Chapter 59 – Third… Contract?

“Is everything alright?” Asterios asked after seeing Professor Grea’s shocked expression.

She fervently shook her head and approached him hastily, surprising Asterios even more. Before he could react, he was already being examined by his former teacher. The woman danced around him while lifting his arms one after another and gazing intently at various points over his whole body.

He smiled wryly at the other girls. Although he never experienced this himself, he saw Professor Grea act like this many times during their time together. When in front of something she found fancy, she used to lose herself in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the phenomenon, completely forgetting about everything else.

Asterios was glad she possessed the Third Eye or else he would undoubtedly end up getting stripped in a flash if it was a person of any other, less gifted race studying his body. For now, he could only wait and observe how the lively researcher jumped around him in a trance.

After a few short minutes, Professor Grea backed away from him and wiped off her forehead covered in sweat from all the movement and heavy focus. She took a few steps back and again leaned against the counter behind her, not moving her eyes, all three of them, from Asterios for even a moment.

“You… Are you sure you are a Human?”

Asterios frowned in confusion. What else could he be other than a Human? He didn’t have any features that would state otherwise. His teacher’s question seemed completely random, but he knew her inquiries were never completely thoughtless.

“What do you mean by that?”

Grea dropped her gaze to the ground and moved one of her hands to her chin, beginning to ponder.

“This is so weird… Could I have missed it before? No, that’s impossible. It definitely wasn’t there the last time… Then why? How? What changed? I did not reach any new enlightenment during the last three years… Is it him? But it’s too extreme… There’s no way I wouldn’t have noticed… But… Humans never had that and every single transfer experiment ended in failure. There’s no way he met someone who succeeded… He asked me about it, so it can’t be that… What happened then?”

She was again lost in her own thoughts, speaking her mind out loud. Asterios didn’t know what to make out of them. His former professor’s way of thinking was always too fast and jumpy for him and she could move from one idea to another and back in a flash, without losing any minor detail. Instead of waiting again, he decided to interrupt the woman this time.

“Professor Grea. Do you know something?”

The woman snapped out of her scientific daze after hearing his voice and lifted her gaze again.

“Ah, fuck, sorry. I’m a little confused. You were pretty much a cripple the last time I saw you with my Third Eye and I don’t remember sensing any changes during your time around me, even if I didn’t use it again, but you suddenly show up with a completely different set of spiritual circuits that are most likely the purest ones I’ve seen in my whole life, and… with two sources.”

“What?”

“Yeah.”

“You must be joking, Professor. Humans—”

“—don’t have two sources. I know that better than you. That’s why my question. What the fuck did you do when you were gone? And how? It’s not possible for your kind to have them. Even if we forget that little detail, you should have imploded the very moment the two energies mixed together. It’s not something Human physique can withstand.”

“Ummmm…” Miria moved a bit closer to Asterios and timidly raised her hand. “What are the sources and why is it bad that Master has two?”

Asterios and Grea looked at each other and both sighed, calming themselves down a bit. The former petted Miria’s ears a little with a smile.

“Just as every entity is in possession of spiritual essence and some form of spiritual circuits, they also have a place inside their bodies that is considered the center of the latter. That spot is often called the source. Think of it as a heart, but instead of pumping blood around your veins, it sends and circulates mana through the circuits. For example, Humans actually have them in the same place as their actual heart,” he explained to his companion.

Miria nodded while enjoying the pleasant pats. Grea picked up after him.

“And most beings have only one as it’s the limit of their physique. Besides, it’s not that you can magically acquire more one way or another. There, of course, were researches and projects trying to either somehow transplant them, making one person hold two, or fuse them to reduce the strain. Ignoring the fact how insanely almost impossible it is to even extract or preserve such a thing, any attempt at the two things mentioned before always ended up in at least the death of the subject if not everyone present at the spot, or in a few kilometers radius. It’s just not physically, mentally, psychologically, magically, spiritually, and whatever-the-fuck-else-ally possible.”

Miria shuddered a little and glanced at Asterios with a worried expression. He felt her anxiety and scratched behind her ears gently, assuring her mentally that he felt fine. She looked back at the Demon woman.

“You said that most have one. Does that mean there are some with more? And that’s why you think Master is not a Human?”

Grea nodded. “While it’s not common, some very strong beasts and entities can possess two sources. I don’t think we have records of any with three in our realm. As for the former, they are usually of the caliber that can easily transform into humanoid forms, like Benhual Heavenly Lionlords, Maw of Deaths, Transcendent Narwhals, Arastenian Megalovipers, or the beings even children are aware of, Dragons.”

Miria’s eyes sparkled at the mention of Dragons. She instantly moved her eyes to Asterios with an amazed expression taking over her face. He chuckled seeing the panthergirl like that and poked her forehead.

