Chapter 3: First Steps
The morning after his awakening, Lev woke to find Rav already sitting at their small table, a steaming cup of tea in his hands. The elder's expression was thoughtful, tinged with the same worry that had marked their conversation the night before.
"Good morning," Rav said quietly. "How are you feeling? Any lingering effects from yesterday?"
Lev sat across from him, accepting the cup of tea Rav poured. The warm ceramic felt grounding against his palms. "A little tired, maybe. But I keep thinking about the Summoner's Eyeâmy core ability." He took a sip and met his guardian's gaze. "I need to understand how it actually works, Rav. What I can really do with it."
Rav was quiet for a long moment, his weathered fingers drumming against the table. When he spoke, his voice carried a weight that made Lev look up sharply. "There might be a way to test that safely."
"What do you mean?"
Rav's expression grew serious as he stood, moving to the small window that looked out over their courtyard. "Now that you've awakened, there are things I can tell you that I couldn't before. I have a bonded summon that's been passed down through seven generations. The adults in our community know of it, but we don't speak of such things to children before their awakening."
Lev's eyes widened. "You have a bonded summon?"
"The Golem," Rav said, his voice reverent. "It was created by my great-great-great-grandfather when our people first came to this land, fleeing persecution in the eastern kingdoms. He was a scholar of the old ways, a keeper of traditions that went back centuries. Each person who inherits this bond also inherits the duty to use it wisely."
"Can we... can we go see it?"
Rav nodded. "There's a clearing outside the quarter, away from prying eyes. We'll go there in an hour, when fewer people are about."
They this hour the morning in quiet preparation. Rav explained more about the golem's historyâhow it had protected their people through famines, persecutions, and the long journey to this land. How each generation had strengthened the bond, teaching the ancient guardian new ways to serve and protect.
As the sun reached its peak, they made their way out of the Gate and along a winding path that led to a secluded grove about half a mile from the city walls. The clearing was large enough for a creature of significant size, surrounded by thick trees that would hide them from casual observers.
"Are you ready?" Rav asked, moving to the center of the clearing.
Lev nodded, feeling his heart race with anticipation.
Rav closed his eyes and took several deep breaths, centering himself. When he opened them again, his expression had changedâfocused, determined, almost trance-like. Without another word, he closed his eyes again and began.
Lev could sense the flow of mana immediately. It was like standing near a waterfallâthe sheer volume of magical energy that Rav was channeling made the air itself feel heavy. The elder's breathing deepened, became rhythmic, and his entire body grew still with concentration.
Minutes passed in complete silence. Sweat began to bead on Rav's forehead, then trickle down his face, but he never moved, never opened his eyes. The magical energy continued to build, growing stronger and more focused with each passing moment.
Slowly, very slowly, a form started to coalesceâfirst as transparent outlines, then gradually becoming more solid. The process was mesmerizing, like watching someone paint with light and magic. The creature's massive frame took shape piece by piece: legs of stone and clay, a broad torso, powerful arms, and finally the distinctive glowing blue eyes.
After nearly four minutes of intense concentration, with a sound like stones grinding together, the massive figure solidified completely. Only then did Rav open his eyes, his breathing labored from the effort.
"It's done," Rav said quietly, wiping sweat from his brow. The golem was magnificent and terrifying in equal measure. Standing nearly nine feet tall, its body was crafted from clay and stone that had been shaped by generations of belief and purpose. Its eyes glowed with a warm, protective blue fire that somehow felt ancient and deeply reassuring. Despite its size and obvious power, there was something gentle about its postureâthis was a guardian, not a destroyer.
"Incredible," Lev breathed, staring at the ancient protector.
"Try using your Summoner's Eye," Rav suggested. "Focus on your eyesâchannel your mana there, like you're trying to see more clearly."
It took several attempts before Lev felt the subtle shift of mana flowing to his visual system. The sensation was strangeâa warmth behind his eyes, a slight pressure that reminded him of squinting against bright light. For a moment, nothing happened.
