingly aware of Silas's thoughts, nuzzled against his cheek and made a soft chirping sound that somehow communicated loyalty despite its tiny size.
"The tower hasn't seen this much potential enter at once in years." Kirath said.
"If by 'potential' you mean 'potential for embarrassment,' then sure," Silas replied.
Silver squeaked indignantly.
Silas thought to himself. "I'm pretty sure I passed the second test because my instructor wanted to sleep with me."