CHAPTER 198: CHAPTER 198 : SPIRIT SUMMONIMG (2)

The grand hallway outside the Headmaster’s office was silent.

Just before Lily and Alyssa could step closer, they noticed two figures already waiting outside.

One was a man in his fifties, his back straight like a drawn sword. His presence alone radiated pressure strong enough to make lesser warriors bow instinctively.

His long white hair, tied neatly behind his head, bore the marks of age, and his sharp gray eyes carried the weight of decades of battle.

It was Marcus Reed—the Sword Emperor himself, and guildmaster of the number one guild in the Human Empire, The Radiant Blades.

Standing at his side was a boy who appeared no older than fourteen or fifteen. His hair was as black as the night sky, silky and unyielding to the light around him.

His eyes were the same—dark, deep, and difficult to read. They weren’t simply black, but so void-like that one could almost mistake them for abysses.

His sharp features gave him an intensity beyond his years, though faint softness lingered around the edges of his face, betraying his youth.

The moment Alyssa laid eyes on Marcus, a smile tugged at her lips.

"Well, well... if it isn’t the Sword Master himself. Long time no see, Mark."

Marcus blinked in surprise, his gaze narrowing sharply. Then his voice dropped, equal parts astonishment and tension.

"So... it wasn’t just rumors. The Witch of Nightmares herself... Alyssa Vega has really returned."

The two locked eyes, measuring each other silently, like old predators meeting again after decades.

Meanwhile, Lily’s attention was drawn to the boy. Their eyes met.

The boy’s thoughts flickered uncontrollably: ’How beautiful...’ His gaze lingered, and for a brief moment he seemed dazed.

Lily, however, frowned inwardly. ’This guy’s... quite ugly. Or maybe just average.’

Still, out of courtesy, she offered him a polite smile. The boy returned it gently.

The silence broke with Marcus’s voice. His tone was heavy, layered with disbelief.

"I’m amazed... and delighted. No one in history has ever survived abyssal corruption. And yet here you stand."

At the mention of abyssal corruption, the boy’s dark eyes sharpened, narrowing on Alyssa with an intensity that suggested both curiosity and suspicion.

Alyssa tilted her chin slightly. "Then I’ll simply be the first in history to beat it back."

Marcus scowled. "Don’t joke with me. No one survives abyssal corruption by chance. Someone helped you, didn’t they?"

Her smile vanished, her eyes cutting like blades. "Believe me or don’t, it makes no difference. I don’t need your approval."

Marcus clicked his tongue in irritation. "Hmph. Fine. Keep your secrets."

Alyssa’s gaze shifted toward the boy, who had been quietly watching her. "And who’s this little man? He seems bold... almost as if he’s trying to measure me up."

The boy stepped forward gracefully, bowing his head slightly. His voice was calm and polite. "My name is Kyle Celestian, Miss."

Alyssa chuckled softly. "What a polite boy." Her gaze flicked back to Marcus with playful sharpness. "I didn’t think you’d ever remarry after what happened to your wife."

Marcus’s eyes hardened instantly, the weight of grief flashing across his expression. "Don’t joke about that. No one can take her place in my heart."

Alyssa’s expression softened. "My apologies, I didn’t mean to offend."

He shook his head. "Don’t worry. It’s in the past. Besides... she was your best friend too."

For the first time, Alyssa’s smile turned nostalgic. "She was."

Marcus straightened, his tone lighter. "Kyle isn’t my son. He’s someone I recently adopted as my grandson."

"Adopted, huh? You really are a good man," Alyssa said warmly.

Marcus’s gaze turned to Lily, who had been standing slightly behind Alyssa. His stern expression softened as he smiled faintly. "And who is this beautiful young lady hiding behind you?"

Alyssa puffed out her chest proudly. "Her name’s Lily Dragonheart. I’ve adopted her recently as well." She then nudged Lily gently. "Go on, cutie. Introduce yourself."

Lily stepped forward and gave a polite bow. "My name is Lily Dragonheart. Nice to meet you, sir."

Marcus’s eyes twinkled as he nodded. "What a polite and beautiful young lady. A fine choice, Alyssa."

The older woman smirked proudly. "Of course." Then her tone turned serious. "Tell me, Marcus... are you here for ’that’ matter too?"

Marcus’s face grew grim. "Yes. It’s unnatural. Etheria may have been small, but it had the support of several minor kingdoms and a sizeable army. It should have taken days at the very least. Yet... an entire kingdom was wiped out in just a day."

