The sky was soft with morning haze. Lone wandered along the temple's outer walls, his thoughts echoing louder than the footsteps.
"Let your heart guide you…"
"A summon chooses you too, kid."
Thorn's words. Haru's words. They tangled in his mind like threads of a story he couldn't finish.
He paused near a corner, resting his arms on the old stone, gazing at the open sky.
Below, on the courtyard path, a few students passed by chatting.
Hey, did you hear? That guy in the lower district got a Summon Stone."
"You're joking."
"No, really. They say it glowed when he touched it and boom, a beast came out!"
"I thought those stones were just ancient stories."
"Maybe, but who knows? Some say they work for those who can't summon."
Lone blinked. The words clung to him like dew.
Summon Stone… for the summonless?
He stayed still, heart beating slightly faster.
Lone's fingers tightened on the stone ledge.
A stone that could summon even if you had no power… something like that exists?
The idea didn't feel foolish it felt like hope.
He pulled back from the wall and walked with purpose through the inner corridors. His destination was clear: the artifact merchant's quarter just outside the temple's southern path.
But first, he needed permission.
(Haru's Chamber) Moments Later
The incense burned low in Haru's room. Lone entered quietly, bowing as always.
"I'd like to go outside today, Master," he said. "To the merchant path. I want to check something… something about summons."
Haru, seated in calm silence, opened his eyes slowly. "Very well. Be cautious. Curiosity can lead to understanding, or trouble."
Lone nodded. "I'll be careful."
(Temple Gates – Departure)
As he walked past the outer halls toward the gates, he passed a few temple seniors leaning against a pillar.
"…There he goes again, running after false hopes."
"Tch. Haru spoils him. No wonder people don't take him seriously anymore."
"If the boy keeps failing, even Haru's name will sink with him."
Lone paused mid-step. The words stung but more than that, they stirred something deeper.
He clenched his fists.
Master always stood by me… even when others didn't.
He took a breath, steady and full.
Then I'll give them something to believe in. I'll make Master proud.
Without looking back, Lone walked through the temple gate, heading into the bustling world beyond the walls.