Summoner's Second Chance

Chapter 12

Days come and go as Trace prepared himself for the mock battle. He was focused, with his goal clear in his mind. He knew what it meant to produce result, even in the mock battles. He took up the summoning paper he had worked on the past week, and nodded a few times, seemingly satisfied with it. "Alright, this should do for the time being."

Trace folded the paper, and put it inside his bag. He hummed a happy tone, and pushed open the door of his room. As he turned to the stairs, he spotted a figure, leaning against the handrail. She had her eyes closed, seemingly focusing her mind on the battle ahead. She heaved a heavy sigh, and slowly opened her eyes. Even though Trace is not standing near her, he can feel the heavy air surrounding her. Melody's eyes landed on Trace, and she smiled. "Brother, are you ready for today?"

Trace smiled and nodded slightly. "I am. I just hope that I won't become a deadbeat." Melody grumbled and held her brother's hands. "You have been training harder than anyone else in the world. I am sure you will be fine." Melody's warm words seeped into Trace's heart. He gave her a smile as warm as her word, and held his sister's hand. "That makes me feel like I can take on the world. Thank you Melody." Melody took a step back with a beaming smile on her face. "That's quite alright, brother. By the way... what do you think about my clothes?" Melody is wearing something different today. A tight, brown leather leggings, a brown leather vest, a pair of leather gloves and boots, and she is also wearing a tiara. Each one of them are enchanted to boost the wearer's ability.

"It looks good on you, Melody. Though I do belief that all of them are quite costly." Melody laughed nervously, and scratched her cheeks. "I have been saving some of my pocket money. I know I am putting the cart before the horse, but I really want to become an Apprentice!" Trace smiled, and pats his sister's head. "I am sure people will notice your talent, Melody. Now come. We shall make our way to the academy's arena." Melody nodded, and followed behind Trace.

Outside of the mansion, Gilbert, Fang and Liu are waiting, their expression varies. Fang is pacing back and forth, with a nervous expression on his face. Liu is visibly excited, as he is tapping his foot and looking around restlessly, with no hint of nervousness on his face. Gilbert is the only one acting as indifferent as ever. Trace smiled, and greeted them. "Morning folks! Are you all ready for your debut?" Fang's shoulder jerked up at Trace's words. Liu on the other hand, nodded excitedly. "I want to show everyone what I'm capable of!" Trace patted his shoulder a few times. "Don't get too excited or you're going to get hurt." Trace turned his head to Gilbert, and saw that the lad is on the brink of falling asleep on his feet. That in itself, is a talent, Trace thought in his head.

"Alright, enough dilly-dallying. Onward to the arena!" The group of people cheered, except for Gilbert, and walked to the Summoner's academy. On the way there, they couldn't help but marvel the crowd. People, both young and old, Summoner's and not, are crowding the street. All are walking to the same direction; the Summoner's academy. Vendors of all kinds of food and drinks had opened up shop, hoping to earn an extra income from the crowd that is going to watch the match. "Such festivities for only a small match." Fang who has been nervous the whole time, became more of a wreck than before. Seeing his friend's predicament, Trace slapped Fang's back hard. Fang was about to fall down, but he quickly regained his balance. He looked back at Trace, obviously annoyed, but he knew the meaning of that action.

"Are you feeling better now?" Fang sighed, and nodded. "Thanks to you." Trace nodded, and put his arm over Fang's shoulder. "Listen to me. You have been training with me for almost a month, and you trained harder this last week. If you fall down, we will pick you up." Trace pointed at Fang, his expression stern, and yet gentle. "And I know you can help us up if we fall down." Fang returned Trace's gaze, and nodded deeply. Trace smiled, and let his friend go. "Now then, let's go to... hm?" Trace turned toward Gilbert, and saw him stuffing a bunch of spiced bread into his mouth. "Hey Trace, peasants' food is actually really good. Want to try some?" Trace gave him a tired smile, and took one. "Well, it certainly is reassuring to see you as carefree as usual."