Even with double the strength of an ordinary human, Elio was unable to move away in time.

Just as he thought he was about to be devoured alive, a blinding light erupted before him.

Von Lucien had arrived, his hands extended and radiating power. Beside him, the small frog that always accompanied him had grown to match the size of the Water Monster from Elio's second trial.

"Back off!" Von Lucien's voice boomed, resonating with a powerful ice attack that pushed the monster mid-strike.

With a fluid motion, he conjured a torrent of water that enveloped the massive frog, forming razor-sharp blades along its amphibious body.

The frog lunged forward, its watery armament slicing deep into the monster's thick exoskeleton. The beast howled in agony, dark ichor splattering the ground as it struggled against the relentless onslaught.

Seizing the moment, Von Lucien channeled his power into a blast of wind that sent the creature hurtling backward. The force of the attack also caught Elio, slamming him into the ground and knocking the wind from his lungs.

Through blurred vision, Elio watched as Von Lucien advanced, hands glowing with cerulean energy. The massive frog leaping out of the way as a fireball erupted from the Summoner's palms, striking the monster squarely in the chest.

With a final, agonized wail, the beast convulsed violently before crumpling to the ground, lifeless.

A stunned silence fell over the courtyard, broken only by Elio's pained coughing. Kriz and the others rushed to his side, their faces pale with fear and awe.

"Are you out of your mind?" Kriz hissed, helping Elio sit up. "You could've been torn to shreds!"

Elio shook his head weakly, wincing at the pain in his ribs. "Had to... try something..."

Von Lucien approached, his expression a mix of relief and reproach. "A brave act, young Elian, but incredibly foolish. Courage without wisdom is a dangerous thing."

Elio hung his head, shame washing over him. Yet, deep down, he couldn't bring himself to regret his actions. He had seen an opportunity and seized it, regardless of the risk…

Von Lucien's gaze swept over the carnage, lingering on the mangled bodies of fallen soldiers. For a brief moment, Elio thought he saw a flash of barely contained fury in the Summoner's eyes.

"Nearly a dozen good men lost today," Von Lucien said, his voice low and tight with anger. "All because of the incompetence of those degenerate elders tasked with maintaining the towers."

As Kriz helped him to his feet, Elio couldn't help but wonder what consequences this breach would bring. Was the increase in defensive failures a harbinger of worse to come?

"This won't go unanswered," Von Lucien vowed quietly. "The families will have to answer for their negligence this time."

♢♢♢♢

After the battle, Elio found himself once again in Von Lucien's opulent office. His friends had stayed behind to assist with the grim task of cleanup and transporting the dead and wounded, all of them eager to prove their worth and avoid reassignment to the ill-fated defender squad.

None of them wanted anything to do with it after witnessing the massacre.

Von Lucien sat behind his massive desk, his expression unreadable as he regarded Elio. In his hand, he held a small sphere that glowed with a soft, brilliant red light.

"Come closer, young Elian," he said, his voice grave.

Elio obeyed, his eyes fixed on the mysterious object, his footsteps echoing in the silence of the room.

"Do you know what this is?" Von Lucien asked, extending his hand to display the sphere.

Elio shook his head, his eyes fixed on the object.

Von Lucien smiled faintly. "It's the core of the monster we just faced. Some believe it to be the very essence of its power, condensed into this small sphere."

"But what..." he began, but Von Lucien raised a hand to stop him.

"I want to tell you about your father, Farbe Elian. He was... an exceptional man." The Summoner's eyes softened with something akin to affection. "We met when we were young, long before either of us had matured."

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He leaned back, lost in reminiscence. "Back then, our relationship was not unlike yours with Varick. I was arrogant, disdainful, convinced by the teachings of my family that my privileged status made me superior to all others."

Elio frowned at the mention of Varick but remained silent, enraptured by Von Lucien's story.

"But your father had a unique way of seeing the world," the Summoner continued. "A relaxed, wise perspective that gradually made me question my own beliefs. His influence helped me see beyond my station, and eventually, led me down the path that brought me to where I am now."

Von Lucien paused, studying the small sphere in his hand. "This core is the key to summoning. A hundred of these could call forth the level one salamander from the book. A thousand, and you could summon a frog like the one you witnessed today."

