Chapter 8: First Summoning
Lev stumbled through the door of their small apartment, exhaustion weighing on him like a physical burden. The bonding process had drained more energy than he'd anticipated, leaving his limbs heavy and his mind foggy. The familiar warmth of homeâthe smell of Rav's evening tea, the soft glow of their reading lamp, the comfortable disorder of books and magical suppliesâfelt like a gentle embrace after the intensity of Master Toren's shop.
Rav looked up from his position at their small wooden table, where he'd been reviewing community correspondence by lamplight. His weathered face immediately showed concern as he took in Lev's appearance.
"Rough day?" Rav asked, setting down his quill. "You look like you've been wrestling with a fire elemental."
"Something like that," Lev replied, collapsing into the chair across from his mentor. He rolled up his left sleeve and pulled it higher, revealing the new marking around his upper arm near his shoulder. The concentric circles were clearly visible in the warm lightâdeep azure blue on the outside, with darker inner circles containing subtle sword symbols and shadow patterns that seemed to shift slightly as Rav examined them.
Rav's eyebrows rose as he studied the bonding mark. "That's an interesting pattern," he said quietly, his tone carefully neutral. "I can see sword markings and shadow elements. What kind of creature did you bond with?"
Lev couldn't contain his excitement any longer. "Rav, it has S-rank potential! S-rank! I've never even heard of anything like that before. The growth possibilities are incredible!"
Rav blinked, setting down his tea cup with deliberate care. "S-rank potential?" He leaned forward, studying Lev's face intently. "That's beyond anything you've told me about before. What does it mean?"
"It means this creature can grow beyond anything I've seen," Lev said, his words tumbling over each other in his enthusiasm. "The highest potential I've encountered so far was A-rank, and this is even beyond that. The creature should be able to learn and adapt at unprecedented rates. It's a skeleton warrior with incredible abilities."
Rav's expression shifted as he processed this information. "A skeleton warrior," he repeated slowly. "That would explain the shadow patterns in your bonding mark." His tone grew more thoughtful. "And you say it has these exceptional learning capabilities?"
Lev nodded eagerly and began describing the bonding experienceâthe profound loneliness he'd sensed, the ancient intelligence behind those azure flames, the genuine desire for companionship and purpose. He explained the creature's abilities: masterful swordplay, the ability to teleport through shadows, and blade attacks infused with dark energy.
As he spoke, Rav's expression gradually shifted from surprise to thoughtful interest. When Lev finished, Rav was quiet for a long moment.
"The connection you describe," Rav said finally, "that speaks to something profound. And if this creature truly is undead..." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "In our cultural traditions, undead aren't necessarily viewed as evilâthey're seen as beings caught between states, often drawn to those who can offer them purpose or peace."
"Really?" Lev felt a surge of relief. He'd been worried about how his choice would be received, especially given the general unease many people felt around undead creatures.
"Oh yes," Rav nodded, warming to the subject. "Among our people, undead summons have historically been used as guardiansâprotectors who could watch over families and communities without need for rest or sustenance. They're associated with catching the 'bad eye,' deflecting misfortune and negative attention away from their bonded partners. Not necessarily a bad omen at all, though some outsiders might view it that way."
The tension in Lev's shoulders began to ease. "I was afraid I'd made a mistake. The loneliness I felt from it... it seemed so real, so profound."
"That authenticity is likely why the bonding was successful," Rav said. "But now I have to ask the practical questionâhow much did this cost you?"
Lev winced. "Ninety silver."
Rav nodded thoughtfully. "Ninety silver for an uncommon summon? That's actually quite reasonableâmost uncommon cards cost significantly more. That leaves you with..."
"Ten silver for everything else before the academy exam," Lev said, his excitement returning. "But Rav, this is exactly what I needed. An uncommon summon with S-rank potentialâthis gives me a much better chance at academy success than settling for a common card. The connection we made during bonding... it felt right."
