The Mornings in Tenatite Are Bustling
Mornings in Tenatite are lively. It seems to be a hub for logistics, and many shops are open from early hours, so it’s common for residents to have breakfast out. Together with Casiel, the angel I’m contracted with, I left our inn, bought breakfast from a street vendor, and sat on some chairs set along the roadside to eat.
“Urbano, what is happening over there?”
Near the western gate, close to the inn, a small crowd had gathered, watching something.
“Why don’t you stop it?” a concerned woman’s voice could be heard. Curious, I weaved through the crowd to see what was going on. There were three wagons, a group of guards, and some attendants, all looking troubled. At the back of one of the wagons, a middle-aged man was angrily berating a small demon.
“This was a commissioned product! How dare you ruin it!”
“It’s not my fault! I couldn’t carry all that!”
“I’ve got a contract with you!”
The merchant, apparently skilled in summoning magic, shoved the small demon forcefully. It seemed he was trying to load heavy jars onto the wagon, but one got broken. Still, resorting to violence seemed excessive.
“Excuse me, but are you not a summoner? Such behavior is not part of your contract, is it?”
The one who stepped in was Iriya , whom we’d been traveling with until just yesterday. Contracted with a demon herself, she naturally sided with the small demon. But even putting that aside, bullying the weak was simply unacceptable. Casiel, too, furrowed his brows in displeasure.
The man turned to her with a scowl, openly displaying his irritation.
“Stay out of it, stranger! This little thing broke my merchandise! Contracts are meant to make them obey! I can do whatever I want!”
“…That statement insults every mage and summoner. Retract it.”
Whoa, she’s commanding him now. That’s kind of cool.
“Hah?! What, you think you’re some representative of all summoners? All this over a worthless little demon?”
“Summoning requires respect, and contracts must be equal partnerships. That is the essence of summoning.”
So that’s her philosophy. I have to admit, I agree.
The argument dragged on in circles until the merchant suddenly issued a challenge.
“Fine! Then summon some grand demon to prove it! If you can, I’ll acknowledge your claim!”
“…If you insist, I shall demonstrate.”
Uh-oh, this is taking a dangerous turn…
I thought there might already be a “grand demon” backing her up, but looking closer, she was alone. So it wasn’t bravado from having one nearby.
“Shouldn’t someone stop her? She’s contracted with a noble-ranked demon, right? She might just summon another…”
Casiel’s concern was valid. But Iriya had already pulled out her tools.
For someone so calm, she moves fast once she decides to act!
With a pointed rod tied to one end of a string and a pen for drawing summoning symbols tied to the other, she began sketching a perfect circle by anchoring the rod between the cobblestones. She drew a double circle, verified its orientation with a compass, then carefully inscribed a pentagram at the center with four names at the cardinal points.
This was a summoning circle—coordinates to summon a specific entity to this exact location. Normally, people don’t bother with this level of precision.
“If something dangerous shows up, we’ll deal with it ourselves. Eventually, her demon will notice and come to her aid, right?”
“As much as I dislike relying on demons, watching violence against the defenseless is unbearable…”
Casiel, surprisingly compassionate for someone who despises demons, seemed ready to intervene.
Next, Iriya unfolded a prepared summoning magic circle. Such circles are carried on paper or plaques by summoners for emergencies.
The magic circle was ornate: a square centered within, with six-pointed stars marking its cardinal points, surrounded by names, sigils, and runes. The meticulous detailing ensured safety for the summoner standing within.
A proper summoning requires an accurate circle, the correct incantation, and adherence to the prescribed rituals. The summoner must also treat the summoned being with respect during negotiations.
This is the true art of summoning—why it’s considered a ritual. Precision is key.
She even included candle placements for stabilization, though those weren’t strictly necessary.
“That Iriya woman… her skills extend beyond eloquence and magic, it seems. That is a flawless summoning circle. With it, she could probably repel even a Demon Lord…”
“Seriously?! Even I’m nowhere near that level yet…!”
Wait a second. What kind of entity is she about to summon into that flawless circle?!
This is bad—there’s nothing but danger ahead! Not for her, but for everyone else!
