The Golden-Haired Summoner - Chapter 5

…Hmm, looks like it didn’t go as planned. He must have been quite frustrated to just bury it like that. Well, I’ll put it to good use… Wait, two spirits?

What? So there are two spirit stones? Besides the lightning spirit, what else is there?

“Hey! You! There wasn’t just one, was there? There were two?”

The kid flinched at my sudden outburst. Two spirit stones? I was more surprised than him!

“Huh? Oh, yes. My father tried to sell one to a jeweler but…”

“What?! You mean he sold it?”

I was horrified. This is outrageous!

“N-no. The jeweler accused him of trying to sell stolen goods and he got beaten up and chased away… He collapsed afterward…”

“Wait! That’s not the point! What happened to the spirit stone?”

I didn’t care about anything else; I only cared about the spirit stone’s whereabouts. If I could get both, that’d be perfect. Hehehe.

“Huh? Oh… The jeweler took it…”

“What? That scoundrel! How dare he steal what’s rightfully mine!”

I was furious. How dare he take what’s mine (sort of)!

“But… since we weren’t the owners, we couldn’t do anything about it…”

“Listen! If he hadn’t taken it, you’d have sold it here, right?”

“Huh? Yes, I suppose so.”

“Then I would’ve bought it, right?”

“Yes, I guess that’s right.”

“So, if I bought it, it would be mine.”

“Yes, that’s true.”

“But the jeweler took it, even though it’s mine? That’s theft.”

“I don’t really…”

This kid is slow. This is a job for Arie. I pulled Arie from my waist again and shoved him in the kid’s face.

“Eek! Yes, it’s theft. It’s definitely theft!”

It had been a while since I used Arie for intimidation. Arie squirmed, then turned to me and said,

[Master, didn’t you say earlier that selling someone else’s things is theft, no matter the reason?]

[Shut…up!]

I tried to twist Arie around, but lacked the strength. At that moment, Filo came running, looking a mess. His face was bruised and he dragged one leg as he ran.

“Filo!”

Hansen’s concerned cry. Filo pushed Hansen away and handed me a bag. Blood was on the bag.

“Sorry, it got a bit messy.”

“No problem… Filo can clean it, right?”

“C-clean it? Yes, I can do that.”

Good. I’m no good at cleaning.

“Great. So, Filo, why are you injured?”

“I was disciplined by the captain…”

“…Disciplined?”

When did that happen?

“It was my fault. I didn’t greet the captain in the dining hall…”

So he got beaten up? Geez, I have so much to do today: visit the jeweler, deal with the captain, and form a new contract. I better get moving. I hate rushing.

I turned to the still trembling kid and tried to comfort him.

“Don’t worry. Arie’s too small to eat people. And he’s a picky eater, so don’t be scared.”

“Huh? That’s… a relief?”

“Sure. So, where’s the jeweler?”

I tossed Arie to the ground. Arie, used to this, crawled back into my clothes and settled at my waist. I needed a bag for him; this was uncomfortable.

“The jeweler? Why?”

“To get it back, of course.”

My words made the kid flinch and shake his head vehemently.

“N-no! The Dunhelm Jewelry Store always has thugs waiting. If anyone causes trouble, they’ll be killed without a trace! It’s too dangerous! That’s what happened to my father!”

“…That doesn’t matter. I’m not going to get it myself.”

“Huh?”

“My snake fetches things very well. You just need to tell me where it is.”

Did the kid think I’d storm the store demanding the stone? I’m not that rash. I just needed Arie to fetch it. No need for a big scene. I hate drawing trouble to myself.

“B-but…!”

The kid was still reluctant.

But since I already knew the name of the jeweler, I didn’t need the kid anymore. I could ask around for directions.

“Sigh, this is pointless. Doesn’t matter. If you won’t tell me, I’ll ask someone else. This is the price for both spirit stones and the book.”

I pulled out my money pouch and handed the kid several gold coins. His eyes widened as more coins dropped into his hand, and eventually, his mouth hung open. What a funny kid.

“Oh my gosh!”

“Alright, so it’s mine now? And I’ll get the one from the jeweler. Give 2 gold to a priest and they’ll fix your eye. If your parents are beyond help, move on and live well. Death isn’t so bad.”

“Oh…”

Leaving the dazed kid behind, I started walking away.

“Miss, wasn’t 10 gold too much?”

“Is it? I have no use for it anyway. By the way, find out where Dunhelm Jewelry is. Quickly.”

Filo seemed to think I had no sense of the market value, but the money was already given.

I glanced back at the kid, still in a daze. I hoped I wouldn’t see him again.

Finding the jewelry store wasn’t difficult.

[Arie, is the spirit stone here?]

[Yes, very faintly. It’s not too deep.]

Good, this is the place. The store looked quite big. This should be profitable.

