Drifting Embers
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[MGM]: 67 - Golden Moon
🕑 Added 2025-03-23 14:30:05 +0000 UTCDespite their outward reluctance, the trio didn't object to my insistence any further and started to move.
"Wait," Tania suddenly cried. "Weren't you going to get new summons?"
Hm? My eyes widened slightly as I realized that, lost in our conversation, we had nearly forgotten the main task.
"Yes, thank you for reminding me, Tania," I said with a smile.
"Do we need to, though?" Pyra groused, staring at me. "I mean, we’re plenty enough as we are. Why do we even need to stretch this group any further?"
I shook my head and sighed. "Pyra, we've discussed this before," I said. "It's not about expanding the group; it's about helping people who might be trapped. You should understand that better than anyone."
Though the Ifrit hadn't experienced the perpetual dark like Amara had, the disquieting thought was enough to earn some points of sympathy. As much as I understood her reluctance—the fear of inevitably receiving less attention—I also understood the weight of responsibilities.
"Right," Pyra said, nodding tersely. Then, pausing to glance at Amara, she continued, "But you can't do the summoning here."
I raised a brow, curious. "Why?"
"Imagine what Baron would think if he saw you enter with three women and leave with five."
I frowned, considering her words.
"We have to do it outside, where we can spin that lookout theory again," Pyra added.
That was certainly a valid point, I realized, but going outside just to perform the summoning sounded cumbersome to me. I contemplated for several seconds before looking at Amara and asking, "Can you sneak them out of here?"
"Hum," Amara said, straightening her spine. "I mean, I can get them out without anyone seeing us, but then again, why bother?"
I offered a curious look, urging her to elaborate.
Amara shrugged and said, "Why do you need to care what the Baron thinks? The strong need not be mindful of those weaker than them."
It was only for the briefest of moments, but her words ignited something within me. A swell of vague yet empowering emotions rose from deep inside, and I held my head higher. When I looked at the Vampire again, I caught a twinkle in her eyes, a look I remembered from that day in the tavern. It was a look of understanding, adoration, but also—as I suddenly realized—lust.
My breath quickened slightly, my heart picking up pace. I took in her beautiful visage—pale but supple cheeks and faint red lips. I swore I could see them darkening a touch further, growing crimson—bold and tantalizing.
And in that moment, I couldn't help but wonder—would she like the taste of my blood more now?
"Mark," Tania said. "What are you thinking about?"
"Huh?" I paused, broken out of my stupor, and glanced back at Amara to find her with arms crossed and an impassive look.
"Nothing," I said, shaking my head.
"But Amara is right," I added. "We don't have to worry about how others perceive us. It doesn't matter. We're going to make the summon here."
Though Pyra didn't seem approving of our decision, and Tania remained indifferent, it was Amara who appeared oddly excited despite her attempts to appear calm. I chalked it up to the weird vampire habits for the moment and decided to proceed with the summoning.
Summoning, being one of my talents, consumed Mana like any other skill. Under normal circumstances, I would’ve had enough to perform only a single summon at a time. But thanks to my Dragon Heart, fully integrated with my body as it was, I could summon repeatedly and barely feel the sting. It also helped that my Intelligence attribute was my second highest, sitting at over 1000.
I stood to the right of the bed, where the shadows intersected, further darkening the corner. Then I focused on the feeling within me—a quiet buzz, oddly reminiscent of someone calling—and brought it forth.
Mana surged through my veins, like an enraged river eager to break free and alter the very fabric of reality. I held it under control, allowing my talent to guide the flow.
Soft undulations spread before me, expanding from the palm of my hand and outward. It was like ripples on water—except there was no water, only space.
The fabric contorted, drawing inwards and growing denser, until finally, a hole appeared. Then, without warning, the space gave way, and the hole expanded, occupying a sizable portion of the wall.
I stumbled back, my companions a step behind me. We waited with bated breath, apprehension mingling with quiet anticipation.
Then suddenly, I saw the change.
From within the portal, a soft golden light bloomed, growing in intensity with each passing moment until it engulfed the entire opening, spilling into the room. Between the golden corona, a seed of darkness took shape.
And then, without warning, a figure shot forth.
