Chapter 24: Summoners Close Friend

Chapter 24 - Summoners Close Friend The two boys arrived at their room and shut the door behind them with a firm slam. Without a word, they walked across the room and sat on Kairos' bed, shoulders tense, the air around them heavy with unsaid thoughts. At first, there was a long, uncomfortable silence. The kind that wasn't just quiet—but loud with tension. Neither of them spoke, the room cloaked in the subtle hum of the overhead fan. Then, with sudden movement, Carlos stretched out his hand and tugged Kairos sharply by the ear. "Speak up! How did you know they were following us?" Carlos demanded, his grip releasing only after the words left his mouth. Kairos winced, cradling his reddened ear as his lips curled into a slight pout. "owww! I'll tell you," he said through a slight groan, "but you also have to tell me what you were planning to say... before that spy interrupted." The words struck Carlos like a dart. He blinked, stunned for a moment—but he recovered fast. Faster than Kairos expected. Like someone used to hiding his thoughts behind a mask. In Carlos' mind: 'I can't tell him now. It's not the right time. But... if I stall, he'll suspect something. I need that information more than I need to protect my secrets right now.' After a moment of internal conflict, Carlos gave a slow nod. "I'll tell you what I wanted to say," he began, his voice quieter now, more solemn. "So listen carefully. I won't repeat myself, and remember—never share this with anyone." Then his tone changed, darkened with warning. "Because truly, Kairos, if you dare speak a word of what I'm about to say... I'll have no choice but to kill you. No matter how close we are." Kairos' eyes widened. The weight in Carlos' voice told him that this was no bluff. The Carlos he had known—the mischievous, calculating, cocky Carlos—was gone for now. What stood before him was something more dangerous. A secret weapon hidden in plain sight. "I understand," Kairos said softly, his voice laced with a seriousness that matched Carlos' mood. Carlos took a breath, then began. "There are six major families that control the six great factions governing the entire world: The Thorne Family—Rivet is a direct descendant. The Verdant Family—Rayla Verdant is a branched descendant. The Veyna Crimson Vanguard Family—that's where Lina comes from. The Celestial Arcanum. The Aether's. And finally, the Forbidden Family... A name that has not been spoken in decades. A family believed by the world to have vanished. The world thinks there are only five... but that's a lie." He paused, locking eyes with Kairos. "But I am from that sixth family. I, Carlos... am a direct descendant of the Forbidden Family." Kairos felt a chill run down his spine. His mouth hung slightly open, his mind racing with questions. He had never even heard whispers of a sixth faction. 'If what Carlos was saying was true, it meant his friend wasn't just strong—he was dangerous. Powerful in ways no one around them could imagine.' But before he could ask a single question, Carlos raised a hand. "If you have questions, I won't answer any. Knowing this much is already more than enough to get you killed." Kairos gulped. The anxious expression he wore was enough to confirm that he understood the gravity of what he had just learned. 'Why did he tell me this?' he wondered. It was obvious Carlos hadn't told the whole truth. But Kairos knew better than to press further—not now. Carlos leaned back, eyes still on Kairos. "Now that I've shared my secret, it's your turn." Kairos paused. He could see through Carlos' tactic now. 'He's manipulating me... sharing his secret first to draw mine out. It's a game—one I can't afford to lose.' But he also knew Carlos wasn't someone he could simply brush off. He had made it clear—he would kill to keep his secret. "Fine," Kairos sighed, giving in. "Ever since a few days ago, I've been able to enter a... space inside my mind. A realm where I can see my summon. But it's not just that—the shadow wolf, my summon—it's growing. The older it becomes in that space, the stronger I get out here." Carlos' brows furrowed as Kairos continued. "The wolf has also given me abilities. Decisions I make feel... more precise. Sharper. It warned me about the spy before it even happened." Kairos paused there. That was enough. He had no intention of talking about the other summon. 'I don't even understand it myself,' he thought. And telling Carlos, a direct heir to a hidden faction? That would be signing my death warrant. The air between them thickened. Both knew the other hadn't revealed everything. Still, they sat quietly, digesting the parts they had decided to share. "So that's why you've grown so fast," Carlos muttered, more to himself. "You even defeated Rivet... impressive. Is it just you that has access to this kind of power? Are there others with Legendary summons?" Kairos' eyes lit up. That was something he had wondered too. "I don't know." Carlos nodded thoughtfully. "I haven't heard of anyone else either... so it's safe to assume, for now, that you're the only one." Kairos felt his heartbeat pick up. "But that means more danger than good... doesn't it?" Carlos smirked, though his eyes still carried weight. "Yeah. A lot of people would kill to have your power. That's why until you've become stronger—at least until you're a Grade 3 Summoner—this stays a secret between us." He leaned forward, his voice taking on a strange tone. "In the meantime, I can help you train your summon. I've had about a year of experience with mine." "A year?" Kairos blinked in surprise. "But the awakenings... weren't they just a few months ago?" He wanted to press further, but the answer hit him before Carlos could speak. Of course. He's from a major faction. Probably got early access, training, equipment... everything. Carlos stood and stretched, rolling his neck until it gave a soft crack. Then he turned to Kairos with a grin. "But first—we need to beat the shit out of those bastards who ambushed us. This time, we do it on our own turf." A smile spread across Kairos' face. "I thought you wanted to wait for them to come at us again?" Carlos chuckled darkly, "No... The only reason I let them go was so they could save their sister. I don't kill unless it's necessary." The finality in his tone, the calm certainty with which he spoke of life and death... it chilled Kairos to his core. It was a reminder—Carlos wasn't just a friend. He was a threat. A sword hidden in silk. And for now... an ally Kairos needed to survive.