Honestly, Leo never expected that things would go so smoothly. Seeing the unsettling amount of gamma energy in the atmosphere of the village and the incoming wave from a distance, he had a bad feeling settling in the pit of his stomach. Leo analyzed the destruction around them, noting how the ground had been—was now a mixture of mud and black blood. Buildings lay in various states of collapse—some partially crumbled while others were reduced to nothing. The village would never be the same again; that much was certain. Whatever would have emerged from the portal clearly would have caused them quite some trouble, even though they wouldn't have been exactly the ones in danger. The villagers, simple folk with no means to defend themselves against such otherworldly horrors, especially since there weren't powerful summoners in it. If Master Sung hadn't been around or on their side, a lot more casualties would have been faced while handling the beasts from the breach, given their numb

"I guess today," Master Sung finally interjected, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade, "you won't have a reason from today henceforth." Lucian's face contorted with confusion, his eyes widening at Master Sung's unexpected stance against him. His gaze darted between Master Sung and Ryder, searching for some explanation—some sign that he had misunderstood. But the unwavering resolve on Master Sung's face told him everything he needed to know. Turning toward Master Sung, Lucian had just one word to say: "Why?" He completed his question in disbelief. "Why you, of all people?" The wind blew, carrying with it the smell of beast blood and a whistling sound that only deepened the already tense atmosphere. Overhead, birds had begun to return to the skies, flying freely now that the breach had disappeared. The sun had begun to set, casting long shadows across the bloodstained surface. "You’re an independent, powerful summoner," Lucian continued, his voice gaining str

Mia and Lucian walked away, covering a short distance before they were wrapped by Daoka's shadow – Daoka's ability providing them with a quick exit, at least. They left Master Sung still talking, seemingly unconcerned by their departure. "Well," Leo said into the silence that followed their disappearance, "that was too simple." He pushed away from the tree he'd been leaning against. "I was hoping for at least a little more drama. Maybe some tears? A heartfelt confession?" Brok, who finally gained enough confidence, chuckled. "Yeah, that was too boring. That jerk should have put on some show." Master Sung , turning back to Ryder, sighed audibly as he remembered their deal. "Do you perhaps have any belongings you'd like to take with you?" Master Sung asked, his tone shifting smoothly to gentleness. "As a guest, we'll prepare somewhere comfortable for you." Ryder looked momentarily caught off guard by the sudden change in topic. "You mean guests?" he asked, gesturing towards everyon

"Familiar... Retreat!" The words echoed through the evening air with a resonance that seemed to vibrate in Ryder's very bones. He had done this before, though under vastly different circumstances—desperation had driven him then. Now, there was intention behind his actions, a deliberate understanding of the process that felt both foreign and familiar at the same time. Chanting the word even though it wasn't necessary, he moved the gamma energy inside his body in similar fashion to the way it moves before a portal materializes. After a short moment of absolute stillness, he burst violently with purple gamma energy, striking the ground like lightning bolts. The process began intensely but still had room for increase. The sparks multiplied and intensified, their purple light casting a purple glow across the faces of his companions and the surrounding debris. Right in front of him were sparks, increasing every moment until eventually they evolved into swirling streaks of gamma e

"The uniquely named Summoner Slayer," Ryder mused aloud, his mind working through the bombshell. "Does that mean you were actually a killer? Like, professionally?" "Yes, I was," Leo responded, his playful character diminishing again. There was no pride in the admission, no shame either. Just the simple acknowledgment of a truth he'd carried for over a century. Brok stole a quick glance then quickly turned away, hoping it wasn't noticed, but he was caught red-handed by Leo who wasn't even staring at him. Those enhanced silver eyes missed nothing, a fact Brok was beginning to find both impressive and unsettling at the same time. "Worry not, big guy," Leo spoke with a slight grin, though there was understanding in his tone. "Don't worry, I'm not going to suddenly develop a taste for friends' blood or anything dramatic like that." Brok attempted a nervous laugh that came out more like a strangled cough. "Right, of course not. It's just... you know... 'slayer' is not what I had assume