I had mere moments to react as a figure suddenly manifested before me. But I needn't have worried—a fair hand shot out, grasping the wrist that had lunged for my throat. Still, the shock of the sudden movement caused me to stumble backward. It was only my preternatural balance, born from my high Perception, that saved me from falling.
A low growl echoed through the room. I quickly steadied myself and looked ahead at the assailant. She was as beautiful as I had come to expect from my summons. Silken strands of golden hair cascaded down her back, though unlike Pyra's, hers reached only to the middle. Bright amber eyes locked onto mine, their gaze layered with complex yet primal thoughts. Her skin was a warm olive tan, creating a striking contrast to her hair, and her lips were soft, full, and pink.
Yet it wasn't her beauty that held my attention—though one could argue those features were a form of allure. No, what truly caught my eyes were her tail and ears. Because, as it turned out, ears could be furry too.
"Calm down, hothead," Amara's voice rang out, soft and soothing. It was almost hypnotic in its appeal. Yet the woman only growled in response, baring her teeth. Sharp, fang-like—though distinct from Amara's—her teeth were larger, more powerful. Beastial. They looked built for tearing flesh apart rather than merely puncturing.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
You have summoned Luna, the Twilight Stalker (A-Rank).
You have permanently bonded with your summon.
To raise your summon’s attributes, please increase your Spirit.
"Who are you? And why am I so weak?" Luna grumbled, her voice low and rough as her piercing gaze flicked between Amara and me.
Her questions were standard by now, so much so that I briefly considered preparing a speech specifically for moments like this—something efficient, to cut down on misunderstandings.
"Calm down first, Luna," I said firmly. "Then we can talk."
"You know my name?" Luna asked, pausing as she assessed me calmly.
I offered a nod, and she relaxed, easing back.
Amara released her wrist but didn’t move from her position. We exchanged a glance before I began explaining everything to Luna.
I told her about the Summoning, about Amara, and the others. At first, she seemed confused, but when the realization of her weakened state sank in, the weight of reality visibly hit her. Her posture shifted, her demeanor sobered, and she began to regard her fellow summons differently.
Then, flashing a soft grin, she turned to me and said, "Then you're my boss, right?"
I blinked, tilting my head slightly. "What? No." I shook my head and added, "We're not playing master and servant here, Luna. I’m not particularly fond of forcing others to do my bidding."
I genuinely found the idea repulsive. What I didn’t mention was that this principle applied only to my loved ones. Others? Well, that depended. I wasn't above immoral choices if it meant achieving my goals and keeping my family safe.
"Whatever you say," she said with a shrug. "Boss."
I sighed, already sensing the futility of reasoning with her.
"This is becoming quite the diverse collection," Pyra noted dryly. "A vampire, a dwarf, and an Ifrit. And now we even have a Wolfkin."
"Wolfkin?" I asked.
"Yeah," Pyra replied, shrugging. "That's what she is. Isn't that right, Luna?"
"Mm-hmm." Luna nodded.
Once again, I was left baffled by the absurdity of the Celestial Archive. Amara’s origins I could at least comprehend, and even Tania’s. But an Ifrit? That had already been unfamiliar. And now a Wolfkin was supposed to be my summon? I had no idea what that even meant.
I regarded Luna carefully, taking note of her tail and ears. They too were golden in color. Her ears, nearly blending with her hair, were entirely golden, while her tail was bushy and soft, with a striking white mark encircling its tip. I could almost imagine the texture—how the fur might feel against my face.
I shook my head sharply to banish the thought, only to find the Wolfkin staring back at me, her amber eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Do you want something, boss?" she asked, her voice laced with amusement.
I realized she must have caught me staring at her tail and quickly shook my head, perhaps a little too fervently.
"Nope."
"You sure?"
"Absolutely." I nodded tersely.
Luna smirked but let it go, turning her attention back to Amara. I shifted uneasily, only to catch Pyra’s intense gaze fixed on me. Her expression was unreadable.
Clearing my throat, I quickly spoke up. "Well then, I think it’s time for the next summon."
Apologies for not updating yesterday, but my last paper had to be taken care of, and there has yet to come a day when I didn't come down with a pounding headache right after.
Case in point, I wasn't in good enough mental state to write anything.
So, as a compensation, two chapters today. Enjoy!
