Chapter 78: The pitiful Summoner

Chapter 78: The pitiful Summoner As Kairos had gotten close to the second-year building, he encountered two guards stationed by the entrance. They stood tall and still, arms crossed, their expressions etched with disapproval. When he approached, they immediately stepped forward, blocking his path with unwavering glares. "We’re under strict orders," one of them said in a firm voice, "No first-years are allowed beyond this point." Kairos, however, remained persistent. He didn’t flinch or retreat; instead, he met their eyes with calm determination. "I’m only here to find a forger. I have no intention of causing trouble." The officer on the left squinted at him, his mouth tightening with clear irritation. After a short silence, he gave a sharp nod. "Fine. Today’s a free day for the second-years anyway. If you’re so desperate, go to their dorms and look there." Kairos gave a small nod of gratitude and asked for directions, trying to maintain politeness. The officer let out an annoyed breath, then leaned in slightly with a threatening glare. "The second-year dorms are just a few blocks from yours. Don’t bother me again—go find it yourself." Kairos, despite the rude dismissal, was at least grateful. [This one is rude. Let’s kill him,] the shadow wolf growled within him, a low, sinister tone of amusement lacing its voice. Kairos didn’t reply. He simply turned and walked away, suppressing the dark suggestion that echoed in his mind. He began his trek, following the path toward the dormitories. With no one else around to ask for help, Kairos continued along the winding street, determined to locate the building on his own. The early morning air was cool, and the surroundings quiet—too quiet. His boots echoed softly on the stone ground as he walked past trees and walls that looked identical to those near the first-year areas. Surprisingly, it didn’t take long before he reached a structure that mirrored the architecture of his own dormitory. The same silver walls, the same metallic blue doors. It was clear now—this was the second-year dormitory. Kairos blinked in disbelief. He had never realized how close it actually was. It baffled him. For as long as he’d attended the academy, not once had he seen a second-year walking along the same roads. Now it made sense. Unknown to him, the second-years had access to a different means of transport—a subterranean railway system exclusive to them. Underground trains carried them from their dormitories to their classrooms, the market, and other key facilities around Titanfang. It kept them separate. Hidden. Kairos couldn’t help but smile to himself. He was thankful he’d decided to wear casual clothing today instead of his usual uniform. As he stepped into the dormitory, heads turned briefly, then looked away. No one stopped him. It was as if they assumed he belonged. They didn’t know each other well enough to recognize faces, and that worked in his favor. Still, Kairos’ smaller frame and the signs of his malnutrition made a few eyes linger on him suspiciously. But none of them acted. [Where are we going, boss?] the shadow wolf asked with a light, curious growl. Kairos didn’t respond. Truth was, he didn’t know either. He had a plan—vague as it was—to ask someone. A forger was likely a known figure among students, even the cold-hearted second-years. But he knew better than to speak to the wrong person. He walked a little farther, surveying the hallways and searching for someone who looked approachable. Eventually, he spotted a frail student coming toward him—a thin boy with shaggy brown hair and a hunched posture. Kairos stepped forward. "Hey. I’m looking for Melvin. Do you know him?" The frail student froze, eyes going wide. His mouth fell open. "Oh shit... You’re that guy! From the videos! Wow, I’m a big fan!" he blurted, grinning. "You’re really crazy, man! The way you used those martial arts—what are you, some kind of prodigy?" Kairos stood frozen, caught off guard by the sudden admiration. ’Am I dreaming? A second-year... calling me an idol?’ [Master is so popular. Maybe among the ladies too,] the shadow wolf teased with a mischievous tone. Kairos’ thoughts raced. Could that be the reason no one had stopped him earlier? Did they already know who he was? Was he... respected now? He knew he was getting stronger, but this was unexpected. "Thanks," he said, managing a crooked smile, the strange warmth in his chest difficult to ignore. "Please, I need to meet Melvin—or any other forger if he’s not around." The boy nodded eagerly. "Oh yeah, I can take you. Melvin’s one of the best forgers in the school. Although, he doesn’t do it full time." Kairos frowned. "He’s part-time?" [Best forger? With that kind of rusted metal in that fart’s stall?] the shadow wolf snorted with laughter. The frail boy led him up several flights of stairs until they reached a quieter part of the dormitory. Eventually, they stood before a large, wooden door, the area around it oddly silent. "Guess I’ll see you later. Big fan," the boy said before turning and leaving. Kairos faced the door and lifted his hand to knock when— The door swung open by itself. A warm scent flooded out—pancakes? The smell was divine, overwhelming his senses in a way he hadn’t experienced in years. Without hesitation, he stepped inside. The room was massive—far larger than a dorm room had any right to be. It was a blend of old-world charm and futuristic design, with glowing lights, sleek furniture, and technology he didn’t recognize. It felt like stepping into a different realm. "Welcome to my room," a voice called from a distance. Kairos turned to see a boy seated at a workbench cluttered with monitors and tools. He had short, straight green hair, a strikingly handsome face with dark circles under his eyes, and wore a mismatched outfit that looked like it had been thrown on in haste. "I’m guessing you’re Melvin," Kairos said cautiously. Melvin smiled and pointed at him. "I thought as much. When I saw the video, I couldn’t see everything. But now that you’re here... I can see it all." Kairos furrowed his brows. What was he talking about? [He can see right through us,] the shadow wolf growled, this time with a hint of fear. Kairos’ body tensed. Melvin’s next words confirmed everything. "I can see your two summons. The dragon... and the wolf. No wonder you’re so strong." Kairos’ heart skipped a beat. His secret—laid bare in a single glance. --- As the light of day began to fade, Sarah Bentley walked through a small accessory store nestled in a quiet corner of Titanfang. The shelves were filled with cozy pillows and sleeping wear, a welcome sight after months of discomfort. Her military bed was terrible. Even worse had been the barracks on Pascoloid—the war-torn planet where she had seen unspeakable horrors. Her friend... ripped in two. The memories clung to her like shadows. She grabbed a soft, cushioned pillow and left the store, her steps taking her slowly toward her dormitory. The streets were calm, painted gold by the setting sun. But just as she turned a corner, something strange caught her eye. A glow. Flickering orange light, like fire, in a dark alley ahead. She peered closer. Two boys were beating a younger girl, flames rising with every strike. It was grotesque. Brutal. Every instinct told her to turn away. But Pascoloid flashed in her mind again. Blood. Screams. Her friend’s final, broken smile. She clenched her fists. No. Not again. "Hey, bastards!" she shouted, charging forward. She delivered a powerful kick to the closest boy— And he vanished. Poof. Just like that, both boys faded into the air, like illusions. Sarah’s eyes widened in confusion. She turned to the girl— Gone. Her heart dropped. A trap. Before she could react, pain exploded through her body. A flash of movement behind her. Then a thud. Her knees gave way. Her face hit the ground. She tried to scream—but no sound came. Tried to move—but nothing responded. Her vision tilted. Something was wrong. Terribly wrong. She looked down—and saw it. Her legs—gone. Her lower body lay a few feet away, twitching. Her blood soaked the alley. A foot crushed into her back. "I’m sorry for being so brutal..." came a cold, male voice. Sarah struggled to move, to fight back. But she was powerless. All she could do was tilt her head and see her killer. A man with glasses. He knelt beside her, grinning like a collector admiring a fine specimen. Ravin Elteth. "This amount of blood should be enough to test. Thanks for the donation." Sarah’s eyes flickered. Her vision dimmed. Her final thought echoed in the hollow of her dying mind— What a pitiful way to die... ***AUTHOR’S NOTE*** Another small mass release will take place on Monday.