Once everyone had left the gathering hall, Liliya quietly slipped into Kai’s room.

  She stood above him, watching him sleep. His breathing was calm, his expression peaceful, almost too peaceful for someone so dangerous.

  Releasing her spirit sense, she scanned his body, trying to understand what was happening to him.

  His body was absorbing ambient mana like a dry sponge, pulling in everything it could. His rune-covered heart glowed faintly, guiding the mana into his three magic circles. Each one spun slowly, layered behind the other, and at their center shimmered a silver tear in space, the entrance to Kai’s inner world.

  Curious, Liliya tried to peer inside, but a powerful force repelled her, slamming into her mind and leaving her with a sharp headache.

  She winced, clutching her head. “Is there no way to help him?” she whispered.

  Looking at him now, sleeping so soundly, it was hard to believe he was anything but human. Yet she knew better.

  She sat beside him, her gaze lingering on his face. Her heart began to race, a flicker of anxiety rising in her chest.

  What is this feeling? She turned her eyes to the floor and took a few deep breaths. Slowly, her heartbeat calmed.

  Let’s test it then. The researcher in her stirred, eager to understand this strange reaction.

  She looked at him again. Her heart raced. Her cheeks flushed.

  Hmm… So, Zara was right? I do like him… like that? She jumped up from the bed, startled by the realization.

  “No,” she whispered. “He’s too young… too complicated. These feelings won’t help either of us.”

  Her resolve grew firmer. If I ever want to take revenge on my damned family, I need to grow stronger. Arch Magus will only be the first step. Until then… I’ll keep my feelings to myself.

  She left his room with a clearer mind and a stronger will. One day, when her past was behind her and her goals fulfilled, only then would she tell him how she felt.

  A few moments later, as she returned to the main hall, Nerva and the others strode in.

  Liliya exhaled in relief. Luckily, they didn’t see me coming from his room.

  ***

  Lisa waved to Liliya as Umbra and Scry gently guided her toward Kai’s room.

  “Did you see Zara and Xarion anywhere?” Nerva asked, stepping into the hallway.

  Liliya shook her head. “No, I’ve been in my room for a while.”

  Nerva sighed. “Lucius, let’s get some rest. I’ll need to prepare a report for Theodor soon.”

  Lucius nodded and followed Nerva down the corridor.

  Liliya sat at one of the tables, pulling out her grimoire. She began scribbling down a new spell, something she had thought of during their last mission. A secret weapon, just for her.

  ***

  Inside Kai’s room. Lisa sat beside Kai, gently caressing his face.

  “He’s really asleep… He must be exhausted,” she whispered with a warm smile.

  “I told you,” Scry said, sitting down beside her, scanning Kai’s body.

  “Still no changes.” He sent a message to Umbra.

  Umbra nodded from the corner. “He feels the same as before. But… I still worry. We know this is part of his ability, but it’s hard not to fear something might go wrong.”

  “Let’s go. No use in watching over him.” Scry messaged as he hovered up off the bed.

  “We’ve got time until dinner. What do you say we help you get a spirit of your own?”

  Lisa’s eyes lit up. “Really? Yes! I want to surprise brother when he wakes up!”

  Umbra smiled softly. “Then let’s go.”

  The three of them quietly left Kai’s room, leaving him to rest, his body still absorbing mana, his soul still digesting the memories of the absorbed souls.

  ***

  “Hey Liliya, wanna come see which spirit Lisa can summon?” Scry called out, floating straight toward her.

  Liliya quickly snapped her grimoire shut, startled.

  “Hiding spells from me, huh?” Scry winked.

  “It’s a secret,” she said with a sly smile. “And it’s not finished yet, but sure, I’d love to see this.”

  Umbra led Lisa out to the backyard behind the cabin, with Liliya and Scry following close behind.

  Once there, Scry pulled out a parchment and began drawing a magic circle, inscribing it with runes written in the ancient spirit tongue.

  Liliya leaned in, squinting at the symbols. “What are you doing exactly?”

  “You won’t understand it even if you look,” Scry said with a smug grin.

  Liliya frowned. “Rude.”

  Scry ignored her and turned to Lisa. “Here, Lisa. Push your mana into this circle and read the spell aloud. You do have a core, right?”

  He paused, suddenly realizing he hadn’t checked.

  “I do!” Lisa beamed. “Lisa made her core when she was six. Mother was very proud of Lisa.”

