He looked down at Lyra, who floated quietly beside him, her light flickering gently. "Then I guess we'll both need to get used to each other fast."
▓▒░ [You already are. Resonance increased by 2%.] ░▒▓
Lucien smiled faintly. "You're counting that too?"
▓▒░ [Progress tracking is essential.] ░▒▓
"Right," he said, shaking his head slightly. "You really are something."
Lyra made a soft sound, like a tiny chime, circling his head once more before settling against his shoulder. She seemed to understand his mood, or maybe she was simply reflecting it. Either way, it brought a sense of peace he hadn't felt in a long while.
Around him, the others still tried to bury what they'd seen under mockery.
"He got lucky, that's all," one said loudly.
"Probably just a weak soul link. The wisp did all the work."
Instructor Maren ignored them this time. She had seen enough to know luck had nothing to do with it. The faint silver aura that remained around Lucien was unusual, rare even among advanced summoners. But she kept quiet. For now, she wanted to observe more.
Lucien, meanwhile, was too absorbed in the system's display to care about their chatter. He was starting to piece things together, how the system wasn't just a tool but something shaping his entire path. The Soulbinder Interface wasn't forcing strength upon him; it was guiding him toward understanding strength itself.
He exhaled quietly, feeling the faint hum of the link between him and Lyra. "Looks like I've got a long way to go."
▓▒░ [Affirmative.] ░▒▓
Lucien rolled his eyes. "That wasn't a question."
▓▒░ [Then it was an accurate observation.] ░▒▓
He laughed again, low and genuine this time. For all the system's cold logic, it was beginning to feel oddly alive. Or maybe, he was just getting used to it.
He turned toward the instructor, who was now calling for attention again, signaling the end of their session. Lyra followed him, gliding silently beside his shoulder.
As he joined the others preparing to leave, Lucien caught his reflection in one of the crystal mirrors near the exit. The faint silver glow of the soul link shimmered near his chest, pulsing softly in time with the wisp's light.
For the first time since awakening, he felt something close to pride. Not for defying others or proving anything, but because he had found a beginning that was truly his.
He brushed his fingers lightly against Lyra's glow. "We'll figure this out together."
The wisp responded with a faint hum, and the system followed.
▓▒░ [Resonance +2%. Current Resonance: 43%.] ░▒▓
▓▒░ [Note: Progress satisfactory.] ░▒▓
Lucien smiled faintly as he stepped out of the hall. "Good. Because we're just getting started."
Lucien walked down the stone path leading to the general lecture hall, the faint hum of chatter filling the air. He still felt the soft warmth of the bond pulsing faintly in his chest, Lyra's presence was there, like a heartbeat brushing against his own.
"System," he said quietly, "can I recall her?"
The response came at once, a familiar voice echoing in his thoughts.
▓▒░ [Summon recall is possible. Lyra will return to her beast space until re-summoned.] ░▒▓
Lucien looked down at the little spirit wisp floating beside him. "Hey, Lyra," he said softly, "I'll have to recall you for now. I promise, once the class ends, you'll be the first to see how much I've learned."
Lyra twirled midair, her glow dimming a little in what looked like sadness, but she nodded. Her faint voice echoed gently in his mind, a flicker of acceptance. Then, with a shimmer, she dissolved into threads of light, vanishing into the ether.
Lucien exhaled, a small smile on his face. "She's learning fast."
The hall ahead was already half full. Students from all divisions mingled uneasily, some chatting, others glaring, many keeping to their own ranks. Lucien could tell which side was which from their uniform, cleaner robes, polished insignias, with smug postures. But he didn't care much for that.
"Lucien! Over here!"
He turned at once. The familiar voice carried an easy, cheerful tone. Across the room, his roommate, Cael, waved an arm lazily. He looked half dead, his hair clinging to his face with sweat, uniform crumpled.
Lucien made his way over, grinning. "You look like you just wrestled a Rift beast."
Cael groaned. "Might as well have. The instructor thinks we're made of steel. Who does this much drills on the first day?"
"Guess warriors don't get days off." Lucien chuckled and sat beside him. "So? Still think your class was the best choice?"
"Ask me again when my legs stop shaking." Cael leaned back in his chair. "What about you? You got that look, the one that says you did something reckless."
Lucien shrugged. "Just a little summoning session."
Cael perked up. "Wait, you already got your first summon? What is it? Tell me it's not one of those slimy crawlers from the pit."
Lucien smirked, crossing his arms. "Wouldn't you like to know? Maybe I'll show you later."
"Oh come on," Cael complained. "Don't tell me it's actually impressive."
Lucien only grinned wider. "Let's just say it's one of a kind."
Their laughter drew a few glances, mostly irritated ones. Some students from the higher divisions didn't appreciate noise coming from the lower ones, especially when it came from those in dull, unmarked robes like Lucien and Cael's.
Then came the inevitable interruption.
A tall boy with dark red hair and an arrogant smirk stood up a few seats ahead. He had the look of someone who enjoyed his reflection too much, crisp uniform, polished boots, and the air of superiority that made others instinctively step aside. He turned slowly toward them.
"You two," he said, his voice sharp enough to cut through the hall's noise. "Find somewhere else to sit."
Lucien looked up lazily. "Excuse me?"
The boy folded his arms. "You heard me. Lower divisions sit where they belong, at the back. You're occupying my space."
Cael tensed beside him. "Lucien, leave it. He's—"
Lucien held up a hand, still calm. "Occupying your space? Didn't see your name on the chair."