Then, suddenly, a translucent blue window appeared in the air before him, displaying information with crystalline clarity:
Ancient Stone Golem
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Rank: Rare
Race: Golem (Earth/Stone)
Attributes: Earth
Level: 47
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A guardian created through ancient rituals, bound by duty and sustained by faith. This golem carries the memories of seven generations of protectors and the prayers of a people who refuse to be forgotten.
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Stats:
Strength: 89
Defense: 112
Agility: 23
Intelligence: 31
Wisdom: 67
Mana: 85
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Abilities:
Guardian's Stance â Skill Rank B, Proficiency A: Creates protective barriers around designated allies
Stone Fist â Skill Rank A, Proficiency S: Devastating melee attacks that can shatter armor
Ancient Memory â Skill Rank C, Proficiency B: Can recall and share experiences from previous bonds
Enduring Form â Skill Rank A, Proficiency A: Extremely resistant to physical damage and magical disruption
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Summon Potential: A
This creature has reached near-peak development through centuries of careful bonding and shared purpose.
The Golem [https://i.imgur.com/LXp4FZV.png]
The window faded after several seconds, leaving Lev staring at the golem with new understanding. "Incredible," he breathed. "I can see everythingâits exact capabilities, its history, even its potential for growth."
Rav leaned forward, his expression intense. "What did you learn? Can you tell me what you saw?"
Lev described everything the window had shown him, watching Rav's eyes widen with each detail.
"That's... that's exactly what I see when I check my own interface," Rav said, his voice filled with awe. "The golem is level forty-sevenâI've bonded with it for twelve years, and it's grown stronger through our partnership. "But you mentioned something about summon potential?"
"There was a line at the bottom," Lev explained. "It said the summon potential was A-rank, and that it had reached near-peak development through centuries of bonding."
"Remarkable," Rav whispered. "That's information I've never been able to access. You've just provided insights that would cost dozens of gold, the price of a rare card, to obtain through professional magical analysis. And you did it in seconds."
The implications were staggering. Lev's ability wasn't just usefulâit was revolutionary. No wonder Rav had been so frightened the night before.
After Lev had finished analyzing the golem and sharing his insights, Rav approached the ancient guardian.
"Time to go home, old friend," he said softly, placing a hand on the golem's arm.
Then, without another word, Rav closed his eyes again and began the dismissal process. Lev could feel the mana flowing once moreâthe same intensive channeling as before. The golem seemed to understand, standing perfectly still as its master worked.
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The process was just as slow as the summoning had been. The golem's glowing blue eyes gradually dimmed, and its massive form began to fadeâfirst becoming translucent, then slowly dissolving into motes of magical energy. A long minute passed before the last traces disappeared completely.
Rav opened his eyes and immediately sat down hard on a nearby log, his face pale with exhaustion.
"Are you alright?" Lev asked, concerned.
Rav nodded, though it took him a moment to catch his breath. "Just drained," he said, wiping sweat from his brow. "I can feel the card is whole again inside me, but summoning takes more out of you when you're not practiced at it." He shook his head ruefully. "Used to be I could summon three, four times in a day without feeling it. Now..." He trailed off, looking down at his hands.
He sat on the log for another minute, steadying himself, then looked up at Lev with concern. "I could summon again if I absolutely had to, but it would be rough. More experienced summoners wouldn't even break a sweat for something like that." His voice carried a note of frustrationânot at Lev, but at his own limitations.
As they began the walk back toward the Gate, Rav glanced over at his charge. "What about you? Any strain or fatigue from using your ability? I want to make sure you're not pushing yourself too hard."
"A little tired behind my eyes," Lev admitted. "Like I've been reading in dim light. But nothing severe."
"Good. That suggests you can use the ability regularly without serious consequences, though you'll need to discover your limits." Rav was quiet for a moment. "Now, I know you're eager to test this ability further, but we need to discuss your goals."
