The trees stood still, and the sky was a dim, ashen gray a storm looming on the horizon. In the midst of the shadowy forest, Kael Phong sat slumped against a massive tree, sweat dripping from his brow. For hours, he had tried everything to activate his summoning beast's power.
But nothing worked.
His companion, LongLong a fluffy white creature with luminous emerald eyes rested silently on his knee, seemingly asleep. No matter how much Kael poured mana into it, chanted incantations, or even shouted out commands… it was all for nothing.
"I… I really can't do anything," Kael muttered, fists clenched, despair gnawing at his heart.
LongLong said nothing. It only stared, quietly waiting as if anticipating something deeper to awaken.
Then came the growl.
Kael's head snapped up. Three pairs of glowing red eyes emerged from the misty trees.
Shadowfang Wolves Epic-class beasts. Hunters of the dark. They moved like phantoms, born of the cursed Darkshade Woods, a region deep in the Shadowrange Mountains where light dared not enter and everything that breathed was touched by malice.
"Run? No time."
No weapons. No combat training. Just fear… and LongLong trembling slightly on his shoulder.
The wolves circled, one stepping forward its eyes blood-red, fur blending into the gloom. The others split, flanking Phong with eerie precision.
"LongLong…" Kael gasped, backing up. "Summon something… please!"
LongLong opened one eye lazily and replied:
"Contract conditions not met. Summoning… impossible."
"I don't want to die here…" Kael's legs shook, retreating further into the tree trunk.
The first wolf pounced.
Kael rolled, but the claw still found his shoulder. Blood sprayed.
Then two more lunged one bite to his leg, another slash across his chest.
Pain exploded.
His vision blurred. Everything spun.
Then...
"You are dying. If this is the limit of your will, then perish here.
But if you still yearn to live… summon your soul's true strength."
Kael clenched his jaw.
I DON'T WANT TO DIE!
A shockwave of mana erupted from his core. His blood hit the ground, and a magic circle ignited beneath him.
LongLong stood, his eyes burning.
"Channel your mana through me. Face the essence of a Legendary Beast… and hold fast your will."
BOOM!
The summoning circle roared to life, spiraling into the earth. A column of light shot from the heavens.
Then it came:
CANNON TURTLE.
A four-meter-tall colossus of a beast emerged, dual magic cannons glowing on its back like miniature suns.
Cannon Turtle – Skill Activated: Rapid Arcane Bombardment!
It roared, and two of the wolves were instantly obliterated, reduced to ash.
Only one remained the alpha.
It snarled, darkness swirling around it. Its body split into dozens of flickering clones.
Shadowfang Wolf - Skill: Phantom Mirage!
Cannon Turtle struggled. Too slow. Its massive body couldn't track the shadows. Each strike missed. Its shell was soon torn and bleeding.
This wasn't going to work.
Kael gasped for breath, thinking frantically.
Then LongLong's eyes flared, voice deep with power:
"If you wish to survive… connect your soul with the Cannon Turtle. Through me.
Form a Battle Contract."
Kael hesitated. "A connection…? But I..."
"No time. This is a Legendary Beast. Without unwavering will… your soul will burn."
With no options left, Kael placed his hand atop LongLong's head and poured in every last drop of mana.
Another circle appeared, etched with ancient runes. Kael's body convulsed, his soul pulled to its limits.
"Battle Contract activated. Mana synchronization through LongLong: Cannon Turtle, engage!"
A roar thundered across the forest.
Eyes glowing crimson, Cannon Turtle's back gleamed with sigils.
Skill Activated: Heaven-Shell Fortress!
A massive barrier formed in front of it, repelling the incoming illusions.
BOOM!
The alpha wolf was launched backward, its body cracking under the force.
Cannon Turtle locked on.
Final Shot - BOOM!
The phantom clones dispersed. The wolf leader fell.
Ash drifted through the trees.
The battle was over.
Cannon Turtle stood proudly for a moment then vanished into light.
Kael collapsed, blood soaking his clothes. But he was alive.
His first beast… summoned.
LongLong rested atop him, whispering like wind:
"Death is your first trial.
The Legendary Contract only opens… when you choose to live as a true Summoner."
Kael smiled faintly, eyes closing.
It has begun…
My journey to become the most fearsome Summoner of all.
[End of Chapter 2]
Next Chapter 3: The Path of Training