"Master is so lucky. This is wonderful!" Tiara beamed, clapping her hands like a delighted kitten while her silver-striped tail twitched with joy.
Kael Vireon smiled faintly, unable to contain the warmth blossoming in his chest.
He was still adjusting to life as a newly-awakened Lord in the vast, untamed expanse of the Primordial Domain. Yet, a Seven-Star Summon—a Hero—stood before him, called forth by sheer fortune.
It was the kind of miracle that could change the trajectory of a Lord's path forever.
Still… something tugged at Kael's thoughts. A subtle tension in the air, like the whisper of a storm waiting to descend.
His War Rune shimmered softly on the back of his hand, glowing as if answering an unseen call. A connection pulsed into existence, warm and soul-deep, threading him to the being stepping forth from the radiant vortex of the Summoning Gate.
So this is the Link of Loyalty…
A tall figure emerged, wreathed in shimmering energy. He carried a long, silver-hafted spear and wore matte black leather armor with silver trims that glinted like starlight. His presence was calm, refined—but carried a pressure that made the air heavier.
Dark eyes scanned the clearing before landing on Kael. With a composed smile, the warrior approached, each step silent yet commanding.
"I am Raikhan Vale, but you may call me Vale," the Hero said, his voice smooth yet firm. He bowed, silver-streaked hair tied in a war-knot behind his head. "May my strength serve your will, my Lord."
Kael blinked, lips parted. This was his first summon—and it was a Hero. A true, seven-star legend reborn into his service.
Raikhan Vale… why does that name sound vaguely familiar?
The name stirred something in Kael's memory, like a faded echo of myths he once devoured in sleepless nights. There had been countless stories of fallen heroes, unsung warriors, and ancient bloodlines… but none that matched this one clearly.
Still, Kael didn't press. He had a Hero now. A genuine powerhouse. That alone was a blessing most Lords would kill for.
"I'm Kael Vireon," he introduced calmly. "I hope you don't resent me for summoning you."
It wasn't just formality—Kael knew some summoned heroes resented being revived and bound by oath. The Link of Loyalty ensured obedience, but loyalty wasn't the same as trust.
Vale straightened and regarded him with unreadable eyes before giving a slight nod. "I accept my fate, Lord Vireon. I was born in war, and I return to it."
He's composed… not flashy. Disciplined. Focused. Kael assessed. Not the kind of summon who'll throw tantrums. That's good. Very good.
"I want you to scout the perimeter," Kael ordered after a moment. "Lure any beasts you find near the Protection Barrier. Use it as cover to hunt and train. You'll rebuild your strength faster that way."
Raikhan Vale bowed once again. "As you command," he said, and vanished into the forest with agile grace.
Kael exhaled. "He listens well. His loyalty's weak for now, but it'll grow."
He watched Vale's retreating form, eyes narrowing with thought.
He carries himself like a predator… but he's leashed.
Still mulling over his thoughts, Kael turned as Tiara approached from behind, her silver eyes radiant with admiration.
"Summons like Raikhan are rare, Master," she said softly. "A Heroic Summon is considered a gift of fate."
Kael nodded faintly, turning his attention inward.
He could feel the connections now—subtle threads of energy that linked him to both Tiara and Raikhan. They pulsed with life, strength, and will.
But one link burned brighter than the other.
"Why is your connection stronger than Vale's?" Kael asked, puzzled.
Tiara hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "Let me show you, Master."
She gently took his right hand, closing her eyes. A pulse of light surged from Kael's War Rune. Tiara's hand glowed as well, her own rune mirroring his in golden hue.
The bond solidified.
Kael's breath hitched.
The link between them wasn't just a thread. It was a chain of mutual purpose, infused with shared trust.
"This is… much stronger than Vale's."
"Because I'm not a native of the Primordial Domain," Tiara explained quietly. "Summoned heroes become natives upon revival. But I—my people… we're different."
Kael's gaze flicked toward her hand, then the War Rune on her skin. His mind worked fast.
So Tiara isn't just a maid—she's a bound subject, not tied by revival but by a deeper pact.
And through that pact, his Soultrait—Extraction—strengthened ever so slightly. Not enough to overwhelm, but enough to feel.
Everything was starting to make more sense.
The more loyal subjects I gain, the stronger my Soultrait becomes. That's why Lords outclass Adventurers. It's not just resources—it's synergy.
"Thank you, Tiara," Kael murmured.
Half an hour passed in silence as Kael pondered and meditated. The forest sang its wild songs, a harmony of primal drums and whispering leaves.
Then, a heavy footfall broke the calm.
Kael turned.
Raikhan Vale emerged from the trees, dragging a bloodied beast behind him—a wolf the size of a horse, fangs bared even in death.
"I got one," Vale said with a slight smirk.
Kael's eyes gleamed.
This… this is only the beginning.