Lev's expression grew serious. "I want to get stronger. I want to attend one of the magical academies in the kingdomâlearn proper combat techniques, magical theory, strategy. From there, maybe the army or even training with one of the elemental towers."
"All of that costs money," Rav observed. "Significant money."
"I know. That's why I need to earn a scholarship, either from the school itself or through army sponsorship." Lev's determination was evident in his voice. "I've been thinking about this for months. If I can prove my abilities, show that I'm worth the investmentâ"
"Then you'll need cards," Rav finished. "At least one good summon to demonstrate your capabilities." He was quiet for a moment, then sighed. "Your parents... they left an inheritance when they died. I've been saving it all these years, adding to it whenever I could manage. It should be enough for a start."
Lev felt his throat tighten with emotion. "Rav, you don't have toâ"
"One gold coin" Rav said firmly. "Enough for a decent Uncommon card, if you choose wisely. Your parents would have wanted you to have every opportunity to succeed."
The weight of sacrifice hit Lev like a physical blow. A hundred silver coins represented not just his parents' legacy, but years of Rav's careful stewardship, countless small deprivations to preserve this nest egg for his future. "Thank you. I... I don't know what to say."
"Say you'll be careful," Rav replied. "Say you'll use this gift wisely, not just for yourself but for all our people."
The walk back was quiet, both of them lost in their thoughts. By the time they reached home, the sun was high overhead, casting sharp shadows across the familiar streets of their neighborhood.
Inside their small house, Rav put the kettle on while Lev settled into his usual chair by the window. The familiar routine of tea-making filled the space with comforting soundsâthe clink of cups, the soft hiss of steam, the scrape of a chair as Rav joined him at the table.
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation settling between them. Lev stared into his tea, processing the magnitude of what Rav had just offeredânot just the money, but the faith it represented.
Finally, he looked up. "I want to go to the city today," he said, his voice steady despite the emotion still thick in his throat. "Test my ability on different cards, get a feel for what's available. I won't buy anything yetâI need to understand my options first. And I'll leave the money here, safe at home."
"Wise," Rav agreed. "But remember what we discussed about discretion. Don't reveal the full extent of your abilities to anyone."
"I'll be careful," Lev promised.
The afternoon was warm and bright as Lev made his way through the Gate's narrow streets toward the city proper. The familiar routine of ducking through the low archway still rankled, but today it felt differentâlike a challenge he would soon outgrow rather than a permanent humiliation.
The city center was bustling with activity when he arrived. Merchants called out their wares, nobles moved through the crowds with practiced arrogance, and the ever-present guards watched everything with professional interest. But now Lev saw it all through the lens of possibility rather than exclusion.
He found a modest card shop near the edge of the merchant districtânot one of the grand establishments he'd visited before his awakening, but a clean, well-organized store with a proprietor who nodded politely when he entered. The man was middle-aged with tired eyes but a genuine smile.
"Good afternoon, young man. How can I help you?"
"I awakened recently," Lev replied, keeping his voice carefully neutral. "I was hoping to look at some summoning cardsâget a better sense of what might work well with my abilities."
The merchant's expression brightened. "Congratulations! Summoners are always welcome here. I have a good selection of creature cards." He gestured toward a well-lit section of the shop. "Please, take a look around."
The summoning section contained dozens of cards, each depicting different creatures with varying levels of power and utility. Lev's eyes were drawn first to the combat summonsâwolves, birds of prey, and various magical beasts that promised both loyalty and fighting capability.
"May I examine some of these more closely?" Lev asked.
"Of course! Just be careful with them."
Lev picked up a card showing a sleek hunting cat with silver-gray fur. He focused his mana to his eyes, feeling the now-familiar warmth and pressure. The blue analysis window appeared:
Shadow Stalker
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Rank: Common
Race: Feline
Attributes: Shadow
Level: 1
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A sleek hunting cat with silver-gray fur, specialized in stealth and precision strikes. This creature excels at ambush tactics and can blend seamlessly with shadows.
