NOVEL NEXT Chapter 16: THE SUMMONING
Chapter 16 "The summoning"
Lynx's exclamation echoed through the room, rousing the sleeping Bijins, and prompting Thrain to ask, "What do you mean by that?"
Lynx's eyes locked onto Thrain, then swept the room, confusion etched on his face. "Was it just a dream?" he muttered, his voice barely audible.
Thrain's voice softened with worry. "Lynx, hey, what's wrong? You're acting really strange."
Hikari stepped forward, her voice slicing through the tension. "Actually, Thrain, he's still trapped in the illusion. I forgot to release him."
"Illusion?" Thrain and Lynx echoed in unison.
Hikari nodded curtly. "Yes... I placed him under it so we could finalize the arrangement."
Lynx's eyes widened in horror as comprehension dawned. He hadn't actually been with Thrain – it was all a deception. His gaze snapped to Thrain, wild and accusatory.
Thrain's face held a calm, almost insolent, challenge. His look conveyed a silent message: "The Bijins are mine, and I'll enjoy them with or without you."
…
Hikari approached Lynx, intending to dispel the illusion, but her eyes widened in surprise. "You're no longer under its influence... but how?"
Hikari's eyes narrowed, perplexed. "This is impossible... Only a master or someone exceptionally powerful could break this illusion. And for someone like Lynx, it was perfect – he wouldn't even realize he was trapped."
Thrain stepped forward. "I think I did."
She turned to Thrain, her gaze intense. "You're telling me that you somehow dispelled it?"
Thrain shrugged. "I used these blue flames I've been struggling to control. I thought something was wrong, so I used them to heal him."
Emiri's curiosity piqued. "Blue flames, you say?"
Thrain hesitated, his voice barely above a whisper. "Y-yes... I've never told anyone."
The Bijins exchanged knowing glances, their expressions a mix of intrigue and concern.
Akane's soft voice cut through the tension. "Thrain, are you aware of what you've just done?"
Thrain's brow furrowed, his eyes darting nervously around the room. "Is something wrong?"
Akane's gentle smile eased his concern. "No, it's quite the opposite. Have you ever heard of the legendary Flames of Reawakening?"
Thrain's eyes widened, his voice barely above a whisper. "No... what are they?"
As Akane's gaze locked onto his, Thrain's nervousness intensified. He fidgeted, his hands clenched into fists.
Akane's words dripped with reverence. "The Flames of Reawakening are a mythic force, capable of piercing the deepest illusions and healing the most grievous wounds. Only a select few have ever wielded them."
Akane's eyes sparkled with awe. "The Flames of Reawakening are said to heal wounds inflicted by dragon's flames and dispel illusions crafted by them. They can empower others, mend broken bones, and achieve countless other extraordinary feats. It's almost like having a cheat code."
Thrain's eyes dropped, his face pale. "You mean... I have that?"
The room fell silent, the Bijins' eyes fixed on Thrain with newfound awe and curiosity.
"What sensations do you experience when wielding the Flames?" Akane inquired.
"I feel rejuvenated," Thrain explained. "No matter the wound, I'm restored to perfect health. The flames seem to heal every injury, inside and out."
"Is that all?" Emiri asked.
"Not much to share," Thrain said. "I've barely used it, still figuring it out. Actually, when Lynx was injured, my own weakness limited the healing."
"I've studied extensively on this power," Emiri said. "Given its nature, you should've experienced noticeable enhancements by now – exceptional boosts in strength, agility, or endurance, for instance. Yet, you haven't mentioned any."
She paused, observing Thrain's reaction. "Also, the Flames of Reawakening are tied to the Phoenix, that mythical creature. But it seems you're unfamiliar with even basic mana and flame concepts, despite your royal lineage."
Emiri's gaze turned inquisitive. "The weakness you felt might stem from mana limitation or depletion. Have you considered that?"
Thrain's mind flashed back to the time when he had simultaneously been with three women. His exceptional endurance and vitality had been fueled by the Flames of Reawakening, allowing him to surpass his usual limits.