“I know what you are thinking but I’m a Human, not a Dragon. Even the races considered their descendants didn’t inherit two sources.”

“And my recent examination pretty much fully confirmed that. Besides the amazing circuits, the additional source, and the slightly better physique, which actually always was your strong point and isn’t something new, there are no features that differentiate you from a normal Human,” Grea added and squinted her eyes. “I can also see that what you said is true. There certainly is a connection between you and the girls, which has all the little characteristics of the Summoner’s Bond. Care to explain anything?”

Asterios shook his head with a smile. “I was hoping you would have some answers, but oh well, I guess I should fill you in on a few things.”

He then briefly summarized what happened since the day they last saw each other in this laboratory, trying not to miss any crucial details and throwing his own thoughts, feelings, and opinions into the mix, knowing very well those help his teacher gain another point of view on the situation.

Asterios also mentioned a few things he didn’t share with his teacher before since it just didn’t feel like something necessary. It was mostly about the incident with the thug from the past and other days whenever else he felt weird. 

In half an hour, he was finished. Miria and Selene also took part in the story, explaining the parts where they appeared and giving their own version of the events. Something Asterios was already aware of but could be useful to Professor Grea. He still was hoping she had at least some ideas that could possibly help them later. Their only lead was his real parents and his birthplace.

Grea nodded to herself while rubbing her chin. “I see… So, what you are saying is that there was a barrier covering your body strong enough to hide such a powerful source and all this energy even from the Third Eye… Also pretty much disabling your circuits. It’s unthinkable, but currently the most believable theory. Just to make sure, you never felt like you had déjà vu or the feeling of something missing when you saw or experienced something?”

“You think my memories were sealed or affected? As far as I can remember, there was nothing like that. I would have to ask my mother, but I’m sure I was just your usual, few-month-old baby that grew up in her care.”

“I guess so… Even having it in front of my eyes, I still can’t believe you have two sources, and they not only seem stable but also complement each other… As for the girls, their spiritual circuits are like nothing I’ve seen too. I’ve come across countless entities from hundreds of realms, but they are the closest to those of humanoid races while still preserving many characteristics of magical beings. That might be why you were able to contract them. It’s just my theory though. Wait. Maybe you are the special one. Or rather, your second source. Have you tried contracting anyone from the usual races?”

Asterios pondered for a moment. He certainly didn’t think of that possibility. He did consider the option that this weird, scorching hot energy could have been why he was able to summon and bond with Miria and Selene, but due to all his knowledge about Summoning, he assumed normal people would still be off-limits.

Grea figured out the answer just by looking at Ast’s face. She pushed herself off the counter and started walking to the side.

“Let’s go to the adjacent room and try it. I always have a summoning and contracting circle prepared just in case.”

“Are you sure? We both know of cases where—”

“I’m not an amateur.” She stopped, turned around, and grabbed Ast’s wrist. “Don’t worry sweetie. We’ll make sure to use protection this time.” Grea winked at him and pulled Asterios forward while giggling to herself.

He sighed and let himself be led by the woman, signaling with his head at his companions to follow them too. Selene approached Miria and noticed her pouting. She placed a hand on the panthergirl’s shoulder, capturing her attention. Miria blushed after seeing her friend’s playful smirk. Selene chuckled and they walked after the other two together.

They entered a small room, wide enough to hold an immensely complex magical circle. There was some space outside of its external outline for the uninvolved party to stand without interrupting whatever rituals or magic could happen here.

The formation looked really beautiful. Both of the girls felt like they were following the lines of a captivating picture carved on the stone pavement. There were some floral and nature themes surrounding the external layers while more geometrical and regular patterns filled the inner areas. Whoever designed these circuits must have had the mind of an artist and a scientist at the same time.

Asterios smiled seeing their enthralled faces. Everyone had the same reaction when first seeing these structures. In the academy, besides the teachers, only he knew they were created by none other than Professor Grea. She was actually really embarrassed to let others know she loved cute and flowery designs. Everyone always assumed that whatever she came up with would look as crazy as she was herself.

Without delaying it too much, Grea started preparing and activating various other formations visible on the walls of the small chamber. Tens of different spiritual structures started glowing after she pressed her hands on the surface and transferred her mana into the previously invisible patterns. In a minute, the whole room was filled with a rainbowy radiance.

“Alright. Seems like these old bastards are still operating properly,” she said while tapping one of the formations with her knuckles. “Uhuhuhuhu, I’m so excited! Come on! Time for some science! Into the circle, chop-chop!”

She pulled Asterios into the middle of the room and took a step back to give him more space. He could feel the weight of the professor’s eager gaze on himself. He trusted her and also was curious if he could miraculously contract other races, so Asterios got to work instantly. This was most likely the best environment to try it he could wish for.

