The Hollow Cry Hall was an unusual sight for Abraham. High ceilings arched above him, signed with runes that pulsed softly to the beat of his heart. Crystal pillars stood in the whole chamber like figure of warrior standing, humming quietly, ready to measure and boost the mana in another level of anyone who stepped inside the hall.
The air carried a slight scent of ozone and old stone, mixed with the faint pulse of the first beast, still tied to him.
Jennifer stood near the center, composed, though her amber eyes showed both excitement and worry. "You came," she said softly, her voice carried over the hum of energy.
"I would not miss it," Abraham said. He moved his fingers, and felt the faint warmth of mana in his palms. His system interface showed:
[Awakening Progress: 63 / 100]
[Dual Element Hollow Cry: Active]
[Beast Pact: Dormant — Awakening Possible]
He was here to prove himself and to get back the bond he had lost.
The Test Begins
A loud chime echoed in the hall. Instructor Vale stepped forward. "Today, you will try to awaken your sleeping beast and match your mana with the Aether Core. Failure will not kill you, but it might keep you out."
Abraham looked at Jennifer. "This should be interesting."
Jennifer smiled slightly. "Interesting is not what I would call it."
A clear circle appeared at his feet, with runes spreading out. Abraham closed his eyes, letting mana flow. Flames appeared on his fingertips, pulled by the beast inside him.
[Mana Stabilization: 78%]
[Hollow Cry Feedback: Low — Beast Not Summoned]
He breathed in deeply. The beast had been waiting for him to be destroy. He gripped his palm to make close fists. ' I am ready.' he whispered in his mind
The system pulsed:
[Beast Summoning Attempt Initiated]
A deep growl shook the hall, moving through the crystal pillars. The runes glowed, reacting to the bond forming between Abraham and the unseen creature.
A shadow twisted into the center of the circle. Smoke became a large wolf, bigger than a human, with fur like molten silver and eyes of burning gold and feather. Claws scraped the stone floor, leaving marks everywhere it's passing by. It looked at Abraham with monster eyes .
Master…
Abraham's chest tightened. "Hisashiburidesu ne"
The wolf stepped into the hall, its muscles strong. It was both scary and comforting, a promise to obey, protect, and fight with him.
[Beast Summoned: Level 1]
[Attribute: Fire / Shadow Hybrid]
[Skill Unlocked: Flame Pact — Minor]
Jennifer gasped, stepping back. "That is unbelievable!
Abraham crouched, letting the wolf circle him. "It is loyal," he said. "And strong. Stronger than people think."
The system interface blinked:
[Awakening Progress: 85 / 100]
[Partner Affinity: +10]
[Skill Growth: Beast Bond — Initiated]
Unexpected Company
Before Abraham could be happy, three students arrived, sent from other houses to watch the trial.
The first, with silver hair and wide violet eyes, came forward. "You summoned it alone?"
The second, tall with black hair, leaned against a pillar. "I guess the rumors were true."
The third, with green eyes and a teasing smile, crossed her arms. "Nice. You are the fire user from yesterday?"
Abraham looked at Jennifer, who nodded. He turned to the girls. "Yes, and this is my companion," he said, showing the wolf.
The silver-haired girl gasped. "A beast pact? That is rare!
The black-haired girl smirked. "Looks like the newbie of this year changed the school a lot in many ways."
The green-eyed girl tilted her head. "I wonder if you can handle more than one guy, my bad I suppose it's piece of cake for ya." Her smile suggested future plans.
[Harem Potential Detected: +15]
Abraham crouched by his wolf. "Do not think the bond is weak," he said softly. The wolf nudged him, agreeing.
Jennifer stepped closer. "We have a way to go. Do not get sidetracked."
He smiled. "I won't."
First Trial Combat
Instructor Vale clapped, bringing attention back to the trial. "Now, test your beast's fighting ability. A rogue spirit has been let loose in the arena."
A shimmer appeared near the wall. Smoke became a rogue spirit, with hollow eyes. Abraham's wolf growled, shadows moving across its back.
"Stay close," Abraham whispered to Jennifer.
Jennifer nodded, making a water orb in her hand. "Ready, beast?"
The wolf's growl deepened, echoing in the hall. Abraham's palm flamed. "Let's go."
They moved together, a mix of fire, water, and shadow. Abraham's flames matched Jennifer's water, while the wolf moved through shadows, claws out, teeth showing. The rogue spirit cried out, hit by the attack.
[Combo Attack: High — Flame / Water / Beast Shadow]
[Mana Cost: Abraham 2 / Jennifer 2 / Beast 1]
[Awakening Progress: +10]
The spirit disappeared under fire and shadow. The hall was quiet as everyone watched.
Jennifer exhaled, lowering her shield. "That was amazing."
Abraham crouched by the wolf and smiled. "We are just getting started."
The system interface pulsed:
[Awakening Progress: 100 / 100 — Full Hollow Cry Achieved]
[Quest Completed: First Beast Summoned]
[Next Objective: Train Dual Hollow Cry and skills]
Evening — Quiet Moments
Later, the hall was empty. Abraham sat on stone steps outside, the wolf at his side. Jennifer leaned against him, her water orb glowing.
"You really are different," she said. "I have not seen anyone do that."
He shrugged, letting the wolf warm his palm. "I have had practice."
"Practice?" she asked.
He smirked. "You could say a time back."
Jennifer noticed the glow on his wrist. "You are hiding things."
He met her eyes. "Some things show over time."
Her lips curved. "I guess I have to wait."
The night had a quiet magic. Students whispered about the first-year who changed the school, but Abraham did not care.
He had his beast. He had Jennifer. And now the way ahead looked like power and more than one bond to test.
[New Harem Candidate Awareness: +5]
[Quest Updated: Hidden Skill — Next: Dual Element training and Ally Synchronization]
The wolf bumped his hand. Abraham smiled, feeling the pact alive and ready.
This was just the start.