CHAPTER 197: CHAPTER 197 : SPIRIT SUMMONING (1)

The warp gate loomed before them, a colossal arch carved from obsidian stone and etched with glowing runes that pulsed like beating hearts.

The gate’s surface shimmered like liquid starlight, swirling with power that promised transport to a world beyond imagination.

Dozens of students and guests lined up, each one scrutinized by strict academy guards and their enchanted glyphs.

Lily and Alyssa approached calmly. The scanning runes whirled around them, searching every corner of their bodies for deception or hidden artifacts.

After a moment, a clear chime rang out—clearance granted.

Alyssa reached into her coat and revealed a platinum token, its edges burning with authority. The guards stiffened immediately, bowing their heads.

The sigil of Headmaster Aldric Verlane was carved upon it, and with that, no further questions were asked. The path was theirs.

As they reached the edge of the shimmering gate, Alyssa glanced sideways. Her tone turned firm, though her lips curved in a playful smile.

"You remember what I told you, right?"

Lily gave her a sideways look, cheeks puffed slightly in annoyance.

"Yes, yes... you’ve repeated it so many times I could recite it in my sleep." She then crossed her arms and, with mock dramatics, said, "I would never mention that my brother is Lucifer Morningstar, whose real identity is Alex Dragonheart, and that he’s still alive.

If someone asks me about him, I have to act sad—like he’s gone."

Alyssa’s stern look melted into a grin.

"That’s my girl. Confident as always... you really are the queen of acting."

Lily let out a long sigh. Her voice quieted, carrying a weight it rarely held.

"But tell me... why is my brother acting like he’s dead? Why hide his identity? Every time I ask him, he turns serious and says I don’t need to know—that it’s too complicated."

Alyssa studied her in silence, her thoughts kept hidden.

’He doesn’t want her to know the truth... doesn’t want her to hate the people who abandoned him. She’s still too young, too gentle for that kind of bitterness and hatred. And if the cult knew he lived, they would never leave him alone because of his talent.’

At last Alyssa smiled, though her eyes dimmed with unspoken truths.

"Even I don’t have the right to tell you. It’s up to your brother. When the time is right, he will."

Lily puffed her cheeks, trying to look serious.

"Don’t treat me like a child. I’m very mature, you know."

"Of course you are," Alyssa replied warmly, brushing her hair back.

Together, they stepped into the warp gate. A flood of light engulfed them, swallowing their figures as they vanished.

---

Meanwhile, inside Special Class 1-A, Selena Vega closed her lecture notes. The classroom stirred with the rustle of chairs as students prepared to leave. Selena herself was ready to step out when a voice broke through the quiet.

"Miss, can I ask you a question?"

She turned, her gaze settling on the golden-haired boy who stood with effortless grace.

His handsome features caught the attention of every student present, as though the sunlight bent toward him. Ethan’s presence commanded the room without him trying.

"Of course," Selena said, folding her arms. "Do you have any doubts about the lecture?"

Ethan shook his head lightly.

"No, Miss. I don’t have doubts about the lecture itself."

Her lips curved.

"Then what is it?"

"The test we just took," Ethan began, his voice steady. "I placed second. I want to know who was the student that ranked first... and why his identity is being kept secret."

A ripple of surprise spread through the class. Another boy with blond hair and pointed ears rose sharply.

"Yes, Miss! We deserve to know. Why is the academy giving someone special treatment? Is he even really one of us?"

Selena inhaled deeply, suppressing her sigh.

’I knew it would come to this.’

Facing the class, her tone turned formal.

"All I can tell you is this: he is a student at the academy. Beyond that, I cannot reveal anything. The information regarding him is restricted. Only Headmaster Aldric has the authority to disclose it."

A silence heavier than steel fell over the room. The thought that such an individual moved among them unseen was both unsettling and awe-inspiring. Charlotte and Seraphina exchanged puzzled looks with Ava, whispers catching in their throats.

Ava’s eyes widened as a realization struck her. She whispered under her breath, almost unconsciously,

"Could it be him...?"

Lilith Noctis Bloodrose, however, simply leaned back in her chair, her crimson eyes gleaming faintly with amusement. The vampire princess smiled, as though none of this was news to her.

Selena clapped her hands together, shattering the tension.

