The Extra's Reincarnation-Chapter 151: Summoning And Taming Arts

He had work to do, and it would begin tonight—at the first-years' victory celebration.

After all, what better place to observe his targets than in an environment where their guards would be down?

***

[Julian's POV]

The day after the victory celebration passed without any trouble.

No explosions, no life-threatening situations, no mysterious figures lurking in shadows—just normal academy life, if there even was such a thing.

I found myself enjoying the relative anonymity as Kaelen, Elenore, and Francine absorbed most of the attention from students across all years.

Walking through the central courtyard, I watched a group of third-years practically fawning over Kaelen as he demonstrated a basic sword stance. Their expressions reminded me of starstruck fans meeting their idol.

At another corner, Elenore was surrounded by admirers from various years, all hanging on her every word as she recounted aspects of the match they'd already seen dozens of times.

"The golden generation," I heard a professor murmur to her colleague as they passed.

"Mark my words, this year's cohort will produce at least seven Continental Ballad Mages."

I almost laughed out loud.

She was right, of course—exactly seven Continental Ballad Mages would emerge from our year group, just as the novel had foretold.

Even now, the seeds of their future greatness were being planted, their legends beginning to take root in the fertile soil of Aethel Academy.

Continental Mages

Most people don't understand what a Continental Ballad Mage truly is.

They hear the title and imagine some flashy combat specialist who can level mountains with a gesture.

But it's not just about power—it never was.

A Continental Ballad Mage earns their title through a complex combination of achievements: political influence that can sway nations, social changes that reshape societies, combat prowess that deters invasions, successful subjugation of S-rank dungeons, monster hunting that safeguards entire regions, and closing spatial disorders that threaten the world itself.

In short, a single Continental Ballad Mage possesses enough capability to control, defend, or even conquer an entire continent single-handedly.

They stand at the absolute pinnacle of human achievement, with each one equivalent to a nation's worth of military might.

And I was looking at one of them right now, still awkward teenagers fumbling through academy life.

"Hard to believe, isn't it?" Vykekard's voice echoed in my mind as I watched Kaelen laughing with his new admirers.

"That these kids will one day hold the fate of entire continents in their hands?"

"Actually, it's not that difficult to believe. Even now, they're extraordinary."

I checked my schedule for the day, noting that the next classes for this morning was in Versabilis block on the southern side of the academy, closest to the reception area.

Summoning and Taming Arts.

A subject I've been interested in for a while now.

In my previous life, summoning had always fascinated me, but I knew that having a familiar would mean another entity constantly in my presence, potentially seeing through my carefully constructed facade.

"Are you worried about finding a compatible familiar?" Vykekard asked as I made my way through the crowded hallways.

"I'm more worried about finding a familiar that won't expose me," I admitted quietly.

"Most high-level summons are perceptive enough to sense their master's true nature."

Of course I don't consider Vykekard as one of my own given he has his own will.

As I arrived at the designated teleportation station, I was relieved to see only first-years lined up for transport.

At least I wouldn't have to deal with upperclassmen's scrutiny today.

The line moved slowly as students stepped onto the platform in groups of five, disappearing in flashes of blue light to whatever training grounds awaited us.

"Julian! Hey, Julian!"

I froze at the familiar voice, a mixture of dread and fondness washing over me.

Turning slowly, I found myself face-to-face with the last person I expected—or wanted—to see today.

Ezekiel Ventus grinned at me.

He was smiling proudly in his own student council uniform that made him stand out like sore thumb.

"I was wondering when I'd run into you," he said, slapping my shoulder with unnecessary force.

"Trying to avoid your oldest friend, huh?"

I maintained my neutral expression, though it was harder than usual.

Ezekiel had a way of breaking through my defenses that was both irritating and endearing.

"Not everything revolves around you, asshole," I replied dryly.

"Some of us actually attend our scheduled classes without needing to be reminded."

His grin only widened.

"As if you have any classes chosen you idiot." He mimicked my posture, standing unnaturally straight and speaking in a monotone voice.

"'I'm Julian Uzziel and I never have fun because I'm too busy being important.'"

I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips.

"And you're still an idiot who thinks he's funnier than he actually is."

"Oh, look who's talking!" Ezekiel threw his hands up dramatically.

"Mr. Special Admission who solved some impossible equation and now thinks he's better than everyone."

"The Zagata Theorem," I corrected automatically.

"See? That's exactly what I'm talking about!" He poked my chest with his finger.

"Normal people don't correct others about theorem names. They just say 'yeah' and move on with their lives."