I entered a dark alley beside the store and pulled Arie out.

[You know what to do, right?]

[Retrieve the spirit stone, right, Master?]

[Bingo. Do it well and I’ll praise you. Go on.]

[Yes!]

Arie wagged his tail and disappeared down the alley. Now I just had to wait.

“Um, Miss!”

“What is it?”

Filo called out, looking flustered.

“The snake… it’s running away.”

“It’s fetching the spirit stone.”

Since it wasn’t deep inside, it should be easy to find, right? If he can’t manage this, he’s useless.

“Spirit stone… the one taken by the jeweler…?”

“Yes, that one. I paid for it, so it’s mine now.”

“A snake…?”

“If you don’t believe me, do you want to go get it? I’m not going.”

Filo seemed skeptical, but didn’t say anything when I asked if he wanted to go. If Arie retrieves the stone, I’ll check what spirit it contains and if it’s useful, I’ll contract with it. If not, Arie can absorb it. I want my own spirits, not ones shared with others. Arie is just for errands.

I need to train my mana more. If I contract with the lightning spirit, I’ll need to summon two spirits simultaneously.

I pulled the book from my bag.

The incomplete contract seals bothered me. And why was Arie taking so long? It’s been around ten minutes. Does it take this long to fetch a single stone?

Arie hadn’t returned, so I left the alley. Hansen and Filo followed.

When I peeked into the store, I was furious.

I stormed inside and approached Arie.

There were three people, young, around 15 to 18 years old. A gray-haired guy with small eyes, a shady-looking black-haired guy, and a blue-haired girl who seemed like an archer. The black-haired guy was stepping on Arie.

Ugh, useless Arie. How could I have trusted you?

I walked up to the boy stepping on Arie and gave him a big smile before starting to stomp on Arie.

[Master! I’m sorry!]

But Arie was so tough that it only hurt my foot, so I kicked him instead.

[Ouch!]

Arie hit the wall and rolled away. I was about to kick him again when I noticed a crack in the wall and decided to spin him around instead.

[Ugh!]

Arie hated being spun around.

I was lost in disciplining Arie when Filo stopped me.

“Stop! You’ll kill the snake!”

[Master, you’re the first human to care for me. I’m touched!]

Snap.

Something snapped in my head. I threw Arie at Filo.

[Then make him your master!]

Filo, stunned by the flying Arie, collided head-on with him.

Bang.

The impact knocked Filo out, holding his head.

But Arie, unscathed, crawled back to me. What a blockhead…

[Master, are you jealous? Don’t worry, you’re my only master…]

[Just die!]

I kicked Arie again, but someone else grabbed him first.

“What are you doing?”

The black-haired guy asked, holding Arie.

He was tall but still had a boyish face, with a voice like nails on a chalkboard. And he was speaking down to me.

“What am I doing? Handling my snake, what’s it to you?”

I had no reason to be polite.

His tone and his mocking expression annoyed me.

“Hmph, you claim this snake is yours?”

Spinning Arie, he spoke. How dare he spin Arie?

“Hey, stop handling my snake like that. Give him back! Arie is mine!”

[Master, I’m touched you think so highly of me… I’m moved!]

Should I just give him away?

“Yours? Any proof? This dangerous animal entered the store, so it’s mine now. I can decide its fate.”

“Oh really? Then kill him. You can’t kill him even if you tried.”

I gave him the finger, but he didn’t understand the gesture, just sensing it was an insult.

We stared each other down.

[That human tried to kill me but his sword broke. He must be mad. Hehe!]

So he was just stepping on Arie? The man’s companions, the blue-haired girl and the small-eyed guy, glared at me.

Behind me, Hansen supported the still dizzy Filo. Shouldn’t he be here? Ugh, three against one? How unfair!

“…I can’t kill him, but I can sell him. Or use his tough skin for armor.”

“Pay me if you want to do that. I doubt you can even skin him!”

“You insolent brat…”

His voice growled with rage. His eyes glowed with anger. Getting genuinely mad at a kid? How immature!

“What? Insolent? Look who’s talking! You ugly jerk!”

Hansen and Filo stepped in front of me, drawing their swords.

“Ugh!”

But Hansen quickly sheathed his broken sword. Yeah, what can you do with a broken sword? He pointed to the golden bird emblem on his armor.

“See this? I’m a member of the Royal 5th Knights. Apologize now or be charged with insulting a noble and executed!”

Whoa, execution? And for nobles of count rank or higher, right?

Instead of being intimidated, the black-haired guy’s eyes blazed with even more fury.

“Heh, a noble? No wonder your attitude stinks!”

“I don’t care if you dislike me! You’re not adding anything to my life!”

The guy, now overly agitated, drew his sword.

Hansen and Filo moved to protect me. The commotion grew louder inside the store.

