Chapter 1: The First Step
The morning light broke through the shattered windows of an abandoned factory on the outskirts of Draegor City. Dust floated like restless spirits, dancing in the soft beams of sunlight. Against the cold steel wall sat Aleron Vale, his back pressed tightly against it as though the unyielding metal could anchor him to reality.
His clothes, torn and stained with dirt and blood, clung to his battered frame. His hands trembled, a mix of exhaustion and residual adrenaline coursing through him. A single thought echoed in his mind:
It's not over. It's never over.
The events of the night before played on a loop in his head. The ambush. The fear. The unbearable weight of power that had surged through him the moment the Tebu system activated. He had seen the terror in their eyes when the creature—a grotesque, hulking monstrosity of his own creation—tore through the attackers. Yet, the memory of its roar, primal and furious, sent a shiver down his spine.
His thoughts were interrupted by a cold, mechanical voice echoing in his mind:
"System Activation Complete. Welcome, Aleron Vale. Synchronization: 100%."
He inhaled sharply, his body stiffening. The voice was devoid of emotion, yet it carried a weight that demanded his attention.
"You have been chosen as the sole wielder of the Tebu system. This system operates outside the known parameters of conventional systems. User discretion is advised."
Aleron's throat felt dry. "Chosen? By who?" he muttered.
The voice ignored his question.
"Displaying status."
Before him, a translucent blue screen materialized, hovering in the air. Aleron stared at it, his breath caught in his chest.
---
[Tebu System - User: Aleron Vale]
Level: 1
Evolution Points (EP): 10
Skill Points (SP): 5
Abilities Unlocked:
Summon Creature (Tier 1)
Evolution Command
Basic Bond (Passive)
Shadow Assimilation (Locked)
Humanoid Transformation (Locked)
---
His eyes flicked to "Summon Creature" and "Evolution Command." The memory of the night's battle resurfaced. That creature he'd summoned—it wasn't just a beast. It was alive, pulsing with raw, unrelenting rage. And yet, somehow, he'd controlled it... or at least restrained it.
"Explain 'Evolution Points' and 'Skill Points,'" Aleron demanded, his voice steady despite the tremor in his hands.
"Evolution Points (EP) are earned through combat, exploration, and achieving system milestones. EP allows for the enhancement and transformation of your summoned creatures. Skill Points (SP) are used to unlock new abilities and upgrade system functions."
"Transformation? How far can they evolve?"
"Creatures may evolve into higher life forms, including humanoid states. Evolution enhances physical and mental capabilities. However, advanced evolution increases the risk of loss of control. User caution is advised."
Aleron exhaled, his mind racing. The system offered immense power, but it wasn't without risks. If he wasn't careful, the creatures he created could turn against him—or worse, become something he couldn't stop.
"What about me? Do I evolve?"
"User evolution is tied to system milestones. Specific conditions must be met to unlock new functions, including transformation into enhanced forms. Current conditions are incomplete."
The blue screen flickered and vanished, leaving Aleron alone in the dim room. For the first time since the system activated, he allowed himself a moment to process.
---
A New Path
Later that day, Aleron stood before the gates of the Draegor Academy. The sprawling complex, with its towering spires and intricate carvings, loomed like a fortress against the horizon. Here, the most gifted system holders were trained to harness their abilities.
But Aleron wasn't here to excel or prove himself. He was here to hide.
The academy was a neutral ground, a sanctuary where the rules forbade open conflict. For someone like him—an anomaly with a system the world feared—it was the perfect cover.
He adjusted the mask on his face, a simple leather piece that obscured his features. His old cloak draped over his shoulders, its hood pulled low.
At the entrance, a guard glanced at him suspiciously. "Name and system type?"
"Aleron Vale. Summoner system."
The guard frowned, his eyes lingering on the mask. After a tense moment, he nodded and waved Aleron through.
Inside, the academy buzzed with activity. Students sparred in training fields, their abilities on full display. A young woman conjured a swirling storm of flames, while her opponent countered with a wall of water. Another group watched as a boy summoned a massive spectral wolf, its fangs glinting like steel.
Aleron kept his head low, slipping through the crowd unnoticed. He couldn't afford to draw attention—not yet.
---
A Dangerous Secret
As he walked through the academy grounds, the familiar cold voice of the Tebu system echoed in his mind:
"Warning: Hostile intent detected."
Aleron froze. His eyes darted around, searching for the source.
To his left, a group of students stood in the shadow of a tall statue. They wore black uniforms marked with the insignia of the Eclipse Society—one of the academy's most powerful factions. Their leader, a tall boy with piercing silver eyes, stared directly at Aleron.
He knows.
Aleron turned away, his heart pounding. The Tebu system whispered again:
"Danger is unavoidable. Prepare accordingly."
---
The First Challenge
That evening, as darkness fell over the academy, Aleron found himself in the dormitory's training hall. The room was empty, its stone walls lined with weapons and practice dummies.
He needed to test his abilities, to understand the limits of the Tebu system before someone forced his hand.
"Summon Creature," he whispered.
A circle of black light appeared on the ground before him, pulsating with energy. From it emerged a creature—smaller than the one from last night, but no less intimidating. Its skeletal frame was covered in dark, chitinous armor, and its glowing red eyes locked onto Aleron with eerie intelligence.
He raised his hand, the bond between them thrumming in his chest. "Evolution Command."
The creature growled low, its form shifting as the command took hold. Its limbs elongated, its armor thickening. The red glow of its eyes deepened, and faint tendrils of shadow began to curl from its body.
Aleron staggered back, sweat beading on his forehead. The process was draining, but the result was undeniable.
The creature stood before him, taller, stronger, and more menacing than before.
"This is only the beginning," Aleron muttered, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
He wasn't like the others. He wasn't just a system holder. He was something more.