Asterios kneeled down and leaked some of his special mana into the circuit, illuminating it gradually. 

“Ooooohhhhhh. So your mana flavor changes too. It’s beautiful,” Grea commented on the crimson glow.

Magicians often called colors of spiritual energy flavors. Some races could literally taste the energies. It was said that at a certain level of strength anyone could experience it.

Asterios finished fueling the circuit and stood up. “Well then. Grea. Are you willing to enter a contract with me?”

“Naturally!” she answered with a wide smile.

“What do you wish to receive in return for your services?”

“Fuck, I haven’t thought about that… Uhhhhh… Damn, now I understand how all the summons feel when asked this… Ermmmm… Oh, let’s go with something simple. You have to tell me everything you learn about your weird situation, without lying. Will that work?”

Asterios nodded and the circle switched into a brighter glow. Grea squirmed when seeing the change. It meant that the bargain part of the ritual went without an issue. She returned her gaze back to Ast’s face and stared daggers at him.

“Quickly! The blood! The blood!”

He brought out his ornamental knife and followed the usual steps by cutting his finger and letting a drop of blood fall onto the spiritual lines. Grea greedily snatched the small dagger from his hands and did the same, cutting her whole hand in excitement. A bit more than just a drop of her blood fell onto the formation.

Asterios then stole his possession back from her before the woman accidentally hurt herself in her trembling state and drew the necessary rune on his forehead. Grea took a step forward and pushed her own forehead towards him, closing her third eye for a moment. He was a bit hesitant to draw over it so he left the sigil on its side and stepped back.

Asterios felt a little uncomfortable with kissing his professor’s eyelid. “Errmmm… How do we—”

Grea opened all of her eyes and rolled the pair of normal ones. “Oh, don’t be a pussy.”

She grabbed him by the collar and pulled him closer, joining their lips together. He could hear Miria gasp somewhere to the side, but most of his attention was focused on the warm sensation spreading over his mouth.

Grea didn’t just peck his lips; she threw herself at him with all she had, aggressively assaulting his mouth like a hungry predator. Even though he was caught by surprise with this action, Asterios wasn’t even slightly surprised by how the professor conducted herself. It was perfectly in her style to be this straightforward.

After a very short moment, the circle glowed the brightest and she stepped away from him.

“You should be aware that my Third Eye can discern many things. That also includes some physical changes. What’s a little kiss compared to what you’ve already gone through,” Grea said as she grinned at him and moved her eyes onto Miria. He would have never thought she could see even that with her special eye.

Suddenly, the circuits under their feet shattered into crimson particles with a characteristic sound similar to something ceramic breaking into pieces. Many different structures all over the walls began to crack too, crumbling with a similar effect. 

“What?!” 

Grea looked around in panic and watched as every magic formation either broke or turned off. Soon, the room was enveloped in silence and no sign of the previous, rainbowy illumination was left. She quickly reached into one of her front pockets and brought out a small mirror, positioning it in front of her face. Her expression turned sour. There was no Summoner’s Brand anywhere on her forehead.

“Ughhhh… Shit…” 

She groaned and dropped her head on Ast’s shoulder. He was one of the few who knew about his professor’s secret dream of becoming a summon herself and felt sad for her. It really looked like it could work. He placed a hand on her back and rubbed it reassuringly. At least both of them were fine.

“It was so close… Why… Just Why… Fuck...”

Grea started softly hitting Ast’s chest with her fists. She didn’t blame him of course, but she knew him long enough to understand that he wouldn’t mind her letting out her disappointment and that he would most likely even encourage it.

With these movements, he noticed something weird. He could swear a faint light illuminated his clothes for a second. It happened again when he was hit by Grea’s fist. He grabbed the woman’s wrist the next time she tried to do so.

“Professor.”

“Sorry…” Grea thought he might have found it bothersome and apologized quietly, stopping her movements.

“Look at your hand.”

She lifted her head and brought her palm up between them. There was a slightly glowing, crimson symbol on top of it. They both recognized the pattern; it was Ast’s sigil in the form of a crowned heart over fairy-like wings. But, it was surrounded by a spiky circle, looking like a fancy clock rim.

“No way… Did it… succeed? But… It doesn’t look like the one Mii had on her forehead,” she pondered while examining the symbol.

“I can feel some connection, but… it’s faint,” Asterios commented. “I’ve never felt anything like this. I don’t think you became my familiar, Professor Grea.”

~Hey! Can you hear me?~ The woman’s voice echoed in Ast’s head.

~Oh. I can.~

“Yes!” Grea pumped her fist into the air. “We need to confirm it further. Having a mental connection is great, but it’s all about spatial travel in the end!” 