But… left-handed? Sword in left, snake in right? No, he must be ambidextrous. (Arie is heavy, friend.)

“Ha! Drawing your sword? Are you insane?”

Drawing a sword meant intent to kill. Was he really ready to kill me over a snake? Did he escape from a mental asylum? Plus, with a broken sword?

“My life’s goal is to kill as many nobles as possible!”

“…Did I ask?”

I snorted. He still held Arie in one hand.

Shing

Hansen and Filo drew their swords.

“Ugh!”

But Hansen sheathed his sword again, his short cry indicating his frustration with the half-broken sword.

“This crest means something, doesn’t it? As a knight of the Royal 5th Division, I command you to drop your sword!”

“Heh, Royal? Give me a break. I’d rather die!”

Hansen’s stern command only made him laugh wildly. Realizing the threat, Hansen grabbed a fancy sword displayed in the store.

The man’s companions tried to restrain him, but he shoved them away, his eyes burning with rage.

Did I provoke him too much? I felt a rising anger and fear. The memory of that time threatened to resurface, my heartbeat quickening with rage and terror.

[Master!]

Arie’s voice rang in my head. My heart pounded, but my mind cooled.

He tried to kill me. If I hadn’t dodged, I’d be dead. He seemed disappointed he missed.

He drew another sword from his other side. Arie was wrapped around his wrist. Damn it…

[Arie, twist his wrist.]

[Understood.]

Arie didn’t hesitate. A chilling sound echoed in the store.

Snap

Crack

“Aaah! My hand! Aaaargh!”

His hand twisted grotesquely. Arie’s body wrapped around his right hand, snapping it.

It was like breaking a twig. Realizing what I had done, I shouted,

“Stop!”

Arie released his grip.

Arie crawled back, leaving a trail of blood. His body glistened red.

The man’s hand was a mangled mess, white bone jutting out.

“Eugh!”

“Ugh!”

People around gagged and covered their mouths. Damn it.

“Aaaaaargh!”

The man kept screaming. His companions couldn’t even look at his hand.

They were crying.

[Master, did I do well?]

Disgusting. I felt sick. I wanted to kill him for trying to kill me. I was scared of myself.

My heart pounded, drowning out the noise. I saw the man’s companions charging at me, their faces twisted with rage.

The woman’s head detached from her body and flew through the air.

Thud

The head rolled towards me, blue hair and blood mixing. Oh god, what did I do?

I looked away.

People stared at me like a monster. Turning back, I saw Hansen’s sword embedded in the man’s chest, blood pouring from his mouth. I shut my eyes.

[Immediate death and excessive bleeding. They’ll all be dead soon. They challenged you, Master. This is the natural outcome.]

Arie’s voice was calm. No! It wasn’t me! I didn’t do this!

“No, no! I hate this! Aaaaaah!”

* * *

“There was a murder at Dunhelm Jewelry?”

A man polishing an overly ornate sword scabbard looked up at his subordinate.

“Yes, sir.”

“Dunhelm… They understand business, but they cause too much trouble. I hate cleaning up after thugs, but they pay well. Handle it quietly.”

The man resumed polishing the scabbard, indicating dismissal.

“Sir, the culprits weren’t Dunhelm’s thugs.”

“What? A fight broke out?”

The superior’s face showed irritation. The subordinate handed over a report and explained.

“Yes, six people involved. A side’s pet entered the jewelry store and B side captured it. A side came to retrieve it, leading to a heated argument. B side drew weapons first, resulting in bloodshed. B side had three casualties: one instant death, one from excessive bleeding, and one injured. A side was released after investigation.”

The superior’s face contorted as he listened, still polishing the scabbard.

“What? The opponents? Even if B drew first, A still killed them in the city. They should be imprisoned too. How did you handle this?”

Despite his superior’s anger, the subordinate remained calm.

“B side were criminals wanted for killing three local nobles. A side consisted of a student from Drike Academy and two knights. Witnesses confirmed B side attacked the noble student first. The student’s pet then attacked, causing bloodshed. The knights killed B side in self-defense. Legally, A side is innocent.”

The superior’s expression softened, nodding slowly.

“I see. You handled it well. Send thanks to the Drike student and file this with the higher-ups. Hint to Dunhelm about their shortfall in protection fees.”

“Yes, sir.”

The subordinate bowed and turned to leave, but the superior’s voice stopped him.

“Why is a Drike student here with knights?”

“…I reported last week that Drike Academy’s representatives would pass through for the Wincon Festival.”

The superior looked puzzled.

“Did you? I don’t recall… Maybe you’re mistaken.”

“…Perhaps. My apologies.”

The subordinate’s face remained calm, but the superior smiled, waving him off.

“Very well. Dismissed.”

The subordinate bowed and left.

