Chapter 161
Oliver’s eyes narrowed at that, memories of their arrival flooding back.
“Isn’t that the same array that the elder from the clans had drawn before leaving us here?” he muttered.
“You are right,” Sigfor commented as he continued tracing his finger down the boundaries of the array.
One could clearly see that the moment or portion where Sigfor’s finger passed by was lighting up in a strange dim color. The glow pulsed softly, casting an eerie yet comforting light on the surroundings.
A mellow orange color soon covered the whole array.
“Elder, what is this?” Oliver could not help but be curious. He was very interested when the elder first drew these arrays. However, at that time, he was forced to forget about it due to the nonsensical stunts that his clan elder had pulled on him.
And afterward, with all that mountain climbing and training elements, he had completely forgotten about these arrays. But now that Sigfor was using them, he could not help but be curious.
“It is a spirit summoning array,” he answered. “The array is used for those who cannot connect to the spirit realm on their own.”
“Then that means…” Oliver paused.
“That’s right, it’s for you kids to be able to summon spirits temporarily and borrow their powers for some time. You all can’t connect to the spirit realm as you are now.”
“…Ah, did the elders already know about it?” he further asked.
“Hmm, that’s obvious, how could they not know?” Sigfor said in a straight tone.
It now made sense for them to draw these arrays beforehand.
He turned towards Amber and asked, “Did you also know about these arrays?”
She shook her head. “I did not know either; I only recognized the ghost repelling array over there.”
Her finger pointed to a barely visible set of symbols etched into the ground, glowing faintly in the corner.
She pointed to an array in the corner and said, “But now it’s making sense. I was initially confused why they were preparing a ghost repelling array in this place when a veteran exorcist like Elder Sigfor was here. But since there’s a spirit array nearby, it could attract ghosts from far away as well—disturbing the summoning.”
Oliver agreed with her hypothesis; it all fit into place now. He nodded, piecing together the logic behind their preparations.
The ghost repelling array completely blocked off any demonic ghosts with ill intent.
And the spirit summoning array worked in a way that connected the individual to the realm of spirits. It was a metaphysical place, after all.
The air around them seemed to whiz with energy, anticipation building among the group.
“Once you are connected to the realm of spirits, you will try to attract the spirits of your elements by releasing your espera outwards. It should work fine. Remember not to get lost and try attracting other elemental spirits; you can’t handle two elements right now.”
Sigfor issued the instructions in a serious voice.
“Especially you, noisy brat,” he looked towards Daniel and said, making him jerk his head.
Daniel’s cheeks flushed as the group chuckled softly.
“W-What!? I am not noisy!” he quickly denied the false allegations with a flushed face.
“Also, why are you only saying this to me!?” he pointed at others and asked.
Hearing his words, Sigfor sighed, “Listen, brat, if you continue to be like this, then I will exclude you from summoning spirits.”
At that, Daniel had no choice but to shut up. He mumbled under his breath, but the glint of excitement in his eyes didn’t fade.
Sigfor then looked at the others. Amber suppressed a laugh. He said, “This applies to all of you. Don’t be overconfident and try to attract more than what you can handle. Understand?”
“Yes, elder!” they nodded and replied in unison. Their voices rang out strong and clear, determination evident on their faces.
“Better. Now come one by one; I will help you,” he said.
Daniel, being the guy he was, strode first. He looked fearless and excited. His steps were almost a skip as he moved forward, his eagerness quite evident.
“I am here!”
“You are the first?” Sigfor gave him a look.
“W-What’s with that look, elder?” Daniel frowned and asked.
“Hurry up and get inside.” Sigfor waved his hand, and Daniel’s body was pulled into the array on its own.
The force was gentle yet insistent, like an invisible hand guiding him into place.
“Now close your eyes and focus. Don’t think about other things.”
Once he was properly positioned, Sigfor told him to close his eyes as he channeled espera into the array, thus activating it.
A low hum filled the air, the energy of the array responding to Sigfor’s command.
Swish!
A smooth sound was heard as Daniel was soon enveloped in a light as he concentrated.
The light shimmered around him, creating a cocoon of energy.
Time ticked by as everyone waited for Daniel, watching him from time to time. No one talked much for fear of distracting him and ruining his summoning, although that was unnecessary since, according to the elder, he was already in the spirit realm trying to attract a spirit.
Fwoosh!
Suddenly, the array reacted as the orange light grew brighter and brighter with each passing second.
“Haah…” Daniel exhaled as he slowly opened his eyes. His eyes held a hint of energy.
A faint smile tugged at his lips, the light in his eyes reflecting the power he now held.
In the next instant, a strong crackling sound was heard just beside him as a streak of lightning buzzed. It was a blue streak that was barely visible due to its speed. It was continuously circling his body, making it look as if Daniel was crackling with thunder.
The energy danced around him, vibrant and alive, filling the air with a sharp, electric scent.
He got up, looking at the others, and grinned broadly.
“I managed to summon a spirit!”