(In the streets)
The sun was high when Lone stepped into the crowded streets. The temple walls behind him felt like another world—calmer, quieter.
Here, colors swirled. Banners of red and gold danced in the breeze. Street performers juggled fire while children darted between stalls, laughing. Merchants shouted prices, and carts clattered over stone roads.
But what caught Lone's breath were the beasts—majestic and wild. A winged feline curled around a noblewoman's shoulder. A horned rhino-like creature calmly carried supplies. Each summon moved in sync with its master, radiating power.
Lone's eyes gleamed.
This is the world I want to stand in.So many beasts... so many bonds..." he whispered to himself, fingers tightening into fists. "One day..."
Soon, he found the storefront. It was an old but elegant building, its wooden sign carved with glowing runes: Yorin's Relics & Ore.
As he stepped in, a heavy bell rang.
Ah! A customer!" A old man named yorin with eyes beamed, rubbing his hands together. His eyes quickly scanned Lone's plain clothes… and the smile faded just as fast.
Oh… just you?"
Lone bowed politely.
"I came to ask about Summon Stones," he said, keeping his voice steady.
Yorin raised an eyebrow, then chuckled. "Of course. They're the talk of the town! Everyone wants one since that beast appeared in the lower ward." He pulled out a tray, layered with glowing stones of various colors and sizes.
"These are purified Summon Stones—low to mid-grade. This red one has a fire-type bond sealed. This bluish one, possibly ice or wind…"
Moreover getting finding one stone is also rare, from raw ores some times they won't get any but we have the purified ones here
Lone stared in awe. Each stone shimmered with an inner pulse, like a heartbeat.
"I'd like to… buy one," he said, almost whispering.
Yorin paused. "Ah. Well, here's the thing—these don't come cheap, lad. Lowest grade starts at 30 silvers. Mid-range is a full gold, sometimes more."
Lone's expression fell. His pouch held barely 2 silvers.
"I see…" he said, quietly placing the stone back.
Yorin offered a half-hearted smile. "Come back when your purse matches your dream, kid."
Lone bowed again and left in silence.
(That day evening)
The hall was quieter during dinner. Lone sat with his bowl, barely eating.
Haru, after watching for a while, walked over and sat beside him.
"You're quieter than usual today," Haru said. "Did something happen outside?"
Lone hesitated.
Part of him wanted to ask. To beg. To chase the dream while leaning on Haru once more.
But then he remembered those voices'Haru spoils him'... 'He'll drag Haru down'...
His hands clenched under the table.
"I just… saw a boy juggling flame fruit near the stalls. Almost got caught on fire," Lone lied, forcing a weak laugh.
Haru gave a gentle smile, though his eyes saw more than Lone wanted.
"I see," Haru said simply. "Then I'm glad you're back safe."
Lone nodded, hiding the storm within.