Call of the Guardian

Chapter Four: Call of the Guardian

Bryan Stone stood with a sharp glare. "How dare you? We gave you a second chance, and this is how you repay us?"

Theodore looked up, confusion clear on his face. "Second chance? What do you mean? Are you the one who brought me to this messed-up place?"

Balboas rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, that's not even the right question. How did you survive a body possession by a demon lord, and then devour him? This is impossible! Are guests always this strong?"

Theodore, still dazed, blinked. "What do you mean survive?"

Balboas continued, "To be precise, you were brought here to interrupt the ritual. The body possession ritual binds one soul to a body, but two souls in the same vessel cause interference. Using souls from characters in the novel risks altering the storyline. That's why we summoned a guest from another dimension—to prevent this. The ritual should've been canceled, and Karnak wouldn't have been able to possess Creedison's body and kill the main character in the future. But instead of halting it, you devoured his soul. How did you even do that?"

Theodore furrowed his brow. "First off, I have no idea how that happened. Second… you summoned me just to mess with a ritual? And why am I in a novel?"

Angelica smiled softly. "You're not in a novel. You've been summoned into another dimension through one."

Theodore's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?"

Angelica continued, "To be more precise, novels are records of a dimension's history, shared with other dimensions. But they only get passed on to dimensions at the 'Story' stage, which is when we can send in a guest to intervene."

"The Story stage?" Theodore repeated, his mind racing.

"Don't rush to understand, little one," Angelica said cryptically. "The stronger you become, the more the truth will reveal itself."

Theodore scowled. "Truth? Why should I care about a dimension that isn't even mine? Just take me home. I still need to get revenge on Reign."

Angelica's expression softened. "I'm sorry, but that won't be possible. Your original body has disintegrated."

Theodore froze. "So… I'm dead?"

"Yes, but—" Angelica began, before Bryan interrupted.

"Since it's come to this," Bryan said, "why don't we make a deal?"

Theodore looked up, skepticism clear in his eyes. "A deal?"

"Yes," Angelica said earnestly. "You know the tragic end of this story. That knowledge will help you grow stronger than anyone else and survive. We will do everything we can to help you grow stronger. In return, we ask you to protect the main character and the lead roles until the Apocalypse. Become their guardian."

"Why would I agree to that?" Theodore said, frustration building. "I still haven't gotten my revenge on Reign."

Bryan let out a sharp breath, slamming his fist into the table. "Why wouldn't you?! You arrogant bastard!" His voice boomed. "Blinded by revenge—do you even realize your situation?! You think you'll survive in this world just because you devoured the weakest demon lord?!"

"Bryan."

Balboas' deep voice cut through the tension. He locked eyes with Bryan and spoke in a grave tone. "…Don't forget. This is our last chance to make things right."

Bryan fell silent.

Theodore's mind raced. This wasn't their original plan. If he hadn't devoured that demon, they probably wouldn't have cared about him. And those words… 'We'll help you grow stronger.' That sounded exactly like what Reign had said before betraying him.

He gritted his teeth.

Angelica's eyes softened, and she bowed her head. "Please. I beg of you."

Bryan and Balboas both looked surprised. "Angelica, what are you doing?" they said, urging her to raise her head.

Theodore's gaze hardened. "Fine. I'll accept. Not like I have much of a choice anyway."

BEEP! BEEP!

Suddenly, a game-like message flashed before Theodore's eyes:

The guest has accepted the offer to become a Guardian. The class 'Guardian of Heroes' has been awakened.

"The hell is this?" Theodore shouted, furious. "I awakened a class?"

Angelica smiled gently. "What's the matter, Theodore? Surprised?"

Bryan scoffed. "What a mongrel."

Just then, the door to the room opened, and a new figure entered. The Dean, looking mildly concerned, rushed in. "What happened? I heard screaming."

Theodore glanced at him, slightly rattled, then replied, "Ah, nothing, Grandpa. Just a little outburst."

"Hmph," the Dean muttered, clearly unconvinced. "What am I going to do with you?"

At the Demon Continent

News of Karnak's soul being devoured spread like wildfire among the demon lords. The meeting room buzzed with tension. Though Karnak had been the weakest of the seven demon lords, his death was still a major event.

A report came in, detailing the circumstances. "The last we heard, Karnak illegally entered the human continent, despite orders from the Demon King. He tried to possess a human body and… was devoured instead."

Valkirith, the second-ranked demon lord, narrowed his eyes. "A human? Devoured Karnak? Who is this human?" he asked, voice laced with both curiosity and disdain.

The soldier hesitated before answering. "…His name is Creedison Van Dango. An academy student. He was banished from his family for being born without a Soul Core. His father was one of the heroes who helped save the human continent from the cataclysm 19 years ago."

"Ha! Crazy humans," Zerathis sneered. "They act like the monsters from the Abyss are pure evil, but they're more monstrous themselves."

Rhyphoros, the sixth-ranked demon lord, shook his head. "A human devouring Karnak… Preposterous. No human has the dark mana needed for such a feat."

Zerathis chuckled. "What's wrong? Are you scared he'll come for you next?"

Rhyphoros glared at her but remained silent.

Valkirith, calm as ever, spoke, "Still, we can't ignore the possibility. We need to keep an eye on this Creedison. If there's a variable we haven't accounted for, we must be prepared."

Bahomet, the fourth-ranked demon lord, chuckled darkly. In his mind, he mused, Sharp as always, Valkirith. But you still can't catch up with me. I've already sent my subordinates to keep an eye on him. He paused, thoughts deepening. And if he really did devour Karnak, I'll turn him into a demon and bring him to my side. Yes, yes… how intriguing.

