SSS Ranked Summoning: I Became The Hero Of Another World

The courtyard buzzed with energy as Ethan and Max wiped sweat from their foreheads, the exhaustion from Aldric's intense sword training still clinging to their muscles.

Both were sitting on a wooden bench, catching their breath, when a soft breeze carried an unfamiliar scent — something floral and rich.

Ethan looked up first, his attention snapping to a figure gliding toward them from the entrance to the courtyard.

She was stunning, her presence commanding and otherworldly.

Her long, silver hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, shimmering faintly in the sunlight as if kissed by magic itself.

Her piercing violet eyes seemed to hold galaxies within them, a mix of mystery and authority. A flowing robe of deep blue hugged her form, highlighting a slender waist and a generous bosom that seemed impossible to ignore.

The fabric, embroidered with golden sigils, sparkled faintly as she moved. She carried herself with an effortless grace that made Ethan and Max straighten instinctively.

Max leaned over to Ethan, whispering, "Dibs."

Ethan rolled his eyes, but his attention quickly returned to the woman as she stopped a few feet away, her gaze sweeping over them like a teacher inspecting new students.

"I am Selene," she began, her voice smooth and commanding, yet with a warmth that softened the edges. "High Sage of the Arcanum Order, and I have been tasked with guiding you in the art of magic."

Ethan and Max exchanged glances.

"Magic?" Max asked, his tone somewhere between excitement and disbelief.

Selene's lips curved into a faint smile. "Yes, magic. The force that binds this world together, shaping its very fabric. You may have touched upon it briefly through your skills, but that is a mere fraction of what you are capable of."

She walked past them, her robes trailing behind her as she gestured to the open space before them. "Magic in this world is not just learned — it is lived. It is drawn from within and channeled outward through will and knowledge. You will need discipline, understanding, and — above all — imagination."

She turned back to them, her gaze locking onto Ethan. "Magic is divided into three primary forms: Elemental, which manipulates the forces of nature; Arcane, which taps into pure, unfiltered energy; and Spiritual, which connects to the essence of life and the soul."

"Sounds… complicated," Ethan admitted.

Selene nodded, her smile growing. "It is. But that is why I am here. To make it less so."

She stepped closer, holding out her hand. A small, glowing orb of light appeared above her palm, swirling with faint traces of gold and blue.

"This is the essence of magic. All spells, no matter how grand, begin with this — the seed of potential."

The orb dissolved, and she clapped her hands lightly. Two books appeared out of thin air, floating toward Ethan and Max.

Their covers were plain but pulsed faintly with an inner glow.

"These are skillbooks," Selene explained. "An artifact that allows you to learn a skill instantly. However, they are rare and precious. Use them wisely."

Ethan caught the book floating toward him and turned it over in his hands, feeling its strange warmth. "What's in here?"

Selene crossed her arms. "Basic magic. You each will gain two spells. After that, I will show you how to wield them."

Max smirked, flipping open his book. "This is insane. We're learning magic from scratch. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning."

"Focus," Selene said, her tone sharp enough to make him sit up straighter. "Magic is not a toy. Misuse it, and it will destroy you faster than any blade."

Max coughed awkwardly. "Right. Got it."

Ethan opened his book carefully, the pages glowing faintly as he began to read.

The letters on the page seemed to shift and pulse, and as he focused on them, a strange warmth filled his chest.

You have learned the skill [Firebolt].

You have learned the skill [Barrier].

The words appeared in his mind, clear and undeniable. He blinked, looking up at Selene. "I… think it worked?"

She nodded. "It did. You now have the foundation for magic. Firebolt will allow you to conjure a focused burst of flame, while Barrier will create a shield of energy to protect you."

Max grinned, his own skillbook disappearing in a faint shimmer. "I got [Lightning Arc] and [Mana Pulse]. This is awesome!"

Selene's eyes narrowed slightly. "Those are useful skills. But remember, a mage is only as strong as their control. Power without precision is nothing but chaos."

She stepped back, gesturing for them to stand. "Come. It is time to practice. Words on a page mean nothing if you cannot bring them to life."

Ethan and Max scrambled to their feet, wooden swords forgotten as they followed her to the center of the courtyard.

"Magic is not simply shouted into existence," Selene explained. "It must be felt, shaped. Close your eyes."

Ethan hesitated but obeyed, closing his eyes.

"Now," Selene continued, her voice softer, "reach for the energy within you. It is there, waiting to be called forth. Focus on the spell you have learned. Picture it in your mind."

Ethan took a deep breath, his hand instinctively rising as he imagined the firebolt she had described.

The warmth he'd felt earlier grew, spreading from his chest to his arm. His palm tingled, and he opened his eyes just in time to see a small, flickering flame appear above it.

"I did it," he whispered, staring in awe at the tiny fireball.

Max, standing beside him, laughed as a crackling arc of electricity danced between his fingers. "This is insane!"

Selene smiled, though her eyes were sharp. "Good. Now control it."

Ethan's flame wavered as his excitement threatened to get the better of him.

He steadied himself, focusing on the warmth and willing the flame to stay stable. It flickered but remained in place.

"Not bad for beginners," Selene said. "But this is only the first step. You must learn to harness these skills in combat. As you grow stronger, your spells will evolve, becoming more powerful and versatile."

Ethan extinguished his flame, looking at her with a newfound determination. "How do we get stronger?"

Selene gestured to the world beyond the courtyard. "Through experience. By facing challenges, overcoming obstacles, and pushing your limits. Magic is like a muscle — it grows only through use."

Max grinned. "So, we just have to survive whatever this crazy world throws at us?"

Selene's smile turned faintly amused. "Precisely. Now, let us see how well you fare with these spells in motion."