As he walked away, his face stayed expressionless. He muttered to himself,

“What a worthless boss…”

* * *

Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, Arie’s voice broke the silence.

[Master, people die all the time. It was a bit brutal, but it happens. Just think of it as a rat dying.]

[No, it’s not about seeing people die!]

[What?]

[Death isn’t always painful. Sometimes it’s peaceful. But I caused their deaths. That’s the problem. I can’t be involved in killing or saving. It shouldn’t be my concern!]

I sat up, clutching my head.

It felt like my head would explode.

[What do you mean?]

“I don’t know! I don’t know why I’m like this! I hate it! Why do I have to suffer? Why me? Why did I have to die?!”

I didn’t know what I wanted.

I just knew I was sad, scared, and felt like an outsider. Different because I remembered my past life. Is that the problem? Why do I have to suffer?

My chaotic thoughts spiraled. I wanted to stop breathing. The intense emotions were overwhelming.

Then, a strong presence filled the room.

Turning, I saw a golden light emanating from my bag on the table. The bag melted away, a golden liquid dripping.

“Arie, it’s the lightning spirit. It’s reacting to your strong negative emotions. It’s trying to summon itself.”

[…Summon itself?]

[Yes, it wants to serve you.]

…Me? My negative emotions? Whatever. Let it burn them all away.

Crackling

The room buzzed with static for about ten minutes, but nothing happened.

“…How long do I have to wait?”

[It’s lacking power.]

“…What should I do?”

[Infuse mana into the spirit stone.]

But I couldn’t get close.

The golden light scorched the room. My bag and everything in it melted.

Coins melted into golden puddles, books turned to ash.

“Can’t get closer.”

[Then we must wait for it to emerge.]

So, that’s it? My melted coins were a loss, but I was more intrigued by the self-summoning spirit.

The bright light dimmed and revealed a small glowing figure floating in the air. It was faint, but the intensity of its light stung my eyes.

[Name me…]

The voice was soft, almost ethereal. I had heard this before, maybe when I summoned Arie? The voice was neither male nor female, filled with a confident, almost haughty tone, but the feebleness was evident.

“…Are you the lightning spirit?”

[Yes. I have chosen you as my master. Name me.]

“…Go back to where you came from!”

This one had quite an attitude.

[What? You dare refuse me? I am the highest-ranked lightning spirit…]

“Get back in there. You think you’re the only lightning spirit out there?”

The tiny light flickered furiously, zigzagging in the air.

[You will regret this! I am the highest of the lightning spirits, and…]

“Shut up and get back.”

[Pft, you will regret this! No one disrespects me and lives to tell the tale!]

I started to think, maybe contracting another lightning spirit wouldn’t be such a bad idea. But dealing with this one seemed to be more trouble than it was worth.

“Alright, alright. Your name will be… Chiri.”

[Wait! No! I’d rather name myself!]

Fine, if it means not having to call you that.

“Go ahead.”

I checked my mana. Half of it was already gone. Normally, I could maintain a summoning for about five minutes, but spreading my mana around the room drained it faster.

[Um… Let’s see… Hmm…]

“Are you constipated or something?”

[Ugh, how can this be? An 8000-year-old spirit, humiliated over a name… Fine, I will name myself. How about Adohr?]

“Adohr? That’s the name of the ancient spirit master who created your stone. It means ‘flame’ in the old language.”

[Hmm… Adohr… I like it. Yes, call me Adohr.]

Great, if it makes you happy.

“Alright, lightning spirit. Your name is Adohr.”

[Adohr… Yes. And your name, master?]

The once-threatening light now floated gently. Its glow dimmed to a soft shimmer.

“My name is Geenie Crowell.”

[Geenie Crowell, I pledge to serve you until the end of your days.]

This one had a sense of grandeur, alright. Well, as long as it’s useful.

“Okay, Adohr. Return for now. My mana is running low.”

[Understood, Master. Summon me soon, and I shall come.]

I cut off my mana flow, and Adohr vanished.

“Finally…”

The room was a mess. Burn marks and melted items everywhere. I lay back on my bed, feeling the exhaustion.

[Master?]

“Hmm?”

[You seem different now, like the chaos from before is gone.]

“Yeah, I feel better. I guess seeing people die is something I need to get used to. As a Drike summoner, I’ll eventually go to war, and I’ll have to kill to survive. It’s just a part of life now.”

The chaos of my thoughts had subsided. Maybe it was self-justification, but I felt at peace.

[That’s why you are my master, strong and resilient. Everyone faces turmoil, but it’s the strong who overcome it.]

“Yeah, yeah, you old spirit. A 12,000-year-old sage like you would know.”

[Please, Master, don’t call me old…]

Arie’s body writhed in protest. I laughed softly, a knock on the door interrupting us.