As the meeting continued, the demon lords discussed their next steps, knowing that the appearance of a human who could devour a demon lord could signal the beginning of an unpredictable chain of events.

Back at the Academy

Two days later, Theodore had healed from the injuries caused by the brutal possession ritual. His body, now free from the twisted neck and swollen leg, was summoned to Ophillis Hall, a grand courtroom-like structure where important academy matters were discussed.

"Cadet Creedison," the Dean's voice echoed in the hall. "Please explain what happened at the abandoned facility the other day."

Theodore stared down, his mind racing as he pondered what to say. All thanks to this coreless fool, Creedison, I now have to carry the burden of his foolishness, Theodore thought bitterly. He mulled it over until an idea surged into his mind. I joined a dark cult group, not knowing their true intentions. I thought it was a research-based group to help with my Soul Core issues.

"Haha, you fool. Do you really think that's possible?" came the mocking voice of Throth, the class-A professor .

"I wasn't done talking, Professor Throth. Do you mind keeping quiet?" Theodore said sharply, his voice cold, accompanied by a dominating glare.

A heavy silence filled the room.

Everyone could feel the tension in the air. It was clear something was about to break.

"How dare you, banished bastard!" Throth spat.

"No," Theodore shot back, steady. "How dare you speak when the Dean never gave you permission? Do you think you're better than him?"

"What?" Professor Throth said, his voice panicked as he shifted back in his seat.

"Enough," the Dean's commanding voice interrupted. His aura filled the room, instantly creating an oppressive atmosphere.

The entire room was dominated by the immense presence of Dean Lebroc Gerald, a retired Sword Master.

Hmm, so this is the Dean's aura, huh? Not bad. But had it not been for this weakened body, I would've endured it, Theodore thought, while the others struggled to breathe under the pressure.

"You may continue," the Dean said, releasing his aura, restoring comfort to the room.

"So, instead of helping, they planned to use me for a body possession ritual," Theodore admitted, breaking the silence.

The room fell quiet again.

"You accidentally joined a mysterious cult, but had no idea they planned to offer your body to a demon? Does that even make sense?" Class-S Professor Marcus asked skeptically. "We all know demons in the Abyss can't possess bodies."

"What? Are you saying he just made it up?" Class-D Professor Marianne asked, incredulous.

"Well, it's not like he couldn't have made it all up," C-Class Professor Elnora muttered.

"I think that's enough. We shouldn't make false accusations. After all, most of the students involved in the ritual died in the explosion, and the few who survived don't have enough information about the incident. We can't judge whether demons can possess bodies or not since no one's ventured to the deepest part of the Abyss," B-Class Professor Cullen said, trying to calm the situation.

The Dean slammed his gravel against the table, demanding attention.

"Order!"

The room instantly fell silent.

"Creedison," the Dean said coldly, "As punishment for joining a dark, mysterious cult that wasn't registered with the school, you are given a two-week suspension."

"What? Just suspension?!" Professor Marcus exclaimed, his voice rising. "After all the trouble and destruction he caused, he's getting off with just a slap on the wrist? Or perhaps you're going easy on him because he's your grandson?"

"What if I am?" the Dean replied, his voice sharp. "If you have a problem with that, why don't you try taking my position? I'm always ready for a challenge."

"Ugh…" Marcus muttered, his voice scared as he looked down.

"You are excused," the Dean said, turning his attention to Creedison as he hit the gravel on the table once more.

Theodore, feeling the tension lift slightly, quietly left the room and headed to his room, lost in his own thoughts.

As Theodore exited the hall, Angelica and Bryan were waiting outside, discussing the academy's changes. "Wow, the academy sure has gotten bigger," Angelica remarked. "And they're more lenient now, giving him just a two-week suspension after all that destruction."

Bryan added, "Yeah, no compensation for the damaged hall. What happened to discipline?"

Theodore sighed, rubbing his temples. "Do you guys really have to follow me everywhere?"

Balboas grinned. "Well, you're really lucky, getting to sleep on a bed and bossing around servants. I can't even remember the last time I had a decent rest," Balboas said.

"You won't be saying that once you see where I sleep," came the reply.

At Theodore's Room

The entire room was thick with a foul stench, the atmosphere blank and suffocating.

"Haha, totally befitting of a rude bastard," Bryan chuckled, wincing in pain.

"Well, since that coreless fool, Creedison, couldn't develop his Soul Core, he was cast into a room near the farm—no maid, nothing—and placed in the lowest class possible. I guess this is the best the dean could do for his grandson. To make matters worse, he's on his last attempt to develop it. If he doesn't succeed this year, he'll be expelled."

"You don't have to worry. Since the Hero Academy is based on strength and potential, you'll be in Class S soon enough—now that you have us," Angelica said, her voice reassuring. "Now, let's begin your first training."

"Haha, is this really the best you could do? Hahaha!" Bryan taunted as he started beating Theodore.

"I knew he was weak, but seeing it with my own eyes… he's really pathetic. How did he survive this long?" Theodore muttered, furious.

"I think that's enough," Angelica said. "Now, let's focus on developing your core vein."

Theodore sat down, and Angelica placed her hands on Creedison's back, attempting to widen his core vein.

"Huh? How can you use all this Soul Core energy? That's impossible! Where is this absurdly abundant energy coming from? Is that an energy?" Angelica gasped.

"But how? I couldn't use them before… No, no… that's not just any energy…"

"That's Qi energy!" Theodore exclaimed in shock. "How am I able to use something that only exists in Murim world novels?!"

(TO BE CONTINUED)....

Hey there, it's me, the author!

I've made some changes to the previous chapters, so be sure to check them out.