Rav was quiet for a long moment, processing this information. "S-rank potential," he murmured. "That's beyond anything I've heard of. Legendary potential indeed." His expression grew more serious. "I can understand why you made this choice, but it does put pressure on your remaining preparation time. You'll need to be very strategic about how you use those ten silver pieces." He leaned forward. "Choose your next moves very wisely, Lev. I won't tell you what to doâfirst because I'm not a warrior myself, even with my golem, and second because you need to be in harmony with your own choices. But I'll always give you advice when you need it."
"I know ten silver isn't much," Lev said, "but considering what I gotâan uncommon summon with S-rank potentialâthis is actually better than I could have hoped for. The connection we made during bonding... it felt right."
"Good choices often require practical support," Rav said with a slight smile. "But we'll work with what we have. You look exhaustedâyou should rest. Tomorrow, show me your summon and we'll plan accordingly. The creature will need training just as much as you will."
Lev nodded gratefully. The combination of physical exhaustion and emotional relief made his eyelids heavy. "Thank you for understanding. I was worried you'd think I was being reckless."
"Every significant choice carries risk," Rav replied. "The question is whether the potential rewards justify that risk. With S-rank learning ability, the potential is certainly there. Now restâtomorrow begins your real education as a summoner."
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The next morning arrived with the gray light of early dawn filtering through their small window. Lev's internal clock woke him at his usual training time, though his body protested the movement more than usual. The bonding process had left him sore in ways he hadn't expected, as if his magical core was still adjusting to its new resident.
He stretched carefully, working out the stiffness, then examined the marking on his upper arm in the morning light. The concentric circles seemed more vivid now, the azure blue almost glowing with inner light. The sword symbols within the inner circles appeared more defined, and he could swear the shadow patterns had shifted slightly overnight.
After completing his morning routineâa shorter version of his usual exercises, given his lingering fatigueâhe splashed water on his face from their washbasin and considered what lay ahead. Today would be his first attempt at summoning the skeleton warrior, his first real test as a summoner.
The small apartment felt cramped for such an important moment. Rav was still sleeping in the alcove that served as his bedroom, and Lev didn't want to wake him prematurely. He needed to attempt this summoning in private first, to understand what he was working with before involving his mentor.
He dressed quickly and slipped out of the apartment, making his way through the quiet morning streets of the Sapphire quarter. Most residents were still asleep, though a few early risers were already heading to their jobs in other parts of the city. The familiar sights and sounds of his neighborhood provided a comforting backdrop as he sought out a suitable location.
Behind the community building where Rav held many of his ceremonies, there was a small courtyard that served as a gathering space for outdoor activities. It was private enough for his purposes but open enough to accommodate a summoned creature safely.
Standing in the center of the courtyard, Lev took a deep breath and reached out with his magical awareness toward the presence he could sense within his core. The skeleton warrior was there, patient and ready, like a loyal guardian waiting for orders.
Following the techniques Rav had demonstrated with his golem summon, Lev extended his will toward the bonded card. He felt the connection activate, drawing magical energy from his core and beginning the complex process of manifesting his summon in the physical world.
The channeling required more focus than he'd expected. His magical talent might be low, but the bond with the skeleton felt strong and responsive. Energy flowed out of him steadily, and he could sense the creature beginning to form in front of him.
The process took nearly a few minutes minutesâmuch longer than Rav's experienced summoning, but Lev had expected that. As a novice summoner, he needed time to establish the proper magical pathways and maintain the concentration required for successful manifestation.
First came the basic skeletal structure, bones forming from wisps of dark energy that gradually solidified into polished white calcium. Then came the more complex elementsâarmor pieces that materialized as intricately carved bone plates, a sword that appeared at the skeleton's side in a simple but well-crafted scabbard.
When the summoning completed, Lev found himself looking at a creature that was both exactly what he'd expected and somehow different from his mental image. The skeleton stood perhaps as tall as Lev's hip, making it smaller than he'd anticipated, but its proportions were perfectânot the grotesque mockery of life he'd feared, but a dignified warrior in miniature.
The most striking feature was its eyesâor rather, the azure flames that flickered within its empty sockets. They held an intelligence and gentleness that seemed completely at odds with popular images of undead creatures. When the skeleton's gaze met his, Lev felt a wave of curiosity and eager anticipation, like a child waiting to be shown something new.
