Rain had already taken off, her griffin soaring high into the air with ease.

A few other students had finally gotten their bearings and were now following after her, streaking across the bright blue sky.

"Have you been on one before?" Azel asked, turning to Sylvia.

She shook her head, looking slightly embarrassed.

"We do not have griffins in elven lands," she explained, though her voice sounded even more nervous. "However, we possess creatures known as Eirasil Stags. They are similar to ordinary deer, but they walk upon the air itself."

Azel blinked. "Air-walking deer?"

"Yes," Sylvia continued, nodding lightly. "I once attempted to ride one… and it threw me off into the sky. Since that day, I have refrained from trying another flying mount."

Azel chuckled.

"I can understand that." He looked toward the horizon, where the others were becoming small dots in the distance. "But they'll soon be out of our sight if we don't move. Here, let me give you some instructions."

Sylvia looked indignant for a moment but she nodded nonetheless.

"Very well," she said softly.

"First," Azel said, "pet her head. Gently."

Sylvia approached the griffin cautiously. The creature's golden eyes followed her every move, curiously but wary as well.

She hesitated for a second, looking back at Azel as though asking for silent reassurance.

He gave her a nod.

Sylvia extended her hand again, touching the griffin's head softly. The creature made a low purr, feathers relaxing beneath her palm.

Slowly, its wings lowered, signaling permission to climb.

"Well done," Azel said. "Now get on her back and hold tight. Don't drag on her fur too much, or she might decide to drop you."

Sylvia frowned.

"And how do you even know this one is female?" she asked as she swung one elegant leg over the griffin's back, settling into position carefully.

"That," Azel said, tapping his own griffin's head, "is a trade secret."

His mount gave a proud roar, spreading its wings. With a single leap, it shot into the sky, wind bursting beneath it.

Sylvia's griffin followed soon after, her wings beating strongly as they climbed higher.

They caught up to the others… the stragglers who had slowed down, were flying in a wide V formation.

Professor Rudolph was at the head, his robes fluttering in the wind.

"Griffins are friendly creatures," Rudolph's voice echoed across the sky, loud and clear despite the wind. "However, just because they are gentle by nature does not mean you can mount any griffin you find. The ones you are riding have been domesticated. A wild griffin, on the other hand…"

He glanced over his shoulder. "Would tear you apart before you could blink."

The students swallowed hard, gripping tighter to their mounts.

Azel looked at Sylvia… her face had gone pale, but she kept her posture perfectly straight, holding herself with regal composure.

'Stubborn elf,' he thought with amusement.

They flew for several more minutes, the ocean sparkling beneath them like liquid glass.

Ahead, another island came into view… it was larger, greener, and filled with movement.

As they approached, Azel could make out hundreds of creatures roaming freely across the landscape.

Small beasts flitted through the air.

Serpentine beasts with feathered wings coiled around trees. Strange glowing pups ran through open fields of tall grass.

Rudolph's griffin began descending toward the island's shore.

"This," he announced, "is Familiar Island… the heart of this class. It is here that you will meet your familiars."

The griffins followed, each landing with heavy, graceful thuds upon the white sand.

The students, still clinging to their mounts, exhaled in relief as the ride ended.

"Alright," Rudolph said, stepping down from his griffin and turning to face them. "You may dismount."

Azel slid down easily, landing softly on the sand.

Sylvia dismounted more carefully, nearly losing balance for a moment before catching herself with quiet dignity.

Rudolph's tone shifted, becoming more formal. "If you intend to continue in my class, you will each need a familiar of your own. There are countless kinds here… from the smallest mana sprites to great beasts bound by ancient contracts, even though you cannot contract those ones, you shall be considered lucky if you even set your sights on one."

He planted his staff in the sand, the tip glowing faintly. "Choose wisely. Once you have found the creature you wish to bond with, initiate a Familiar Contract."

Azel frowned.

'He hasn't explained what that actually is,' he thought.

But none of the others seemed confused… clearly, all the students already knew.

Rudolph looked around. "You may begin. As for those who already have familiars… summon them. I wish to see."

Azel sighed.

"I guess Erblim counts as one?" he muttered, lifting his hand.

A flash of black light appeared on his shoulder, and a sleek crow materialized, ruffling its feathers.

"Master," Erblim croaked tiredly, "you've been summoning me a lot lately."

"Wait," Azel said and then he turned toward Rudolph. "Professor, this is my familiar."

Rudolph walked closer, inspecting the bird carefully.

The other students nearby had paused their search, whispering to one another as they noticed the interaction.

"It's a fine familiar," Rudolph said finally, nodding. "He looks healthy, well-fed, and obedient. Though," he added, "it wouldn't hurt to groom his feathers once in a while."

Azel chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind."

Rudolph crossed his arms. "In that case, you'll have to sit out this exercise. Since you already have one—"

"Oh no," Azel interrupted with a smile. "I was thinking of getting a second familiar. Is that possible?"

The professor raised a brow. "Ambitious, aren't you?"

"Just curious," Azel replied with a shrug.

Rudolph chuckled softly. "Of course it's possible. Though I would advise against it for most students… maintaining multiple familiar contracts takes a toll on your mana reserves. But…" He waved a hand. "If you're confident, go ahead."

Azel nodded once. "I am."

He turned and began walking toward the treeline, the cool wind brushing through his hair.

Ahead of him, Sylvia and Rain were already venturing further inland, examining the various beasts with interest.

Other students scattered across the field, some chasing after smaller creatures while others cautiously approached larger ones.

Azel walked quietly, following a narrow dirt path leading into the forest.

'I wonder if Lillia would like a summon,' he thought absently.

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