The students who were paired up and riding the Griffon cheered with delight.
The rarity of carrier beasts that can fly made it a dream come true for many students who aspired to become Summoners, as most had never ridden a Griffon before.
"It's great to be at Lumeln!"
"I'll be able to sign a contract with a phantom beast like this soon, right?"
The students were overflowing with excitement and hope.
"Hey! Let's switch now! I'll steer!"
"Ah! Just a little bit more!"
As the 10-minute mark approached, the first-year students started to argue over who would hold the reins of the Griffon.
"It's really fun." Chen Xia, who was in control of the Griffon, also spoke in an excited voice.
"Be careful," Leo warned.
"Yes?"
"Griffon is a phantom beast that can be difficult for first-time handlers to control."
"Ah, Young Master Leo, just look at him. He's so docile and obedient," Chen Xia said.
"That's because I'm keeping an eye on Professor Yura right now,"
Leo replied, glancing at the black wyvern that Professor Yura was riding in the lead.
"Well, given Professor Yura's personality, I doubt she would continue to keep the griffons under control," Leo stated.
FWUUUUU
"What?"
Just as Leo finished speaking, the griffon let out a loud roar.
The other griffons, who had been obedient until now, also began to act out, as if they no longer wanted to be ridden.
Chen Xia panicked and pulled the reins, but there was no sign of control.
"Ahh! It doesn't listen!”
“Hey, why are you doing this all of a sudden!”
"professor! Help me!"
Other students also panicked.
Professor Yura, riding on a Black Wyvern, giggled.
"If you can't handle a griffon, how can you call yourself a student of Lumeln? Take care of yourself!"
“That, like that! Kyaaak-!”
Chen Xia's hand, which was in shock, was pulled away by the power of the griffon.
She also rose halfway out of the saddle.
However, as a knight major, she immediately centered herself.
Chen Xia, who was frowning, tried to fight in earnest by giving strength to her hands.
But at that moment, Leo wrapped his arm around Chen Xia's waist and pulled her towards him.
"What are you doing, Young Master Leo?" Chen Xia exclaimed.
"Griffons have strong pride, so if you try to subdue them with force, they will only run wild,"
Leo explained as he grabbed the reins with his left hand and pulled gently.
The griffon, which had been rampaging, hesitated at the familiar touch and gradually regained its composure.
'He's a well-trained guy, so it's easy to handle.'
It was a challenge for those unfamiliar with handling a Carrier beast, but for those who were familiar, it was easier to manage.
Chen Xia noticed this and expressed her curiosity.
"Young Master Leo, have you ever handled a griffon before?"
"No, this is the first time in my life."
At his response, Chen Xia turned her head and gazed at Leo.
Leo did the same, looking back at her.
"It seems to be true,"
Chen Xia said after looking ahead again.
She tilted her head and asked, "But how are you handling the griffon so well? Do you have any special tricks?"
"I mainly studied from textbooks," Leo replied.
Chen Xia let out a laugh and said,
"Indeed, you have the skills to provoke everyone at the entrance ceremony."
Leo didn't mind and pulled Chen Xia even closer.
"I'm going to speed up a bit more, so stay close and don't fall behind."
"Young Master Leo, is an older girl your type?" Chen Xia asked.
Leo answered with a stumble, "With that loli face, I don't think you can call yourself an older girl... Ahh, sorry. Sorry."
“Girls don’t like boys who are rude. Do you understand?”
Chen Xia slightly opened her eyes and pinched the back of Leo's hand where he was holding her waist.
However, realizing Leo had no harmful intentions, she relaxed and leaned her back against his chest.
When the preparations were finished, Leo shouted,
“Let's go!”
As Leo pulled the reins, the griffon let out a loud roar and took flight.
Chen Xia was taken aback by the sudden movement, and Professor Yura's eyes lit up.
“That student is very good at handling the griffon. Who is that guy?” Professor Yura asked.
“Let me see, it's student Leo Flove,” Carlo replied after checking the student list.
“Leo Flove? Is that the Freshman representative? I heard he was going to the Knight department,”
“Yes, he did. He even beat Duran Moira in a race in the previous class,”
“A guy like that can handle a griffon? Does he own one?”
“No, he comes from a noble family in a small kingdom, so I don't think they're wealthy enough to own a griffon,” Carlo explained.
“Then it must be a talent, right?” Professor Yura asked, her eyes twinkling.
“Yes, but the professors in the Knight department won't be happy if he switches to the Summoning major,” Carlo said, looking uneasy.
“Who cares? There are plenty of students with a talent for being a knight. Summoning is not as common. Besides, he hasn't chosen his major yet,”
Professor Yura said mischievously.
The griffon eventually landed on a large island in Lake Lumeria, which was often used as a training ground because of the several similar islands in the lake, making it appear like a sea.
WHOOSH
Chen Xia disembarked the griffon gracefully. Leo did the same, with the griffon affectionately nuzzling his cheek.
As Leo reached for a tree to give the griffon a treat, he noticed a large gray feather on a branch.
'This… … ?'
“Young Master Leo, is anything wrong?”
Leo pocketed the feather and replied, "No… Nothing."
Meanwhile, other students also arrived on the island.
“Ugh!”
"Ugh… It's the worst, I got dirt all over the place."
“I feel like throwing up… … Uggggg!”
Most of the students were exhausted just riding the griffon.
However, there were a few students who handled the griffon well, such as the head of the southern exam, Wald Taiden, and a female student who was doing her nails while eyeing the other students condescendingly.
The two students handled the griffon as well as Leo.
'Wald, Eliza. These guys are definitely the ones who will serve as the aces of this year's Summoning Department!' thought Professor Yura, with a gleam in her eyes.
“Good. How long will you be down? Come on. Everyone gather!”
Professor Yura, who was smiling with satisfaction, shouted, and the students gathered in a hurry.
Looking at the students lined up, Professor Yura smirked and announced.