  Scry blinked. “Wow. A core at six? That’s no small feat.”

  “Wait,” Liliya interrupted, her teacher instincts kicking in. “Before she summons anything, let me test her elemental affinity.”

  “Affinity doesn’t matter if she’s going to be a Spirit Summoner,” Scry argued.

  “It matters,” Liliya countered. “Who says she can’t be a Magus too? Being able to fight on your own is better than relying solely on spirits.”

  Scry grumbled. “Hmm… you’re not wrong. Fine. Lisa, do what she says.”

  “Mighty spirit, wrong again,” Umbra teased, her tail flicking with amusement.

  Scry growled but held his tongue.

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  “Alright, Lisa,” Liliya said, pulling out a small, colorless orb. “This is a modern affinity tester. Much faster than the old methods. Just push your mana into it. It’ll glow with the color of your elemental affinity. The brighter the glow, the stronger the connection. If you have more than one element, multiple colors will appear.”

  Lisa took the orb and focused. Slowly, she pushed her mana into it.

  The orb began to glow a deep, earthen yellow. The light intensified until it shone like a miniature sun.

  “Nice!” Liliya grinned. “Strong earth affinity. Now push a little more. Let’s see if there’s anything else.”

  Lisa nodded and let her mana flow further. The yellow light pulsed once more, then dimmed. The orb grew cold, its color shifting to a deep, swirling black. A cold, dark light pulsed within it before slowly fading.

  “Whoa,” Liliya whispered. “Dual affinity, earth and darkness. That’s a rare and powerful combination. Well done, Lisa!”

  Umbra clapped. “Walking in your big sister’s footsteps. I’m proud of you, Lisa. I’ll teach you all kinds of fun ways to use dark mana. We’re going to have so much fun.”

  Lisa handed the orb back to Liliya, her smile faltering. “Is Lisa a bad girl? That black light… it felt cold and heavy.”

  “Nonsense,” Scry said, his tone unusually serious. “Every element is neutral. It’s what you do with it that matters.”

  “He’s right,” Liliya added, ruffling Lisa’s hair. “Don’t think such silly things.”

  Lisa’s smile returned. “So… I can call for my spirit friend now?”

  “Yes,” Scry said, handing her the parchment. “Pour your mana into the circle. The spell will come to you, just speak it aloud.”

  Lisa nodded, holding the parchment with both hands. She closed her eyes, focused, and channeled her mana into the circle.

  The parchment glowed as she spoke the spell in the spirit tongue; it floated from her hands and dissolved into shimmering light. An ethereal portal formed in the air, swirling with soft colors and gentle energy.

  “Now, Lisa,” Scry said, his voice hushed with anticipation. “Speak your wish. If any spirit likes you… they’ll come.”

  He held his breath, ready to summon one himself if none answered. But deep down, he hoped, no, believed, that someone would.

  ***

  Lisa spoke in Spirit Tongue, her voice soft but clear. Scry hovered beside her, translating for Liliya and Umbra.

  “She really learned this fast,” he said, visibly moved. “Her time with Sparky did her good.”

  He paused, his voice quieter now. “She asked for someone to be her friend… someone who would never leave her. She asked not to be lonely again… and to be strong enough to protect the ones she loves.”

  He sighed, emotion thick in his voice. “That little girl’s been through more than most adults ever will.”

  “To speak Spirit Tongue so fluently, so quickly…” Liliya whispered, eyes wide with awe. “She’s a once-in-a-generation prodigy. The Sixth Tower would take her in without hesitation. I want to take her with me.”

  “Calm down, mage girl,” Umbra said with a smirk. “You’d better check with the King first.”

  Liliya paled slightly. She had a good relationship with Theodor, but she knew how protective he was of his family.

  “I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it,” she muttered, then turned her attention back to the shimmering portal.

  Suddenly, the portal flickered and expanded. Three lights emerged, one black, one dark yellow, and one glowing purple.

  The lights floated high into the air, swirling gently before descending toward Lisa. They hovered before her, then slowly dimmed, revealing their forms one by one.

  The first was a dark-scaled wyrm, its serpentine body sleek and black, with two large, glowing blue horns curling from its head. It looked like a serpent with a dragon’s visage. It bowed its head and spoke in Spirit Tongue.

  Lisa smiled and responded fluently.

  “It says,” Scry translated, “that it is willing to serve and protect the one who touched its ancient heart. Spirit wyrms are always so formal.” He chuckled. “Classic.”