Almost instinctively, Lev activated his Summoner's Eye, focusing on the creature before him. The familiar translucent blue window materialized in his vision:
Skeleton Swordsman
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Rank: Uncommon
Race: Undead Warrior (Undead)
Attributes: Death, Shadow
Level: 1
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An ancient skeletal warrior in masterwork armor, gripping a sword with perfect form. Azure magical fire burns in its eye sockets, and shadows seem to writhe around its form even in the static image. Despite its unsettling appearance, this creature possesses extraordinary potential for growth and adaptation.
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Stats:
Strength: 8
Defense: 13
Agility: 30
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Intelligence: 21 Wisdom: 17
Mana: 18
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Abilities:
Swordplay â Skill Rank S, Proficiency C: Master-level combat techniques
Learning â Skill Rank S, Proficiency S: Can acquire new skills at unprecedented rates
Shadow Step â Skill Rank A, Proficiency C: Teleportation through shadows
Death Cut â Skill Rank B, Proficiency D: Necrotic energy-infused blade attacks
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Summon Potential: S
Legendary potential for development.
Skeleton Swordsman [https://i.imgur.com/WXDqE0O.png]
The skeleton's posture was respectful but alert, its sword remaining sheathed. Everything about its demeanor suggested patience and readiness to learn rather than any kind of aggressive intent.
"Hello," Lev said softly, not sure what kind of response to expect.
The skeleton tilted its head slightly, the azure flames in its sockets brightening. It didn't speak, but Lev felt a sense of acknowledgment through their bondânot words, but an emotional communication that conveyed greeting and interest.
Before he could explore this connection further, he heard footsteps behind him. Rav appeared at the edge of the courtyard, already dressed and carrying a steaming cup of tea.
"I woke up and found you gone," Rav said, approaching slowly so as not to startle the summoned creature. "Decided to try your first summon alone?"
"I wanted to understand what I was working with before..." Lev began, then trailed off as Rav got close enough to study the skeleton in detail.
Rav circled the creature slowly, his experienced eye taking in every detail. The skeleton remained perfectly still, only its head turning to track Rav's movement with those flame-filled sockets.
"Fascinating," Rav murmured. "The intelligence in those eyes... it's almost child-like, isn't it? Very curious and attentive. You can see it processing everything around it."
"That's what I sensed during the bonding," Lev said, relief coloring his voice. Rav's assessment confirmed his own impressions. "It felt lonely, but not dangerous. More like it wanted companionship than conflict."
"The size is interesting too," Rav continued his examination. "Smaller than a typical warrior, but that could be an advantage in many situations. Speed and maneuverability rather than brute force." He paused, then looked at Lev seriously. "We need to understand its capabilities. Combat training for both of you. Are you ready for that?"
Lev nodded eagerly. "What did you have in mind?"
"The same place where I summoned my golem for you in the beginning," Rav said. "The old practice ground behind the market district. We'll have your skeleton spar with my golemâwith the golem restraining itself, obviously. It'll give us a good sense of what we're working with."
"Should I dismiss him for the walk there?" Lev asked, suddenly aware that having a summon in the city streets might draw unwanted attention.
"Yes, that would be wise," Rav nodded. "It's generally not well-received to have active summons in public areas unless you're military or hold some position of authority."
Lev focused on his connection with his card, drawing the creature back into his magical core. The dismissal process took almost as much concentration as the summoning had, leaving him slightly drained but satisfied that he was beginning to understand the basic mechanics.
They made their way through the city streets, passing early morning workers and merchants setting up their stalls. The familiar sights and sounds of the Gate waking up provided a comforting backdrop as they headed toward the practice ground.
The practice ground was exactly as Lev remembered from his first glimpse of Rav's golemâa large, sandy area surrounded by old buildings, with enough space for combat training without endangering bystanders.
Lev began the summoning process again, taking his time to properly channel the magical energy needed to manifest his summon. The familiar process gave him time to center himself and prepare for what would be his first real combat assessment.