Before Alyssa could respond, the doors to the Headmaster’s office swung open. A staff member in silver robes stepped out. "Sir Aldric requests your presence."

Both Alyssa and Marcus nodded. As she turned to Lily, Alyssa said gently, "Wait here for a bit. I’ve already asked Selena to come. She’ll be here soon."

Lily nodded, smiling.

The two adults entered the office, the doors closing behind them with a heavy thud.

Now, only Kyle and Lily stood in the quiet corridor.

Kyle smiled faintly.

"Why are you smiling?" Lily asked, tilting her head.

"Oh, nothing," Kyle replied casually. "I was just wondering why they think conquering Etheria should’ve taken days. Honestly, I could’ve done it in less than one."

Lily blinked at him, confused. "You’re saying it like you could’ve conquered a kingdom yourself."

His smirk widened. "I’m saying exactly that."

Lily chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You’re funny." But inside, she thought, ’And creepy too.’

Kyle shrugged. "I wasn’t joking. But forget about it."

A voice echoed in his mind. [She’s a beautiful girl. Are you interested in her?]

Kyle’s lips curled up slightly. ’What do you think? She has a unique aura.’

Aloud, he asked, "So, are you a student here?"

Lily shook her head quickly. "No, no. My brother is—" she paused, her smile faltering, "I mean... my brother was a student at the academy."

Kyle tilted his head. "Oh? And what was his name?"

Lily smiled politely, though her eyes hardened slightly. "You don’t need to know that."

"Tch, come on. I was only trying to make conversation," Kyle said with mock disappointment. Then his eyes narrowed curiously. "Are you planning to apply for this year’s entrance exam?"

A shadow crossed Lily’s face, her shoulders drooping. "I really wanted to. But... I’m an Unawakened. Because of an illness, my mana core has been ruined. It can’t circulate or store mana anymore."

Kyle’s smile dimmed slightly. "I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked."

"You don’t need to apologize," Lily said, waving her hand softly.

But then, Kyle leaned closer, a sly smile forming on his lips. "What if I told you... you could still use mana?"

Lily’s eyes widened in shock. "That’s impossible. What are you saying?"

The voice in Kyle’s head hissed urgently. [Are you talking about Black Mana?]

’Yeah,’ Kyle replied inwardly. ’Through that, I can create a new core inside her... one that holds only Black Mana.’

[It’s dangerous. And if she tells someone, you’ll be exposed.]

Kyle smirked. ’Then we’ll make her sign a Dark Contract.’

[That works. But why? Why help her?]

Kyle’s expression softened slightly. ’I don’t know. I just... want to.’

Lily tilted her head, watching him mutter to himself, his expression shifting between seriousness and amusement. ’This guy is really creepy. Maybe it’s best to stay away from him after all.’

Before Kyle could say anything else, a new voice rang out. "There you are."

Both turned toward the sound. A tall woman with flowing black hair and deep dark eyes approached, her steps graceful yet commanding. She wore a slightly revealing outfit that blended elegance with authority—her beauty was striking, her aura sharper than a blade.

Lily’s eyes lit up as she shouted, "Sister! How are you?" She rushed forward and threw her arms around the woman.

Selena smiled, embracing her back. "I’m fine, little one." She then glanced at Kyle, her eyes narrowing. "And you are?"

The boy bowed politely. "Kyle Celestian. I came here with Marcus Reed."

Selena’s eyes flickered in recognition. ’Ah... Headmaster did say Marcus would be coming.’ She gave a small nod. "I see."

Turning back to Lily, Selena smiled. "Come. I’ll give you a tour of the academy."

Lily nodded eagerly.

Selena glanced at Kyle once more. "You may join us if you’re interested."

"Gladly," Kyle replied smoothly.

As they began walking, Lily said excitedly, "I want to meet Big Sis Charlotte, Seraphina, Ava, and Big Brother Draven... and Alden too!"

Selena chuckled softly. "Of course. But Draven won’t be here today. He’s taken leave—summoned by his father, the Dwarven King."

Lily nodded in understanding.

Selena continued, "Come along. All the first years are summoning their spirit companion today. It will be a good experience for you to watch."

Lily’s eyes sparkled. "Really?"

"Really," Selena confirmed warmly.

Kyle trailed behind them, lips curling faintly as he whispered in his thoughts.

’Spirit summoning, huh? Perhaps I should give it a try too.’

His smirk lingered as they made their way through the academy halls.

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A/N:

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