What Perkuntra had attempted was elemental transformation—a kind of trick used among spirits to showcase their immense power.
The method was simple: transforming one element into another.
It sounded easy, but it was anything but.
Turning fire into ice, ice into lightning, and lightning into darkness.
Any skilled mage would know how astonishing it was to transform an existing element into another.
It was easier to summon a new element than to arbitrarily change an existing one.
Moreover, this was an element summoned by a mage.
If this was possible, it meant that a fireball launched by a mage could be turned into an ice spear and sent back.
In other words, it was proof of a powerful ability to directly interfere with the elemental concept within magic...
But since it had failed, there was no proof to speak of.
Ihan and Yoner were whispering seriously about what Perkuntra had just done.
“It seems like he was trying to show us lightning.”
“Lightning? It was indeed impressive, but what does that have to do with summoning a fire element?”
“Maybe he wanted to contrast the power of lightning? If lightning strikes fire, the flames would scatter...”
“Is that it? It doesn’t seem very effective.”
Did you see? This lightning is my power.
Perkuntra quickly changed his words.
No matter what, he had his pride.
He couldn’t admit failure in front of young mages.
At the spirit’s words, Ihan and Yoner nodded.
“So he really was trying to show us lightning.”
“But summoning fire doesn’t seem very effective.”
“Shh. A spirit’s sensibilities might be a bit different.”
Perkuntra gritted his teeth.
The young mages’ sincere consideration only made the powerful spirit feel more humiliated.
‘Why...?’
Perkuntra stared at the flickering flames.
Normally, he could seize control of an element summoned by a far more experienced mage and transform it at will.
Yet, he couldn’t even take control of this young mage’s single flame.
‘!’
It was only then that Perkuntra realized something was off about the flames Ihan had summoned.
On the surface, they were ordinary flames, but within them, a condensed, seething magical energy lay dormant, ready to explode.
It was akin to dragon fire, capable of transforming in any way according to the mage’s will.
Perkuntra felt a chill run down his spine for the first time in a long while.
Young mages were prone to mistakes and accidents.
Even when casting simple fire magic, they might raise the heat to unbearable levels or fail to maintain the flame’s shape, causing it to scatter everywhere.
The reason young mages could remain relatively safe despite such mistakes was that the amount of magical energy they poured into their spells was minimal.
With less magical energy, even if the spell went out of control, it wouldn’t be too dangerous.
But the young mage before him was different.
If this young mage were to lose control of the flames, even by accident, this sealed punishment chamber would melt, and the two mages would likely die instantly.
‘Why would he do something so reckless...?’
As Perkuntra cursed inwardly, he soon realized the culprit...
It was himself.
He had urged the mage to gather magical energy and then pressured him to transform it into a destructive element.
Naturally, the young mage had followed the spirit’s instructions, gathering as much magical energy as possible to create a destructive flame.
And then Perkuntra had tried to seize control.
When someone tries to take control, a mage instinctively clings tighter.
That’s why the magical energy had surged uncontrollably.
‘I made a mistake...! I should have considered that the magical energy would be this immense!’
Now, Perkuntra’s pride was no longer important.
The priority was to cancel the flame without alarming the young mage.
“You’ve seen the majesty of my lightning, haven’t you?”
“Yes, it was truly impressive. So, could you open the way now...?”
Ihan’s words were only half sincere.
The other half was flattery to get out quickly.
Perkuntra wanted to curse, but he couldn’t, as the seething mass of flames still hovered before Ihan.
If he cursed -> the young mage might become emotionally agitated or angry -> the anger might affect the flames -> the flames go out of control!
Wait! I’ll open the way.
I swear on my honor.
“Really?”
Ihan was puzzled.
The spirit was being kinder than he had expected.
He had thought the spirit would be more difficult...
‘Well, spirits aren’t professors.’
Perhaps Ihan had been too harsh in his judgment of the spirit.
So don’t panic.
Stay calm.
Don’t be afraid.
Understood? If you understand, say so.
“...??”
“???”
Perkuntra wasn’t skilled in persuasion.
Ihan and Yoner immediately sensed something was off.
‘Why is he acting like this?’
“Is there a problem?”
There’s no problem! No problem at all!
Ihan tilted his head and waved his staff, moving the flames to the side.
Perkuntra was so startled he nearly screamed.
He barely managed to hold it in.
Don’t... wave your staff.
“??”
Ihan was puzzled.
Was it because of the wood spirit dwelling in the staff? He lifted the staff to examine it.
Don’t wave it...! ...
I said don’t wave it!
Perkuntra wanted to shout but held back.
If Ihan got startled, it would be even more dangerous.
“Why?”
Perkuntra was truly frustrated.
He wanted to explain just how dangerous the flames were, but if he did, the panicked young mages might cause an even bigger accident.
I... don’t like it when you wave your staff in front of me.
“......”
“......”
Ihan and Yoner wore awkward expressions.
Perkuntra could tell what they were thinking.
They thought he was a cranky, strange spirit!
But there was no time to argue.
The longer the flames remained, the higher the chance they would go out of control.
He had to find a way to cancel the flames, no matter what.
