The Land: Anarchy

Chapter 21: Summoners

Zuno awoken, he was in a dark forest. The same forest he was in back at Floran City. Whispers could be heard from all over the forest. Figures was seen from the sides of the forest, watching his every movement.

"Follow the path" a whisper was heard. A path opened up in front of him. He couldn't see where the path will lead him, but he decided to follow it. The dark figures watching him followed his every moves. After walking a while, an opening could be seen. He went out and saw 5 human-like figures wearing a hood, they were floating.

"Hello Zuno, at last we meet." One of the figures said.

"Who the heck are you guys?" Zuno asked.

"We are, sorry, were shadow summoners. We are the ones who have bestowed our powers upon thee. You can call each of us by numbers, I am one." One answered.

The forest transformed into a castle, and they were at a library.

"You are in our world now." Two said. "You know, we too once were the typical human and elven living on Enndorcsia. At the age of 19 we all were gifted with this power from the shadows and since then we fullfiled the demands of the shadows, to always create chaos wherever we go."

"How could you do this? Killing millions of souls?!" Zuno grew angry.

"Did we now? When we reigned, the people had its greatest moment of peace between them. Fighting the darkness, which was us. Our mission was to create chaos, however now that you see the outcome of our 'extinction'. Who truly is the greater evil?" Three explained.

"Killing millions caused people to unite and us to become more powerful by sucking their souls. It is a win win solution for us and them." Four continued.

"Yes people did unite. But the cost was horrifying. I saw shadows controlling the battle for Enndorscia. That was the reason I ran out the first place. How do you explain that? You are more involved in the people's death than ever before!" Zuno rebattled their opinions.

"How do you know the lives lost back during the shadow era? You weren't there to witness it!" Five questioned. "We did not control the shadows back during the great battle. We can only communicate through the way we are using now, entering a person's subconscious.

"You're right, I wasn't there. I aplogize. All I want to do is save my parents and the people from further tyranny of the kingdoms." Zuno calmed down. "Wait, so it wasn't you who casted shadows to manipulate the battle?"

"Nay, it wasn't us." One replied. "There is a way to save them, use the shadows, use them to help you get what you want. They will succumb to your orders. There is however a consequence if you use this power. You will be engulfed in shadows within 2 years of your life and you will 'die'."

"The risk is worth it, I'll take that chance. I apologize for blaming you over the problems I've mentioned." Zuno said. "I will find out the mastermind behind the shadows I've been seing lately. But I must ask, am I the only shadow summoner?"

"Good." Two replied. "Sadly, you are the only shadow summoner so far, but we believe that someone have been trying to summon the shadows using forbidden powers. In that case, you are not the only one capable of commanding shadows. Beware Zuno, for the true danger lies closer than you think."

"Understood, how do I ask for guidance from you when I need it?" Zuno asked one last question.

"All will be revealed." Four said. "Farewell now, we must leave."

The surroundings began disappearing, then Zuno woke up in a room, he was in the academy's hospital.

"Finally awake." Sam said.

"Sam? What are you doing here?" Zuno asked.

"You've been out for 2 days man." Sam replied.

"2 days?! What?!" Zuno was shocked.

"Yeah, even your elven friend there came." Sam pointed at Arya waiting outside.

"Arya? Can you bring her in?" Zuno asked.

"A moment." Sam went outside.

Two people showed up, not only Arya but Wize also.

"Zuno!" Arya ran and hugged him. Wize came in slowly and stood by the door.

"What is that white haired bastard doing here?" Zuno was pissed.

"Calm down, he is different now." Arya said. "What the hell happened?"

"It's a very long story." Zuno said.

Sam, Wize and Arya sat close to Zuno's bed and he began telling the experience he had.

30 minutes later

Exus entered Zuno's room.

"Excuse me, may I speak privately with Zuno?" Exus said.

The three nodded and went out the room.

"How are you feeling?" Exus asked.

"Great, never been better." Zuno replied with a smile.

"Err, alright, when you're feeling better come back to class yeah." Exus said as he left.

"That's it?" Zuno got curious.

"Well no, but we shall discuss it later. Not here." Exus said slowly.

Exus left and the three went back in.

"Well that was quick." Wize said.

"Yeah, what happened?" Sam asked.

"It was nothing, but it got me curious, he seemed...disturbed by something." Zuno replied. "Guys, I think I'm planning to get out of here."

"What?! Why?!" Sam was shocked.

"I know why." Wize said. "I'll help you out."

"This is not where I'm supposed to be. They can't truly guide me." Zuno continued.

"But how are you planning to get out? This is basically in the middle of nowhere, the only way out is through--- oh no, don't tell me you're planning to---" Arya was confused.

"Yep, exactly that." Zuno laughed a little.

"Oh I don't like where this is going, but I'm in anyway." Sam said.

"You don't have to come. Zuno and I will be fine." Wize insisted.

"I've always wanted to go on an adventure." Sam said.

"Where we are going will he extremely dangerous. We can't guarantee of your safety." Zuno warned.

"On the other hand, he had been listening to all of this, so..." Wize clarified.

"It's settled then, the three of us." Sam was exhilirated

"Four. I'm coming too." Arya added. "But I'll be waiting outside the mountains, preparing for our escape ride."

"Alright. Let's do this." Zuno was now all fired up.