The atmosphere on the field grew increasingly tense as all eyes focused on Ryan.
He stood at the center of the array, surrounded by the academy's protective barrier, its light flickering faintly, like a storm about to break.
Hawkins and Principal Hope stood nearby, their expressions serious, filled with scrutiny and caution.
"Ryan," Hawkins said in a calm tone, "The upcoming test will determine whether you can remain at the academy. Your awakening of the forbidden profession means you can connect with demonic power. You must prove that you can control it, and not let it spiral out of control."
Ryan lowered his head, taking a deep breath, his gaze firm.
He knew this wasn't just a routine test, but a decisive moment that could determine his future.
"The test is simple." Hawkins continued, "You will summon a low-level demon and prove that you can control it. You must make it obey you completely, without letting it slip out of your control. Otherwise…"
His words were left unfinished, as the air around them seemed to tighten, and the students' breaths quickened. All eyes were now on Ryan.
"You may begin." Hawkins whispered, waving his hand lightly.
Ryan took a deep breath and focused his mind.
He planted his feet firmly, slowly spreading his arms, beginning to channel the demonic energy within him.
The air around him quickly grew cold, the light dimming as shadows lengthened.
The demonic power surged from Ryan's body, rapidly spreading outward, as if the very atmosphere was being consumed by this dark energy, solidifying in the air.
Ryan shut his eyes, raising his hands slightly, and whispered an incantation: "By my summons, come forth, yield to me!"
As the incantation finished, a small figure quickly materialized from the array.
It was a Nightmare Imp, small in size, its black skin seeming even darker in the dim light, its purple-red eyes flashing with anger and a desire to attack.
The Nightmare imp's body was agile, scanning its surroundings rapidly, clearly not fully obeying the summon but instead filled with hostility.
Ryan was about to try to assert control again when he suddenly felt a surge of intense resistance from the Nightmare Imp.
The Nightmare imp let out a low growl and lunged at Ryan, seemingly ready to strike. Its black claws cut through the air, aiming straight for Ryan's chest.
The students around them gasped, too nervous to even breathe loudly.
In that fleeting moment, all eyes were locked on Ryan.
However, just as the Nightmare Imp was about to strike Ryan, a powerful oppressive force suddenly descended, and the suffocating atmosphere froze in place.
Behind Ryan, a massive shadow materialized.
The shadow was blurry, seemingly formed from countless dark mists and flickering light, exuding a formidable and dominating aura. Its presence was undeniable, as if the very world itself was bowing to it.
Though the figure's true appearance was difficult to make out, its overwhelming presence made everything else pale in comparison.
The Nightmare Imp halted mid-motion, its red eyes flashing as its expression suddenly shifted. Its claws froze in mid-air as it bowed its head, appearing utterly subdued.
It no longer attempted to attack Ryan but instead knelt obediently, its gaze filled with deep submission.
The entire scene changed so rapidly that it left the spectators stunned.
Hawkins watched in silence, his expression growing more serious as he muttered under his breath, "This… this is…"
At that moment, Ryan's mind was filled with a system prompt:
"Summoned demons will obey without condition."
Ryan slightly opened his eyes, a flicker of surprise in his gaze.
He hadn't expected his summoning ability to be so powerful. Controlling the demon was not just about a simple contract—there seemed to be a deeper connection at play.
Hawkins's eyes flickered with a mix of shock and confusion.
He looked at the connection between Ryan and the Nightmare Imp, clearly not fully understanding what had just occurred.
"You… did it," Hawkins said, his voice low, "You've proven that you can control this power."
Principal Hope fell silent for a moment, then spoke, "It seems he truly possesses the ability to control this power."
Ryan stood in the array, taking a deep breath. Though his face showed little emotion, the tension in his heart eased just a little.
He knew this was just the beginning, and there were still more tests ahead.
"Well done, Ryan," Hawkins said, "You've proven you can control this power. I will report this result to the higher-ups and temporarily allow you to continue your activities as an awakened individual."
"Thank you," Ryan quietly responded, his resolve hardening. The path ahead wouldn't be easy.
He knew he had to be even more careful with his abilities to avoid causing irreparable harm.
As the test concluded, the light around them gradually returned to normal, and the protective array faded.
However, the students still watched Ryan with a mix of awe and fear, their expressions filled with complex emotions.
Emily stood among the crowd, her gaze fixed on Ryan, her mind in turmoil.
She realized that Ryan, standing before her as a former rival, might now possess the power to change the world.