"Now," Rav said, beginning his own summoning ritual. Even with decades of experience, Lev could see the concentration and effort required as Rav called forth his ancient golem. The massive stone construct materialized gradually, its familiar form bringing back memories of their first meeting. Summoning would always be demanding work. "We should give your partner a name. Calling it 'the skeleton' isn't going to work long-term."
Lev looked at his summon, considering. The azure flames, the dignified bearing, the sense of ancient wisdom combined with childlike curiosity... "Zelem," he said finally. "It means 'shadow' in our old tongueâfitting for someone who can step through shadows."
The skeletonâZelemâturned to look at him, and Lev could swear the flames in its sockets burned a little brighter with approval.
"Zelem it is," Rav said with a smile. "Now, Zelem, your goal is to try to inflict damage on my golem. Don't restrain yourself, even though he's a friendâhe's much higher level than you are, so you probably won't be able to hurt him even if you connect. This is about seeing what you can do."
Curious about the difference in their creatures, Lev turned his Summoner's Eye toward Rav's golem:
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: 164
Agility: 23
Intelligence: 69
Wisdom: 133
Mana: 69
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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 difference in power was staggering. Rav's golem was a walking fortress compared to Zelem, but Lev could see the S-rank learning potential that made his skeleton special.
Rav's golem, a massive stone construct that towered over both Lev and Zelem, settled into a defensive stance. Its ancient stone features held patient readiness, like a mountain willing to weather whatever storm approached.
"Begin when you're ready," Rav called.
Zelem drew its sword in one fluid motion, the blade gleaming in the morning light. The movement was graceful and precise, the combat training embedded in the card manifesting naturally. It circled the golem slowly, azure eyes analyzing its opponent with tactical awareness that impressed both Lev and Rav.
Then it moved.
Zelem's speed was remarkable. It darted forward with agility that seemed impossible for something made of bones, its sword striking toward the golem's leg with precision. The blade connected with a sharp ring of metal on stone, but as expected, did no visible damage to the golem's hardened exterior.
But Zelem didn't give up. Instead, it immediately adapted its approach, trying a different angle, testing different points on the golem's anatomy. Each strike was calculated, learning from the previous attempt.
"Look at that learning ability in action," Rav said quietly to Lev. "It's analyzing the golem's defenses, looking for weaknesses."
After several minutes of careful testing, Zelem made a discovery. Its exceptional agility allowed it to leap up and actually touch the golem's headâstill no damage, but contact nonetheless. The next time it attempted the same maneuver, Zelem aimed for the golem's eyes instead.
The golem, being much higher level and with more combat experience, easily avoided the strike with a fluid backward step. Then it retaliated, its massive stone hand sweeping toward Zelem in a controlled but powerful motion.
Zelem barely dodged, rolling away with impressive grace. As it came up from the roll, the skeleton glanced toward the shadow cast by the golem's massive form. Lev felt a strange pull of magical energyânot draining it, but somehow connecting to the ability Zelem was about to use.
Without hesitation, Zelem dove straight into the golem's shadow, its form seeming to meld with the darkness cast on the sandy ground. For a heartbeat, the shadow writhed and moved with unnatural life.
"Shadow Step," Rav called out, impressed. "It's using its special abilities!"
Zelem emerged from a patch of shadow behind the golem, rising from the darkness like a specter materializing from the underworld. Its sword glowed with an eerie dark light as it prepared what looked like a more powerful strike.
"Death Cut!" Lev found himself calling out, somehow knowing the name of the ability as Zelem's blade descended.
The golem spun with surprising speed for its size, catching Zelem's enhanced strike on its forearm. The impact sent the skeleton flying backward, tumbling through the sand but quickly rolling back to its feet.
For the next ten minutes, the two creatures engaged in a genuine combat dance. The golem would advance with measured, powerful movements, forcing Zelem to use its superior agility to stay mobile. Each time Zelem tried a different approachâsometimes using Shadow Step to create openings, other times attempting to land a Death Cut on what it perceived as weak points.
The golem, for its part, was clearly holding back its strength but not its technique. It parried, blocked, and countered with the skill of a master, teaching through combat while ensuring Zelem couldn't be seriously damaged.
