Instructor Darrion's expression lit up upon seeing the Mushroom Spirit.
He liked how Armin had decided to summon the most common spirit… Since this Arcane Art was "new" to them, it would be helpful for the students to learn about basic spirits they could summon.
"Well done… It's the Mushroom Spirit of the Fungal Grove. It is quite common and known to be weak, but they're insightful. These Spirits are gentle guides… It's not written in any books as their existence is still quite new, but if you got lost in the forest or anywhere else, this Mushroom Spirit can help you map your location."
One of the students raised a hand. "But Instructor, it's… tiny?"
Darrion turned. Obviously, the kid had no idea how mushrooms work or how connected they were to the ground.
In any case, he decided not to say too much about it…
"Size does not reflect strength… Spirit Arts are not about battlefield domination." He replied.
At this ti, Armin felt the bond settle into his body… It was a warm connection he made with the Mushroom Spirit…
'Aweso… I normally have to try four or five tis before I can succeed if I'm outside this tower. This tower is better than I expected.'
He didn't know the Mushroom Spirit's na yet, nor if it would even speak—but he could feel that it was aware of him and it had accepted him as a summoner.
Darrion then addressed the rest.
"Your turn. Follow the techniques we practiced. I want each of you to attempt a Summon. Focus not on the might of the spirit, but the clarity of your call. Even if you fail to summon one, it doesn't matter. All of your Spiritual Energy is just barely passable."
One by one, the students stepped onto the platform. So of them succeeded, others didn't. A few summoned small soul wisps, a translucent dove, even a floating eye with wings.
There was also one student who cried when their summon vanished mid-ritual…
It was not easy, but it was certainly not impossible.
Darrion calmly reassured her. "Not every call is answered. The Spirit Realm listens, but sotis it waits until your voice is honest."
At this ti, Armin just sat by the side as he decided to just focus on the mushroom spirit on his lap, studying everything about it in silence.
He wasn't familiar with this Mushroom Spirit… Still, his new Dark Spirit, ira, suggested keeping the Mushroom Spirit, so it must be quite useful.
***
After a respectful nod to Instructor Darrion, Armin requested permission to ascend to the next floor.
The instructor paused for a mont, glancing at the Mushroom Spirit perched on Armin's lap, and smiled…
"Very well. Thank you for showing how to properly conduct a summon…" he said.
Armin knew that it was just a simple task, so he didn't really mind the small favor. Anyway, he was also like the students today.
Still, Darrion announced Armin's plan to ascend, and the students cheered him.
They all started clapping and wished that he could go to the top floor's trial and beat it…
***
After a few monts, Armin had finally reached the second floor.
While the first floor was the Free Training Zone, beyond this floor was a Trial Zone, carefully constructed by ancient Spirit Art Masters who had probably created this Tower.
'It's as expected… The Pressure Chamber…' Armin muttered as the door behind him sealed shut with a heavy thud…
Then, suddenly—
WHUMMM!
A formless, invisible weight pressed down upon his entire being.
It was the Spiritual Pressure!
Armin gasped.
It wasn't just his body—it was his soul being compressed and challenged…
'Do not interrupt ira… I need to overco this myself.' Armin said as he realized that ira was planning to act.
Because the pressure just ca so suddenly, his knees buckled slightly and his vision blurred.
Still, Armin didn't stop and moved forward…
The second floor actually had a pond at the center where he could rest for so ti. Then, on the other side, were the stairs leading to the third floor.
Armin stumbled forward a few steps as his Mushroom Spirit clung to his shoulder…
'This Spiritual Pressure is tempering … I can't waste this opportunity. I'll endure it as long as I can…' He mused as he tried his best not to get any help from ira or use his Spells to endure it.
He knew he had to use his Spiritual Energy in this process.
However, it wasn't easy at all…
After about 10 minutes, Armin glanced at a faint glow at the center of the chamber. There was a shallow pond of mystical water.
The waters sparkled with specks of light, and around the pond, Runes could also be seen.
It was a resting zone.
Armin heard it from other seniors, and it's definitely important for beginners like him.
Armin gritted his teeth. "No way I'm turning back now. I can do this…"
Every step forward was difficult.
The pressure pushed against him, like walking against a raging river…
His legs trembled. The Mushroom Spirit pulsed with worry, and even ira, the silent Dark Spirit, was already considering how to save him.
But Armin pushed on.
He focused on his breathing. Inhale. Step. Exhale. Endure.
His fingers curled into fists as he tried to push his body to its limit… Thankfully, after what felt like an eternity, he collapsed by the pond!
He reached it, and he could buy a bit of ti to get so rest and replenish his energy…
'They said that the water should be tasty…' Armin mused.
Soon, he plunged his hands into the mystical water and brought a handful to his lips.
He wasn't sure what it could do to him, but the water looked so clear and mystical…
"Ahhh~"
The liquid was cool, tasting faintly of mint…
However, it wasn't just that. There was a soothing pulse spreading through his veins, and it felt so comfortable!
The pressure
He also felt that his spirit seed to have gotten stronger!
'A miracle water, huh… Should I drink so more?'
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