The calm breeze blew over the field, revealing the students of Velmora academy.
In front of them stood the magnificent structure of the tower.
The air seemed to still beside it, and the crimson glow bathed the surrounding space in red light.
"We are really entering the tower today," a student said, a wave of excitement rushing through him.
"Aren't you nervous? You might not bond with an entity," another replied, the fear evident in their tone.
"Who do you think I am? I would definitely get one."
"I wish I could bond with an angel," a girl said as she rubbed her palms together.
While they were all talking, Lucen Thorne silently stood in the crowd, his arms crossed and his stance balanced.
His white hair flowed calmly as his hazel eyes gazed at the tower, reflecting several emotions.
This is the only place where I can achieve my dreams. I just need to bond with a strong entity; demon or angel.
He'd been lost in thought so long, he didn't notice someone creeping up behind him.
"Lucen," the person said lightly.
After calling out a few times with no response, he finally resorted to tapping Lucen.
"Oh, David. When did you get here?" he asked with a slight smile.
"Just now. What were you thinking about so deeply? I called you several times, but you didn't answer."
"I'm sorry, I spaced out for a second there."
"Don't worry, I get why you're tense."
"Everyone!"
Just then, a loud voice boomed across the field.
Coming in view was a middle-aged man with grey hair. He wore a black suit and a black tie.
"That is Lord Vareth!" A student exclaimed.
"Woah! A Vessel Knight Squad captain is overseeing our bonding process," another said in surprise.
Vareth looked at the students calmly, then spoke.
"You have all been trained for this. As you all know, if you don't bond with an entity, your chance of survival in this cruel world is low."
"Go into the binding floor, bond with an entity, and save this world from the voidbeings," he said, his voice louder and mixed with vigor.
As he spoke, he raised two fingers and placed them on his chest."Velmira'tah," he shouted.
"Velmira'tah," the students gestured in response.
Then with a scream, they all ran into the tower.
This stupid tradition hasn't stopped since I started it, Vareth thought with a chuckle.
As the students entered the tower, a strange feeling washed over them, and some even had to throw up.
So, this is the binding floor, it doesn't seem like anything though, Lucen thought.
The floor looked empty, with only a vast expanse of white and solid ground beneath them.
"Huh! I got a tower prompt. My bond entity is a rare angel," a student shouted happily as he stared happily at a floating interface only he could see.
At the same time, other students also received the prompt.
"My bond entity is a common demon," I can't even join the Vessel knights this way, another cried.
"Lucen, have you gotten an entity yet?" David asked with curiosity.
"No, what about you?"
"A mythic demon," David replied with pride.
"Don't worry, when I become the strongest, you can come stay with me," he comforted.
"Tch, do you think I wouldn't bond with an entity?" Lucen asked.
"No, but if it ever happens, the offer is open."
Lucen looked at him, and did not respond.
After several minutes, a bell rang thrice, then stopped.
"I guess my stay on the binding floor is over, I wish you luck," David bid as his figure flickered out.
Lucen didn't even pay attention to him, and continued to stare forward.
He was the only one left, since the others had made a bond, and were called to the first floor.
Am I really going to die a mortal, my sister, how will she live, several thoughts passed his head.
He looked up at the endless space, and screamed. "I know you are all there, make a bond with me!"
He shouted continuously, but nothing happened, no prompt, no bond.
Lucen fell on his knee helplessly, tears streaming down his face.
"Since you don't want to bond with me, take what's left of me, I don't care anymore," he said in anger.
Then, suddenly, a crimson light shone over him.
The light even brighter than the tower's.
As the light shone, it felt like time was paused in the tower.
[Name: Lucen Thorne]
[Entity: Azarith (Primordial demon)]
[Domain: Reality]
[Bond: initiate]
Lucen blinked, his eyes gazing at the window in disbelief.
Did I really bond with a demon?
Suddenly, a terrifying voice boomed in his mind.
Remember what you said. You screamed, another version of you begged. But your will has made me choose you.
I must not regret it.
As the voice finished talking, a crimson sigil merged with his hand.
"This is my bond mark", he said, his eyes turning red again.
But what is a primordial demon? There is no record of anything beyond Mythical rarity in the world's compedium, he thought.
How can be sure it is not weaker than the common rank, or stronger than the mythical rank.
Why would you compare me with those, he heard the voice say in his mind.
You should have some knowledge about Entities, how many have you seen with the reality domain, the voice said angrily.
I am sorry to upset you, Lucen quickly begged out of fear.
You think that is enough, you are to hand the first 30 void cores you harvest to me, the voice demanded.
Okay, Lucen replied readily.
I should have asked for more, he answered me eagerly, the demon thought in shame.
"Status!" Lucen said with pride.
[Name: Lucen Thorne]
[Entity: Azarith(Primordial demon)]
[Domain: Reality]
[Bond: Initiate]
[Bound weapon: Causacrum: A weapon that changes to match the situation]
[Initiate Awakened Combat Form: Eyes: You perceive all possible outcomes within 3 seconds]
[Initiate Skill: Error pulse: Collapse a an object or being by forcing it into it's alternate version]
"These are the boons I got, this demon is no joke", Lucen thought in excitement.
Then, he heard the same bell thrice.
"I guess it is time to really test my power," he thought, his blood pumping as he faded from the floor.