Iriya held a hexagonal rod, about the length of a baton, in her hand. It had some inscriptions on it, and a hexagram was etched on its base. It was probably a substitute for a staff.
“Great one of the Sacred Name, descend upon this circle.”
First, she faced east and traced a pentagram with the tip of her rod, starting from the lower right.
“My voice shall serve as the key to the Eastern Gate.”
She turned south, then west, then north, finally facing east again.
“In glory, I shall enter as well.”
“It’s started… She’s too efficient. I didn’t even have time to stop her.”
“Agreed. What sort of master is this human…?”
Her precision was a perfect demonstration. If the circumstances were different, I’d want to sit and learn from her. Even Casiel, who rarely praised others, seemed to share my thoughts.
“Answer my call. Open the sealed gates of the otherworld and emerge from the void. By the Supreme Name, reveal yourself!”
As she repeated her invocation, wind and smoke began to rise from the circle that acted as the coordinates. The smoke thickened and gradually took on a humanoid form.
It appeared… a demon.
A towering figure with a burly physique, a man with a bearded face. The air seemed to turn colder with a sharp hiss.
Before we could even get a clear look, Iriya knelt and bowed her head.
“Human woman… What business do you have with me?”
“I apologize for summoning you. This merchant assaulted one of your subordinates and demanded I demonstrate a summoning. Thus, I complied. As for what follows…”
“W-what?! You call yourself a summoner and yet bow like that?! Such an act…”
The merchant tried to yell at Iriya , but a strong gust of wind, imbued with the demon’s power, silenced him.
Casiel stepped in front of me to shield me, but the merchant and bystanders were knocked over or blown away. Even the merchant’s carriage toppled. Those without resistance to magical winds might even fall ill.
Yet, amidst it all, Iriya remained perfectly still, her hair untouched.
The magic circle’s protection was flawless.
“…Impressive, woman. You seem to have some skill. I shall at least hear you out.”
Even the demon seemed a bit impressed. A surprisingly reasonable one.
“First, I would like to know your esteemed name.”
In summoning, merely calling forth a being is insufficient. To truly succeed, one must learn the entity’s name and forge a contract. However, forming a contract with anything higher-tiered than a low-ranking entity is nearly impossible unless there’s mutual benefit.
This time, securing the name and dismissing the demon afterward would already be a satisfactory outcome.
“…And if I refuse to give my name?”
“…Then I shall persist in asking until you relent.”
With that, Iriya retrieved something from her bag, stood tall, and faced the demon unwaveringly.
“Spirits, imbue this talisman with your power. Omnipotent Seal, unleash your full might! Demon, reveal your name!”
“Guh…!”
The “Omnipotent Seal” radiated magical energy, which gathered into the summoning rod, amplifying its power several times over. That power resonated through her words, creating a commanding force over the demon.
“Declare your name!”
“…Lucifuge Rofocale… Grand Chancellor of Hell!”
It spoke its name! What is this overwhelming magical energy?! What’s happening?!
The hexagram-like structure made of wood had a mithril plate at its center with a T-shaped engraving. Each of the six points bore a unique inscription.
“What’s this Omnipotent Seal?!”
“It’s said to be the pinnacle of all talismans, a supremely powerful artifact! Who knew she had such an ace up her sleeve?!”
Even Casiel recognized it. It’s not something you’d expect someone to own casually. Could it be self-crafted? A piece so effective… I want one too!
“Grrraaaaahhh!!!”
The demon let out a roar, clearly frustrated.
An even stronger wind surged, blowing objects from buildings into the air. Some onlookers screamed and fled in panic.
To us summoners, watching a demon summoning without preparation or defense is sheer recklessness.
Casiel looked a bit strained too, but as usual, Iriya stood in a bubble of absolute calm.
“Merchant! This is your doing, isn’t it?! You will either step into your circle to protect yourself or die! I’ll give you one chance!”
The enraged demon directed its fury at the merchant, who turned pale and hurriedly pulled out a magic circle.
Shaking like a leaf, the merchant managed to complete the necessary steps and step into his circle. However, it wasn’t strong enough to shield him from the wind.
With a simple gesture from the demon, a massive phantom hand appeared and reached for the merchant’s circle.
