Chapter 12: The Mystical Art of Summoning | Conjuring vs Bonding

Chapter 12: The Mystical Art of Summoning | Conjuring vs Bonding

As the final scribbles on lightning magic faded from the board, the students' attention began to waver. The scientific methods and calculations of the previous lessons had piqued their curiosity, but now, they hungered for something more mysterious, something magical in its purest form.

Zagor noticed their restlessness, a subtle smile crossing his face. He knew exactly what they were yearning for.

"Enough of the science," he said, his voice smooth and firm, carrying the weight of centuries of wisdom. "You seek something more, something that touches the heart of magic. You wish to understand the ancient art of Summoning, and more importantly, how to control what you bring forth."

The students sat up straighter, their eyes wide with anticipation. They had heard whispers of powerful summoners—those who could call upon mighty beings from other realms. They had heard of Necromancers and spiritual bonds, but Zagor's words promised to reveal something far deeper, far more intimate.

Zagor's voice lowered to a near whisper as he paced before the class, a sense of mystery swirling around him.

"Summoning is not simply about pulling creatures from the ether. It is about control, bond, and purpose. There are two main forms of summoning—Conjuring and Bonding. Both can call forth beings, but the difference between them is profound. Let me explain."

The students leaned forward, hanging on every word.

"Conjuring," Zagor continued, "is temporary, a one-time summon. You call upon creatures like skeletons, zombies, or wrathful spirits—beasts to aid you in battle, to serve your will. These creatures are powerful, but their connection to you is shallow. They are tools. You control them only for the duration of the summoning, and once the battle is over, they fade away, their bonds severed."

He paused for a moment, allowing the students to absorb his words. Then, he continued.

"But if you seek something greater, if you wish to bond with a creature, to form a connection that lasts beyond a single encounter, that requires a different kind of magic—a ritual. I have spent thousands of years perfecting such a bond, one that transcends life and death. This ritual is not for the faint-hearted."

Zagor's gaze grew cold, his eyes glowing faintly as he looked out over the class. "If you wish to summon a creature that will grow with you, evolve with you, then you must form a bond. You must connect with it on a deeper level—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Only then will the creature evolve from a mere tool into a companion. One that will stand by you, grow in intelligence, and share in your goals and desires."

A hush fell over the classroom as the weight of his words sank in. Lena, a bold student with an eagerness to learn, raised her hand.

"Professor, how do we form this bond?" she asked. "What kinds of creatures can we bond with, and how do we summon them?"

Zagor's lips curled into a faint smile. "Ah, Lena, you ask the right questions. You see, when you conjure a creature—such as a skeleton or zombie—you are merely calling it into existence for a short time, using its spiritual energy. But if you wish to form a bond, the ritual becomes far more complex. I can show you how to summon these creatures, but it is the ritual that will define the bond. It is a unique connection, based on your own desires, your spiritual essence, and your future self."

Zagor stepped to the side, raising a hand. Slowly, a dark figure materialized at his side. It was not a typical undead creature, but something different—something human-like, yet undeniably powerful. This figure exuded an air of dignity and deadliness, a being whose very presence commanded respect.

The students stared in awe as the figure, a tall, imposing man, stepped forward. His bald head gleamed in the light, and his eyes, glowing with an eerie intensity, seemed to pierce into their souls. This was no mere servant or mindless creature. This was a companion, a creature born of Zagor's own will.

"Let me introduce you to Sebas," Zagor said, his voice filled with pride. "Sebas is not just a tool. He is my bonded creation, my partner. When I summoned him, it was not for a single battle. It was for eternity. Over the years, our bond has grown—he is more than a servant. He is a companion. He evolves alongside me."

Sebas stood motionless, his eyes scanning the room, his presence a calm yet intimidating force. The students, stunned by his human-like appearance, could sense the power radiating from him. He was not a skeleton or zombie—they could feel that he was something far more intelligent, evolved, and dangerous.

Zagor turned back to the class, his expression stern. "Sebas is not bound by the simple summoning you may perform. He is my equal, and that is the true power of bonding. It is not just about creating a creature to fight for you. It is about creating a partnership, a link that transcends time and death."

He gestured to Sebas. "When you perform the ritual, the bond you form will be unique. The creature you summon will reflect who you are, who you will become, and it will evolve with you, just as Sebas has evolved with me."

The students watched in awe as Sebas remained perfectly still, the very embodiment of Zagor's mastery over the art of summoning and bonding. There was no denying the depth of their connection—the bond that had been forged over centuries.

"Now," Zagor continued, "Let me show you how to summon these creatures. But remember, if you wish to forge a bond, it will take more than a simple incantation. You must understand the creature, connect with it, and shape it with your will."

Lena stepped forward, eager to try. She raised her hands, closed her eyes, and began chanting the ritual incantation. The room seemed to shift as the air thickened with energy. Slowly, a spiritual entity began to take form—a shadowy figure that glowed faintly, its eyes flashing with intelligence.

"I feel it!" Lena exclaimed, her voice filled with awe. "It's… communicating with me!"

Zagor nodded. "Good, Lena. You've begun the bond. But remember, this is just the beginning. Over time, your bond will grow stronger, and the creature will evolve alongside you. It will be your partner—not just a tool."

Another student, Loran, stood to try his own summoning. With a steady hand, he spoke the incantation. In moments, skeletons and zombies began to appear, their forms disjointed and crude. They were useful for battle, but they were temporary—tools to be discarded once their purpose was served.

Zagor watched the summoning with a critical eye. "See the difference? Loran has summoned creatures of battle. But Lena has created a bond. This is the true magic of summoning—creating a partnership, not just a weapon."

As the students continued their experiments, the classroom filled with a mix of wonder and fear. Some summoned ethereal creatures, while others struggled to control their undead. The power in the room was palpable, and Zagor watched over them, knowing that this lesson would mark the beginning of their true growth.