Elio's jaw dropped at the revelation. While it was known that Summoners could call forth powerful creatures, the specifics were a closely guarded secret, known only to the two privileged families. Elio had thought Lucien would only reveal this information to him once he surpassed level three, if ever.

"I must warn you of the dangers and limitations you'll face if you choose to pursue this path," Von Lucien continued, his tone grave.

Elio nodded, hanging on every word.

"First, you must surpass the third level of the Book System. It's an absolute requirement to utilize this knowledge. Without that foundation, this information is useless to you."

Elio felt a knot in his stomach as he recalled the warnings about the third level. The chance of success was terrifyingly low, and the mana cost for the required sword exorbitant.

"Moreover," Von Lucien went on, "acquiring enough cores in a short period is nearly impossible. Monsters that breach the God's Punishment are rare, and the privileged families hoard what few they have."

Von Lucien paused, letting his words sink in. "Even if you did manage to accumulate some cores, you must keep in mind that summoned creatures attacks require mana points. With your twenty daily points, after covering your basic needs and tower contribution, it would not be feasible for you to utilize them often."

Elio frowned, understanding why he would be unable to acquire cores after seeing the monster today, especially at his current level.

"And even if you did ascend to the third level," Von Lucien went on, "you'd have to face enemies with defenses robust enough to nullify any attack lower than 6 points. Even with a weapon that brings your attack there, you'd have to strike them half a hundred times or so to defeat them."

Elio swallowed hard.

Von Lucien's gaze bore into him. "I'm not telling you this to discourage you, young Elian. I want you to understand the gravity of the path you're considering. It's crucial that you don't underestimate the harsh reality you live in."

He paused meaningfully before delivering a final warning. "There's one more thing you must know. If the families discover your intentions to ascend beyond the third level or obtain a summon, they will do everything in their power to stop you. They won't tolerate any threat to their control over the city."

Von Lucien's eyes hardened. "For your own safety, you must conceal your true ambitions from everyone. The consequences of being discovered could be fatal."

Elio nodded tensely, the weight of secrecy settling heavily upon him.

"The few Summoners that exist have obtained most of our cores from our families," Von Lucien continued. "It's exceedingly rare for monsters to overcome the God's Punishment, and the stockpile accumulated over the city's hundred-year history is nearly depleted. Obtaining 10,000 cores for a third-level summoning was done just once by the families’ founder but is currently impossible..."

Bitterness flashed across the Summoner's face. "The elderly leaders of the families have no interest in helping anyone surpass level five. They only care about maintaining their stranglehold on power, indulging in luxury while the rest of the city struggles."

Elio clenched his fists, feeling anger burn within him at the idea of a selfish few obstructing the progress of the entire city.

Von Lucien studied him intently. "Your father understood the importance of always pushing forward, of never accepting limits imposed by others. It was that determination that drove him to surpass the third level with only a disposable fire sword, despite the overwhelming odds."

Elio inhaled sharply, eyes widening in astonishment. Von Lucien smiled faintly at his reaction. "But I thought you'd only reveal this once I surpassed level three," Elio said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm still not sure if..."

Von Lucien leaned forward, his voice low and grave. "There's something you must know, young Elian. A truth your father made me swear on the face of death, if I ever deemed you worthy of it."

Elio swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Your father saved my life," Von Lucien stated bluntly. "Years ago, when I was still a level two, a monster like the one today nearly ended me. Had it not been for your father's intervention, I would have perished that day."

Von Lucien's eyes shone with a mixture of gratitude and respect. "It was an act of bravery and sacrifice I'll never forget. And though the official records don't mention it, I want you to know the identity of the man your father rescued."

"I see in you the same determination and courage I saw in him," Von Lucien continued. "The way you faced that monster today, disregarding personal risk, it was as if I was watching your father all over again. That's why I've decided to entrust you with this information, and this small gift."

Elio felt a lump form in his throat, overwhelmed by conflicting emotions. All those years he had scorned his father's memory, convinced he was a selfish man who had abandoned them. And now, to learn that he had acted just as Elio had...

Von Lucien extended his hand, offering Elio the red sphere and a mana crystal. "Take them, as a symbol of my respect for you and your father's memory. Use them wisely when you're ready, and never forget the legacy you carry."

With trembling hands, Elio accepted the gifts, feeling their warm glow in his palm. As he looked up at Von Lucien, he saw not just a powerful Summoner, but a living connection to the father he had never truly known.