The clouds hadn't cleared completely.
Even as the light began to return and the winds grew gentle once more, the shadow of what had just occurred lingered over the entire summoning field like a veil of disbelief.
Everyone remained frozen — their eyes locked on the colossal black phoenix perched behind me, its violet eyes gleaming with unnatural stillness.
It looked at me.
And I looked back.
For a moment, the air between us was still.
And then… it did something no one expected.
"Cooooo."
A soft, almost adorable chirp echoed from its razor-beaked mouth — completely opposite to the destructive pressure it had just exuded moments ago.
Huh? Did it just… coo?
Before I could react, the massive bird lowered its head, leaned toward me, and—pat—placed its talon gently on top of my hair.
The warmth I felt… wasn't terrifying.
It was comforting.
Like being hugged by a storm that had chosen not to rage.
"W-What in the realms is that sound…?" someone whispered.
"It's acting like a house pet…"
"That's the Phoenix of Despair?! I thought it devoured souls—"
A soft purple system screen blinked to life in front of my face, breaking my thoughts.
📜 [SYSTEM ENTRY – SUMMONING ARCHIVE]
▶ Summon Name:The Phoenix of Despair▶ Alias:Black Phoenix▶ Rank: Mythical Forbidden▶ Type: Divine Beast▶ Personality: Loyal, Ruthless to Threats▶ Status: Bonded to Sayaka
🕊️ —Phoenix Lineage—
Red Phoenix: The Phoenix of Valor and Power
White Phoenix: The Phoenix of Love and Fortune
Black Phoenix: The Phoenix of Despair and Shadow
🕯️ [Legend Entry #13 - Sealed Chronicle]
"The Black Phoenix, believed to bring misfortune and death, was banished by the other two phoenixes eons ago. But in truth, it was the only one with both immense destructive power and unwavering loyalty to its bonded soul.
It will love and protect its master fiercely, show kindness to friends, and eradicate enemies with cruelty unmatched.
And when the world nears annihilation…
A shadow warrior shall rise alongside the Phoenix of Despair…
…to either save or destroy all creation."
"S-Save or… destroy the world…?"
I blinked, my gaze slowly drifting to the towering bird that now curled its wing slightly around me.
It looked like it was trying to shield me.
Like it could feel my unease.
The field had gone silent. Dead silent.
I turned slowly—only now realizing how everyone else was reacting.
One student dropped their wand.
Another tripped over themselves trying to back away.
"T-That girl… she's with that thing…"
"She's cursed, right?! I heard it was the bringer of ruin…"
"Why did she get that summon? She has no mana!"
The bullies who once mocked me in the halls now couldn't even meet my eyes.
Especially Leria's old group.
They stood behind the pillar shadows, trembling.
One of them clutched their sleeves like I was a monster. A real one.
Even some instructors whispered among themselves.
My thoughts spiraled again.
Is this how they'll see me now?
As some dark omen? As a threat?
But then…
The phoenix nudged me gently.
Just once.
And everything calmed.
"This… is fine," I whispered aloud.
If being feared meant no one would hurt me again…
If this creature — this friend — stood by me when no one else would…
Then I would accept this power.
Even if the world called me cursed.
"Sayaka of Class 1-A has… passed the Summoning Trial," the instructor finally announced, her voice filled with something between fear and awe.
As the phoenix slowly vanished in a burst of violet particles, returning to whatever place it slept when not summoned, I took one long breath.
I looked up.
The clouds had cleared.
But in everyone's heart… the storm had just begun.