Unmotivated Deity

It was Olivia that picked up the conversation from Jien's answer. "Demon enhancement is one of the ways to us the power of a contracted demon." she stated this casually as if it was common knowledge, but the fact was that up until recent years it was hardly known. "First you would need to attempt a summoning, then you would form a contract with the summoned demon if you succeed. After a contract is made it would be possible to better understand what your demon can do through their bond with you. Usually, a demon will be able to enhance one aspect during a battle to a certain degree depending on their level of power."

After Olivia finished her short description touched a wolf shaped silver necklace around her neck. Since she was not wearing armor anymore her contracted demon had taken a form that worked with her light blue day dress and complimented her silver earrings and bracelet she wore on her right hand. As she touched the necklace the shadow of a large wolf appeared behind her, seeming to swallow a large portion of the space between the children and adults. The shadow looked in Jien's direction, nodded with its barely discernible head in his direction before fading away, giving the room its light and space back.

Jien's eyes had constricted slightly at the sight of the shadow but there was a curious gleam in them that remained which everyone was able to see. "That was Rumnos, my contracted demon." she stated with a smile. Most demons choose an animal form for ease of contracting with summoners. However, despite the choice of form they are intelligent, and most are willing to work with their contracted summoner without issues." Lesley followed up by showing a ring on his left hand that was shaped as a crow's head. As if to further prove their point the ring turned from iron to a black shadow before it seemed to take flight, forming to a full-sized crow in moments and landing on his shoulder.

"Zelos is her name, and she helps me with scouting by enhancing my sight and sharing hers with me at times." The crow gave a caw but then turned its head toward Jien, an intelligent glint in its eye. To this Lesley chuckled lightly. "Just because they can communicate doesn't mean they will do so with those that are not contracted with them." He picked up a piece of fruit from one of the plates and offered it to the bird who happily accepted it.

After ensuring his contracted demon was alright remaining as she was, he turned back to Jien with a more serious expression. "Though we all have contracted with lesser demons and are doing fine that does not mean that there aren't risks involved. The stronger one is the stronger a contracted demon usually is at summoning." With that he motioned to different accessories that each of the children wore that had animal themes of differing types. "Each of our demons are on the upper scale of what would be known as 'low demons'." He paused here for a moment to collect his thoughts before continuing.

"Most summoned demons are low demons. This doesn't mean that they are not powerful, just that in terms of the overall power scale of the demon realm they are likely still young and lack the power to advance yet. Those that are a bit older than us like those at the academy in the first year or so can likely summon a middling demon, but they are harder to make a contract with. It isn't that they don't want to but that to do so requires equal exchange between parties meaning that the upfront cost can end in someone outright dying to try and bind the demon."

"Lastly there are high demons, or I should say that many contracted demons say that they exist. The truth is that nobody has actually seen one or written of them being summoned. It is said that many a powerful mage has disappeared after attempting a summoning without leaving a trace behind. This is why most adults don't attempt summoning demons. If you are strong enough it is almost a certainty that you will disappear without a trace." He finished his description with a sigh before taking a sip of tea.

Olivia nearly went to punch Lesley in the gut for ending the topic on such a disturbing note. Weren't they supposed to be explaining it to help Jien understand that the risk was minimal and that they would help him if he wished to give it a shot? In the end she wound back her fist and punched his arm hard enough for the boy to groan in pain. "What was that for?" Lesley asked in an exasperated tone. To respond Olivia pointed to Jien, whose eyes still held some curiosity but had also become a bit apprehensive. He didn't feel that he was strong enough to summon a high demon but the fact that people could just vanish at summoning one worried him a little.

Seeing Jien's expression Lesley looked embarrassed. "Look, it is better to know both the pros and the cons before making a decision. Sorry for ending on that note though." he responded sheepishly. "Still the risk is minimal and with our help and that of our parents the summoning should go smoothly. It would also give you a boost against those at the academy."

"What do you think? If you're interested, we could attempt a summoning after lunch if the adults are willing to help us out." The question hung in the air for a few moments as Jien thought it over before once again looking to his father, Runa and mentors. They all looked to be in thought for a few long moments before looking to him and smiling as if to let him know that if he wished to they would support him in his decision. Their goal after all, was to prepare him for the academy and no path to power was without some form of risk.

Jien understood their intentions and looked at peers before nodding firmly. "I am willing to give it an attempt."