Night had wrapped Murrchel Academy in a quiet, kind of creepy blanket. The storm had quit hours ago, but you could still tell it'd been here – drips, puddles, and that wet stone smell hanging heavy.
Abraham was by his dorm window, hair all over and shirt half-buttoned. He saw himself in the glass – looked like a younger, sharper version of him, but still him, all right. His system thingy glowed blue in his face, humming soft.
[Awakening Progress: 47 / 100]
[Mana: 9 / 12]
[New Skill: Flame Hollow Cry (Rank E)]
[Passive: Beast Tamer's Instinct — On]
He sighed. Flame Hollow Cry, huh? Sounded weird – new, but felt like he knew it, like a memory from a past life or something.
He looked down at a glowing thing on his wrist – odd shape, pulsing with his beat. He knew what it was. The pact. The beast that died for him.
A voice popped into his head, old and like an animal.
You're awake… Master.
Abraham froze. The voice was deep, like it came from a faraway place.
Then, the room was gone.
He was standing in a sea of red fire. The air burned and moved all over. In the middle was a big shape – wide shoulders, horns like black glass. Its eyes blazed like suns, loyal and strong.
The creature put its head down.
It's been a minute.
Abraham's chest felt tight. So it's real. The bond is still going.
Through lives, through death — I'm still yours.
The beast's voice shook everything. He felt a pulse, the beat of something that had fought by him.
Call me when you're fixed, the beast said. Till then… get stronger, Master. The world's different, but we still have work.
The fire was gone.
Abraham woke up gasping, all sweaty. The glow on his wrist burned – like a hot coal. His system flickered.
[Quest: The Pact Rekindled]
Objective: Get Awakening Progress to 100 to call your first beast.
He took a breath, messing up his hair. Round two...
A soft knock came at the door. He blinked, surprised.
Jennifer was standing there when he opened it – hair a bit messed up, still in her school cloak. A small cut was on her cheek, barely seen in the dim light.
Couldn't sleep either? she asked. She was cool, but watched him good.
Abraham smiled a little. Guess we're both wired.
Jennifer came in, crossing her arms. After what we saw in the yard, who wouldn't be? That… thing could've killed people if we didn't jump.
He nodded. You did good. Your aim was right on.
She chuckled soft. Right on? I almost lost it twice. If you hadn't stopped that last attack—
Then we'd both be dead, Abraham said with a grin. Call it teamwork.
Jennifer rolled her eyes, but a small smile was there. She leaned on the desk, eyes shining. You're odd, you know? Most kids would go crazy at a 'rogue spirit.' But you fought like you knew it.
He paused. Maybe I do.
She blinked. What?
Nothing. He said it fast, but she still watched him. Just felt like it.
Jennifer tilted her head, not buying it. That doesn't say how right on you were. You fought like you've had training. Like… — she checked him up and down — …like you've been here before.
That was close. Abraham chuckled, changing it up. You think too much of me.
Maybe I do, she said, standing up. But I think there's stuff you're not telling.
The room got thick. She filled the small space, her amber eyes clear in the low light.
Abraham looked away first. You should get some sleep. Tomorrow's test will be hard.
Jennifer stood by the door. You too, Abraham Benjin. Her voice went soft. Don't kill yourself before the real fights.
He smirked. No deal.
When she left, the room felt cold. Abraham leaned on the wall, heart fast – not scared, but something else.
He looked at the glowing thing on his wrist again.
…Through lifetimes, huh?
A small smile was on his lips. Guess you'll have to wait, old friend. I've got people to get to know.
Outside, the moon bathed the school towers, silver and endless. Deep below Murrchel, something moved – mana pulsed, old beasts started to wake.
The way of the Beast Sovereign was starting again.
And this time, Abraham wouldn't be alone.