The dawn of a new day bathed the Golden City in its golden light, casting a serene glow over its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets. Darian stood beyond the gates of the prestigious Tamers Guild Academy, his figure catching the morning sun as he waited for the cab he'd ordered. Today marked a significant milestone in his journey—a day he'd long anticipated. He was finally going to register Vaelistra.
The buzz of the city swirled around him, but Darian's sharp ears caught the murmurs of passersby. Whispers followed him wherever he went, a mix of admiration and envy.
"It's funny," he mused inwardly, glancing at his reflection in a nearby window. Not long ago, he had been just another boy with dreams too big for his shoulders. Now, thanks to the system, he was no longer the awkward, scrawny teenager who used to stumble through conversations. His system had reshaped him—not just his physique, which had grown more refined and commanding, but also his character. He was sharper, more confident. There was a gravity to his presence that even he couldn't ignore, and truth be told, he relished it.
The sleek, futuristic cab pulled up, its door sliding open with a soft hiss. Darian stepped in, settling into the plush seat as the vehicle glided effortlessly through the city. The Golden City was a masterpiece of futuristic design, with roads lined by glowing streetlights, hovering vehicles zipping past, and holographic billboards projecting vibrant advertisements. The blend of technological marvels with the primal essence of Vaeloria made the city unlike any other—a world of contradictions, both ancient and advanced.
As the cab approached the towering Guild Office, Darian's thoughts turned serious. The Guild Office was as imposing as ever, its sleek metallic façade shimmering under the sunlight. Streams of people bustled in and out, from rookies eager to begin their journeys to seasoned tamers who exuded an aura of authority.
Stepping out, Darian felt a wave of nostalgia. He had been here many times before, but today felt different. He wasn't just a student or an observer anymore. Today, he was a force to be reckoned with.
Navigating through the throng, he approached the registration desk. Behind it stood a woman he didn't recognize—a new face among the familiar staff. She greeted him with a practiced smile.
"Welcome, sir. How can I assist you?" Her voice was warm, but Darian could sense the facade.
"I'm here to register a beast," he said calmly.
The woman's expression shifted, a flicker of interest crossing her face. "And what type of beast would that be?"
"Reptilian," he replied cryptically, unwilling to divulge too much.
Her disappointment was subtle but palpable. Most registrants were eager to boast about their beasts, but Darian's reserved demeanor piqued her curiosity. "I see. Do you have a blood contract ready?"
Darian held up an ancient scroll of brown parchment, its edges frayed and symbols glowing faintly. "I do."
"Very well. Follow me." She gestured toward an elevator at the far end of the room.
The ride up was quiet, the only sound the faint hum of the elevator as it ascended past floor after floor. Darian counted silently. Second. Third. Fourth. Fifteenth. He raised an eyebrow. Why so high up?
The elevator doors opened to reveal a quieter, more refined space. Unlike the chaos of the first floor, the fifteenth was a harmonious blend of activity and calm. A second attendant took over, guiding him deeper into the facility.
The corridor ended in an expansive chamber, and Darian's breath caught. It was an open field, impossibly vast for the confines of the building. The ceiling was a dome of reinforced glass, allowing sunlight to flood the space. Platforms of varying sizes dotted the field, each one glowing faintly with magical energy.
"This is where summoners practice and register their beasts," the new attendant explained. "You'll find it perfectly suited for your needs."
Before Darian could respond, another woman approached. She was dressed in a sharp, tailored suit, her heels clicking against the polished floor. Her aura of authority was unmistakable.
"I am Vera Nyte," she introduced herself, her sharp eyes studying him. "Welcome to the registration center. What type of summoning aid will you require? Perhaps a low-grade sorcerer?"
Darian's lips twitched into a faint smile. "No. I'll be going for a King-grade sorcerer."
Vera's professional demeanor cracked for a moment, her eyes widening in disbelief. "A… King-grade sorcerer?" she echoed, as if to confirm she'd heard correctly.
"Yes," Darian replied, his tone neutral.
Her gaze swept over him again, searching for signs of deceit or arrogance. He didn't look like someone with the resources to handle a King-grade sorcerer, let alone the power to summon a beast that would require one.
"Well…" She hesitated, recovering her composure. "If you insist, that will be 10,000 beast coins."
Without hesitation, Darian retrieved a pouch and handed over the exact amount. The transaction left Vera momentarily stunned. Who is this boy? she wondered.
"Very well, follow me," she said, leading him to a platform.
As they approached a mid-sized summoning platform, Darian stopped. "This won't suffice," he said, his tone firm but polite.
Vera frowned. "Sir, I assure you, a middle-sized platform is sufficient for most beasts."
Darian sighed, shaking his head. Without another word, he strode toward the King-sized platform at the center of the field. His actions immediately drew attention. Whispers spread through the chamber as onlookers paused to watch.
"What is he doing?"
"Does he think he can use the King platform?"
"Who does he think he is?"
Vera's voice cut through the murmurs. "Sir, step off that platform immediately, or I'll be forced to call security."
Darian ignored her, taking his place at the platform's center. He raised his hands, chanting in a language that sent shivers down the spines of everyone present. A massive, intricate magic circle blazed to life beneath him, its glow pulsating with raw energy. The ground trembled.
"Get security now!" Vera barked, her voice tinged with panic.
Guards armed with laser-enhanced rifles stormed the field, their weapons trained on Darian. "Cease your actions or we'll open fire!" one of them commanded.
And then, a voice emerged—a deep, chilling sound that seemed to echo from the depths of the abyss.
"You mortals dare defy your superiors? You deserve a cold death."