Finally, after Zelem had been sent tumbling for the fourth time, Rav called for the spar to end. "Excellent work, both of you. That's enough for our first assessment."
Both summons stepped back, the golem returning to its patient stance while Zelem sheathed its sword with the same fluid grace it had shown when drawing it.
"The learning ability is definitely there," Rav told Lev as their creatures stood nearby. "But here's what's interestingâZelem's tactical development is only as good as the instructions it receives. It can learn and adapt, but it needs strategic guidance from you."
Lev watched the interaction thoughtfully. "I noticed I could somehow sense when Zelem was about to use its abilities."
"That's the bonding connection," Rav explained. "But here's what you need to understandâZelem can learn and adapt tactically, but it needs guidance. You'll need to learn to read battles, understand positioning, know when to be aggressive and when to retreat. Your tactical development will directly impact how effectively Zelem can use its learning ability."
The weight of this responsibility settled on Lev's shoulders. His summoning ability was incredible, but it came with demands he hadn't fully anticipated. He would need to become a tactician, not just a magical wielder.
"That's going to require training," Lev said, thinking about his remaining ten silver pieces. "Books, maybe lessons with someone who understands combat strategy."
"Training costs money," Rav agreed. "And Zelem will need resources tooâmonster crystals to enhance its capabilities, possibly equipment upgrades. Maintaining summoned creatures draws on your magical energy, but enhancement materials can help them grow stronger."
The financial pressure Lev had been trying to ignore suddenly felt overwhelming. His amazing summon came with amazing expenses, and his resources were already stretched to the breaking point.
"We'll find a way," Rav said, noting Lev's expression. "Your abilities are valuable, and there are always opportunities for those willing to work for them. But yes, this path is going to require careful management of both time and resources."
Lev looked at Zelem, who was studying the practice ground with those curious azure flames, apparently analyzing the terrain for future tactical considerations. The skeleton's dedication and intelligence were clear, but so was the magnitude of the challenge ahead.
He had wanted to prove himself worthy of respect and opportunity. Now he was beginning to understand that worthiness would need to be built through strategic thinking, resource management, and tactical developmentâskills he'd never needed to cultivate while dreaming of academic success.
"I wish I could help you with the combat training," Rav said, beginning the process of dismissing his golem. The ancient stone creature faded gradually as Rav drew its essence back into his magical core. "But I'm not a warrior, and I've never been a combat summoner. I can support you, give you advice, but the tactical development you need... you'll have to find that elsewhere."
"Before we go," Lev said, "I want to understand more about Zelem's abilities. During the fight, I felt connected to them somehow."
"Good instinct," Rav nodded. "Try to sense what you learned during the combat."
Lev focused on his bond with Zelem, feeling for the abilities the skeleton had demonstrated. "Death Cutâit charges the sword with some kind of dark energy that makes the strike more powerful. And Shadow Step..." He paused, concentrating. "Zelem actually moves through shadows, appearing in a different location almost instantly."
"Two solid combat abilities," Rav observed approvingly. "The learning rank suggests it will develop more as it gains experience and levels."
After a few more minutes of discussion, Lev began the dismissal process, carefully drawing Zelem back into his magical core. The process was getting slightly easier, though it still required significant concentration.
As they walked home through the quiet city streets, Lev felt the weight of his new reality settling around him. The path ahead was more complex than he'd imagined, more expensive than he'd planned, and more demanding than he'd expected.
Back in their small apartment, Rav settled into his evening routine while Lev sat quietly at their table, focusing inward on his magical core. He could sense Zelem's presence there, patient and ready, like a loyal companion waiting for the next adventure.
Closing his eyes, Lev began practicing the mental exercises Rav had taught him for magical manipulation. He reached out toward his bond with Zelem, not to summon but simply to feel the connection, to understand the pathways of magical energy that made summoning possible.
If he was going to become the summoner he dreamed of being, he needed to master these fundamentals. Speed of summoning, efficiency of magical energy use, clear communication with his bonded creatureâall of these would require patient practice and careful development.