  The second light faded, revealing a small, dark yellow turtle. Its shell was deep brown, and from it sprouted a tiny, ancient-looking tree. The turtle spoke in a calm, gentle voice.

  “I heard your call,” it said in human tongue. “And I would be honored to be your partner. What do you say?”

  Lisa clapped her hands, beaming. “I agree! You two are so cute! Hehe!”

  Then the final light dimmed, revealing a miniature lion. Its body was a deep violet, and its mane shimmered with a fiery, royal purple glow. It stepped forward proudly.

  “This one is willing to take you into his pack,” the lion said in a regal tone. “What do you say?”

  “What do you think you’re doing?” Scry snapped, glaring at the lion. “She’s not entering a one-sided contract, you fool.”

  “Worth a shot,” the lion muttered sheepishly. “I’m willing to serve, Lord. Please don’t punish me.”

  “‘Lord,’ my ass,” Scry grumbled. “Be a good cat and accept her contract properly.”

  The lion bowed his head and glowed with a soft light as the contract settled over him. The other two spirits followed, each forming a bond with Lisa, creating small tattoos on her back that represented their connection.

  The contracts were sealed. From that moment on, the three spirits would be bound to Lisa, loyal, protective, and eternal. Should they ever betray her, their souls would be shattered and returned to the source.

  Lisa cheered and hugged all three of them tightly. “We’re a family now, okay? No fighting and always be honest with me. Deal?”

  The spirits nodded in unison.

  “Now then,” she said, eyes sparkling, “do you have names?”

  The lion stepped forward first. “I am the mighty Rufus!”

  Lisa giggled and patted his head. “Ruffy! Nice to meet you!”

  “It’s Rufus,” he corrected, but her smile melted his resistance. “But… Ruffy is fine.”

  The turtle floated up next. “Call me whatever you wish.”

  “Hmmm… You’ll be Shelly!” Lisa declared.

  “I never had a name before,” the turtle said, bowing. “I will cherish it forever. Thank you.”

  He floated to her left shoulder, nestling comfortably. The lion took the right.

  Finally, Lisa turned to the wyrm. “Can you speak the human tongue?”

  The wyrm nodded. “I can, though I prefer not to. My name is Elunir Falomax, at your service, Friend of Spirits.”

  Lisa’s eyes widened. “Wow, you sound so strong! Can I call you Max?”

  “I don’t mind,” he replied, just as he began to float toward her head, until he spotted Scry.

  “Lord Scryus… is that truly you? We thought you had perished in the war. The Spirit King searched for you for a million years before falling into slumber.”

  Scry blinked. “Sorry, I don’t remember you. My memory isn’t what it used to be.”

  Elunir bowed his head. “Forgive me. I’m just glad you’re alive.”

  He coiled gently atop Lisa’s head and closed his eyes.

  “That was amazing,” Liliya said, giving Lisa a thumbs-up. “I’ve never seen someone summon three spirits at once. You did great!”

  She leaned in, inspecting the spirits with scholarly fascination.

  “So… how strong are they?” Umbra asked, glancing at Scry, who was still lost in thought.

  “Let’s see…” Scry floated closer, pushing down his thoughts. The lion shivered under his gaze, while the other two remained still.

  “The lion is a Mid Spirit. The turtle and the wyrm are High Spirits. She’ll be able to unlock more of their power as she grows. The lion will be more useful early on, though.”

  The lion bowed, humbled.

  “What element is he?” Liliya asked, curious. “I’ve never seen a purple mana light.”

  “He’s a fire spirit, but his mana has merged with darkness,” Scry explained. “A dual-element spirit, dark and fire. If he ever reaches High Spirit rank, he’ll be formidable.”

  Scry turned to Lisa. “So, what do you think? Are you satisfied?”

  “I’m so happy!” Lisa beamed. “They’re all so cute and small!”

  “You’ll need to learn how to care for them properly,” Scry said. “For now, just get to know them. Feed them some of your mana. We’ll be nearby.”

  He floated toward the shade of a tree and settled down to rest.

  Umbra and Liliya followed, smiling. The sight of Lisa surrounded by her new companions was truly magical.

  Lisa sat them in a neat line, speaking to them in Spirit Tongue as she gently fed them her mana. The three spirits glowed faintly, their bond with her deepening as they basked in her warmth.

  ?

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