She closed her eyes and furrowed her brows while focusing intensely, just to have them shoot open a moment later.

“Ah. I’m fucking retarded! We are from the same realm and even next to each other! How the fuck is that supposed to work, hahaha. I know! It should open in the place I consider home! Yes! Wait! No! The only place I consider home is this fucking lab! Ughhhhhhhhhh! Why does it have to be so hard!”

The trio watched the red-skinned woman turn from dejected to ecstatic in turns as she came up with a new idea just to deny it herself a moment later. It was a bizarre spectacle to the Beastfolk girls, but to Asterios, it was reminiscent of the good parts of his school life. A smile crept onto his lips.

“I know!” She suddenly grabbed him by his clothes and pulled their faces extremely close. “I’ll keep running in a straight line and you keep trying to summon me!”

Without waiting for his reply, Grea stormed out of the small room and then out of her lab, leaving everyone else behind. Asterios, Miria, and Selene looked at each other. The latter spoke up first.

“That woman is quite… eccentric, I’d say.”

He chuckled while walking closer to them. “That’s lightly speaking. They do say that all geniuses are somewhat quirky.”

He noticed Miria averting her gaze from him a bit so he stopped in front of her. She threw at him a little side-glance. Asterios brushed her cheek.

“Are you perhaps jealous?” She didn’t answer, but he could see her cheeks getting a bit rosy. “Don’t worry. There’s nothing between us. And I’m sure she also doesn’t think of me that way.”

Miria slowly moved her eyes onto Ast’s face and then pulled herself closer to softly peck his lips. He brushed his fingers through her hair while she did so. 

“I know… Besides… I don’t mind…” she told him quietly.

“You should stop repeating that. It might be something normal and common back at your place for the main person in the relationship to do whatever they want, but here, I highly value your opinion. You have all the rights to feel jealous.”

She smiled warmly at him and moved to kiss Asterios again.

~Is it working yet?!~

They both jerked when Grea’s mental shout resounded in their minds, stopping them shortly before they joined their lips. Miria quickly stepped away while blushing furiously. Her tail was making lively dances behind her back. Asterios noticed Selene hiding a smile behind her hand.

He sighed and focused on answering. ~Doesn’t seem like it.~

A few seconds passed.

~And now?~

~Still nothing.~

Another few seconds later.

~Maybe now?~

~I can’t feel anything.~

And again a moment later.

~Now?~

~I’m sorry, Professor Grea, but whatever happened to us, I don’t think it lets us open gates.~

He waited for a while, but no reply came. Contradictory to his actual summons, he couldn’t sense even a bit of Grea’s thoughts or emotions. There was a perceivable connection, but it looked like it only allowed them to talk.

A few minutes later, Professor Grea came back to her lab, visibly exhausted and covered in sweat. Physical exercise wasn’t her forte and Asterios could guess that she ran to her utmost abilities without stopping for even a moment until their last exchange. That was how much she was excited about the prospect.

She leaned over a wall and sighed heavily. “It really didn’t work… But we created some kind of a connection and that’s already amazing. I can’t let it get to me, there are so many things we can study, so much to learn. If we dive into it every day… Who knows what we could discover in a week or a month. Damn, I’m getting so excited!”

“While that’s exactly what I came here for, I’m afraid it won’t be possible to this extent, Professor Grea. Not only my expulsion is in the way. I came to thank you for everything and say goodbye. I’m moving with my mother to Tyrienheim tomorrow.”

Grea looked at him with a shocked expression for a moment and then sighed again. “Fuck… How come everything started going to shit after you left… I’d literally flash my asscrack to these idiots here and run away with you, but… as big as Tyrienheim is, this place has much better facilities… But I understand…”

“You can still talk mentally now, no?” Miria asked.

The professor smiled a little. “Yeah. That’s right. I can keep working here while we stay in contact. It’s a blessing in disguise. But anyway, you came here to study this weird thing as much as you can before leaving, right? How much time do you have?”

“I can stay here for as long as they don’t kick me out due to the late hours.”

Grea pushed herself off the wall and walked towards Asterios with an unsteady step. He anticipated her falling and stepped closer to help his former teacher stand as she leaned onto him, pushing him against the counter he was previously standing by. She flashed him a silly smile.

“Good. That’s great. I believe you have many questions and so do I. Let’s figure out as much as we can with all four of us present here. I might have not become your familiar in the truest sense of it, but why won’t we start by testing a certain theory on mana transferring that Humans aren’t really in favor of due to... reasons. There’s a chance it may work, don’t you think?”

Professor Grea grazed Ast’s chest and glanced downwards for a moment before returning her eyes to his face. Asterios smiled wryly. He was getting a bad feeling about this.