Chapter 116: It Really Is (1/2)

Mike woke earlier than usual. It was still dark outside, and the other inhabitants of dorm hadn't started moving yet. Feeling strangely energized, he decided to get up. Quickly dressing, he went downstairs, reveling in the unusual silence of the typically boisterous dormitory.

When he got to the front lobby, he was surprised to see Anna, the dorm manager, already up and working. She was directing a small team of maids in the kitchen as they went about preparing for breakfast. Her quiet voice rang out in a firm decisive manner that was completely at odds were her normal sleepy demeanor.

Noticing him staring, Anna gave him a respectful nod before resuming her duties. Not wanting to bother the maids in their tasks, Mike stepped outside. Lacking any real destination, he decided to wander over to the Magic Department. On the way, he came up with the idea of checking in on the conjured dragon. He was feeling slightly guilty about the whole situation.

When he arrived at the pavilion, he could still see the huddled bulk of the dragon. It was curled up in a lump, appearing to be asleep. However, as soon as he got close, it raised its head and glanced in his direction, watching him as he walked up.

”Hey there big guy, doing alright?” Mike stretched his hand out towards the creature's head, and was rewarded as the dragon pushed its snout against his hand in a affectionate nuzzle.

[Argh, my heart!]

Mike sighed. ”You're making this difficult. I can't improve my conjuration magic unless I let you vanish.”

The dragon gave him puppy dog eyes, almost as if it understood what he was trying to say.

”Don't look at me like that. I can't afford to let my development stop here, and I can't practice Conjuration unless I let your summon expire. I mean, its not like I can just cast two spells at once.....”

[Wait....]

Trying to remember the sensation of dual casting he'd been using without really thinking about it, he focused on the mana tether that was maintaining the dragon. He worked to maintain it, while he started the chant for Conjure Object. It was more difficult than usual, requiring his intense concentration, but he managed to complete it.

A simple wooden stool popped into existence in front of him.

”So it really was that simple.....” Mike felt like kicking himself for not thinking of it earlier. ”Well, I suppose this means I can keep you around.”

The dragon nuzzled him again, nearly knocking him over in the process.

”Alright, alright. I get it. Your welcome. I guess I need to come up with a name for you, now.”

[I should keep it simple. Even if I maintain the mana flow, there is no guarantee he won't disappear at some point in the future. Better not get too attached.]

”How about Red? Nice, simple, and to the point.”

The dragon stared at him for a moment before huffing once and looking away.

Slightly annoyed, Mike decided to call him that anyway. Mostly out of spite.

[More importantly, this means I can start working on conjuring things. I wonder what I should start with.....]

He felt Audra climb out of her dedicated pocket, and up onto his shoulder. She and the dragon started trading stares. It felt like some kind of mutual understanding was achieved. With a hop, she glided over to Red, and clambered onto his head, something the larger dragon patiently allowed.

Setting herself in the center of his forehead, she emitted a tiny squeak that was translated as a victorious cry following the successful conquest of a worthy rival. Red laid back down and closed his eyes, seemingly content to let Audra have her way, as the little dragon started clambering over him like a playful child.

Chuckling Mike started going through a mental list of the things he missed from his previous world.

[I don't think I can manage something as complex as electronics. To be honest, I barely understand how something like a computer works. Guns could be an option, but it seems like they have access to gunpowder in this world, and yet magic is still king. Maybe once I can make them permanent with Calling Magic....]

With a start he realized that there was an entire category of things he could conjure, that he really missed from his old world. Choosing one that was particularly dear to his heart, he spoke the chant for Conjure Object again.

When the thin cardboard box appeared on the floor, he was so excited he didn't even mind the large drain on his mana. He cracked it open and took a big whiff of the pepperoni pizza he produced from memory.

It smelled good, but he still needed to put it to the test. He grabbed a slice and took a bite.....then immediately spit it back out. It had the consistency of soggy bread, and tasted like chalk.

Dropping the slice back into the box, Mike sighed. [I wonder what's wrong. Maybe I can't conjure food for some reason? I'll have to ask Instructor Melinda later today.]