Chapter 75: The teachings of an Old summoner

Chapter 75: The teachings of an Old summoner The two sat opposite each other in the Beast Summoner class. Kairos faced Sergeant Lloyd across the table. The sergeant had picked up a chair from the student section and dragged it close, offering a helping hand as Kairos worked through the last parts of his assignment. For the most part, their conversation had revolved around the place where the recent hunt had occurred—planet Pascoloid. Lloyd had confirmed it was indeed another world, a distant and hostile one, a revelation that sent a jolt of shock through Kairos. However, the surprise quickly dissolved as more pressing matters took over his thoughts. Lloyd spoke in a calm, composed tone about the incident, his words carefully measured. He described how, at first, he had believed the mutation on Pascoloid was the result of an alien attack. But he conveniently left out the part about his deteriorating relationship with the military—how his trust among them was fading. Kairos, on the other hand, didn’t mention his own rising doubts either. Instead, he simply listened. He gave Lloyd his full attention, absorbing every word. As Lloyd dropped the pen from his hand, signaling the end of Kairos’s work, he leaned back in his chair and exhaled. Then his voice took on a different tone—more serious, more personal. "Now that we’re done," he began, "I want to tell you something about the accident—the mutation that happened on Pascoloid. It reminded me of an old legend... one about the creation of this world." Kairos straightened a little in his seat, sensing the shift. "There are many scattered tales about how this world came to be," Lloyd continued, "and how beasts, as we know them today, were born. What happened on Pascoloid—it’s eerily similar to those ancient stories. It’s like witnessing the beginning of a new world... a great evolution all over again. Some believe that the force behind the primordial push—the one that sparked it all—was a god. Others think it was something else entirely... a being from another universe." Lloyd’s voice carried a weight, as though he wasn’t just reciting history but reliving a truth he had come to believe deeply. "A being," he said, "that changed all the animals on Earth—turned them into beasts. Some monstrous and savage, others still gentle and peaceful. The realm this being came from... it’s said to be where summons also originate. That place is tied—intimately—to the existence of humans." Kairos furrowed his brows slightly. He didn’t know where Lloyd was going with all of this, but he found the tale fascinating. All he’d ever learned about the primordial push came from outdated textbooks and dry lectures. But this... this was something else entirely. Lloyd spoke with clarity, passion—and it made Kairos lean in unconsciously, hooked on every word. "Fex mentioned you asked him about your summon," Lloyd said, his gaze steady. "He didn’t know what to say. But I do. Or at least... I have theories. Theories I think are worth sharing, especially after watching that video." Lloyd paused and cleared his throat before continuing, as though he needed a moment to gather his thoughts. "During the primordial push, beasts and summons came into existence. Some received their powers directly from the world. Others, from somewhere else entirely. The stones we use to activate our abilities—they’re not just tools. They’re keys, gateways. They connect us to the realm of summons. When used, they lead us to creatures that mirror our inner selves. And then... they bond with us." Kairos blinked, trying to piece it all together. "You mean," he said slowly, "we humans are like... cores for the summons? Like how beasts have cores within them?" Sergeant Lloyd nodded. "Exactly. That’s why we can integrate with them. Why, when you die, your summon vanishes forever. Because your soul is their anchor." Kairos stared blankly for a moment, the depth of that truth sinking in like a heavy stone in a still lake. He was starting to understand—just barely—what Lloyd was building up to. But the weight of it hadn’t settled fully. "Your shadow wolf," Lloyd continued, "can devour beasts and grow stronger. That’s because of the core inside you. It means... you too will change. You’ll grow in strength with every beast your summon consumes." He reached forward then, slowly, and pressed his fingers lightly against Kairos’s chest. "Deep within all your flesh and bones lies a core. One that could change all of humanity. One that might allow us to win this war. But make no mistake—because of that core, you’ll become a target. The moment people see that video... the faction leaders, the military, and more—they’ll all want you. And if you’re not strong enough... they’ll crush you before you ever reach your full potential." Kairos swallowed hard. The idea that something inside him—something so abstract—could draw the eyes of the world... it was terrifying. And yet, part of him had always suspected there was something more about his bond with the shadow wolf. But hearing it laid bare like this—it felt real now. "So what are you angling at, sir?" Kairos asked, his voice low, but firm. His eyes had narrowed, cautious. Sergeant Lloyd smiled, his expression soft but resolute. "Out of everyone in this academy, you should train the hardest. All I’m doing here is offering advice... and help. If you ever need protection or guidance—come to me." Kairos held his breath at those words, uncertainty flashing in his gaze. He couldn’t help but think: Why is he being so kind to me? What did I do to deserve this? This goes beyond kindness... "Uhm—sir, can I ask a question?" Kairos asked timidly. Lloyd gave a small nod, prompting him to go on. "Why are you always so nice to me?" Kairos said, finally voicing what had been troubling him. "No one’s that nice... not unless they have an angle." There was silence for a beat. Then Sergeant Lloyd chuckled faintly, a nostalgic smile forming on his face. "Nothing much. Let’s just say... you remind me of someone. Someone who meant a lot to me." Kairos’s curiosity surged. "Who is that?" he asked softly. Lloyd’s smile shifted—becoming wider, almost bitter. His teeth gleamed faintly under the room’s dim light. "What’s the point in knowing?" he said. "They’re dead. Just like I assume everyone you care about is too." Kairos stiffened. His heart stilled for a second, the room seeming to fall silent under the weight of that statement. So... Lloyd had no one left either. The sergeant stood up then, producing a key and heading toward the classroom door. The signal was clear—he was about to lock up. "Now run along with your cores," he said. "Find a forger—get yourself a new pair of gauntlets. You’re damn good with them. And don’t forget... train harder." Kairos stood quickly and grabbed his bag. He gave a respectful bow, his voice quiet. "Thank you for the lesson, sir." He turned, his steps slow as he walked away from the table, away from the classroom, and from Sergeant Lloyd. Behind him, Lloyd stood watching. His expression softened once more, his voice low, spoken to no one but himself. "Your mother would be proud of you, Kay." ***Author’s note*** Next privilege tier will have 50 percent off... 8 Chapters and will be 159 coins... Get ready this should be a nice deal for us all to read and enjoy the story.