"How many cores does your summon have, Elara?" my father asked, his tone calm but carrying the weight of expectation.
I glanced back at my grimoire, the pages shimmering faintly with Aria's inscrutable presence etched into them. The number was there, clear and undeniable.
"Two," I replied, my voice steady though my heart fluttered with nervous energy.
Medea's brows furrowed. "Only two."
The words hung in the air, heavy with implied judgment. Kael, ever the picture of poise, leaned forward slightly, his curiosity piqued despite his outward calm.
"How strong is that?" he asked, his tone measured but probing.
Medea let out a soft sigh, leaning back as she folded her arms. "It's difficult to be exact," she said, her voice edged with thoughtfulness, "because the strength of a being isn't just about the number of cores—it's about how well those cores match their traits and innate abilities. But to give you an idea…" She hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Two cores for a Prime Eterna… would likely place her power on par with a fully matured Alpha Luminara beast."
I exhaled, relief flooding through me. AnAlpha Luminara was a monumental force in its own right. Knowing that Aria's current power matched something so renowned felt like a triumph.
But my father, ever the realist, didn't let the moment last.
"It is not nearly enough," he said, his tone as unyielding as stone.
The words hit like a splash of cold water. I blinked, my relief evaporating. "Why?" I asked, confusion creeping into my voice.
He fixed me with a steady gaze, his expression unreadable. "Because experienced Gold-grade summoners like myself or Medea have multiple Luminara beings at our command. Not just one."
His words settled heavily in the room. Medea gave a small nod, her expression grim.
"And what of the Diamond-grade summoners beyond this kingdom?" my father continued. "Those who stand at the pinnacle of summoning arts in empires far greater than our own? They are not bound by the limits of our knowledge or resources. And it is not only the summoners you must consider, Elara."
My father's tone darkened, and for a moment, he seemed to weigh his next words carefully. "There are the other Eterna beings to think of. Not just those that can be summoned, but those who already walk this world—ancient beings who have existed for centuries or longer. You know this, don't you?"
I nodded hesitantly, the weight of his words beginning to settle on me.
Medea broke the silence, her voice softer but no less serious. "You're aware, Elara, that Luminara beings have a level of intelligence and sapience that often surpasses even humans once they mature. They are not mere tools—they are thinking, calculating, often ruthless creatures."
"And Eterna beings…" My father's voice cut in, low and firm. "They are beyond even that. They are not just sapient; they are fully autonomous forces of nature. They can think, plan, and act entirely independent of their summoners or any binding agreements. A mature Eterna being would not merely challenge your summon—they would defeat her."
The words hit harder than I expected. My grip tightened on the grimoire in my lap. The radiant promise of the Heavenly Demon suddenly felt less like an unshakable boon and more like a precarious gift teetering on the edge of disaster.
"But Aria is—" I started to protest, but my father held up a hand.
"She is powerful," he said, and there was a rare flicker of softness in his tone. "Extraordinarily so. But power alone will not be enough. Not in a world where strength is measured not just by might, but by strategy, by alliances, by sheer numbers. And she is young, untested. There is a vast difference between potential and certainty."
Medea nodded, her expression grave. "He's right. Your summon has traits and abilities that are breathtaking in their scope, but without time, without growth… her two cores are a limitation, not a triumph."
I swallowed hard, the enormity of their words sinking in. Aria's presence had shaken the foundation of my world, but it had also placed a target squarely on my back. I wasn't just a Diamond-grade summoner with an unprecedented summon. I was a liability, a spark that could ignite a fire I wasn't prepared to contain.
Kael, ever the pragmatist, leaned back and crossed his arms. "So, what does she need to do?" he asked, his gaze flicking between our father and Medea.
"Simple," my father said, his voice steady as iron. "Elara must strengthen her summon. Build her cores, hone her abilities, and prepare her for the challenges that will come."
"And they will come," Medea added, her eyes locking onto mine. "This is not just a matter of prestige, Elara. This is survival. Yours, your summon's, and perhaps even your house's."
I nodded, clutching my grimoire tightly. The path ahead suddenly felt longer and more treacherous than ever. But as daunting as it was, I couldn't afford to falter. Not now.
I glanced at the glowing pages of the grimoire again. Prime Eterna Divine and Miasma Beast: Heavenly Demon. The title burned in my mind, no longer just a symbol of triumph, but a promise—a promise of what could be, and of what must be.
"Do not be disheartened, Elara," my father said, his tone softer now, almost kind. "In truth, a summon possessing two cores upon first manifestation is extraordinary enough. Few ever achieve such a feat. Three cores is the absolute maximum ever recorded, and even that remains more legend than fact. To hope your Prime Eterna would exceed even that... well, that was wishful thinking on my part."
His words, though tempered with realism, held a note of pride that made my chest tighten.
I nodded, clutching the grimoire a little closer.
"But you must not rely solely on your summon," he continued, the steel returning to his voice. "You, too, must grow stronger. As you well know, each mana core a summoner cultivates within their body represents the capacity for another summon. Your first summon is a Prime Eterna, a foundation most could only dream of. With time, you will have the ability to summon several more Eterna beasts, each adding to your strength and influence."
Medea nodded, her gaze steady and serious. "And we will protect you, Elara. For now, the kingdom stands with you, and you will have the academy's full support."
Her words carried a gravity that made me sit up straighter, but before I could respond, her sharp violet eyes shifted to Kael. "Now, Kael, let us examine your traits."
Kael inclined his head, his expression unflinching as he opened his Gold grimoire. The pages flipped with a faint hum of energy, revealing a detailed image of his Royal Dragon, resplendent in its molten gold scales. Beneath the illustration, the creature's designation gleamed in bold script:
Prime Luminara: Royal Dragon.
The room seemed to hold its breath as Kael began to read.
"First Trait: Dragon Heart."
A ripple of acknowledgment passed between Medea and Father, both nodding subtly.
"A trait of resilience," Medea said, her tone thoughtful. "An unyielding spirit, capable of withstanding immense pressure, physical or otherwise. The foundation of any great dragon's strength."
Kael's voice was steady as he continued.
"Second Trait: Dragon Scales."
Father's lips curved into a faint smile. "A trait of invulnerability," he murmured. "It speaks to the defensive might of your summon. Even without additional cores, scales like those make it a formidable force."
Kael glanced at the page, then recited the last trait with a touch more weight.
"Third Trait: Royal Being."
This time, Medea's eyes narrowed, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. "Royal Being," she repeated. "A trait of dominance. Not merely strength or intelligence, but the innate ability to command and inspire loyalty. A natural leader among its kin."
Father leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Three traits perfectly suited to the nature of the Royal Dragon. Resilience, defense, and command. They speak to balance and purpose—a summon that embodies both strength and strategy."
Kael closed his grimoire with a deliberate motion, his poise as steady as ever. I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, a flicker of envy sparking in my chest despite myself.
But Medea turned her gaze back to me, her expression softening just enough to remind me that this wasn't a competition.
"Your path will be different, Elara," she said. "Where Kael's traits complement his dragon's purpose, yours will shape the unimaginable potential of your Prime Eterna. Traits like hers are not bound by the conventions of strength or defense. They are traits of evolution and infinite possibility. Nurture them wisely."
Her words settled over me, both comforting and daunting. My journey wasn't just about strength—it was about becoming someone worthy of wielding the power I had been given.