“Aaaahhh!!!”
A scream tore through the air, followed by the sharp sound of something shattering.
The next moment, the invisible hand seized the merchant, lifting him into the air as he flailed helplessly.
“…Terminate your contract with the demon.”
“I’ll end it! Just please, save me!”
Panicked, the merchant fumbled with a piece of paper, tearing it apart. Iriya nodded, then turned back to the demon, Lucifuge Rofocale.
Her gaze was unwavering—neither fearful nor arrogant, devoid of any turmoil.
What kind of nerves does this woman have?! She terrifies me more than the demon.
For reference, the lowest-ranking demons are categorized as “demons,” with “devils” ranking above them. Most demons fall into one of these two classes. Lesser demons encompass both categories, making visual identification nearly impossible for us.
Once again, Iriya raised the Omnipotent Seal and pointed her rod at the demon. Simply commanding it to release the merchant was enough to free him from the demon’s grip.
The merchant fell to the ground, scrambling to escape but unable to move, likely restrained by the demon’s magic. Casiel kept a close eye on him.
“…Summoning me for such a trivial matter. You are an odd woman, indeed. But amusing. As compensation, I’ll take either this man’s life… or your body. Choose.”
“…What?!”
“So that’s how it is! When summoning a demon and making them do something, there is usually a price to pay. Some people who control lesser demons don’t even know that. Those kinds of people will regret it if they let their guard down.
But for her, this is a rather cruel choice. I’m sure Iriya is thinking of alternatives…
This is a counterattack from the demon who’s been cornered, and it’s something she can’t avoid. I gripped the hilt of my sword and gave Casiel a signal.
Shall we go?
I don’t want her to become this demon’s plaything.
If we act, we’ll have to defeat it in one go. The chances of victory are slim, but if we create an opening, she should be able to send the demon back.
“Now! What will you choose!?”
I understand that even Luci Fuge, the demon, cannot make a choice. He’s laughing at Iriya , who’s hesitating.
“Stop.”
That smooth, resounding voice… it’s Belial. He’s been watching from somewhere!
Looking around, I saw him sitting with his legs crossed on the nearest roof, propping his chin up. He was observing from a high vantage point.
Belial stood up smoothly, lightly jumping between Luci Fuge and Iriya . He made a soft sound as his boots clicked on the cobblestones, his red hair and cape fluttering.
He’s showing off a bit too much in this situation.
“It’s been a while, Luci Fuge.”
“Y-you are Belial…”
The one being addressed was about to speak but was lightly silenced by Belial’s hand. They seemed to know each other.
Belial turned his back to Luci Fuge with his usual smug smile and began walking toward Iriya .
“This girl is my contractor. Don’t mess with her too much.”
“She’s… your contractor!? My apologies!”
Belial then extended his hand toward Iriya , but it was repelled by the magical circle. He glared at the invisible barrier with annoyance.
“…Get out of that place, quickly!”
“Y-yes.”
Well, that’s a bit of a relief…
Iriya moved backward, facing forward, returning the way she had come. She closed the four gates.
She’s really thorough, isn’t she?
“Now, about the price you mentioned earlier…”
“N-no! That was just a joke…”
“Hmm… I’ll treat you to some fine wine. How about that?”
“Oh! That would be excellent! It would be an honor to drink with you!”
…It’s clear that Belial has the upper hand here. He’s completely in control.
Casiel is also wide-eyed. Belial is really good at hiding his power…
I can now fully understand what Iriya was trying to say last night…
The conversation wrapped up easily, and Iriya sent the demon, along with the beaten demon, back to hell. It was a flawless ritual summoning, but if Belial had been there from the start, it wouldn’t have been a problem at all.
The merchant fixed his overturned cart and hastily left the scene.
“You really were hiding your trump card. You’ve become quite the magician. And you even made a Universal Charm…”
“I made it a while ago, and I’ve been carrying it. It’s more effective than I thought.”
Iriya gazed happily at the Universal Charm she had made herself.
And Belial… did he just wait for her to use her trump card? He really has an interesting personality.
“…Stop using demons for experimental demonstrations.”
I agreed with him, nodding my head in approval.”