"Enough. It’s time for your next class. Today is a big day—you will summon your first spirit from the Spirit Realm. A companion who will remain by your side for life."

Excitement erupted like wildfire. Murmurs and eager chatter filled the room, nervous energy transforming into pure joy. Every face brightened as students imagined what kind of spirit would choose them.

Chairs scraped, boots echoed, and the cadets surged out in waves, their destination set: the Spirit Garden, a tranquil expanse northwest of the Central Spire.

Rumors described shimmering mana pools flowing like rivers of light, ethereal blossoms drifting on.

As they filed out, Ethan remained thoughtful, his brow furrowed.

’Who was that student? And why hide him?’

Seraphina’s gentle voice pulled him from his thoughts.

"Let’s go. Stop overthinking. Maybe we’ll find out in time."

He gave her a faint nod, rising from his seat. Just as he was about to leave, Selena’s voice stopped him.

"Ethan—wait. I have something for you."

The class froze. Charlotte, Alden, and Ava turned, curiosity sparking in their eyes. Even Seraphina tilted her head, intrigued.

Ethan approached, a polite smile on his face. Selena reached into her storage ring, and with a faint shimmer, pulled out a long, rectangular box. It was large enough to carry a weapon, though Ethan didn’t suspect it at first.

She held it out.

"Here. Open it—you’ll like it."

Puzzled, Ethan accepted the box. Its weight pressed heavily into his arms, and with growing curiosity, he unlatched it.

The moment the lid opened, his breath caught in his throat. His eyes widened.

Inside rested a blade he knew better than his own heartbeat. The Celestial Sunblade.

His hand trembled as he stared at it—the divine weapon he had lost during the kidnapping incident. The sword that had refused his calls ever since, no matter how desperately he summoned it. And yet, here it was, gleaming softly in the light, as if it had never left his side.

His voice broke the silence.

"How...?"

"I don’t know," Selena admitted gently.

"Headmaster Aldric found it and entrusted me to return it to you. So I did."

Ethan bowed his head, gratitude in his tone.

"Thank you, Miss. Please extend my thanks to the Headmaster as well."

"I will," she promised with a smile.

Across the room, Alden clicked his tongue.

"Tch. Now he has a divine weapon too... the gap just keeps growing."

A voice echoed in his mind, deep and serpentine.

’Do not worry. I am crafting a divine weapon for you as well. It is almost ready. Be patient just a little longer.’

Alden’s eyes lit up.

’Hurry it up. I can’t wait to wield it.’

Before his thoughts drifted too far, Charlotte smacked him lightly on the back of the head.

"What are you daydreaming about? Let’s go."

Then separately, they left the classroom.

Alone now, Selena released a heavy sigh. Her fingers brushed the air where the box had been.

"I did as you told me, Alex. But why... why would you give back the Celestial Sunblade, the legendary sword of myths itself?"

Days had passed since Alex instructed her to return it, yet she had hesitated. She had thought, ’As greedy as Alex is, surely he’ll regret giving this up. He liked the sword far too much.’ For a while, she kept it close, half-expecting him to demand it back. But he never did.

Shaking her head, she whispered,

"It’s impossible to figure out what’s going on in that brat’s head. Best not to try."

---

Elsewhere, Lily walked through the sprawling corridors of Zenith Academy, Alyssa beside her. Her eyes widened at every sight.

Floating islands suspended in the sky, bridges of crystal light connecting spires, magical beasts soaring gracefully overhead, and students proudly wearing the academy’s crest as they hurried to their classes.

Alyssa, seeing the expression on her face, said,

"It’s amazing, isn’t it?"

Lily’s voice trembled with awe.

"This isn’t amazing—it’s divine."

Alyssa chuckled, watching her expression soften with wonder.

"It’s the world’s number one academy for a reason. The entrance exam is considered the hardest in the entire world for a reason, after all."

Lily nodded slowly, then looked at Alyssa.

"How do you know the Headmaster personally?"

Alyssa’s smile turned nostalgic.

"Believe it or not, for a short while I was also an instructor here. Just like my dear Selena. But for personal reasons, I had to leave."

They continued walking, their footsteps echoing through the gleaming halls until finally, they reached the grand double doors of the Headmaster’s office.

------

A/N:

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