The Extra's Reincarnation-Chapter 155: Summoning And Taming Arts (5)

"Julian, what this means is that you possess an extraordinary innate gift for spiritual connection," she explained, her voice filled with barely contained excitement.

"Your spirit essence is so potent that it draws them to you naturally, without any conscious effort on your part."

She gestured to the invisible spirits that apparently surrounded him.

"Most mages spend decades trying to attract even one high-level spirit, yet you've gathered dozens without even trying."

"But if I can't see them, how can I possibly form a connection?"

"That's the truly fascinating part,"

"Julian, you might possess the rarest spiritual gift of all—the ability to access the Spirit World itself."

"The Spirit World?"

"Yes," she nodded eagerly.

"It's a realm that exists parallel to our own, inhabited by spirits of all classifications. Most mages believe it's merely theoretical—a concept from ancient texts rather than a tangible reality."

Julian remained silent, processing this information.

The Spirit World wasn't just theoretical to him.

In his previous life, he'd read extensively about it in the original novel.

It was described as a transitory realm where souls journeyed after death, either continuing onward to whatever lay beyond or choosing to remain and become spirits themselves.

Those who stayed were transformed with their essence taking forms that reflected their past lives and deepest natures.

No living mage had ever accessed it directly—at least, not in the canonical story he remembered.

"The fact that these spirits are drawn to you but remain invisible suggests you might be a threshold walker,"

"Someone who exists at the boundary between our world and theirs. With proper training, you might be able to cross that threshold consciously."

"And if I could?" Julian asked, genuinely curious about how this deviation might affect the original storyline.

Professor Sinclair's expression grew solemn.

"Then you would be the first documented mage in history to enter the Spirit World while still living. The academic and magical implications would be... revolutionary."

She took a step closer, her voice dropping to an intense whisper. "Julian, I want you to become my apprentice. Major in Summoning and Taming Arts under my guidance."

The offer caught Julian off-guard.

"With your innate gifts and my guidance, you could become the greatest summoner and tamer to have ever lived," she continued.

"I could help you develop this connection, learn to see these spirits that are already drawn to you."

Julian hesitated, uncertain how to respond.

Being Professor Sinclair's apprentice would place him directly in the spotlight—exactly where he didn't want to be.

Yet there was genuine value in what she offered. Learning to see and control the spirits already following him might prove useful, especially if events continued to deviate from the original storyline.

"I... appreciate the offer, Professor," he said carefully.

"But I'm not sure I'm the right person for this. I can't even see these spirits, let alone communicate with them."

"That's precisely why you need proper training," she insisted. "Your natural affinity is extraordinary, but without guidance, it will remain untapped potential."

Julian maintained his hesitation. "Could I have some time to consider it?"

"Of course," she said, nodding slowly.

"Take all the time you need to consider my offer. This isn't a decision to be made lightly."

She glanced at the invisible spirits apparently surrounding him.

"Just know," Professor Sinclair continued, her tone carefully casual, "that word of your unique abilities will spread quickly. The academy has eyes everywhere, and a gift as rare as yours won't remain secret for long."

Julian felt a familiar weight settle in his stomach. Of course.

Nothing exceptional stayed hidden at Aethel Academy—not when exceptional talents were the very currency of power among the faculty.

"The other professors will come calling," she added, confirming his fears.

"Summoning isn't the only discipline that values connection to the spirit realm. Battle Magic, Theory, even Alchemical Practices—they'll all see potential applications for your gift."

She brushed a strand of fiery hair from her face.

"Some might offer you greater prestige or more impressive titles than mere apprentice. Others might tempt you with promises of faster advancement or exclusive knowledge."

"Whatever you decide, I want you to know that my offer comes from genuine interest in your development, not merely from academic ambition."

Julian nodded, unsure if he believed her but appreciating the sentiment nonetheless. "Thank you, Professor. I'll consider it carefully."

"Excellent." She straightened, professional demeanor returning as she glanced at the darkening sky. "We should return to the academy. The others have long since departed."

She reached into her robes, producing a small teleportation charm—a delicate silver disk etched with arcane symbols.

"Allow me to create a portal. It's much faster than waiting for the scheduled transport."

As she began to channel mana into the disk, Julian noticed her movements becoming unusually precise, almost cautious.

Her eyes kept darting to the empty air around him as she worked, adjusting her position slightly with each gesture.

"The spirits surrounding you occupy physical space, even if you can't see them. Teleporting through one could have unpredictable consequences."

"Is that... normal procedure?" he asked, genuinely curious.

"Not remotely," she replied without breaking her concentration.

"I've never had to teleport someone with an entourage of spirits before. This is entirely improvised."

WOM!

With a final gesture, she completed the spell.

The air before them shimmered and split, revealing a portal of blue-white energy.

Unlike the standard academy teleportation platforms, this portal seemed somehow more refined, its edges crisp and precise.

"There," she said with evident satisfaction. "A clear path that avoids disturbing your... companions."

Julian stepped toward the portal, then hesitated. "Will they follow me through?"

"I suspect they will," Professor Sinclair said, her eyes tracking movement Julian couldn't see. "They seem quite determined to stay with you."

As Julian moved closer to the portal, Professor Sinclair placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Remember what I said. My door is always open when you're ready to discuss your decision."

Julian nodded, then stepped through the portal.

The familiar sensation of teleportation enveloped him—the momentary weightlessness, the rush of displaced air, the brief disorientation as reality reassembled itself around him.

When the world solidified again, he found himself standing in a small courtyard on the eastern side of the academy.