The Legendary Summon

Chapter 14: The Legendary Summon

A massive surge of energy rushed into my body, flooding every inch of my being. It wasn't a smooth flow—it was violent, relentless, threatening to tear me apart from the inside. My muscles tightened, veins bulged, and a searing pain spread through my chest as if I was being burned alive.

The training ground trembled. The air grew thick with power, distorting space itself. I could barely hear anything over the roaring energy, but I sensed movement.

One by one, people arrived—Alicia, Magnus, Safina, even the slaves—all drawn by the overwhelming presence surging from me. Their expressions ranged from shock to concern as they saw me floating above the glowing magic circle, suspended mid-air in meditation.

"W-What is happening?!" Alicia gasped.

"What the hell did that idiot do now?" Magnus muttered under his breath.

Safina took a step forward, reaching for me, but my mother raised a hand.

"Stay back." Her voice was firm yet calm.

She extended her hands and conjured a barrier, shielding everyone from the chaotic bursts of energy.

But inside the storm of magic, I wasn't calm at all.

It hurts. It hurts too much.

The energy inside me wasn't just one—it was three separate forces clashing, colliding, tearing me apart from the inside. Blood seeped from my mouth as I coughed violently. If I didn't do something now, I was going to die.

Then—suddenly—I remembered something.

There must be a reason why Mother first told me to guide the energy through my heart.

Gritting my teeth, I forced the raging power into a steady flow.

The first attempt—I was thrown back by the force. Blood splattered onto the glowing magic circle beneath me.

The second attempt—the pain was unbearable, as if my insides were shattering.

The third attempt—no stopping now.

Slowly, carefully, I guided the swirling energy through my heart, forging a core around it. My vision blurred, my breathing grew ragged, but—

It worked.

The raging storm within me settled.

For a moment, silence.

Then—a final burst of power erupted from my body, illuminating the entire training ground in a blinding white light.

Everything froze.

A pulse of darkness followed, and when I opened my eyes again—

There she was.

A woman, standing in the center of the training ground, bathed in the afterglow of my energy.

She wasn't just beautiful. She was beyond human beauty.

Long silver hair cascaded down her back, shimmering like moonlight. Her eyes burned a deep crimson, carrying a gaze both mystical and dangerous. But the most striking part—

Behind her, nine magnificent fox tails swayed, each one radiating untamed power.

For a second, I forgot to breathe.

Then—

"Hey, Edric!!" Alicia was the first to react, her voice breaking the stunned silence. "What the hell did you do?! Who is this woman? Where did she even come from?!"

Father, who had been standing in quiet shock, finally muttered a single word.

"…Beautiful."

SLAP.

Mother's palm met Father's face with a sharp impact.

"Hah! Beautiful, is that all you can say?" she said, glaring at him.

Father cleared his throat, rubbing his cheek. "I mean, it's just—"

"Quiet."

Meanwhile, Magnus stood speechless, his usual arrogance nowhere to be found.

Safina hurried to my side as I collapsed, completely drained. My body had no strength left. She caught me before I hit the ground, gently supporting me in her arms.

Mother knelt beside me, pulling out a small vial. "Here, drink this."

I didn't even have the energy to argue. She pressed the pill against my lips, and as soon as I swallowed, warmth spread through me. My wounds vanished.

…Seriously, what the hell are these pills?

But I had no time to think about that, because the fox woman was now standing directly in front of me.

She knelt down, tilted my chin up with her fingers, and gazed deep into my eyes.

"So… you're the one who summoned me?"

Her voice was silky, smooth—but laced with amusement.

I blinked. "Summoned…?"

She clicked her tongue. "Hah. You don't even know what you've done, do you?" She glanced at my mother. "The energy I feel from him is yours. He shouldn't even have the power to summon me."

Mother met her gaze with quiet confidence. "So, you're the one my stupid son summoned, huh?" She sighed. "Not bad. A mythical nine-tailed fox… That's quite the achievement."

Alicia took a step back in disbelief. "A what?! But… isn't that just a legend?"

Mother smiled. "You're looking at one right now."

Silence.

The fox girl studied me for a moment longer before smirking. "You don't even specialize in mana, yet you managed to form a connection with me? Strange. Very, very strange."

Then, her smirk faded into something more serious.

"…No."

She stepped back, shaking her head. "You're not strong enough. You lack power, discipline, and control. You don't have the qualifications to be my master."

I wasn't even offended. I was still trying to process what was happening.

But then—

Mother took a step forward.

And in the calmest voice, she said:

"I'm disappointed in you."

The fox girl froze.

Mother continued, her voice carrying undeniable authority. "For a so-called legendary being, you're awfully quick to judge. First, you should truly see my son before deciding whether he is worthy."

For the first time, the fox girl looked uncertain. "You… really believe he is strong enough?"

Mother didn't hesitate. "I know it."

A tense silence settled between them.

Then, after a long pause, the fox girl sighed.

"…Fine."

She turned to me again and placed a hand over my chest.

The moment she touched me, her eyes widened in shock.

The next words that left her lips carried a newfound respect—

"…Master."