Others Summon, I Forge Beast Armor

Luke wanted to warn Scarlett about Silas, but Scarlett thought he was trying to be affectionate, so she interlocked fingers.

But romance was the furthest thing from his mind after what Silas said.

”We need to be careful of the Bureau and the Warden. Remember what happened back at the airport. What if they are here for us?”

”Didn’t you say that they have bigger problems to worry about than dungeon divers?” Scarlett asked.

”Yes, that’s true. But if they had managed to identify us, we’re in trouble.”

Finally, Scarlett agreed to remain vigilant. Even though she had many privileges as the country’s heir, getting arrested by the Bureau would leave a stain on her family.

Meanwhile, Luke couldn’t help but blame himself.

He would have to step up his game with his armor.

The Molten Triceratops Mask gave him anonymity against average eyes, but people could catch on. For example, Scarlett saw him don the mask once, meaning she would always know it’s him.

Evolving the mask or maybe crossbreeding it might restore his anonymity, even against Scarlett—at least until she saw him wearing it again.

Whatever way, he had to be smart about it.

The Superintendent replaced Silas and spoke to the students, beginning her address with congratulations and encouragement.

Shortly after, a metal box appeared before the pulpit.

”Please, students. Remember that your summon is your partner, not your strength. Too many rookies believe having a beast is everything. That kind of thinking can get you killed.”

”A Hunter is made up of many things, not just the fortitude of their beast. You are expected to be combat-literate. If you ever find yourself trapped in a vacuum or suffering from a damaged soul, your combat skills and weapon mastery may be the only things standing between you and death.”

”To help prepare you, the Confederacy has provided affixed weapons for each of you to choose from today. Pick the one that best complements your summon’s theme or your own fighting style.”

All sophomores applauded, excited. Having affixed weapons was so cool, making them feel like true Hunters embarking on an epic quest.

”Now, let us begin,” the Superintendent declared as she called the first group forward.

Rake Cooper’s team answered the call and stood in front of the box, which resembled a video-game treasure chest.

It opened automatically, displaying all sorts of weapons to Rake.

Everyone was especially interested in what he would choose.

Eventually, Rake selected nothing more than a sword.

〖Uncommon Sword〗

〖Affix: Distortion —> Attacks deal +20 Soul damage〗

”An excellent choice, young Cooper,” the Superintendent praised, shaking his hand. ”That sword is a perfect match for your Hydra. May it serve you well.”

”Thank you, ma’am,” Rake bowed. ”Your turn, Borg.”

Borg was all smiles, cracking his knuckles, determined to make their squad even stronger by choosing a weapon just as good.

”Ex...cellent choice...” the Superintendent stammered as Borg dragged a war hammer out of the box. Who put that thing in there?! she wondered.

〖Uncommon Hammer〗

〖Affix: Corrosion —> Attacks break through anything in the same bracket〗

The hammer groaned and hissed, making every sound it could to express its power. Just like Rake’s sword, lucid waves danced around it. The only difference was the color, or rather, the element.

Toby and Tabitha were next. Both picked swords. It was no secret that swords were the most popular weapon.

”Do not leave yet,” the Superintendent said as they turned away. ”There is one more item for every team.”

Another metal box opened beside them and released a drone into the air.

”Every party will receive a drone. It can split into smaller units to follow each teammate. They will monitor your progress and stream live footage back for evaluation.”

The drone buzzed like a bee to Rake and his team. A light appeared from its eye, scanning their faces before it followed them back to the crowd.

”Do not attempt to tamper with, blind, or destroy your drone,” the Superintendent cautioned. ”Doing so will risk disqualification for attempting to act in the dark. If there are no questions, we will be moving on to the next team.”

The induction continued with team after team walking up to select their weapons and receive their drones.

When Lucy Blackstone’s team was called, Luke watched closely to see what weapon she would pick. To his surprise, she picked up a scythe.

A scythe wasn’t exactly a hero’s weapon. Was she just edgy, or was that a red flag?

”Stop daydreaming, it’s our turn.”

Luke’s team answered their call a bit late, forcing everyone to gaze upon them. The whispers never seemed to stop.

”Look at him... still clinging to his family like a leech.”

”He’s hiding behind his Elder sisters and a Mythic summoner just to survive. What a deadbeat loser.”

”I bet he begged Queen Scarlett on his knees just so she wouldn’t leave him...”

None of their words mattered to Luke. They could talk all they wanted. After all, they wouldn’t talk about him if he didn’t matter to them.

Luke watched Scarlett, Raven, and Vivian all pick swords.

Since their families had trained them with swords from birth, it was logical.

Scarlett’s sword had red flames, Raven’s had black flames, while Vivian’s was a rapier affixed with light.

When his turn came, Luke scanned the weapons carefully.

He didn’t think a sword suited him, even though he knew the basics. Why? Because he already fought with a gauntlet. Picking a melee weapon felt pointless when his armor could already do the job.

Unless it was long-range and efficient.

〖Uncommon Spear〗

〖Affix: Pursuit —> +3 Turns 75% tracking〗

Raven slapped her forehead. At this point, she lost all hope in her brother.

”Do you have a screw loose, Luke?!” she complained, not caring who heard. ”Our family has trained with swords since we were kids! Why would you pick a spear?!”

”Speak to him nicely, Raven,” Vivian intervened. ”He must have a reason for his choice.”

Luke gripped the shaft of his new spear calmly as every student watched the altercation.

”I don’t need to explain myself to anyone,” he said. ”You will see soon enough.”

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A/N: Thanks for reading!