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Stats:
Strength: 7
Defense: 6
Agility: 20
Intelligence: 6
Wisdom: 8
Mana: 7
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Abilities:
Precision Strike â Skill Rank D, Proficiency C: Targeted attacks that exploit weak points
Camouflage â Skill Rank E, Proficiency D: Basic blending with environment for stealth
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Summon Potential: D
This creature shows modest growth potential with focused training in stealth and combat.
Shadow Stalker [https://i.imgur.com/wrURwkO.png]
The cat showed poor growth potential and modest starting capabilities. Lev set it aside and picked up another cardâthis one showing a small earth sprite with crystalline features.
Crystal Sprite
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Rank: Common
Race: Crystal Sprite (Crystal)
Attributes: Earth, Light
Level: 1
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A small earth sprite with crystalline features, capable of redirecting light and detecting valuable materials. This creature combines utility with modest combat capabilities.
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Stats:
Strength: 7
Defense: 10
Agility: 11
Intelligence: 16
Wisdom: 16
Mana: 19
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Abilities:
Crystal Shard â Skill Rank C, Proficiency B: Launches small crystal projectiles
Light Reflection â Skill Rank D, Proficiency C: Creates distracting light patterns
Mineral Sense â Skill Rank C, Proficiency C: Detects valuable materials nearby
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Summon Potential: C
This creature shows solid growth potential with balanced utility and combat abilities.
Crystal Sprite [https://i.imgur.com/fxqFYRY.png]
This was more impressiveâbetter stats for its rank, more versatile abilities, and solid growth potential. The price tag reflected its quality: 50 silvers.
He continued examining cards, building a mental catalog. A fire salamander with healing warmth abilities, a wind hawk specialized in reconnaissance, an earth badger built for tunneling and defense.
After analyzing 12 card, Lev began to feel the strain. The warmth behind his eyes had intensified into a noticeable ache, and he could sense that continuing much further on the spot would be unwise.
"Thank you for letting me look," he told the merchant. "I need to consider my options carefully."
"Of course! Take your time. Choosing your first card is important."
Lev left the shop and made his way to one other establishmentâa smaller store that specialized in utility creatures rather than combat summons. Here he found cards depicting messenger birds, pack animals, and various magical pets designed to make daily life easier.
The patterns he'd observed continued: most cards showed potential ratings between D and C, with a few reaching B or E. The golem's A-rank potential was clearly exceptional. All unbonded cards started at level 1, regardless of their previous history.
After examining eight more cards at the second shop, Lev's headache had intensified to the point where he knew he needed to stop. His eyes were watering slightly, and the familiar ache behind them had become genuinely uncomfortable.
As he made his way back toward the Gate, he reflected on what he'd learned. His Summoner's Eye was incredibly valuableâit provided comprehensive information that would normally require expensive professional analysis. The potential ratings seemed to follow a clear hierarchy, with most creatures falling into the C-D range, fewer reaching B and E, and A being truly exceptional.
The card market itself was more complex than he'd initially realized. Different shops catered to different needs and budgets, and there was a wide range of quality even within the same rank category. His hundred silver coins would give him decent options in the Uncommon range, but he'd need to choose carefully to get the best value.
The sun was beginning to dip toward the horizon as he approached the Gate, his mind still processing everything he'd learned. The day had been educational, if exhausting. Tomorrow, he could begin making more concrete plans about which card to purchase and how to begin preparing for academy applications.
As Lev passed through the low archway into the Gate, the familiar humiliation of having to duck his head felt different than it had that morning. The stone seemed less oppressive, more like a temporary obstacle than a permanent reminder of his place. His mind was still processing everything he'd learned about his Summoner's Eyeâits incredible value, its dangerous implications, and the careful path he'd need to navigate moving forward.
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows between the buildings as he made his way through the narrow streets toward home. Most people were inside, preparing evening meals or settling in after their day's work. The quiet gave him space to think, to plan how he would approach the decision of which card to purchase with his precious gold coin.
He was almost to his house when a voice called out behind him.
"Lev ?!"