He also recalled his incomplete healing of Lynx.
"Maybe it's really about mana," Thrain thought to himself, acknowledging his ignorance.
"Hey, hello?" Emiri interrupted his reverie. "Have you considered that?" she repeated, her tone gentle but inquiring.
Thrain snapped back to attention, his eyes locking onto Emiri's. "Yeah, I was just thinking... maybe you're right. I don't know anything about mana or how it works."
Emiri nodded. "Would you like me to teach you?" Emiri offered, her expression confident.
Thrain's eyes widened in surprise as he considered her proposal. He barely knew Emiri beyond her elite Bijin status, and her willingness to help puzzled him.
"Is she really the best teacher for me?" Thrain wondered. "Shouldn't I seek someone more experienced?"
Just as he hesitated, Akane chimed in, "Or, if you're unsure about Emiri's offer, how about all of us teach you? Combined, our knowledge and skills would accelerate your growth."
Thrain's gaze shifted to Akane, weighing the benefits of multiple instructors. "Having all of you guide me would be... unprecedented. But would it be effective?"
Emiri smiled. "Together, we can cover more ground and provide diverse perspectives. You'll learn faster and more comprehensively."
The other Bijins nodded in agreement, their faces reflecting eagerness to contribute to Thrain's development.
"But why would you want to teach me?" Thrain asked, curiosity etched on his face.
Emiri's smile hinted at a deeper connection. "Regardless of your decision, we're bound to you as your Bijins. We'll remain by your side constantly, serving you."
Thrain's eyes narrowed slightly. "Even if I refused your offer?"
Akane stepped in, her voice softening the tone. "Yes, Thrain. As your Bijins, our duty is to support and aid you. Teaching you would simply be an extension of that loyalty."
The other Bijins nodded in unison, their expressions reflecting devotion and commitment.
—--
Thrain settled into his seat, a grin spreading across his face. "So, you'll serve me indefinitely? Personal servants, at that. I've never had something like that before." His gaze roamed over the three stunning Bijins.
Emiri, Akane, and Hikari exchanged looks.
"I accept your offer," Thrain declared, his voice filled with excitement. "Lynx will join us in this training. No objections, I presume?" He glanced at Lynx, who nodded subtly, indifferent to the arrangement.
Thrain felt a surge of gratitude. He needed all the support he could get, especially with the looming battle ahead. Strength and strategy would be crucial.
—--
A knock at the door broke the silence. Thrain answered, revealing a tall figure with striking white hair and silver eyes that shimmered in the moonlight. Though the face was unfamiliar, Thrain instinctively knew who stood before him – Daelan, leader of the Onyx Sentinel.
Daelan's casual attire was a departure from his imposing armor, and his relaxed demeanor was a far cry from the fierce Pyrope mode Thrain had witnessed before. Yet, his expression was grim, and his eyes flashed with a hint of warning.
"From your gaze, I gather you recognize me," Daelan said, his voice even. "No need for hostility." His eyes flicked to the sparks dancing around Thrain, a subtle indication of his growing flames. "You were summoned, and I chose to deliver the message personally."
Daelan's tone was measured, but Thrain sensed an undercurrent of tension.
Daelan's gaze swept past Thrain, his eyes locking onto the Bijins gathered inside. Lynx's presence was utterly disregarded, as if invisible. A low, amused chuckle rumbled from Daelan's throat.
"Looks like you've been keeping busy," he said, his tone laced with teasing innuendo. "No wonder you're shirtless on this... chilly evening." His words dripped with sarcasm, the warm night air contradicting his claim.
Daelan's smirk lingered, his eyes dancing with amusement as he took in the scene before him. The Bijins' serene expressions remained unchanged, their focus still on Thrain.
Thrain gestured to his shirt, and Lynx tossed it to him. He slipped it on, his expression turning serious.
"Let's go," Thrain said to Daelan, his tone curt.
With that, the two men stepped out, the door closing behind them with a soft thud, leaving the Bijins and Lynx inside.
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