The Solar Heir

Chapter 4: The Silver Qilin

"Alright, everyone, focus up. Today, we’re starting a new subject – one many of you have been waiting for," said the warm yet witty voice of the teacher, someone who was clearly open and kind-hearted by nature. "You’ve reached your fifth year, and as you learned in your fourth year, we studied the traits and ways of employing magic through spirit beasts. This year, we will focus on summoning an ancient spirit beast."

Standing at the front of the class, Master Quân, clad in a simple black vest that hugged his tall figure, pointed to the chalkboard. Strange characters drawn in white chalk appeared, the powerful strokes depicting the method of summoning. Around the classroom, there was an ancient, solemn atmosphere. The deep crimson velvet curtains blocked out the light from outside, giving the space a serious, mysterious air.

“You must remember that this final year emphasizes practical application, and there will be many intense practice sessions. But, to practice well, you must master the theory first. Summoning spirit beasts requires extensive and broad knowledge from the practitioner. Simply put, to excel in these fifth-year subjects, you need to diligently study the theory and rigorously practice… If not, don’t expect to wield these spells after graduation," said Master Quân sternly.

His words brought an immediate silence to the room. The students began to sit up straighter, focusing intently; even the whispered conversations had come to an abrupt stop.

“To illustrate,” he continued, “I will summon an ancient spirit beast – the Silver Qilin.”

Master Quân moved to the center of the room, raised his right hand, closed his eyes, and began muttering strange, unrecognizable words. A shimmering silver energy swirled in the palm of his hand, spiraling into dazzling strands of light. The students followed his every movement with wide eyes, full of awe.

A soft, high-pitched sound echoed through the room, and suddenly, there was a brilliant flash of light. When the glow subsided, standing before Master Quân was the Silver Qilin. Its body radiated light, glistening as though covered in pure silver metal. Its crimson eyes, filled with wisdom and majesty, scanned the room. The creature stood tall and strong, each of its graceful steps leaving shimmering trails behind on the floor.

“The Silver Qilin represents prosperity, wisdom, and unparalleled strength,” Master Quân explained. “It has the ability to foresee the future and protect lands from all kinds of evil. But what makes it truly special is its power to purify and calm the minds of those it faces.”

The Qilin let out a soft growl, releasing a fine silver mist that enveloped the surrounding space. The air in the room seemed to lighten, and everyone felt a wave of peace wash over them. The students sat in silence, mesmerized by the creature’s beauty and by the master’s power. For most of them, witnessing a spirit beast firsthand was an unimaginable experience.

Master Quân approached the Qilin, nodded softly, and the Qilin leaped into the air and disappeared into the void.

“Isn’t Master Quân’s power a combination of Mind Magic and Taurus influence? That’s why he can summon all kinds of beasts so easily, right?” one student whispered nearby.

The student sitting beside them, overhearing, turned and whispered back, “Do you really think all Taurus-influenced people can just summon beasts? You think spirit beasts talk to anyone?”

The first student shook his head, a smile on his face. “Summoning spirit beasts isn’t just about power – it’s about a spiritual connection. Without harmony, they won’t come at all.”

Master Quân’s gaze swept across the room, a smile forming on his lips as he saw his students attentively following along. “As you’ve seen, each spirit beast has its own language, and only when they recognize the harmony of mind and power will they appear. Remember, they are not tools, nor do they belong to anyone. We must treat them as partners, and they will show up when we ask correctly!”

He paused for a moment, his expression growing more serious. “Take, for example, the Phoenix, a spirit beast revered for its ability to rise from its ashes. The Phoenix symbolizes eternity and rebirth, and communicating with it is not done through language, but through patience and understanding…”

The students were riveted, their eyes gleaming with curiosity and excitement. Everyone was eager to try their hand at summoning a spirit beast. However, they understood that mastering this would require intense training and perseverance. Moreover, throughout history, Spirit Beast Summoning had been one of the few subjects (along with Cursing) where only the theoretical exam was needed for graduation.

“We’ll end today’s lesson here. Remember to diligently review the theory, and don’t forget that practice is key. Class dismissed!” Master Quân said, before turning his gaze to one of the students sitting in the back row, near the window. “Phong, stay after class.”

Phong, a tall, lanky student, stood up as the others began to file out of the room. Master Quân looked at him with a serious expression.

“Phong, I didn’t see you during the emergency alert yesterday. As you know, final-year students are always required to gather in response to alarms and help with defense. Why weren’t you there? Luckily, yesterday’s situation wasn’t critical, but it was a great opportunity for you to practice your ability to mimic powers. You’ve become familiar with the energies here in the Western Tower, and yesterday was a chance for you to copy a new energy source…”

Phong shook his head, his tone nonchalant but laced with weariness. “Master, when the alarm went off, I was in the infirmary. I had a headache and was resting. By the time I woke up, everything was already over.”

Master Quân looked deeply into Phong’s eyes, not entirely convinced by the explanation. “I see. But remember, you have a rare gift – the ability to mimic others’ powers by elements of a Gemini is common, but it has never been as strong and diverse as yours. You have the potential to go far if you seize the opportunity.”

Phong merely nodded, his eyes betraying a hint of unease, but he wasn’t eager to elaborate further. Bowing slightly, he left the classroom, leaving Master Quân with lingering concerns.