‘How?’
No matter how much Perkuntra racked his brain, nothing came to mind.
If he told them to cancel the flames...
They would ask why -> the young mage would become emotionally agitated -> the agitation would affect the flames -> the flames go out of control!
I’ve... changed my mind.
“???”
I’ll make a contract with you!
“......”
Ihan was starting to suspect the spirit’s mental state.
‘Does he have bipolar disorder?’
Of course, this wasn’t the time for Ihan to be picky, but he didn’t want to get too close to a mentally unstable spirit.
“May I ask why?”
Perkuntra really wanted to strike him with lightning.
After all this gratitude...!
But there was no time.
He had to convince the young mage somehow.
I see infinite potential in you!
“Huh? What do you see...”
Perkuntra’s clumsy praise only heightened Ihan’s wariness.
Even the red-haired mage looked suspicious.
“He seems suspicious...”
“Right? We’ve only just started talking.”
Your magical energy! The magical energy you possess is monstrous, something no other mage can match.
You know that, don’t you!
“But earlier, you said you wouldn’t make a contract because of the amount of magical energy. You don’t know me well...”
I didn’t know then! But now I do! Hurry! Hurry and make the contract!
Perkuntra, growing anxious, shouted impatiently.
The flames could go out of control at any moment.
‘Does he really have bipolar disorder...?’
Ihan pondered.
While he was a bit suspicious of the spirit’s mental state, the opportunity to contract with a spirit was tempting.
If Parakith had recommended him, he must be a spirit of exceptional ability.
He didn’t know why the spirit had initially refused and then suddenly changed his mind, but perhaps this was an opportunity.
Maybe this was the only time a spirit with a cranky personality would soften.
“... Alright! I’ll make the contract.”
Good decision.
Open your soul and accept me!
Perkuntra sent a command toward Ihan’s soul.
At that moment, Ihan learned Perkuntra’s true name.
The spirit of lightning, Perkuntra! That was his name.
‘Ah, so he’s the spirit of lightning.
Is that why he’s mentally unstable?’
-Now that we’ve contracted, your doubts are felt by me too! Cut it out!
‘Oops.’
Their souls intertwined, marked by the contract.
-I acknowledge 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 never thought of it that way.
-Good.
Be careful when summoning me.
Even summoning a part of me could drain your magical energy...
Perkuntra stopped mid-sentence.
Upon reflection, magical energy wasn’t the issue.
-...
If you summon me carelessly, you might not be able to summon me when you really need to.
Contracting with a spirit didn’t mean you could summon them whenever you felt like it.
Their relationship was one of mutual respect.
Especially with a powerful spirit like Perkuntra, who had strong pride.
Summoning him frequently was unacceptable.
-Don’t worry.
I won’t summon you unless absolutely necessary.
Ihan didn’t want to meet a mentally unstable spirit too often either.
Perkuntra, sensing the emotion in Ihan’s words, wanted to curse but held back.
There was something more urgent.
Now that the contract was complete, I’ll show you my power!
“What are you going to do?”
This!
Perkuntra let out a shout and merged with Ihan’s arm.
Then, with all his might, he tried to control the flames.
Quickly, release the flames! Cancel them!
“??”
To Perkuntra’s dismay, Ihan effortlessly dispersed the magical energy and extinguished the flames.
Only then could Perkuntra breathe a sigh of relief.
You... you! Do you have any idea how dangerous that was, you foolish young mage!
Perkuntra’s angry outburst left the two young mages bewildered.
Yoner, even in his confusion, asked a pointed question.
“But... you were the one who told us to gather magical energy and transform it into the most destructive element, weren’t you?”
......
‘He’s speechless.’
‘He’s at a loss for words.’
Ihan and Yoner could sense that Perkuntra had nothing to say.
Anyway, never do that again! It’s really dangerous!! This punishment chamber could have melted entirely!
Perkuntra’s warning was filled with sincerity.
Ihan could now feel just how dangerous the situation had been.
As Professor Garcia had warned, fire magic might still be too early for Ihan.
‘I almost died.’
Professor Garcia hadn’t warned him for nothing.
Uncontrolled fire magic could kill the caster.
Ihan vowed never to pour so much magical energy into a spell so recklessly again.
Now you understand.
Remember, no matter how talented you are, if you let it control you, it’s meaningless...
“Wait. If you hadn’t told us to gather so much in the first place, this dangerous situation wouldn’t have happened.”
Ihan pointed it out again.
If Perkuntra hadn’t urged them, they would have been safe.
Perkuntra tried to brush it off, but Ihan wasn’t having it.
“Since we’ve made a contract, I’ll ask you one thing. Why did you tell us to gather so much magical energy and transform the element?”
I’ll open the way.
Look! Here’s the way out.
How about that?
A wall opened, revealing a new staircase, but Ihan wasn’t swayed.
He was quite curious.
Cornered, Perkuntra blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
You two young mages! The sun is rising outside.
Aren’t you going to attend your classes?
“!”
“!!!”
Ihan and Yoner were shocked.
They had a <Basic Imperial Geometry and Arithmetic> lecture on Friday mornings!