Time was running out. The guards wouldn't leave them alone for long.
"Where is it?" he quickly changed the topic before any more harsh words escaped his mouth.
Getting upset with her would only be a waste of time.
(You're fortunate. I can sense its presence on the other side of this wall. One of your kin holds it.)
(Ask them if they possess a silver ring.)
Kash acted immediately.
"Mother," he called out in a hushed voice. "Do you have a silver ring with you?"
There was a pause, followed by a soft whisper from the other side of the cell.
"Yes, yes, I do. I've kept it hidden. It was your father's gift to me when we were young," his mother's voice trembled, filled with confusion. "Why do you ask?"
"It's important. Please hand it to me," he whispered, pressing his body against the metal bars .
He glanced around carefully, making sure no guards were nearby. When it was safe, he slowly stretched his right palm.
Thankfully, his mother didn't ask more questions and just followed his instructions.
When she handed it to him, he quickly slipped it back to his cell, making sure to keep it hidden.
"What now?"
Nothing happened. The ring felt no different from regular jewelry.
(Focus on it, and let me take control. Only dragons can activate its hidden power.)
Unsure what she meant by focus, he just stared at the ring, hoping it would respond.
Slowly, a glowing golden mist began to rise from his palm, releasing a heat that flowed gently.
The mist swirled into the ring, and as it absorbed the energy, it began to shine brighter, until it turned into gold.
(Place it on your index finger)
He did as told. The intensity of the heat grew, to the point where it felt as though his finger was melting, but he didn't shout.
Enduring the pain to keep the guards from noticing, he gritted his teeth, the pressure building until it felt like his skin would crack.
(You must make the ring submit to you.)
'It hurts ! Can't you remove the pain? You created this thing right?'
(No, I can't. If you are unable to tame this inferior artifact, you will surely die when you get your hands on the stronger ones.)
Kash didn't say anything . Getting upset with her while dealing with the pain would only make things harder.
From the other cell, her family members began whispering, sensing that something was wrong.
They exchanged concerned looks as the sound of his low groans reached their ears.
"Are you alright, Son?" her father's voice was filled with worry.
"Kash, my dear, are you okay? Should I call the guards?" next was her mother.
"Big Brother, Kash... are you okay? Did they hurt you?" Keisha's small voice trembled.
Even in the middle of all this, they still looked out for one another —their familial bonds were very strong.
"Don't worry about me. I'm fine. Just... please, don't call the guards. I promise I'll find a way to get us out of here. Just trust me."
His voice didn't sound convincing, but they still respected his words and stayed quiet.
After a few more minutes, the pain finally began to fade.
The wall cooled his back as he drew in a breath. But with how foul the air was, holding it might've been a better choice.
'I finally succeeded,' he sighed, staring at the ring.
(You've passed the test. That ring is called Aferno Sigil. It grants you the power to summon a Fire Imp.)
Kash's eyes widened. "Are you telling me this is a summoning artifact?"
(Why are you so surprised?)
He contemplated for a few seconds. 'But… there were studies, experiments. Scholars tried for years to turn wild beasts into summons, and lock them in artifacts. They all failed.'
(I see... It's likely due to the restrictions imposed by the higher beings upon this world.)
(My creations and I are not bound by such chains, but it would be wise to keep this knowledge to yourself. Speaking of it could draw unwanted attention)
Kash nodded, fully intending to keep it to himself.
Dozens...no, hundreds...would chase after him if they ever found out.
"Fire Imp, huh... It's a Bound rank beast," he mused aloud, recalling the details from the Averta Code.
They were known for their fiery temper and destructive nature, but was often contracted by low ranking summoners.
"Is this really enough?"
Though finally becoming a summoner brought some hope, doubt still lingered in his mind.
At the very least, every city enforcer had a Stray or Bound Rank summon.
The higher officials? Most of them were bonded with Hunter Rank beasts—creatures far stronger and well-trained.
(Don't let your old and misled knowledge cloud your judgment.)
(The Fire Imp inside this artifact isn't like the ones you've read about. Unlike normal beast, the creatures I seal can evolve to their peak potential)
(Given time and proper care, yours could ascend into a Flame Atronach. And I also have a way to make it stronger... faster.)
"An Atronach!" He almost jumped to his feet, startled by the revelation.
"Are you talking about those Elemental Beasts at the Emperor Rank?" His voice dropped to a whisper, as if saying it too loud might summon one right there.
(Yes. I don't fully understand how your ranking works, but I can assure you. Your Imp will grow far stronger than what's on the book. So, do you still regret forming a pact with me?)
"Regret?" he let out a short, dry laugh.
"When you first appeared, I thought I was cursed. Don't think you can buy me off with this. I still haven't forgiven you for manipulating me... but—"
His voice trailed off as he looked down at his hand. He clenched it slowly, feeling the ring press against his skin.
"Thank you. For giving me a chance to save my family."
Sera didn't expect him to genuinely thank her. It made her heart skip a beat, but she quickly brushed it off.
She couldn't afford to be swayed by her emotions again.